Versatile instrument

Based on the twin pickup 1956 U-2 model, the ’56 Pro retains a great deal of charm but provides some worthwhile upgrades in the hardware and electronic departments.

Two immediately noticeable deviations from classic spec are the sealed chrome tuners and bridge with adjustable saddles, taking the place of the rosewood-saddle bridge of old. Purists may lament that this detracts slightly from the white-knuckle ride of the original design, but the benefits in terms of both tuning stability and intonation are considerable. Other notable departures include the headstock shape, now a non symmetrical variation on the classic ‘Coke bottle’ outline utilised between 1956 and 1966, and on the later reissues.