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 MICRO-FRETS | | BODY CONSTRUCTION STYLES | Furthermore, a survey of company production indicates three predominant styles or construction similarities shared by various production models through the years. Again, this information is a rough approximation based on viewed models, and any errors in it are the fault of this author (so don't blame Jim Danz!): Style I (1967 to 1969): Most of the Micro-Fret guitars are actually hollow bodied guitars built by joining two separate top and bottom slabs of routed-out solid wood. As a result, earlier models will feature a side gasket on the two body halves. The early vibrato design looks similar to a Bigsby. The pickguard will have two levels, and the thumb wheel controls are set into a scalloped edge on the top half. Pickups will be DeArmond, Micro-Frets Hi-Fis, or German-made Schallers or possibly Hofners. Tuning pegs will be Grovers (some with pearl grips) or Schallers (on the high end models).
Style II (1969 to 1971): The side gaskets are gone, but side seams should be noticeable. The bi-level pickguard is white, the top half is shorter than the lower, and now conventional knobs are utilized. Guitars now sport only Micro-Fret pickups, but there are a number of different designs. According to Bill Lawrence (Bill Lawrence Guitar Company/Keystone Pickups), Micro-Frets approached him at the 1968 NAMM show and contracted him to design both the pickups and the manufacturing process. Micro-Frets pickups were then produced in-house by the company.
Style III (1971 or 1972 until 1974): No side seams are visible, but by then a number of solid body guitars were being introduced as well. The bi-level pickguard now has a clear plastic short top half. Micro-Fret pickups are again used, although some were built with extra booster coils and three switches for tonal options. There are still some unsubstantiated reports of possible 12-string versions, or even a resonator model! | |
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