1960s Norma Tombo Model 480-3 Vintage Electric Guitar Gold Sparkle Japan

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1960s Norma Tombo Model 480-3 Vintage Electric Guitar Gold Sparkle Japan:
$649.99

Up for sale, a 1960s Norma model 480-3 vintage electric guitar, with a stunning gold sparkle finish! Produced in Japan by the Tombo company, the sparkle finish Norma guitars were only produced for a year or two, with the gold sparkle being perhaps the rarest color. This guitar has been very well cared for and has three single coil pickups that have plenty of percussive cut and jangle. There\'s quite a bit of tonal range between the three pickups, and they overdrive well, producing surprisingly thick, saturated tones through your favorite dimed tube amp. Professionally setup and strung with 10-46 strings, this Norma has an extremely unique and eye-catching look with a tone to match!
The neck has a fairly chunky C profile, with a 21 fret rosewood fretboard, and 24 3/4\" scale length. The truss rod responds well and the original frets are intact and of the very slender variety (what\'s commonly known as \"banjo\" fretwire on Gibsons). The action is medium-low, and the guitar plays comfortably in all registers. The original plastic nut is intact, with a 1 5/8\" nut width that keeps the strings decently spaced for easy chording and accurate lead work. On the headstock, the stock tuning machines are present, with the exception of the \"D\" gear, which is a vintage Kluson Deluxe gear matches decently well with the other five stock Japanese open back tuners.
On the body, all of the electronics work as they should, with strong output from all three pickups and only minimal static when engaging the three on/off toggles (these switches can be fragile and these particular three engage as well as any vintage Japanese guitar model). The original white skirted knobs are intact on the faux tortoise pickguard, as well as the infinitely cool \"Norma\" raised logo on the treble side body horn, with music notes extending from the N and M letters on the logo. The chrome plating on the original bridge and vibrato tailpiece is in fantastic shape, and the vibrato works well, with a responsive spring and original arm.
The gold sparkle finish is unique in its application and truly more of a wrap than a finish, having been applied over the wood in a sort of plastic sheet that has shrunken slightly over time along the edges of the lower bout (best seen in photo #11). Of course this is to be expected on any vintage Norma, and this example is in excellent shape with extremely vibrant sparkles and a bit of wear along the edges of the body horns and where the forearm crosses over the face of the instrument. The rear strap button has also been slightly pushed into the body, but is structurally sound and still works as it should.
Don\'t miss out on this rare gold sparkle Norma guitar, produced in Japan, and delivering unique looks and great tone!Please check out our shop \"Mike & Mike\'s Guitar Bar\" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.

Shipping in the continental USA will be $50, fully insured.We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote beforeofferding or buying,as cost varies by buyer location.

International orders will be declared as “merchandise” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery as well as any additional charges involved with import.

We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy but to be sure, pleasecontact us with any questions or concerns prior to offerding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of sale end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive response and five star ratings are very important to us and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!