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 GRD (GUITAR RESEARCH AND DESIGN) |
| ELECTRIC: STANDARD GRD SERIES |
| The 1978 GRD brochure illustrated three different solid body styles that had two different electronic systems. These two different electronic systems were comprised of the PF models, which have wide range parametric variable filters with stacked frequenct "Q" controls which could be set in hi-pass, lo-pass, or band-pass modes. The EQ models have two modified MXR 6 band graphic equalizers with 18 dB of cut or boost. All necks and bodies were pattern grade Honduran mahogany, and each body had a thick solid rosewood overlay. Often mistaken for a "really nice piece of ebony," the fingerboards were phenolic resin! GRD electrics feature a unique heel-less neck/body joint, and the head and arm are cut from separate pieces which are spliced rather than being bandsawn from one piece of wood. The three-per-side headstocks feature gold-plated Schaller tuners. The nut is 1/4 in. wide solid brass, and each string has its own separate 1 in. deep brass bridge block (each block is individually adjustable for height and length). The tailpiece is solid brass, and the rear cover plates are solid brass too. Instead of a toggle switch, there is a fader (mixer) which allows the guitarist to blend the pickups in varying amounts. The magnetic pickups are specially wound and potted DiMarzio units, and there is a transducer pickup mounted in the neck. Pickups have no mounting rings, and are mounted through the back of the instrument. GRD electric models were optionally offered with dual distortion circuits, compressor sustainer units, and hexaphonic pickups. GRD offered three different solid body models, all of which feature a 645 mm scale and 24-fret fingerboard. The DC model has a dual cutaway body reminiscent of the Hamer Artist model (or Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway). The SC model is a single cutaway model similar to a Les Paul; and the unique M 1 model (featured in Wheeler's American Guitars book) has a rectangular (or wedge) body with large "O" or "Omega" cutaway in its lower bout. Outside of the Bo Diddly approved M 1, all GRD models feature rather traditional body designs. All 1987 models have active electronics; but instead of on-board batteries, the guitars use a single three conductor cord that runs through a small power supply box between the guitar and the amplifier. Early GRD guitars have a built-in NiCad battery which is always charging when the guitar is played through, or simply plugged into its normal power supply. If the guitar is played without its normal power supply, it is ready with a fully charged battery. |