SOLD - Levinson Blade R2 Strat Style – Japan 1989

SOLD

Blade Guitars is a manufacturer of electric guitars and bass guitars founded by luthier Gary Levinson in Switzerland in 1987. Levinson had been repairing guitars since 1964 and in 1977, during his graduate studies at the University of Basel, Switzerland, he founded Guitars by Levinson.

By 1986, Gary was refining the idea of a line of guitars based on the concept he defines as "Classic Design, Creative Technology". At this time, he was also determining the features that would characterize his range of guitars. In January 1987, a manufacturing deal was reached for the production of the guitars in Japan. Blade Guitars made their debut in October 1987, at the music show of Tokyo. Their presentation at the Frankfurt Musikmesse in 1988 signalled their European launch.

This is a super high quality Japanese made Levinson Blade R-2 model. It could be the easiest playing Strat style guitar you’ll ever come across.

Features –

Body – Solid Sen Ash - Japanese variety of swamp ash

Neck - Rock Hard Maple
Fretboard - Rosewood
Jumbo frets
E-Z Access Neck Truss Rod adjustment
Self-Lubricating Nut
Levinson/Gotoh original locking tuners
Adjustable Tension Guide - spring loaded string retainer 
Levinson/Gotoh vintage tremolo bridge and arm
Black Hardware
Thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish

3 Levinson single coil pickups
Master volume
Master tone
5-Way Pickup Selector
VSC circuit (Variable Spectrum Control) active preamp controlled by a three-position mini-toggle switch -
Up - boosts bass/treble response
Middle -  passive pickups
Down -  boosts midrange

This Levinson R-2 features the excellent active Variable Spectrum Control (VSC) electronics system, which enhances its versatility as guitar making it incredibly versatile and the perfect player for any genre of music. 

The boost levels are adjustable via three mini-pots in the backside battery compartment (which has three holes in the cover that allow adjustment without taking off the cover).

This is a difficult to find Levinson model with earlier low serial no (73xxx) and the Switzerland stamped neckplate. It features the Stratocaster shaped headstock which was a feature of Blades before Fender came knocking threatening lawsuits I the 1990s.

These guitars were built in Japan to exacting standards of fit & finish, and then finished in Switzerland. Levinson Blades were never actually made 100% in Switzerland, but the build quality is second to none.

Revered Aussie guitarist Phil Emmanuel (RIP) played many fabulous Strats in his career, but favoured his blue Levinson Blade for at least a decade in his final years, and for good reason.

This guitar has been set up nicely for optimal playability and tone. It has a low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play.

Weight is 8.0 lbs

The rear pic shows a scratch from the trem cavity cover down to the lower strap pin – but that’s what it is - only a scratch. It is not a crack or split or anything nasty – cosmetic only & could possibly be buffed out.

The frets have very little wear and the fingerboard is unblemished. The intonation is spot on, truss rod works fine, tuners are strong and it plays beautifully. All the electronics work perfectly.

This Levinson Blade R-2 is visually stunning, with top notch tone, wonderful versatility and effortless playability. You may never put it down.

Comes in its TKL branded hard shell case in excellent condition.

Video demo of same model - https://youtu.be/RxtL0A7p69k