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John Le Voi, He doesn't just do Gypsy Jazz < Back John Le Voi No Number John Le Voi is a UK luthier most well known for his amazing Selmer Maccaferri style acoustics - most Django Reinhardt festivals will feature Mr Le Voi and several of his guitars. No grande or Selmer style petite bouche on this model - he will produce a more traditional style of acoustic guitar when asked. This guitar was part of a larger Le Voi collection - gypsy jazz was not the only style playing style the owner enjoyed, and this guitar was commissioned out of loyalty to a great luthier. The Maccaferri hints are still there with this model - the wide hips and substantial neck feel very familiar. With 14 frets to the body and a substantial and unusually styled cutaway, all styles of playing are accommodated nicely - a proper high quality all-rounder. Acoustically, this guitar has a big but well balanced sound - a set of Manouche-Tone or Savarez Argentine strings may set your inner Django free, but this is a supposed to be a standard flat-top with no way to fit a resonator. This guitar has a very nice rounded bass response but retains that trebly tone as you venture up the neck. The nut measures just short of 47mm, so a lot of fretboard, and the familiar Le Voi neck profile - more D then C, but manageable and easy to familiarize with. The guitar features the normal Big-Tone pick-up under the saddle, and this does an adequate job of transmitting the character of the guitar into the PA, and any tone adjustments or colouring needs to be done externally as we have a simple plug and play, no need for batteries, system which suits the guitar perfectly. Le Voi guitars are already rare and hard to separate from their owners, but a standard flat top is even rarer and this is an opportunity to have some Le Voi quality without nailing your colours to the Gyspy Jazz mast. It is in very good condition - it has seen a lot of playing, but the wear and tear is limited to lower frets which you can see, but not feel or hear; some strum marks where you expect to see a scratch-guard, and the occasional parking knock. No splits, no wear to the wood, binding and hardware all perfect and functional. It comes with its hard case, and following a thorough service. It is part of a deceased estate, the only circumstance apparently that the owner would have parted with it. Price ££££ Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1996 Pick-ups Big-Tone Selector n/a Bridge Standard Board Ebony Weight Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

1977 Greco SE-500, A decent alternative to that 25 grand 63' Strat... < Back 1977 Greco SE-500 H771864 Always a firm favourite here, a white Greco SE-500, this one with the added bonus of a Rosewood board so a proper 1960s look! The necks on the Fujigen guitars are a much slimmer C than the earlier Matsumoku models from across town. The pick-ups are original to the guitar and by mid 1977 had evolved to PU-100s, retaining the snappy and airy brightness of the older units, but with 8.3k DCR instead of the 5.8 - 6.0 we see on the pre-PU100 evolution. A real outstanding feature of this guitar is the 3.53kg weight - compared to many of the guitars from this era, it is particularly light in weight which makes it a real pleasure to play. This is the type of guitar that will hook you in before you even plug it in - it has an acoustic ring we only experience with either expensively upgraded models, or very high end Fenders. This guitar has been well used, but maintained very well - the only real giveaway of its age is the tarnished neck plate - maybe the slightly faded White finish, but that would likely be a premium feature on a new guitar! This is a prime example of a mid range guitar competing admirably with premium models - it has an amazing soul - I bet you're Hendrix in less than an hour on this one! Hendrix had one of these at the beginning - before the Fenders were affordable, he rocked a Goya Strat - this is the exact same guitar branded for the domestic Japanese market; Goya were Grecos for the USA. Whilst it is absolutely fine and good to go as it is, we would be happy to upgrade the electrics to our Alnico V late 60s spec as seen in lots of the Dreambuilds based around 77 and 78 SE-500s. It makes a great guitar perfect. Talk to us if that appeals. Price £795 Availability SOLD Recommendation Enjoy it, or let's upgrade it Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3-way Blade Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.53kg; 7lbs 12oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

Greco TL-500N, Proper no-nonsense Tele - before the Fender accountants arrived... < Back Greco TL-500N D801328 Telecasters from Matsumoku and Fujigen from this era are always hidden gems. They were slightly in the shadow of the exciting new designs emanating from Hayashi and Toshio at this time - but there is always demand for a traditional Tele and so these models continued in production. It could be said that the less you write about a Tele, the better it is - these Fujigen built guitars from 80 and 81 are the last they built without the oversight of Fender management and bean-counters. The build quality of these TL guitars is as good as it got. They will oulast us all. The pick-ups in this are Maxon PU-T5 - the vintage output, and to our ears slightly sweeter than the high powered DiMarzios that were often fitted to these 1980 Teles. I have the original bridge plate here, but have decided to fit a new Gotoh semi-cutaway unit as they always improve the playability. The original plate will be included in the sale, but unless the next owner objects, the new Gotoh unit will stay on the guitar. The semi-cutaway design is so much kinder on the palm muting. I have also changed the knobs to Charles Guitar items which feel great and are a better pairing with the new bridge unit. The finish is still sound, but has had a bit of rough handling - we see evidence of a previous respray in the wrong type of black, but the right type for removing again. This is no mint factory fresh model - it has seen some life, but most importantly, plays perfectly, and is set to do so for another 45 years at least. We have other mintier Grecos here if that is important - this one just wants to be played. Price £995 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is; pick-up upgrade feasible, but not necessary Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups Maxon PU-T5 Selector 3-way Bridge New Gotoh In-tune Semi-cutaway Board Maple Weight 3.60kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications Bridge plate, and knobs (Charles Vintage) ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

The best value way into Vintage guitars < Back Matsumoku DB-500N Price £££ | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! This lovely old warrior arrived with us as a long retired but one previous owner late 1973 Matsumoku built Greco SE-500. As normal with long retired guitars, the electrics were very worse for wear - and the neck was bordering on fretless. Low frets on guitars mean it has been played and played - it is usually a sign of a very nice guitar. Tipping the scales at 4.5kg (9lbs 15oz) this is a proper late 1970s Northern Ash weight, but not quite a boat anchor. The 5 piece necks on 1973 models were always a little heavier than later one piece skinnier models so the balance seems fine. The SE-500 bridge units were the first units that genuinely resembled the Fenders, and this one is original with the solid steel block and it sustains beautifully - a combination of the weight and the bridge working together perfectly. There are 2 odd saddles - the E and B are saddles from an earlier SE-430 bridge, and 2 of the fixing screws are different from the rest. With the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality, I have kept this as it is - it works absolutely perfectly, and keeps the costs down to get this to you for a friendlier price. Not everything survived though - the tuners had seen a lot of work and were loose beyond repair. In there place is a set of Chrome Gotoh SD-91 with black buttons - a bit of collars and cuffs for the scratchplate and string guides. The frets were almost completely gone, and were a proper challenge to remove; but in their place is a fresh set of Jescar 55090 Tall Narrow which always works on an old full C Harayama style neck. The pick-ups were sadly shot to pieces - and these have been replaced with a set of Maxon Excel PU-119 units from a 1979 SE-700 which gave them up for a set of Haeussel Desperados. PU-119 pick-ups enjoy a great reputation for a true Fender-like chime and clarity - we have in the past upgraded a few Player Plus Fenders to PU-119 instead of the often disappointing noiseless coils they come with. Some folk would rather have the soul and character of an older pick-up rather than the results of more brutal cost cutting by the 'big boys'. These PU-119s are 5.8-5.9k, and as they are from an SE-700 that had a 5 way switch, the middle is RWRP - quite rare as the vast majority of PU-119 were governed by 3 way selectors. The pots are new CTS250k, the selector is a CRL, and the knobs are the premium comfort knobs as found on the very top end USA Strats. A small design difference but a magnificent one. Precise changes easy and accidental changes unlikely. We mounted this all on a black sratchplate, and cut the scratchplate with the little access cover for the truss rod - a design detail seen on 1973 Grecos. The lower tone control governs the bridge pick-up, the upper tone control looks after the neck and middle. The lower tone control is a push-pull that when pulled up will put the neck and bridge pick-ups into series when the neck pick-up is selected. When the neck and middle are selected, the bridge pick-up joins the neck in series, and the series pair in parallel with the middle. 2 more very useful tones. The outcome of these modifications is a fine sounding guitar with the traditional configuration, renewal of the critical components that spell reliability, and renewal with premium items usually found on guitars costing many thousands of pounds. Not many vintage guitars of this era will have new frets - once this level of expenditure is made, its usually a keeper! It purposefully doesn't have a new guitar look as it isn't one - it's 51 years old, and probably the best value route into the vintage/giggable/'no need to separately insure' area. Quality out of Matsumoku back then was really worrying the CBS boys - a few hours with this one, and you'll see why. We can always continue with the modernization and upgrading now or in the future, but this one is good to go as it is, and has as friendly a price as we can given the love it has had in the last month. Details The Look Naturally aged natural Ash with black scratchplate - a real 1970s vibe here. Headstock Old school Gneco decal but all new hardware on it - new SD-91 tuners, trees and nut. A splash of black to match the plate. Neck This is a classic full C Harayama 5 piece neck - again, right in the 1970s. Pick-ups 3 glorious PU119 units from 1979 - donated by a premium SE-700 that went onto even greater things. Bridge The original Matsumoku produced unit with all its little modifications since new. Not pretty, but in keeping with the character of the guitar, and most of all perfectly functional. Controls new CTS pots and CRL 5-way with soft-touch Fender knobs. A push pull on the lower tone puts the neck and bridge pick-ups into series when the neck pick-up (and neck and middle) is selected. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Left Handed Gilmour tribute < Back Matsumoku アーレンス Price ££££ | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! Lefties get a bad hand - so much less choice. I built this guitar for a chap who was battling to find the sounds he was looking for from a Guild S-300-S; a lovely thing, but with a very limited sound palette. He had given up looking around guitar stores as no-one had the spec he wanted, or if they did, it was the wrong colour etc. Battled on with the Guild for 20 years. We discussed the ideal build and I set off in search of the ideal donor model. 2 arrived, one from Finland, the other from Japan - both variations of the incredibly rare Aria ST-500L. Both 1980 and produced within a few days of each other - perfect partners to build in tandem and compare configurations. Both were in fantastic condition but we selected the one with the most bodywork issues to use as the donor. The poly finish was stripped, and the hardware and electronics removed. The refinish in black nitro commenced and a variety of pick-ups ordered along with new scratchplates and hardware. Using the other guitar to evaluate the pick-ups, we eventually settled on a set of Full Monty single coils, and instead of an S-1 or sunken mini-switch we decided on a simple 5 way selector and neck volume blend control. The world was turned upside down in search of a Gotoh 510TS in left handed orientation, and one was located and flown across from USA. Lefty tuners were a little tricky too, but my normal suppliers had them. The completed rebuilt guitar was set upon by the finest luthier we have, and the new owner flew in from Germany to test, approve and take home. If there is a finer, better specified, and adorable lefty Gilmour tribute out there, I'd be surprised. Details The Look Tribute to David Gilmour's black Strat, refinished with black nitrocellulose Headstock Gotoh SD91 (lefty) Chrome Neck Geometry and fret adjustments Pick-ups 3 x Monty's Guitars Full Monty single coils with cream covers. Bridge Gotoh 510T (lefty) in Chrome Controls 5 way selector, master volume and tone with neck pick-up blend pot. The highest possible quality parts used. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Furch Z-61-1 1997, < Back Furch Z-61-1 1997 5307 If you’ve not heard of Furch before, it is well worth visiting their website and reading about their history. Then go onto the configurator and spend a real hour spending a virtual £5,000… From their humble beginnings, they now produce some extraordinarily good guitars. We have an unusual opportunity to get your hands on a 1997 roundback Z-Series – serial number 5307, electro-acoustic and you will want this for the amazing neck dimensions. A 50mm nut and 55mm saddle spacing, and a Furch D profile neck, this is not for the faint-hearted. It may suit a classical guitar player in need of a steel strung occasional; or maybe you want to comfortably switch between your Epiphone Masterbuilt Century and an acoustic without too much thinking. The neck is colossal. A real handful. A telegraph pole of a neck. Acoustically, this guitar is balanced and full. It doesn’t sound like an Ovation. Plugged in it is very flexible, although with no pre-amp controls, you can plug it into a Fishman Loudbox, or an AS50D and just get on with it. The previous owner had this as a studio tool – it has plenty of signs of use – not perfect by any means aesthetically, but a busy guitar is usually a good guitar. This is a good guitar. The guitar comes in a Proel case (75% of the clasps working), and will come with fresh strings and a new saddle if required. The current saddle is a little worse for wear, but still does the job. It’s ready for work – a great honest gigging or studio guitar. Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1997 Pick-ups N/A Selector N/A Bridge N/A Board Rosewood Weight TBC Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

Greco TVB, Medium scale Fujigen built quality < Back Greco TVB B003716 From the heady days of the late 80s and early 90s, when the brand catalogues were over 100 pages long, there was so much to choose from. The vintage traditional models were still very popular, but there was strong calling for modernization - a new chapter in guitar and bass design was started. With pointy headstocks, outrageous hairstyles, carpets of effects pedals, and a sense of power being very important, this TVB was part of that movement. The general aesthetic is not a victim of fashion though - like the better known Yamaha RBX range, these guitars have stood the test of time well. 2 fine sounding humbuckers provide a very wide range of tones with the blending and simple tone controls - most styles are on call here. Don't confuse these pick-ups with the Select by EMG items - these are vastly better and hotter. We could give Coney Island a call to make us some passive Neodymium EMG crushers, but probably give these a go first - they are surprisingly good. We have replaced the original bridge with a new High Mass Gotoh unit - these are simple drop in replacements but they transform the character of the bass and add a depth to the sound as well as enhance the sustain. A modern looking medium scale bass, in great playing condition, and a requirement of its next owner to forgive a couple of dings on the back edges. No-one sees them from the front, and they are reminders that the bass is over 30 years old. It tips the scales at 3.68kg (8lbs 1oz) so no boat anchor - comfortable and balanced. It's ready for duty - begging to be gigged. Price £675 Availability Sold Recommendation Gig monster Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1990 Pick-ups Maxon Humbucker Selector Jazz Configuration Bridge Gotoh 201B-4 Board Rosewood Weight 3.68kg; 8lbs 1oz Modifications Upgraded Bridge (brand new) ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

1995 John Le Voi S-Style Dreadnought, Very high quality British made acoustic heaven < Back 1995 John Le Voi S-Style Dreadnought No Number John Le Voi is a UK luthier most well known for his amazing Selmer Maccaferri style acoustics - most Django Reinhardt festivals will feature Mr Le Voi and several of his guitars. No grande or Selmer style petite bouche on this model - he will produce a more traditional style of acoustic guitar when asked. This guitar was part of a larger Le Voi collection - gypsy jazz was not the only style playing style the owner enjoyed, and this guitar was commissioned out of loyalty to a great luthier. This model is the S-Style Dreadnought as you can find on John's web-site. With 12 frets to the body, there is slightly warmer tone, and a much slicker feel - the nut is 43mm unlike the colossal neck on the other one we have for sale. This guitar has a very nice snappy finger-picked sound, you'll struggle to be Paul Gilbert up the neck, but that isn't the point of this one. Purely acoustic, possibly a singer's dream partner, it seems to have a sound similar to smaller body parlour guitars. More delicate and defined than our Taylors and never overpowering bass, but people will always hear it Le Voi guitars are already rare and hard to separate from their owners, but a standard flat top is even rarer and this is an opportunity to have some Le Voi quality without nailing your colours to the Gyspy Jazz mast. It is in very good condition - it has seen a lot of playing, but has minimal fret wear - it feels a lot newer than it is. It comes with its hard case, and has had a thorough service. It is part of a deceased estate, the only circumstance apparently that the owner would have parted with it. Price £1,995 Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1995 Pick-ups n/a Selector n/a Bridge Std pin Board Ebony Weight n/a Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

Greco SE-500N, The Case Queen < Back Greco SE-500N F763771 Open the case pocket and find the accessories that accompanied this flawlessly perfect SE-500N including the sales ticket. It may as well be Summer 1976. F763771 is a time-warp condition example - a white-glove job that only comes out for very special occasions. It has a headstock to match full seventies collar, and a skinny neck to match the tight fit tank top. Crystal clear Maxons and a perfectly functioning tremolo invite us to enjoy this guitar, but the condition scares us into gently placing it back in its case. This is a collector's dream. And yes, it is a Fujigen product - production had skipped across town to there by this time. Price £1,500 Availability 1 only at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Collectors of near flawless vintage guitars especially pre-Fender Fujigen Strats Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage Tremolo (covered) Board Maple Weight 3.51kg; 7lbs 12oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

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That perfect combination of old vintage feel, and modern everything else < Back Matsumoku DB-500 Price £1,695 | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! My love of early 1970s Matsumoku Strats is well known around here - I just can't get enough of them. After 50 years many have developed their own character from the styles and treatment they have received by previous owners. As much as the Maxon single coils have their own soul and character, occasionally it seems sensible to have the modern options such as being quieter and louder when you need them to be, and having more than just 3 sounds at your disposal. This SE-500 may have a few knocks on the body and age-related cracks on the lacquer, but has obviously been cherished. Pre Serial Number 1974/5 Grecos are special - Greco guitars were always good both from Matsumoku and the pre-Fender Fujigen days, but these ones are, we think, special. Whilst Maxon pick-ups are soulful and characterful, they are of their time, and the idea for this guitar is to combine the vintage feel with up-to-date sounds and playability. These guitars were faithful to contemporary Fenders and featured 3-way switching. We have unlocked the potential of this guitar and fitted a set of Clausen Alnico 5 single coils governed by a 5-way CRL switch, and a neck/bridge blend function. These pick-ups are modelled on a David Gilmour specification - the neck and middle coils are 5.5k DCR, and the bridge pick-up is wound to a phenomenal 13.5k DCR. This hotter winding does not boost the volume and unbalance the units; instead it thickens up the tone and adds a huge helping of mid-range growl that behaves in a civilized manner when clean, but drives an amplifier to perfection. It handles gain just as you need for that Numb solo, and the neck pick-up will provide that glassy chime for the cleaner tones. It will handle most styles you ask from it and any signal path you feed. Blending the neck pick-up with the powerful bridge provides a very airy scooped tone, but never loses presence, the power of the bridge unit keeps you in the mix. You may go full Communiqué Knopfler in positions 2 and 4 with the full blend function. Extremely versatile. Further tone trimming is offered with the master tone which uses a SoZo PIO capacitor to govern the high frequencies. The bridge is now a Gotoh 510TS - a very high quality unit that features a large stainless steel block which adds a lot of sustain to the guitar, and gives the guitar an unplugged acoustic ring that will probably encourage you to play for half an hour before you even plug it into an amp. It also has incredible tuning stability. Tuners are new Gotoh SDS510 units - we love the SD91 range, but only the very best for this guitar.. A few folk find pleasure in having a guitar from their birth-year - we are still in 2024 as I write this, so what an amazing 50th birthday present for you and the guitar! The price of this guitar is determined entirely by the specification it is now built to - there is no premium due to the brand as there may be for a Fender of this vintage. Matsumoku and later in the decade, Fujigen, were truly scaring the hell out of Fender - if you can't beat them, join them gave us the MIJ Fenders. Strat copies from Japan in these years were comparable quality to CBS era Fenders - some go further and braver in their opinions... Details The Look Looking old where it appeals and new where it matters. The lacquer has 50 years worth of dinks and cracks, but relic is a dirty word here. Original is best, and with this one there is no headstock tax. Headstock Brand new Gotoh SDS510 Chrome tuners. SDS510 are the premium range from Gotoh. Neck A beautiful looking maple fretboard - the finest looking woods were reserved for this model in early1974. This one was always put down gently. Pick-ups 3 x Clausen single coils to David Gilmour specification. 5.5, 5.5 and 13.5k from neck to bridge. That bridge pick-up provides more mid-range growl but there are plenty of interesting ways to tame it. Bridge Gotoh 510NST in Chrome - this is the best non locking tremolo unit we can find - extremely sensitive and precise - and no threads to wear loose. From Marvin to Gilmour - even folk who say they never use the tremolo change their minds with this one. Controls 5 way selector, master volume, master tone and neck blender control. This blender gradually brings in its opposite pick-up to expand the range of amazing tones from this guitar. Blending a tiny bit of neck with the powerful bridge pick-up lowers the mid-range without removing you from the mix. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Rickenbacker 4001 CS - Signed by Chris Squire, A Must-Have for a Yes Fan < Back Rickenbacker 4001 CS - Signed by Chris Squire 306/1000 Limited Edition This desirable and collectible bass is signed by the late great man himself and is photographed around his neck for provenance. This is #306 of the limited run of 1,000; only a tiny fraction of these were held and signed by Chris Squire in person. The Certificate of Authenticity accompanies the guitar. It is a large headstock version produced in December 1991. The bass is in fine condition, and has been put to use - it is no case queen; yet still in great condition. Under the red and cream is a maple body, maple neck and the normal Rickenbacker rosewood board. It is a fine tribute to Chris Squire's 1974 4001. Obviously this is a serious investment and we welcome any communications via the website to discuss and review the instrument and the provenance. Price £12,495 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1991 Pick-ups Original Rickenbacker Selector 3-way Bridge Original Rickenbacker with operational mute Board Rosewood Weight 4.54 kg; 10lbs 0 oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42