Description

It wasn't long ago that we posted an incredible Brondel HSS Honeycaster that sold before we were able to get it listed on the site. We said we'd be back with another one, and here it is...

Our newest offering from Laurent Brondel is this "New Vintage" '66 DC Korina in Aged TV Yellow finish. The "New Vintage" variant combines Laurent's own newly made body - in this case a Korina body - with curated vintage parts and a vintage Fender neck. While some might say "Isn't this just some sort of vintage partscaster?", we can tell you that it's far from it.

An original Fender Coronado I neck from 1966 has been meticulously reworked (and refretted) to provide modern playability with old wood and an unmistaken broken-in feel. Pickup configuration features a late 60s Gibson T-Top humbucker in the bridge, early 80s DiMarzio HS-1 in the middle, and a 70s grey bottom Fender stratocaster pickup in the neck. Sonically, we're totally floored by how well each pickup sounds on its own and also how they complement each other. Classic bright and punchy humbucker tone from the T-Top, big robust (and silent) middle pickup tone from the DiMarzio, and scooped mids and slightly hotter Strat neck pickup tone heard in many late 60s and early 70s Stratocasters. 

As you might guess, the TV Special nomenclature is derived from the aged TV Yellow nitro finish atop a korina body. Unusual for a strat style guitar right? However, it works so well in this format, especially when combined with the pickups that were chosen for this build. The upper midrange and top end bite commonly associated with korina is inherent in this guitar, translating into an instrument that is tonally excited with quick attack and a bit of extra muscle in higher gain situations. Another beautiful and unique Spitfire pickguard ties the whole aesthetic together, with just enough vintage flair to support the "New Vintage" styling.

Looking for the ultimate in vibe and tone that is unlike any other HSS bolt-neck on the market? This Brondel is for you.

Priced with new Fender vintage-style hardshell case. 

Specs

• Shop-made Korina (white limba) Body, TV Special nitro aged finish
• ’66 Coronado I neck, peghead re-cut to Strat shape, transition logo
  
• Vintage Fender Neck plate #195025
• Jescar EVO 47104 fretwire (10” FB radius)
• T-Top humbucker bridge pickup
• Vintage DiMarzio HS-1 middle pickup (wired in single coil)
• Vintage grey bottom Fender neck pickup
• Vintage pots, 5-way switch
• Kluson vintage tremolo
• Fender Pure Vintage saddles (GraphTech on the high E)
• Kluson double-line staggered tuners
• Spitfire tortoise guard
• 7.6lbs
• New Fender case
• #195025
• Serial # 170