In the 1970s, Dorado was to Gretsch what Squier is to Fender and Epiphone to Gibson. That is to say, Dorado was Gretsch's budget brand. This example currently listed on eBay is, according to the catalogue from 1973, a Dorado 5985 in natural finish. The design is obviously inspired by the ubiquitous Fender Stratocaster, although with a slightly offset waist, a Jazzmaster-like tremolo, and a 3-on-each-side headstock shape. Pickups are two P90-like units, and the controls include a "Brilliant" switch, located near the bridge pickup. All in all, a very nice guitar and a welcome departure from the guitar it closely resembles. The 1973 cataloague illustrates that there was a bass sibling too.G L Wilson
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Isn't the body shape (and bridge/trem) rather like this Aria? -
ReplyDeletehttp://guitarz.blogspot.com/2010/05/unknown-japanese-12-string-electric.html
There was also an Epiphone with a similar shape, but I can't find a picture of it (apart from in "The Ultimate Guitar Book).