RETRO-MODERN MASH-UPS

Revisiting the old-school for a contemporary take on classic tone

GRETSCH G2655T-P90 STREAMLINER CENTER BLOCK JR £479

To give it its full title, the G2655T-P90 Streamliner Center Block Jr Double-Cut P90 With Bigsby is part of Gretsch’s entry-level Streamliner range, with vintage mojo emphasised by FideliSonic 90 pickups, a staple-styled P-90. These are wound on the hot side and it’s fair to say the Streamliner loves gain – it’s a bold and brawny with a tone to match. www.gretschguitars.com

STERLING BY MUSIC MAN MARIPOSA £649

The Indonesian-made version of Ernie Ball’s Mariposa offers the same clean lines, which look to have evolved from the Albert Lee model. A 648mm (25.5-inch) scale length ensures plenty of snap from the custom-made humbuckers. The four-plus-two machinehead design leaves no doubt as to this guitar’s heritage, and, at the price, it’s excellent value, too. www.sterlingbymusicman.com

PJD CAREY STANDARD FROM £1,799

PJD’s UK-made Carey Standard is a single-cut with a chambered ash body joined to a bolt-on quarter-sawn roasted maple neck, with power provided by a Bare Knuckle Boot Camp Old Guard bridge humbucker and a P-90 in the neck position. You can also spec the guitar with an f-hole top, while a choice of unusual finishes adds to the boutique appeal. www.pjdguitars.com

YAMAHA REVSTAR RS502T £619

The Revstar range was the result of a collaboration between Yamaha and a London-based design agency, drawing inspiration from the 60s and 70s café racer motorcycle trend. The exquisite lines, custom hardware, cool colours and specially designed pickups have proven to be a winning combination for many players looking for something different. www.uk.yamaha.com

FIDELITY STELLAROSA FROM £1,665

Taking inspiration from the rare Japanese-made Stella Japonica from the 60s, the Stellarosa maintains the retro looks and features re-engineered hardware and electronics. It’s available in premium Deluxe and Standard models, plus Lite I (single pickup) and II (two pickups) versions from the budget range, each with Mojo Pickups’ Charlie Christian P90s. www.fidelity-guitars.co.uk

MACMULL STINGER FROM £2,175

Alongside highly desirable Strat and Tele recreations, Macmull’s original-design Stinger incorporates all of the brand’s RVT (Real Vintage Tone) ethos to produce a good-looking almost-offset instrument powered by a pair of Macmull’s own P-90s for a dynamic punchy tone. The Stinger comes in a range of finishes and options to suit every taste. www.macmull-guitars.com