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

Rose Morris Shaftesbury 4001, ex-Darkness studio hack < Back Rose Morris Shaftesbury 4001 No Number From the well known Rose Morris dealer in Shaftesbury Avenue, this old warrior was resident in a studio in Lowestoft and has more than likely had Frankie Poullain's talent pouring out of the stereo jack - no provenance, but the current owner engineered the early Darkness years - this was a parting gift. Gone is the Rickenbacker truss rod cover, as this has never been to Santa Ana - but it is a very well built bass from the Japan years when Rose Morris provided Rickenbackers to those without the budget for one. This is Stereo, which works perfectly, and the neck is like most Japanese constructions - in better nick than most Rickies from the period. Looks like one, feels like one, plays like one, sounds pretty close to one, and without the price tag of one. A regretful but necessary sale, this is ready to rock (the Rickie rod cover is in the case); and like most Shaftesbury 4001s, the pick-up cover has long gone. These are essentially the same construction as the highly regarded El Maya and Greco RB series from the early and mid 1970s - made on the same production lines but specifically for Rose Morris to sell alongside the real ones. Nice and solid, the electrics are all original and just serviced. Unlike real ones, the pick-up selector switch doesn't crackle; and there is a strong chance that you'll be playing the bass on the two volume controls as you kick out some stereo glory. We include a stereo cable with it. The original case is in poor shape, but still functional - this has been a busy bass guitar and should continue to be so. If you are local, come and sample it, if not we can demo it over a Whatsapp/Facetime call. We can ship it to you fully insured. There is one crack in the scratchplate - from the neck pick-up to the top, but it holds together, and Jack at TinyTone will make a replacement for it without the usual Rickie-taxed price-tag. Price Availability £££ Sold Recommendation 2 amplifiers!!!! Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year early - mid 1970s Pick-ups Nisshin Onpa Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge Rickenbacker style (mute works) Board Rosewood 4.22kg; 9lbs 5 oz Modifications Replacement Truss Rod Cover 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 Greco EB-500, Short scale classic bass < Back 1977 Greco EB-500 I776987 A very rare opportunity to obtain a short scale Greco EB-500 bass in a great condition. This is a November 1977 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, even with the flatwounds it has been strung with for most of its life (not the same set!) 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 where a big chunk of finish has met with an object that removed it. The owner at the time covered the scar with varnish and there is no risk of it getting worse, nor is there any risk of scratching yourself on any edge. A lovely old bass, in great original condition - fully serviced and ready for service. When it arrived, the pots were a little scratchy, and have cleaned up very well with some Deoxit. If between the time of writing, and a sale, the pots give me cause for concern again, I will, with the next owner's consent, replace them with identical new ones which won't affect the price, but will cast doubt on my "all original" statement. 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opdcj5gl4Mw Price Availability £795 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon PU-114 & PU115 Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge 3 point Board Rosewood 3.7kg; 8lbs 3oz 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-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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3G8EJ532aw Price Availability £995 Sold 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 4.47kg; 9lbs 13oz Modifications New Frets; Black 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 Fujigen Greco EG420, < Back 1973 Fujigen Greco EG420 Pre-serial Number Model A fine example of a very rare1973 Greco EG-420 is now available at Matsumoku. The 420 retains the dimensions and playing character of the 360, but these 420 models have the benefit of the involvement of Narumo san, who knew a thing or two about the real things. The Maxon 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 Lazy J amps, and then a bit of GT-100 effects to see how they perform. These 420s were produced in the Fujigen factory and there are plenty of folk who have the opinion that the quality control operatives overseeing these guitars were more diligent than those working at Gibson at the time. These are not pure faithful Les Paul copies - those didn't appear until 1975, but these earlier ones 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nC1cbtKljM 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. The neck pick-up is now the original 'GNECO' stamped unit which we were repairing the lead connections at the time of the first set of photographs. While we were there, we converted the unit to a 4 conductor state and replaced the neck volume potentiometer with a big body Alpha push pull which when pulled up provides this neck humbucker in parallel mode. Push it back down for the full fat series humbucker tone. It is very useful for cleaner tones. It has has a new set of pick-up surround screws - the original ones weren't quite gripping enough. It has has a new set of pick-up surround screws - the original ones weren't quite gripping enough. You don't have one of these instead of a Gibson, you have one on the way up to one, or next to one in the rack. Price Availability £££ Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups 2 x Maxon Selector 3 way Bridge ToM style Board Rosewood 3.56kg; 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

Greco SE-600J (Upgraded), The Swiss-army knife of guitars? < Back Greco SE-600J (Upgraded) L790805 These Jeff Beck models were built by all the main factories around the time of his Japanese tour - there are a couple of photos of a similar (presumably a Fender) guitar on the Nagoya publicity shots - there are certainly a few reverse-phase sounds present if you listen to the recordings. Matsumoku, Fujigen, Chushin, Tokai, they all produced a replica of this guitar and offered different degrees of complexity between the 500, 600 and 800 models. The 500 and most 600 models were offered with simple on/off/on switches to control the pick-ups and select the phasing; some 600 and all 800 models had a very complex arrangement where series/parallel functionality replaced a couple of the normal pick-up selections - so complex that even the brochure writers gave up trying to explain it. The series options are worthwhile with these magnificent Excel pick-ups - they work together without the muddiness, but it seems annoying to have to forego some of the parallel combinations. So, here is an alternative that gives you a traditional Strat, a decent go at a Tele, and some immense series tones that come into their own with the phase reversal facility. It's genuinely impossible to give a comparison with other guitars as this configuration is only really available via Brian May, but we can't have 6 switches on a Strat - I don't want to mess with the looks. The 3 mini switches control the pick-ups for on/off and which phase you wish, and a stealthy S-1 switch in the volume control will bring you all the series options. A master tone completes the arrangement. In the aim of keeping things simple and not having more switches to contend with, the series options require all 3 pick-ups to be engaged - then you decide what phase relationship they have with each other, and this unlocks a surprisingly versatile palette - this is beyond "offering a Gibson sound", and into powerful alternative tones that you'd usually require a square metre of foot pedals for. The demo video attempts to let you hear these tones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9bZQk44bnk Once familiar with the controls, this becomes quite a beast, and you can either recreate the Stanley Clarke stuff, or go your own way and find some really interesting tones to get you noticed. Those familiar with JV Fenders will recognize the neck profile - not super skinny, but decidely slim and slick. This has been a busy guitar (a good sign) and you'll have to forgive the sticker rash behind the bridge. We have put brand new Gotoh SD-91 tuners on this one along with a brand new Gotoh GE-101 vintage style bridge. The pick-ups are original, as are the switches, but the pots and knobs are brand new Fender/CTS units. The appeal of this guitar ought to extend beyond Jeff Beck fans - it is a good useful tool in its own right - we decided to wait a while after his sad passing before offering this one. This could easily serve as your only guitar, but will happily sit alongside more traditional instruments ready to be called upon when you need those special tones. It's a cracker. Price Availability £1,195 Sold Recommendation Enjoy, create, explore Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1979 Pick-ups Maxon PU-119 (Excel) Selector 3 mini-switch Bridge Gotoh GE-101 Board Rosewood 3.47kg; 7lbs 10oz Modifications Series Parallel on S-1, new Gotoh Tremolo and Tuners 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