Eko began designing and making guitars in Italy during the late ‘50s and while some of the guitars it produced are clearly influenced by more famous models, it also manufactured a few original designs. The 700 is one of the more recognisable models, and now it’s back.

Once your retinas have recovered from the dazzlingly intense finish of this metallic gold axe, you’ll notice one thing in particular: its weight. Its basswood body is heavy, and this is reflected in its fat tone, spurred on by the humbuckers.

There’s only one volume and one tone knob, but the 700 delivers some tasty lower midrange tones from the neck pickup, which are perfect for churning out some meaty sounding riffs.

The BB vibrato is a fitting inclusion, but it doesn’t seem as stable as some of the roller style vibratos we’ve seen on other models lately.

Verdict

Aesthetically, the 700 is probably more polarising than many, and is sure to divide opinion. Accordingly, you’ll either love or hate the large cutaway at the back or the lower bout, but it doesn’t affect the performance. On a lighter bodied guitar, that large headstock could have become top heavy, but whether it’s lap-bound or on a strap, the 700 balances nicely.

So, if you can lean towards the heavier end of the vintage spectrum then this one will float your boat.

4 Stars

Pros: Big tone, finish, good value.
Cons: The body is quite heavy.