A 1962 red Watkins Rapier 22 electric guitar in superb original condition. Serial number is 4051.

Early models of this guitar can be recognised by the Hi-Lo inscription on the tremolo plate and the rhythm/solo toggle switch near the neck pickup. The guitar has some minor cracks to the original polyester coating and is typical for the age of this instrument. It has one area on one of the cutaways where the finish has cracked and fallen away, revealing the wood beneath, as well as a few on the headstock.

This Watkins Rapier is a good player and has that classic dirty British 60's tone. This guitar was used in sessions by cult Liverpool band The La's, who are famous for the song 'There She Goes,' which was voted #45 in NME's Greatest Ever Anthems. This was also used by The Kooks and Cast (Cast frontman John Power was also an original member of The La's.)

In the early '50s, Watkins and his brother became interested in American solidbody electric guitars and decided to make their own for the U.K. market, racing to become the first manufacturer there. Around 1957, the first Watkins factory was opened in Surrey. During this year the first Watkins solidbody electrics were introduced; these were probably the Rapier models, a Strat-inspired solidbody that anchored the line well into the '70s. Not many of these British-made guitars ended up making it over to America.

This item is currently in the possession of the consigner, in the United Kingdom. If the winner of this item resides within the United States, they will only have to pay the cost of shipping from New York City. If the successful bidder wishes the item to be sent to them from the United Kingdom, however, they will only have to pay the cost of shipping from that location. Dependent on the location of the winner, either option will be available.