1972 Greco EG-420, Very rare 1972 Fujigen built Greco, great entry into the world of vintage guitars. < Back 1972 Greco EG-420 No Number A fine example of a 1972 Greco EG-420 is now available at Matsumoku. The 420 retains the dimensions and playing character of the 360, but has these amazing pick-ups. The neck is an early Maxon attempt at the Jazz / Rock combination , and whilst they are not indecipherable from each other, they do sound great. These pick-ups are controlled through the original pots (250!) and have none of the scratchiness of many 50 year old examples. Have a listen to them on the video with Vox AC30 and Selmer amps, and then a bit of GT-100 effects to see how they perform. These were produced in the Fujigen factory and there are plenty of folk who have the opinion that the quality control of these guitars were superior to those coming out of Gibson at the time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNo5Hfh5SAk These are not pure faithful Les Paul copies - these didn't appear until 1975, but they are still lovely to play and have character of their own. E to E on the saddles is 50mm, the nut is 41mm instead of the 43mm you may expect. The 12" radius will seem familiar, the bolt on neck may not. The original saddles and tail piece have succumbed to the effects of time, and are no longer shiny and new. We can replace these with equivalent Gotoh units if this is an issue. Just contact us via the website to discuss any modifications you might like. The original tuners function very well and the guitar generally has that run-in vintage feel, but other than the bridge finish, no significant signs of being 50 years old. I bet a ECL/CMI '72 out of Kalamazoo would be well over 3k now. We have given it a thorough service, careful nut and bolt rebuild, and a fresh set of strings and now it's ready for anther 50 years. Price Availability £££ Sold Recommendation Not on this one. Just enjoy it. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1972 Pick-ups Maxon Jazz Rock combination Selector 3 way Bridge Original (Fujigen) Board Ebony 3.6kg 7lbs 15oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Greco JB-450, Oldie but goodie < Back Greco JB-450 Pre-Serial Number The JB-450 was the premium model of this year - the maple fretboard a fairly expensive option over the rosewood of the JB-420. Some of the really early 1970s instruments are considered toys rather than serious instruments, but this is a serious instrument with a comfortable weight, fine sounding pick-ups and a proper constructed neck. These traditional jazz bass pick-ups more faithfully represent the sounds of a Jazzer than the mini humbuckers of previous iterations. They have a rounded deep clarity, and are too decent to upgrade. There are signs of life with this 52 year old bass - the chrome is pitting, (don't folk pay huge money for this look?) and there are a few parking knocks as you would expect. The original scratchplate has been sacrificed at the alter of Jaco Pastorius, and we have fitted this very appropriate plate. It plays very well, intonated perfectly, and has a friendly action that could be lowered even further if required. The truss rod has plenty of movement either way, and this just feels like a good old Jazz Bass - much more character than a new one, and for equivalent value, this one is of significantly higher quality construction. They were built to different standards back then - this is why we love the 1970s MIJ era. They never fail to impress; offer great value for money; don't need separately insuring, and are probably not even half way through their lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icE1V-AJS4g This one could feasibly and justifiably be upgraded with modern pick-ups, a modern bridge, modern tuners - of course this would be fantastic. But this is good enough to provide good service as it is. Price Availability SOLD Sold Recommendation Fine as it is, suitable for upgrade fun though Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon Selector n/a Bridge Original Board Maple 4.4kg; 9lbs 12oz Modifications Fancy scratchplate Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

1973 Greco SE-500, Fully unleashed vintage Matsumoku < Back 1973 Greco SE-500 Pre-serial Number This is another fine example of a pre-serial number Matsumoku Stratocaster destined for the home market in Greco guise. Despite being significantly cheaper than the imported US equivalent, this guitar represents incredible value for money compared to the “real thing” from 1973. The neck profile is a substantial C, unlike the later and better-known JVs, the scale is as you would expect unlike some very early Strat clones, and an interesting 10" radius to that beautiful maple fretboard.. The pick-ups are pure Maxon – bright and airy and the previous owner has converted the selector switch to a 5 way unit so accessing the velvety in-between settings is now no longer a function of luck and making everyone wait 3 bars while you find them. The guitar has had a recent refret, and a very nice job too. New frets on a Harayama 5-piece neck is usually DreamBuild territory,and makes an already fabulous feeling guitar into a perfect one. The bridge pick-up is now controlled by the lower tone control, the upper tone control now taking care of the neck and middle units. Maxons were always a bright sounding pick-up, and the ability to tame that bridge tone is very useful. Have a listen to it in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UoQRe0o_n0 And look at the beautiful fretboard - this kind of quality is usually reserved for Masterbuilt guitars! The 500 was the premium model back in 1973; the 550 and 600s were still a year away so the 500s from 73 really had the pick of the timbers. Price Availability £845 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Enjoy it as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 5-way Bridge Original Vintage Board Maple 3.77kg; 8lbs 5oz Modifications 5-way switch and reconfigured tone controls Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Late 1974 Greco TE-600, A proper Fender-frightener < Back Late 1974 Greco TE-600 Pre-serial Number The TE-600 was the pinnacle of Telecaster offerings from Japan in 1974 - there are 2 distinct types of TE-600 during 1974 - the early ones had a slightly different neck profile - this late one has a typical slim-C neck profile that you may associate with much later MIJ Fenders, and other than just a few tiny signs of life, this one has been busy but cherished. Arriving with very worn frets, we have fitted new Jescar 45100 frets to give this amazing Tele a good decade of minimum maintenance - I would place it between Closet Classic and Journeyman in condition, but leaning towards Closet Classic; so a perfect blend of new guitar and old guitar feel. The electrics and hardware are well looked after and original - the 500k pots and DM30 switch are as they left the factory - periodic servicing will keep these going. The star-tuners are in magnificent condition. There is some graceful aging on the bridge plate - just discolouration. There has been some clumsiness around the neck pocket - but this is purely finish related - nothing remotely serious. The neck pick-up is nice and bright - it is the opposite of the earlier lower order Maxon Tele neck units. These are much more modern sounding with the volume and tone maxed out - back it all away and some more wooliness and jazziness appears. The bridge pick-up is a dead ringer for my 72 US Tele - it doesn't bite your head off, but it's all there, and again, with judicious use of the controls, you can be Keith Richards for a while. This is a serious guitar - a proper viable alternative to a modern US Fender at a much friendlier price, and a fraction of the price of 1974 Fender in this condition. It comes with its fitted hard-case complete with a Greco polishing cloth - more than likely the one that was sold with the guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6esy9cgPIic Price Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Sold Recommendation Enjoy this as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Original Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Original 6 saddle Board Maple 3.5 kg; 7lbs 12oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

1977 Aria ST-500N, 70's nirvana < Back 1977 Aria ST-500N E771352 Pure 1970's on offer here - the big headstock, a well-shouldered substantial C-shaped neck, natural finish and some growly single coils (5.4-5.5k). When the Greco range was transferred to Fujigen and became more and more faithful to US Fenders, Matsumoku continued to produce these guitars with their chosen characteristics - mostly retaining the chunkier neck profiles. Curiously, only the entry level 400 model featured a 5 way switch - all other 500 and 600 models retained 3 way simplicity. We have given this ST-500 the 5-way switch it so deserves so now you have the in-between tones - save the dexterity for the fretboard. While we were there, we allowed the lower tone control to govern the bridge pick-up too for some great rhythm tones. The condition of this guitar is outstanding - usually these late 70s guitars show a fair bit of wear and tear - not so this one. Ok, the sticker that graced the guitar behind the tremolo has left a tan-line, but that is the only real sign of it being 48 years old. Obviously cherished throughout its life, this is a recent arrival from Japan, and there really isn't too much more to say beyond it being a comfortable dependable fashion-proof instrument that is perfectly fine for home or gig duties. It tips the scales at 3.46kg (7lbs 10oz) so nice and light for an Ash/Maple combo. As most of the Stagecaster and Strikin' Sound guitars were small headstock guitars, this is a rare chance to get one with a large headstock. It's good to go as it is, but could serve as the basis for a nice upgrade project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzN_4QTF1r0 Price Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Sold Recommendation Great intro to vintage guitars Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon SP-II Selector 5-way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple 3.46kg (7lbs 10oz) Modifications 5-way switch Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

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.  Repair & Restore Featured Showcase Book Now 1959 Hofner President Restoration Read More Framus Strato 6 10230 Recommissioning Read More Pelicaster Full Electrics Upgrade Read More 2008 Ibanez J-Custom Reaching The Final 5% Read More Rickenbacker 1997 General restoration to original specification Read More Tokai LS70GT General recommissioning Read More Aria Pro II LS600D VS Restoration Read More Alembic Essence Bass Recommissioning Read More Hofner 5148 Verithin Bass Full repair & restoration to original specification Read More Hofner Club 40 1959 Neck repair and restoration to original specification Read More Fender Custom Shop General recommissioning Read More Ed Roman Re-fret Read More Epiphone Les Paul Upgrade Full Electrics Upgrade Read More Gretsch G2622T Pick-up Upgrade Read More 1995 American Standard Strat Full Electrics Upgrade Read More Hohner B2A Pick-up Upgrade Read More Levin Goliath Neck repair and general recommissioning Read More Repair & Restore at Matsumoku Some guitars and amplifiers justify, deserve and occasionally genuinely need an enhanced level of quality service - it's difficult to find the right word, but 'preferential' gets close. Maybe the instrument is of a particular vintage or has a value that you really need to put some thought into who will be working on it to maintain its soul; its value and its provenance. Or maybe it's your best friend and it deserves the highest level of service. We can offer routine maintainance, fault fixing up to complete restorations. Here at Matsumoku, I entirely understand what a guitar can mean to an owner. In my own quest to give vintage and rare instruments a new lease of life, and deliver the highest standards achievable, I have an amazing team of luthiers and technicians that respect and enjoy maintaining exclusive and special instruments. Acoustic, electric, bass, baritone; valve or solid state, all types of guitar and amplification are extremely welcome here. I set aside evenings from 18:00 till 21:00 and weekends from 11:00 till 22:00 to offer appointments for you to bring in your pride and joy to discuss, diagnose, and find the right solutions for. This appointment costs nothing, and has no obligation to proceed with any work. Sometimes the safest possible hands are required. Book Now

1976 Greco EB-500, A proper survivor < Back 1976 Greco EB-500 C760577 A very rare opportunity to obtain a Greco EB-500 bass in a great condition. This is a March1976 build and both pick-ups are fully operational and sound great. The neck is as good and straight as we have seen on an EB, and is wearing new strings. These are Maxon built PU-114 and PU-115 pick-ups, and both are humbuckers and are in fine health - the mudbucker making the Hall shake. The bridge unit has a fair bit of punch too - together they sound fantastic. Whilst looking pristine from the front, it does have a beauty spot on the top edge of the neck where a small patch of finish has met with an object that removed it. A lovely old bass, in great original condition - fully serviced and ready for service. I am not, never have been, and will never be a competent bass player - the demo video is limited to proving it works and what it sounds like. Price Availability £895 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon PU-114 & PU115 Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge 2 point with mute Board Rosewood 3.55kg; 7lbs 13oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Rickenbacker 350v63 Liverpool, < Back Rickenbacker 350v63 Liverpool 1314786 Very rare to find one in this beautiful Ruby Red finish, and in such excellent condition. The triple single coil toaster top pickups give you that sweeter neck position as it combines with the neck, and the 3 in parallel in the middle is as mellow as a Rickenbacker can get. Switching to the bridge gets that legendary jangle. Reading the instruction book to learn how the 5th rotary control works will unlock the ultimate versatility of this set-up. Despite the lack of cats eyes, this 350 is a semi-hollow body and it feels and hangs in a very familiar way. The 21 fret rosewood neck has a 10" radius and 24.75" scale. The guitar tips the scales at 3.06kg (6lbs 12oz). This is still a current model, although a Ruby Red one may require a long wait. This may be a 2013 build, but it has resided in 2 collections since new, has had very minimal use, and we can't find a single blemish on it. Complete with its silver/black Rickenbacker branded hard case, this is a great opportunity to acquire a guitar in as-new condition, at a substantial saving over the new price. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87V_ac2-KrM Price Availability £2,395 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2013 Pick-ups Toaster tops x 3 Selector 3 way Toggle, 2 Tones, 2 Volumes, Bass Pre-gain Bridge Rickenbacker Trapeze Board Rosewood 3.06kg; 6lbs 12oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Westminster Mustang, Better than the real thing? < Back Westminster Mustang J780126 A very rare model anywhere, let alone UK, this Matsumoku built Mustang is in the queue for an interesting upgrade project. Until that time, it is in the studio and available to be experienced. The Electric Guitar and Electric Bass series were domestic market (Kanda Shokai) entry level instruments launched in the mid 1970s, but punch well above their weight from a quality point of view, but that was always a Matsumoku trait. Given the CBS era dropping of standards at Fender during this period, don't be surprised if this Westminster feels and plays better than the original. Price Availability Discussions invited Sold Recommendation Perfect Donor for DreamBuild Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Original Nisshin Onpa Selector 2 sliders on/off/on Bridge Mustang style Board Maple 3.58kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFBHxUGs4y8 Price Availability £1,295 Sold 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 3.4kg; 7lbs 8oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

1976 Westminster TE-300, Fun fun fun < Back 1976 Westminster TE-300 C760978 In the mid 70s the demand for guitars was going crazy and importers were putting more and more price demands on exporters - a range of starter (or entry-level) guitars was badly needed. Previously, Teisco, Guyatone, and similar instruments were all that were on offer to beginners with smaller budgets. Matsumoku and Fujigen responded with a range of full scale "grown-up" guitars with less pretty woods and less pretty hardware. Where they didn't cut costs were neck construction and pick-ups. Other Japanese plants were offering a budget offering - Chushin were supplying guitars with the Maya brand, and whilst hitting the High Streets at the same price point, the Matsumoku produced guitars were vastly superior. Compare a Columbus Strat copy to a Kimbara copy and this difference (especially 50 years later) will be obvious. UK got Columbus from Chushin, Kimbara from Matsumoku and CSL from Fujigen - the latter 2 will be superior quality. Westminster was the equivalent of Kimbara and most were exported to Australia and New Zealand - Westminsters were also sold on the domestic market which is where we source ours from. Producers would always ensure the home market got the best. This Westminster Tele feels every bit as good as the Grecos that are so popular here. It makes do with the entry level pick-ups - tall bobbin underwound neck Maxon without cover, and a tall bobbin overwound bridge Maxon at the bridge. All the classic creamy and bitey Maxon tones are there. The Alder body appears to provide even more bite than the ash bodied Grecos further up the range. Light as a feather, this tips the scales at 3.4kg (7lbs 8oz) A little amp, some decent gain or an OD-3, and this is just pure fun, and easy-playing fun. It is a grown-up guitar with a top-loader bridge and the most 'cost-effective' tuners Matsumoku had in the parts bin. Imagine the price of a 75 Fender Tele, notice that the Grecos are heading towards 4 figures now that folk are waking up to them; and grab a bit of vintage Tele fun for a bargain - I'm not suggesting this is a blue-chip investment, but I do suspect they will never be cheaper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2O2nZ9cOHY This would make a very decent donor guitar to upgrade - we can work plenty of magic with these Westminsters. Price Availability £475 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-Way Bridge Top loader Board Maple 3.4kg; 7lbs 8oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Westone Concord II Bass, 80's favourite Basses - the ones you wish you hadn't traded in… < Back Westone Concord II Bass 4011245 Reunited with its guitar counterpart after nearly 40 years, this bass is a fine example of the marque. It has worked fairly hard for its living and has a few knocks and scratches - fashionably known as stage-worn. 4011245 is all original - it had lived a busy life before it arrived with us. Many bassists passing through here have become quite sentimental when seeing these (we have a few of these) as Westones were their first 'proper guitar', and the guitars stayed with them through formative years before being traded for a 'big name'. Usually regretted and missed... This bass has enormous power from the Puncher and Boomer pick-ups - the PEQ tone controls being a very good alternative to active circuitry and dying PP9's. These are workhorse instruments - they wear their parking dents with pride, but if we still have them later in the year, we'll treat them to a full refinish. We have another Bass in Purple Red undergoing a sensitive restoration at the moment. We will be able to recreate the brochure photo with this pair. Price Availability Private Stock 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Ideal donor for DreamBuild Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1984 Pick-ups Hard Puncher I & Super Boomer I Selector 3-way, with Master volume & 2 PEQ Tone Bridge HD Brass Board Rosewood 4.02kg; 8lbs 14oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38