Westone Concorde 1 Purple Metallic

This second hand electric guitar is in very good condition.

Finished in purple metallic for a unqiue look

Some scratches in the finish, otherwise great

The Westone Concorde 1 is a lesser-known yet well-regarded electric guitar from the early 1980s. This instrument showcases the craftsmanship and innovation that made Westone a respected name among budget-friendly yet high-quality guitars.

Build and Design

The Concorde 1 features a solid hardwood body, typically made from alder or maple, giving it a balanced weight and sturdy feel. The design takes inspiration from classic Fender Stratocasters but with a slightly sharper and more distinctive body shape. The bolt-on maple neck offers a comfortable playing experience, and the 21-fret rosewood or maple fingerboard provides smooth playability with a medium-scale feel.

The headstock design is unique, often resembling the “banana” or “hockey stick” style found on other 80s rock guitars, making it stand out from other Strat-style instruments of the era.

Pickups and Electronics

The Concorde 1 is equipped with three single-coil pickups, controlled by a 5-way selector switch, allowing for a variety of tones. The pickups deliver classic vintage-style tones, with bright, chimey cleans and a slightly gritty bite when overdriven.

The simple control layout includes a master volume and two tone knobs, making it easy to shape the sound. 

Hardware and Playability

• Bridge: The Concorde 1 comes with a vintage-style synchronized tremolo, offering subtle vibrato effects, though it may require some setup for tuning stability.

• Tuners: Standard die-cast tuners provide decent tuning stability, but some players report that upgrading to locking tuners enhances performance.

• Neck feel: The slim to medium C profile neck makes it comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.

Sound and Versatility

Tonally, the Concorde 1 is versatile, offering bright, articulate sounds suitable for blues, classic rock, and even funk. While it lacks the high-output punch of humbuckers, it excels in delivering crisp cleans and punchy mids, making it a great option for players who love vintage-style single-coil tones.

When paired with overdrive, the guitar can handle classic rock and punk tones well, though it may not be the first choice for heavy distortion or metal without modification.

The Westone Concorde 1 is a solid, well-built guitar that offers excellent craftsmanship, great playability, and classic single-coil tones at an affordable price (on the used market). For collectors and players looking for a unique alternative to a Stratocaster, this vintage Japanese-made guitar is a great find.

Pros:
High-quality Japanese craftsmanship
Comfortable neck and solid construction
 Vintage-style tones with single-coil clarity
 Unique design and aesthetic appeal

For vintage guitar enthusiasts and players who appreciate well-built, underrated instruments, the Westone Concorde 1 is a hidden gem from the 1980s that holds up well against more expensive guitars of its time.