SQOE SEST980 Retro Grilled Electric Guitar – Charcoal Finish

The SQOE SEST980 Retro Grilled Electric Guitar is built for players who want something visually unique without compromising on performance. Featuring a distinctive charcoal grilled finish and quality hardware throughout, this model delivers a versatile playing experience suited to a wide range of styles.

Designed as a modern take on a classic double-cutaway shape, the SEST980 combines traditional feel with upgraded components, making it a reliable choice for both stage and studio use.

Construction and Playability

The body is crafted from charcoal grilled basswood, offering a balanced tonal response with clear highs and solid midrange presence. The neck is made from Canadian carbonized maple with a comfortable 60s-style C profile, providing a familiar and smooth playing feel.

The roasted maple fingerboard adds stability and durability, while the 22 large frets allow for easy bending and precise control across the entire neck.

Pickup Configuration and Controls

The HSS pickup configuration provides a wide tonal range suitable for multiple genres:

• Neck: Magnetic steel single coil
• Middle: Magnetic steel single coil
• Bridge: Magnetic dual humbucker

Combined with a 5-way selector switch, one volume control and two tone controls, this setup allows for everything from clean tones to higher gain sounds.

Hardware and Reliability

• Wilkinson WOV05 bridge for tuning stability and sustain
• Locking tuners for quick string changes and reliable tuning
• High-grade bone nut (42mm) for improved tone and sustain
• Chrome hardware throughout

This combination of components ensures the guitar stays stable under regular playing conditions while delivering consistent performance.

Specifications

• Model: SEST980 Retro Grilled
• Finish: Gloss charcoal grilled
• Body: Basswood
• Neck: Canadian carbonized maple
• Neck profile: 60s C-shape
• Fingerboard: Roasted maple, 22 frets
• Fingerboard radius: 305mm
• Nut: Bone, 42mm
• Pickups: HSS (2 single coil, 1 humbucker)
• Bridge: Wilkinson WOV05
• Controls: 1 volume, 2 tone, 5-way switch
• Machine heads: Locking tuners

Setup and Service at Angkor Music

At Angkor Music Melbourne, every guitar is checked and professionally set up before sale. We ensure proper playability, tuning stability and overall performance so your instrument is ready to play straight out of the box.

Our team can also assist with further setup adjustments, upgrades and ongoing maintenance to suit your playing style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What style of music is this guitar suitable for?
The HSS pickup configuration makes it suitable for a wide range of styles including rock, blues, pop and heavier genres.

Does this guitar stay in tune well?
Yes. The locking tuners and Wilkinson bridge provide strong tuning stability.

Is the finish unique?
Yes. The charcoal grilled finish gives each guitar a distinctive visual appearance.

Is the guitar set up before sale?
Yes. All guitars at Angkor Music are checked and set up before being sold.