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  • Buy to Upgrade | Matsumoku.Rocks

    Our excellent and rare examples of vintage Japanese guitars are available for "Buy as Described" or "Buy to Upgrade". The latter gives you a golden opportunity to create a dream build which is blessed with Janpanese craftsmanship and exciting modern functionality. Give us your upgrade ideas here, and we will work out the best price and programme together. Buy to Upgrade Our excellent and rare examples of vintage Japanese guitars are available for "Buy as Is" or "Buy to Upgrade". The latter gives you a golden opportunity to create a dream build which is blessed with Janpanese craftsmanship and exciting modern functionality. Give us your upgrade ideas here, and we will work out the best price and programme together. Ketteringham Hall, Church Road, Wymondham NR18 9RS tom@matsumoku.rocks +44(0)1953 686 861 Buy to Upgrade First Name Last Name Email Phone Your Idea to Upgrade I'd like to buy to upgrade: (copy name of your chosen guitar from the dropdown list) Send Thanks for submitting! Opening Hours Whether you are local, or passing by, please drop by. Office hours are kept, but most fun is had here in the evenings and at weekends.

  • Matsumoku Guitars | Vintage Guitars with A Modern Touch | England

    Unwrap bygone craftsmanship of the 70s-80s by Matsumoku; Revive the vintage builds with a modern touch. Treasure Chamber Restoration The Experienc DreamBuilds Featured We're New Arrivals Our Story Latest WE'RE MATSUMOKU GUITAR AND BASS LTD. Unwrap bygone craftsmanship of the 70s-80s by Matsumoku Revive the vintage builds with a modern touch DreamBuilds Treasure Chamber Repair & Restore New Arrivals Shop our original DreamBuilds, vintage Matsumoku examples, rare collector guitars and more. Greco SE-500N (Excel Pick-ups) Price £995.00 Greco JB-600N Price £995.00 Reserved Greco EG-600P Please contact us if you want more of this. Reserved Greco SE-800N Please contact us if you want more of this. Greco TE-280 Price £725.00 Westminster TE-400 Price £950.00 Greco EG-480S Price £825.00 1978 Fujigen Greco SE-700 Early Sixties #2 Regular Price £1,195.00 Sale Price £999.00 Epiphone Emperor Joe Pass with Bigsby Price £895.00 Reserved Greco TE-600 (Order Built) Please contact us if you want more of this. 1973 Greco SE-500B (RW) Please contact us if you want more of this. Reserved Matsumoku Rising Sun Please contact us if you want more of this. 1970 Fender Precision Regular Price £4,695.00 Sale Price £3,895.00 Fernandes LC-70RR (Left Handed) Price £1,995.00 Greco SE-550 1974 Price £975.00 CSL Double Axe Price £2,295.00 Shop Now Matsumoku Guitar and Bass Ltd was set up to celebrate the guitars, restore the guitars, create evolutions of the models , and try out configurations that open up their potential yet retain the soul that make these guitars so special, cherished and respected. Read More Our Story The journey of putting the name of Matsumoku legitimately and deservedly on a guitar headstock DreamBuilds These are vintage guitars that we have revived with a modern touch. We help you create THAT sound in your head. We are bold, imaginative and skilled in making YOUR DreamBuild come true. Find Out How It Works DreamBuilds Greco DB-600N Matsumoku Rising Sun Matsumoku DB-600 Matsumoku Paisley Matsumoku SP-600 Psychedelic Matsumoku DB-500 Tropical 1/1 Treasure Chamber Treasure Chamber Take a look beyond the main stream market offerings and explore our quality vintage guitars originating from the iconic Matsumoku plant (and a few of their neighbours) - we have some rare hidden gems to be discovered and celebrated. Explore Our Collections Restoration Restoration Room Check your special instrument in for the love and attention it needs. Special instruments need a first class approach and will benefit from the huge experience and top level skills offered by our team of luthiers. Not technicians, luthiers. Project Showcase Schecter Omen Repair and Recommission Gibson SG Full Electrics Upgrade Alembic Essence Bass Recommissioning Gretsch G2622T Pick-up Upgrade Hohner B2A Pick-up Upgrade Hofner 5148 Verithin Bass Full repair & restoration to original specification 1995 American Standard Strat Full Electrics Upgrade Squier Vintage Stratocaster Re-fret 2008 Ibanez J-Custom Reaching The Final 5% Ibanez PCBE12-MH Acoustic Bass Repair and Recommissioning Hofner Club 40 1959 Neck repair and restoration to original specification Rickenbacker 1997 General restoration to original specification The Experienc The Experience We endeavour to create a unique Matsumoku experience: to celebrate the vintage legends, a touch of class yet relaxed and above all, fun. Whether you are local, or passing by, please drop by. Office hours are kept, but most fun is had here in the evenings and at weekends. Book A Visit

  • Treasure Chamber | Matsumoku.Rocks

    Take a look beyond the main stream market offerings and explore our quality vintage guitars originating from the iconic Matsumoku plant (and a few of their neighbours) - we have some rare hidden gems to be discovered and celebrated.  Treasure Chamber Whilst many of our amazing instruments are destined to be DreamBuilds, some of them are too rare, too unrepeatable or just too incredible as they are. They stay as they are and are waiting for you to explore them and put them through their paces. Come and try them out! Book Now 6 Page 1 Filter By Year Greco TE-280 Old Warrior ready for battle Greco SE-500N (Excel Pick-ups) Best pal spec upgraded timeless classic Greco JB-600N Hardy vintage bass ready for another 50 years Greco EG-480S Affordable Vintage Soul Westminster TE-400 Last of the short fat Maxons Epiphone Emperor Jo Pass Great value LEFT HANDED Fernandes LC70RR Time-warp Randy Rhoads model 1970 Fender Precision Bass No chance of avoiding the term Mojo with this one Greco TE-600 (Order Built) Very special Tele. K-Line Truxton-SP British Racing Telecaster! 1972 Fender Telecaster My best pal 1978 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties The ones that scared the hell out of Fender... CSL Double Axe For those Don Felder moments 2017 Deimel Firestar Enormous Specification. Greco SE-600 (Electrics Upgrade) Taking Maxons to the limit Taylor 150c 12 String No need to go up the range - this is the ideal workshorse 12 string. Abbotts and GP Matthews 2 very nice interesting old banjos for restoration 1975 Greco SE-500B A beautiful late Matsumoku built Strat 1973 Greco SE-430 No.2 Soulful vintage Matsumoku at its finest. Greco SE-500 Custom The ultimate SE-500? Westminster Competition Colors I bet you just said "oh Wow"... 1974 Greco SE-550N Time warp Matsumoku Rarity Rickenbacker 4001 CS - Signed by Chris Squire A Must-Have for a Yes Fan Rickenbacker 4003 S/5 WhiteGlo 1986 Rick-o-Sound Ibanez Studio ST924 1979 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 6

  • 1980 Aria Pro II ST-600D, B800256

    1980 Aria Pro II ST-600D, Immaculate powerful Strat < Back 1980 Aria Pro II ST-600D B800256 This immaculate ST-600D looks like it has leapt off the page of the '81 Collection catalogue - looking fantastic with its natural finish and black pick-up covers. By the late 1970s, 600 models from Greco and Aria (Fujigen and Matsumoku respectively) would start to part ways specification-wise. While the Greco SE-600 would continue with the evolving PU-119 pick-ups, the guys at Matsumoku decided to equip their 600s with FS-1 pick-ups - the high output DiMarzio clones. The DCR reading from these pick-ups is 12.78, 11.56 and 12.78. They really pack quite a punch, and need the volume control backing off a notch to get a chimey Strat sound. With a decent amount of overdrive, Gilmour solos can be done with more confidence than a standard 5-6k pick-up. Despite the high DCR reading, these pick-ups are not at all muddy and trying to be humbuckers; they are still Stratty, just more of it. Being part of the pre-CBS tribute range, (post CBS models were Greco SE-450 and 700) this retains a 3 way switch - the in between settings can be found with some dexterity. Unlike earlier models and all Fujigen pre-CBS models, this scratchplate is cut for a standard size selector switch so a 5-way from OG or CRL is a direct replacement. We'll leave this decision to the next owner - some folk value originality veru highly, especially on immaculate examples such as this. It is a 3-piece Ash (Sen) body with a good thick poly clear finish - no crazing, just a few little knocks to tell you it is over 40 years old. The neck is a C profile - not the super-slim necks adorning Fujigen builds that MIJ JV guitars have. This feels decidedly more American - luckily doesn't cost as much an American! Like all more premium models, there is a distinct ring and sustain when playing unplugged that indicates how well this will play amplified. For a small headstock, natural pre-CBS Strat style guitar, this is just about as good as it gets. Price ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability Sold Recommendation convert to 5-way - the power of these pick-ups needs exploiting Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups FS-1 Selector 3 way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.8kg; 8lbs 6oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 08:28 Play Video Play Video 01:39 Play Video Play Video 05:49 Play Video Play Video 06:41 Play Video Play Video 03:16 Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40

  • Greco SE-600, Pre-serial Number

    Greco SE-600, Soul, bit of growl, authenticity. < Back Greco SE-600 Pre-serial Number I'm a sucker for a mystery mini-switch on a 1970s Strat - someone had gone to the trouble of routing a little channel and switch body pocket, studied an Esquire and hoped for a muffled speaker thumper output. They obviously thought they'd killed it as they ended up with a kill switch in both directions. It is harder to kill a 70s MIJ Strat than it is to save one, so I re-purposed the switch with a metre of wire to provide 2 series-connected tones; neck and middle, and bridge and middle, both in series to give a chunk of output, some growl and another dose of character to these already characterful Maxons. Maxons are always entertaining - the early 70s were the short fat ones, never more than 4.9k DCR, bright and airy, and welcoming a 1 meg or 500k potentiometer to bring the inner Hendrix out in you. Being such a low output means they can huddle together in series without the compression and muddiness of doing this with higher output units. Being a little way away from each other lends additional airiness, not just a thicker version of the single. Does it sound like a PAF? No, but it isn't a million miles away, and the tones you do get stand on their own 2 feet (bobbins). The paintwork is either a disaster, or endearing depending on what you need from a guitar. It has been very ungraciously refinished with an old paintbrush, and the quantity of paint probably adds half a kilo; but at least it is black, and no-one is going to notice on stage. Given the number of 600s out there in original finish, let's allow this one to soldier on as it is. The pick-ups and controls are all serviced and work just fine, the scratchplate reveal how much this guitar has been played - again, it looks honest. Where I would recommend some work is the frets. These are low - level, but low. These Mats/Fuji models never were particularly meaty, but you will have a year or so of slick comfy playing before some new ones are needed. Pre-76 models do not accept many replacement necks, and these necks are fundamentally excellent, so a re-fret is always justified. We are pricing this one accordingly, but if you can add £220 to the budget, we can put some fresh ones on, and you can decide what type you want. These necks respond brilliantly to Gibson style or Tall Narrow frets - but standard vintage would be the default. Big headstock, maple neck, 70s heft, genuinely old black Strat - this should tick some boxes. This or a new Player II? Well, they were made to much higher standards in Japan. Comes with a Peavey 108 amp if you are an imminent teenager from Tacolnestone. Price ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability Sold Recommendation give it for another 50 years Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple Weight 4.47kg; 9lbs 13 oz Modifications Series/parallel switch ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 08:28 Play Video Play Video 01:39 Play Video Play Video 05:49 Play Video Play Video 06:41 Play Video Play Video 03:16 Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40

  • 1973 Greco SE-500B (RW), Pre-serial Number

    1973 Greco SE-500B (RW), Rare spec time-warp Matsumoku < Back 1973 Greco SE-500B (RW) Pre-serial Number This is a rather rare opportunity to have a rosewood neck on a Matsumoku built Strat from the early 1970s. This guitar fundamentally dates from late 1973 - the bridge and the tuners are perfect for this period. Rosewood necks were an 18,000Yen option on these guitars - quite a chunk of money in the 1970s. Under the rosewood board is the engineered 5 piece maple neck - held in very high esteem by MIJ enthusiasts. A departure from the Fender style, but Matsumoku were always trying to improve on tradition - facsimile copies were not the objective despite the talk of Lawsuit era etc. This one arrived from Japan in almost time-warp condition - the frets were, however, almost worn to nothing so a fresh set have gone on, and the rosewood board refurbished to take a slight hump that the rod couldn't cope with. It's now as good as new and ready for another few decades of service. The pick-ups are classic short fat Maxon singles - 4.5k, and the sort of output that makes you braver with the gain knob on the amp or the OD-3. Bright, airy but digs in and makes sure it is heard in any mix. With the neck refurbishment, this guitar feels and plays like a very premium model; and will happily sit alongside a modern Fender in a rack - it may even put it to shame. This guitar still has its original case, its original strap is still in the pocket. Price £895 Deposit Taken Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxons Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.68kg; 8lbs 1oz Modifications Re-fretted ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 01:39 Play Video Play Video 05:49 Play Video Play Video 06:41 Play Video Play Video 03:16 Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40 Play Video Play Video 06:07

  • Greco EG-600P, C786613

    Greco EG-600P, Ultimate value alternative < Back Greco EG-600P C786613 It isn't necessary to be devotees of Frehley or Frampton to enjoy a triple Les Paul. New affordable ones have very underwhelming pick-ups, proper ones are grotesquely expensive. There is a little known relatively affordable alternative option to have a proper vintage guitar, in the right spec, honest aging and patina because it has earned it for nearly 50 years, and sounding just like it should. Both Matsumoku and Fujigen began making triple pick-up model in 1977 - most Aria Pro II models had the 3V1T configuration and most Fujigen models had the all important 5 leaf selector switch and the traditional late 50s middle and bridge tone. This one is traditional and has just been recommissioned to replace the consumable components that had reached the end of their useful life. New pots and a new Gibson OEM switch now govern these Maxon U-1000 pick-ups - probably the most appropriate version the PAF copies for this guitar. It is creamy smooth and growly as need be; that middle position loses a lot of the muddiness of the twin pick-up version. More focus on the treble, but still warm and authentic. This one has been very busy - many of our finest vintage offerings have been busy and we think this is a great indicator of a great guitar. This is no exception - weathered, a chip or two, discoloured plastics, a bit of neck binding shrinkage - all adding to the aesthetic but not having any effect on the performance. It is always amusing to check the asking prices for original vintage Gibsons; slightly scary to see how much a new one will cost. Epiphone will offer much cheaper alternatives but by the time the necessary upgrades to get it sounding right are funded, this one will still be cheaper. With the recent passing of Ace Frehley, triples are likely to have a period of popularity and price hikes. No such cynical behaviour here - this one remains the ultimate value option. It comes with its original fitted case Price £1,000 Availability Sold Recommendation put it back to work Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups 3 x Maxon U-1000 Selector 3-way Bridge Original ToM Board Rosewood Weight 4.0kg; 8lbs 15oz Modifications replaced pots and switch (5 leaf) ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 01:39 Play Video Play Video 05:49 Play Video Play Video 06:41 Play Video Play Video 03:16 Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40 Play Video Play Video 06:07

  • Greco SE-800N, A773467

    Greco SE-800N, Putting the real thing to shame < Back Greco SE-800N A773467 Back in 1977, the really well-heeled could open the Project Series catalogue and order an SE-800, SE-1000 and SE-1200, but the SE-800 was the discerning choice. A real 50's style replica - very slim C neck, light as a feather, small headstock and bright airy tones from the 3-way. SE-800s were 2 piece bodies, the one piece bodies being reserved for 1200 models; but you have to look very hard to see the join - these were master-built. Just a couple of minor parking knocks and belt buckle marks to give its age away, this has obviously been cherished. It even has its original case, the little yellow tie straps intact. It has the SE-800 engraved into the neck plate. So, it looks fabulous, it feels fabulous - all the parts and components are original. The pick-ups are good old PU-100 units, so bright and airy and very keen to clip that AC30 or equivalent. The grade of steel used for the bridge and more importantly the block, is higher than that seen on lower models - the ringing sustain from this guitar needs to be experienced to be believed. This guitar has had a couple of wires reconfigured (still using the original wire) to enable the Bill Lawrence configuration that deploys the lower tone control as a middle pick-up blender. Therefore you sacrifice the middle on its own in exchange for the Hendrix tone palette. All the components are still original. These SE-800 models were tributes to the early 50's style - a shallow V neck, a 7.25" radius, 8 hole plate - this is one of the collection, or that special one you daren't take on the road. Or take it, that's what they were for after all. But finding a 1977 Project Series guitar in this condition that feels this delicious, for this kind of price is nothing short of miraculous. Price £1,495 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy it as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3-Way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.43kg; 7lbs 9oz Modifications Bill Lawrence Hendrix wiring ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 01:39 Play Video Play Video 05:49 Play Video Play Video 06:41 Play Video Play Video 03:16 Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40 Play Video Play Video 06:07

  • Greco SE-500N (Excel Pick-ups), G772357

    Greco SE-500N (Excel Pick-ups), Best pal spec upgraded timeless classic < Back Greco SE-500N (Excel Pick-ups) G772357 For many, the SE-500 is the sweet-spot of the range - it may miss out on the little details that emulate the iconic Fenders from various eras, but it is essentially an evolution of the original 430 range which was what Matsumoku suggested a Stratocaster ought to be. By 1977, the range of Grecos was very well defined - Fujigen was producing a complete range of Strats to appeal all budgets and styles - the 500 was still the mainstream offer to folk who were not too focussed on era details, and just wanted a great quality comfortable guitar. These are ideal donors to create a really perfect spec - combining a lightweight body with some higher specification pick-ups and interesting wiring options. Some colour schemes just work without trying - a beaten up old black plate on natural body rarely fails to get the head nodding in approval. The original faded knobs and purposeful uncovered pick-ups make for an iconic stage guitar, or the one you hold for the album cover shot. The pick-ups in this guitar are a set of PU-119 Excels from a 1979 SE-600J and have that powerful definition they are so well known for. 5-way switches were about to become the default for Strats - getting the in-between sounds either involved fishing for the precise position with a 3-way and hoping it stayed there, or repurposing one of the tone controls to fade in the middle pick-up, sacrificing its presence in the sound palette for a tele-esque bridge and neck sound for the middle position. The lower tone control makes it very convenient to fade in the middle into each of the 3 positions and tailor the degree of blend. Rolling the control all the way on and off is the work of a split second so it can resemble a switch, but has the very useful function of finding the precise amount of middle inclusion you need. You may know this as the Hendrix, or the Wild Bill wiring (Bill Lawrence). It is a relatively straight forward modification and allows the majority of the guitars original wiring to be used and existing original components can remain with the guitar. What that ultimately means to the player is that the wonderful action of the original DM-30 switch remains - modern switches, even Fender branded CRL switches do not feel as precise. The degree and quality of engineering of these old Japanese components is sadly missing in today's market. If we can keep them, we do; and this one does. Beyond the timelessly appealing aesthetic of this guitar, the performance it offers is phenomenal. PU-119 tones, the Hendrix circuit, the perfect balanced lightweight comfort (3.43kg 7lbs 9oz), and the comfort of the early 70s style neck profile will not disappoint. The cheque will not bounce - it's all there. You may appreciate the soul of this guitar before plugging it in - the acoustic ring and snap means this is the guitar you pick up and play even when the amp can't be switched on. Vintage guitars of this era tend to be many thousands of pounds - not so this one. No headstock tax, just a phenomenally great guitar from an era and country that understood quality. Price £995 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation a proper keeper Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon PU-119 Excel Selector 3-way Bridge Original Vintage Board Maple Weight 3.43kg (7lbs 9oz) Modifications Hendrix wiring, PU-119 pick-ups on black plate ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 06:41 Play Video Play Video 03:16 Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 02:39 Play Video Play Video 10:37

  • 1978 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties, A783053

    1978 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties, The ones that scared the hell out of Fender... < Back 1978 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties A783053 The Greco SE-700 was the premium big-headstock model of the range in the 1970s. It has a 2 piece body and the rosewood board gives it a real 70's look (despite the model name). The guitar retains it's original PU-119 (Excels) and they are every bit as good as their well deserved reputation suggests. Each of the 5 positions (including the middle on its own) has a distinctive character and there is no weak position amongst them and all respond well to subtle control changes on the guitar and the amplifier. The controls and switch are all original, in fact everything on this guitar other than the strings remains original - the bridge and tuners are all in great aged condition - most importantly perfectly functioning. At a fraction over 3. 4k g (7lbs 8oz) this has "that perfect Strat" weight and feel to it - the aged white finish fading to cream gives it that authentic vintage touch too. It isn't completely flawless, there are signs of life, but nothing to detract. Study the photos, and contact us if you want to see this in more detail. The frets are good with plenty of life left; they are, according to the 2 gentlemen that attend to frets here, of that perfect age and state to be your best friend, and remain so for a fair few years before any remediation required. The serial Number on this one is A783053, a late January 1978 Fujigen build from the time they were really showing off to impress the boys from Corona prior to the partnership. A Fender guitar from this CBS era is hit and miss - there were some real howlers, and even the good ones are likely to have been upgraded by now. During this era, Fujigen and their contemporaries were just the opposite - getting better and better. This guitar feels like one of their very best. This SE-700 will put guitars twice its price to shame. Price On Sale! Click Buy button to check latest price. Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Enjoy as it is. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon PU-119 Selector 5 way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.4kg; 7lbs 8oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:16 Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 02:39 Play Video Play Video 10:37 Play Video Play Video 07:21

  • Westminster TE-400, C760472

    Westminster TE-400, Last of the short fat Maxons < Back Westminster TE-400 C760472 By a fair margin, these are our most popular guitars either in their restored original condition, or to a varying degree of upgrade. This one is a fine example of the breed - the 3.70kg (8lbs 2oz) weight is a fairly light example, and beautifully balanced. The White finish has gracefully faded and there are 49 years worth of scars and chips - the sort of finish that costs a lot more when buying a new guitars. That big fat Maxon at the neck is perhaps the signature sound for these Teles - they are so creamy, and have a surprising amount of wire in them to get a stronger sound than you may expect. It teams up with a proper valve amp perfectly and from Jazz to Blues, it will serve you well. There is nothing to accurately compare it to - it is in a league of its own. The bridge Maxon remains and delivers that biting howling tone you expect from your favourite Tele in the rack. A tiny nudge down on the volume control warms up the tone without losing the presence. The guitar has been subtly upgraded under the control plate by the previous owner - a modern 3-way switch and the volume pot has been replaced like for like for the original. This just adds a bit of peace of mind reliability for the gigs. Any pre-1976 Matsumoku Tele will have the amazing full C Harayama neck - not a telegraph pole, but much more substantial than skinny JV Fujigen Teles. The Gibson scale may horrify the purists, but this is how the Matsumoku Teles were - even the later Backaroo Arias were shorter than a Fender. Swapping between a Les Paul and this Tele mid-set will be so slick! This Tele may have the Westminster decal on it, but this is identical to Aria Pro II TE-400 introduced later that year - an extra 10,000 Yen but the same guitar - the same woods, spec and finishing. A year later, the Teles all became Fender scale, and had the more traditional style of Tele pick-up. The prospect here then is a genuine vintage guitar - that solid feel of an early Matsumoku guitar, and the cheeky differences between a Fender and Nobuaki's opinion on what a Tele ought to feel and sound like. Vive la difference, let this be an enjoyable and useful addition to the armoury, or it can serve as your one and only. We can go nuts on it and give it a more modern bridge and pick-up - we can put some Gibson frets in; upgrade the tuners; anything is possible if the budget is there, but this can stand on its own 2 feet as it is. Price £950 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Original top-loader Board Maple Weight 3.70 kg; 8lbs 2oz Modifications Upgraded switch and vol pot ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 02:39 Play Video Play Video 10:37 Play Video Play Video 07:21 Play Video Play Video 02:42

  • Greco JB-600N, Pre-Serial Number

    Greco JB-600N, Hardy vintage bass ready for another 50 years < Back Greco JB-600N Pre-Serial Number These were the basses that were traded in for Fenders when funds allowed, and then bitterly regretted as they realized paying double for a name on the headstock was a lousy decision. There are subtle differences between the Fenders and this Greco - notably the pancake construction style that MIJ guitars and basses had until 1976 and the super strong engineered laminate neck that they had until late 1975 . Brochure geeks may question why this is a 600 and not a 500. The specifications were almost identical, but the 600 and 720 models were built at Matsumoku; the 420 and 500 were Fuji - the neck plate giving those details. This proudly has Matsumoku on it. Vital stats then: the nut is 40mm and the 12th fret is 55mm; the weight is 4.46kg (9lbs 13oz). A very nice comfortable and balanced bass, and the wider nut making it a little easier to play than the 36mm nuts on the earlier models from Fujigen. This bass now has new frets so ready for another 15 years at least - the original Maxon pick-ups are in rude health, the bridge is also original; a little pitted and showing its 50 years of service, but still thoroughly functional so we have elected to keep it. We can easily upgrade it to a current Gotoh unit which will be shinier, and could even install a High Mass version if huge sustain and Grand Piano tones are required. The previous owner decided to swap the old white scratch plate to a black one - this was and remains a popular decision - again we can get it back to catalogue spec, or even apply a fancy such as those you see in our DreamBuild section. But, this is good to go as it is - perfectly aged great quality dependable Jazz Bass, a fraction of the price of the equivalent Fender and likely to be built to a superior standard. Price £995 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Press into service Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Maxon J6/J8 Selector Jazz Bass blend Bridge original Gotoh Board Maple Weight 4.47kg; 9lbs 13oz Modifications New Frets; Black scratchplate ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 02:49 Play Video Play Video 04:59 Play Video Play Video 04:40 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 02:39 Play Video Play Video 10:37 Play Video Play Video 07:21 Play Video Play Video 02:42

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