Gold hardware is specification of the end 80’s, just before the end of BL-2 production.

Then in Japan, band music was on the phase of decline, and demand for guitar was decreased.  Japanese guitar companies had to move their factories to oversea countries where labor cost was lower than Japan.  It was the only way to survive.

Technology could be exported, but craftsmanship and craftsman’s soul couldn’t be exported.  Japanese guitar quality was also on the phase of decline, it became far from MIJ.

That’s why the Japanese guitars manufactured before the late 80’s are valued as Japanese vintage.

The neck pocket script indicates that this one has rosewood fingerboard, but as you see, it has maple neck.  That is not something to be surprised about, usual on Bill Lawrence guitars.

BL-2 has three L-250 pickups which are famous for its unique closed nasality sound.  Alder body, 3.31kg(includes strings). (Updated 2016.8.18).