1975 Westminster SE-420, Forget the sub-£100 drop-shipped stuff, start your journey here. < Back 1975 Westminster SE-420 701848 This recently arrived Westminster SE-420 completes the trio of Mustang, Tele and Strat, and for the UK audience, these were the domestic market and Australian export versions of the Kimbara - an entry level Matsumoku produced guitar aimed at folk who wanted to start their journey or improve their basic skills on a full scale grown up electric guitar. Not to be confused with the SE-330 which was contracted out by Matsumoku to the Chushin Gakki plant which was the equivalent of the Columbus models - a good few mm thinner bodies. The SE-420 received more powerful versions of the original Maxon coils from the early 1970s models. This guitar has more power than you'd expect and you may find yourself backing off the volume a little for super clean requirements. A classic 3-way switch gives you the 3 basic tones you'd expect from a Strat of this age, and judicious positioning of the selector will locate the in between tones, but as this is a classic 3 position Strat, the middle is not RWRP and therefore the carefully selected neck and middle is in reverse phase, and through a wound up OD-3, this sound will get you a gig in a punk band. Unlike today's entry level guitar, the controls on this SE-420 are the same units as you'd see in a range topper from Greco - large body pots with great positive movement, not the tiny mini-pots that fail very shortly after anyone takes a soldering iron the base. As with its Tele brother, the tuners are the most basic ones available without resorting to strip tuners, and they are showing a little signs of their age, but they do keep tune and the teeth are all present and correct. Costs were saved at the tremolo bridge too, as the block is a strip of bent plate, not the solid resonant steel you would see on a Greco or Aria, but it still does the job well - the powerful pick-ups making up for the differences in sustain. The body is, we think, Alder and not Sen ash so there is a slight tonal difference between this and higher spec models. It is less noticeable on high gain settings, and that completes the spec differences between this and an Aria ST-400. Real MIJ-geeks will know that the Aria Pro II ST-480 from 1976 was a continuation of this SE-420 model and the ST-400 offered an improved spec for a little lower price in 1977. So confusingly, this Westminster was the premium entry-level model. Matsumoku catered for a lot of levels. We have both SE-420 and ST-400 models here side by side at the moment - playing them one after the other will justify why the 400 is a bit more expensive than the 420 - they are different evolutions of how Matsumoku was getting closer to Fender standards. The 420 offers that early MIJ feel in that you know it is different to a real Strat, but none the worse for it. This guitar has bags of character and loves being played hard through a practice amp. We prefer playing this through the Fender 15 watt Mustang amp than we do the bigger stuff in the studio. It is just great fun, and not a guitar that you will grow tired of playing - callouses will form quicker with this and you'll spend more time with it than you'd perhaps planned. As well as a brilliant practice guitar, this SE-420 wold make a cheap addition to a bigger collection of more prestigious instruments just to remind yourself of more innocent and care-free days. It will put a smile on your face. It tips the scales at a featherweight 3.18kg (7lbs exactly) and please try and forgive the signs of life around the edge, the mismatched neck tone pot, the sticker rash and the fact that I got carried away snapping the top E moments before the photoshoot. As I said, care-free days... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SL5NfU5f3Q Price Availability £495 Sold Recommendation Perfect starter guitar Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1975 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3 Way Bridge Vintage tremolo bridge Board Maple 3.18kg (7lbs 0oz) 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 EG-480B, Affordable vintage soul < Back Greco EG-480B Pre-serial number A timeless alternative to a new Epiphone - there is a lot of sense in affordable vintage guitars over brand new ones; and yes this is bolt on neck and therefore a much smaller appeal to a traditional set neck Les Paul. If this isn't a complete turn-off, this guitar is a wonderful example of how well Fujigen were producing guitars in the mid-1970s. This one has had a very cherished life, and comes with its original fitted hard case. The 480 was the top of the range for the bolt-ons, and has superior hardware to the lower order 360s and 420s. The tuners are the well regarded and reliable "star-tuners" - these have an action and feel missing from all but the most expensive tuners today. The body is a chambered sycamore topped pancake mahogany construction, the weight is a substantial 4.38kg (9lbs 10oz); and the acoustic resonance is very pleasing even before you plug it in. The maple neck is capped with an ebony fretboard - the scale is faithful and the neck has a substantial 50s-style C-shaped profile carve, measuring .890” deep at the 1st fret and .975” at the 12th. It has the feel of a far more prestigious brand. The Maxon pick-ups are never a disappointment, and have a soul, a warmth and can be as smooth or growly as you wish with the controls. This is the type of guitar you can lose hours and hours with, and it defies its price tag, and hopes you'll give it a chance despite the presence of a neck plate. A 1974 Gibson will set you back many thousands of pounds or dollars - this one will be a tiny fraction of that and is a very viable alternative to a brand new Epiphone. 50 year old guitars built by the big manufacturers in Japan are a bit of well kept secret - nothing new of a comparable price will play like these, and while the top end Super Real and Mint Series Grecos now approach the astronomical price levels that rival the Gibsons themselves, make the most of this well kept secret while it lasts and bring an EG480B into your life before the market pulls these prices up too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pDuMIScGCQ If you like a bit of heft to your Les Paul, prefer the company of an older guitar, give this one some serious thought. They are getting rarer in this condition - this one is in excellent condition. Price Availability £845 Sold Recommendation Play it forever Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-Way Toggle Bridge ToM Board Ebony 4.38kg; 9lbs 1 oz 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 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OviJMVTNqNs 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 Availability £675 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 3.68kg; 8lbs 1oz Modifications Upgraded Bridge (brand new) 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

That perfect combination of 1973 Harayama neck, and sensational look. < Back Matsumoku DB-500 Tropical Price £1,595 | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! I write about Harayama elsewhere (most places!) on this site - his influence on MIJ output is rarely appreciated, but without him companies we know today such as ESP and Fender Japan wouldn't be what they are today; and Prince probably wouldn't have had his MadCat Tele. You can have a bit of Harayama magic with a lot of our DreamBuild guitars - this is another fine example. Based around a 1973 Matsumoku built Greco (the original Gneco decal stays) SE-500, this already fine guitar has traded its electronics for a modern and vastly improved specification. The glorious neck now has fresh Jescar Tall Narrow frets - close your eyes and you could be playing a astronomically expensive Masterbuilt Fender '62 Jazzmaster - that's the nearest equivalent we have experienced. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re37OJoTFkM We have focussed our modifications to the aesthetics for this guitar - the condition of the hardware determined this guitar should live on with it for another 51 years - we can make further upgrades if required, but we love this guitar as it is, and the price can be kept as friendly as possible. The Burgundy Mist nitro refinish is paired with a fabulous scratchplate. Sonny Crockett could have had this as a bit of practical art on St Vitus' Dance - did an episode of Miami Vice influence this I wonder? I lived in Miami for a while - I guess this episode of life influenced me a little here. The Excel pick-ups are held in high regard for a reason - very little benefits are required from upgrading them. These pick-ups are from a 1979 SE800 that received a very special upgrade. This guitar plays deliciously, sounds fantastic, and looks good enough to eat. Details The Look A continuation of the Floral theme, this guitar is one of 2 guitars we have refinished in the early 60s Custom colour Burgundy Mist, this one is combined with a striking and perfectly matched scratchplate. Headstock A highly regarded 1973 large headstock style with its original Gotoh tuners and new Gotoh barrel trees. Neck The infamous Harayama 5 piece full C neck with new Jescar 55090 Tall Medium frets on a gracefully aged maple fretboard Pick-ups 3 Maxon Excel single coils - probably the most favoured iteration of the Maxon single coil with their characteristic airy brightness and clarity. The neck pick-up will likely worry your blues bandmates as they just know you'll make them go around again. And again. It's that addictive. Bridge The original Gotoh vintage tremolo unit remains and its steel block gives amazing sustain and it sounds so delightful acoustically, you'll play it for ages before even plugging it in. Controls Upgraded to a 5-way switch, and tone control for the bridge pick-up. Glorious soft-touch knobs feel very premium. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Greco SE-600B Order Made, Perfect example of a Fujigen Custom Shop < Back Greco SE-600B Order Made H763702 This immaculate SE-600 is an example of what guitars were built by Fujigen as a result of the "Order Made Guitar Manual" - basically a Custom Shop for Grecos where precise specs could be opted for and a perfect guitar for someone delivered. Complete with the build certificate, H763702 was ordered with the SE-600 as a basis, but upgraded with the earliest iteration of the PU-119 Excel pick-ups. These pick-ups were very expensive options - they were fitted to the SE-1000 Project Series and became standard fitment for the premium SE-700 2 years later, these being F-spaced and standard Fender sized. This 1976 guitar has a PU-119 Excel in the classic Maxon size. Complete with the tremolo arm and cover, original strap and case, this SE-600 is in incredible condition and plays like a dream. Even before plugging in, you'll likely spend 20 minutes playing it acoustically and enjoy that ring we usually only experience in mega-bucks high end guitars costing many times more than this one will. When you eventually switch the amp on, the Excel pick-ups will deliver the clarity and power they are so well known for. The traditional Maxon brightness is now accompanied by a fuller low end and easing up the gain will provide a proper snarl if you want it. The 3 way switch and judicious use of the tone controls provide plenty of tonal variety - the lack of parallel options doesn't seem to matter although as with all DM-30 switches, the in-between settings can be fished for and found. Guitars of this vintage and specification are extremely rare - this is a fantastic example and ready for another 50 years of service. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9n63MTK9GM Price Availability £895 Sold Recommendation Collector grade, but definitely play it Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon PU-119 Excel (early) Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood 4.47kg 9lbs 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

Aria Pro-II ST-400, Time-warp mid 1970's Matsumoku at their finest < Back Aria Pro-II ST-400 K770468 To think this was an entry model to the Stagecaster range is to understand why so many guitarists stuck with the brand and gradually upgraded to the upper end. A lovely full C profile neck, so almost impossible to put down, and never failing to bring the best out of your capabilities wherever on the scale they may be. Still featuring its tremolo cover and original arm, this guitar looks and feels almost new. There are 2 parking dents along the underside - other than that, there are new instruments hanging in Music Stores with more signs of life. The SP-II single coils are characterful; some may say this guitar deserves an upgrade, but have a listen to the video and maybe these are good enough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QikB-KxmFKw SP-II and their PU-100 equivalents are actually pretty damn nice sounding pick-ups - Maxons have a firm following - after a modern Strat at this price point, these will feel like upgraded already. Price Availability FLASH SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Sold Recommendation See how good entry level instruments were back then Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups SP-II Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple 3.66kg; 8lbs 1oz Modifications String Tree (Gotoh) 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

2020 Fender Custom Shop '57 Journeyman, Delicious Custom Shop, friendly price... < Back 2020 Fender Custom Shop '57 Journeyman R101655 Looking for all the world like an Eric Clapton model, this isn't. This is a 1957 Journeyman model that has proper Hand Wound 57 single coils and traditional control set-up, rather than the noiseless pick-ups with the active boost and TBX tone control. We have always found the EC set-up on a Strat to be a little soulless and numb (if that's heresy, then sorry!) and much prefer the simplicity and familiarity of basic coils. The light relic finish looks perfect, and this guitar was ordered with no relic'ing on the neck or frets. These 57s had 6150 medium jumbo frets and these feel slick and easy - you can get underneath the string if you need, or the action can come down a touch if that is preferred. A 9.5 radius and 1.65 nut width will feel familiar, and this ash / maple combination weighs in at 3.3kg (7lbs 4oz) - nice and light. The Floor Traveller describes the neck as a 10/56 V - it certainly has a great mid 50s feel. Originally sold in USA (Dave's Guitar in Wisconsin) it has found its way to UK and has been in a collection for a few years - reluctantly let go of in order to scratch a Rickenbacker itch. It shows very little signs of use - we have no problem describing this as Excellent Condition - bordering on Mint. All the paperwork is present and correct, as is the original case with the candy still unwrapped. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_agCEQhZiw Whilst it's true we mainly deal with MIJ offerings, we usually carry a US Fender or two for folk to feel the difference between them; and we know for some folk, it just has to be a Fender, and a US Fender. This ought to hit the spot. We have a few US Fenders at the Hall at the moment and so this one is priced extremely keenly Price Availability £2,785 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2020 Pick-ups Hand Wound 57 Strat Selector 5-way Bridge American Vintage Board Maple 3.30kg 7lbs 4oz 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-500N - 3 piece, Stunning vintage Matsumoku < Back Greco SE-500N - 3 piece Pre Serial Number At the time this guitar was built Matsumoku was listening to exporters and distributors claiming they could max out the production lines with orders - Nobuaki was quite cautious about it and was still playing around with the Strat style concept to hone it and refine it to the Japanese players' requirements. Between 1972 and 1975 production demand met the wild proposals from the exporters and all the factories were flat out barely able to keep up with demand. 1973 often delivers some lovely oddities - some nice surprises that can only be defined as non-catalogue models even if they aren't sufficiently different to be pure custom shop "order made" models. This beauty is an SE-500 when the SE-480 was still in the range. The difference is the adorable 1 piece top for the pancake construction. 2 pieces of Sen ash at the back and a luxurious single piece on top. Even the later SE-550, 600 and 800 models were mostly 2 piece tops. We're not pretending this will have any effect on the sound, but there are those out there for whom a single piece body is a thing of absolute beauty. They tend to cost thousands of pounds, so let us offer a tremendous compromise and offer a single piece top for a much smaller price. Everything else about this SE-500 is as you would expect - 3 deliciously bright and airy Maxon single coils, the satisfying DM30 selector switch and the lovely C-profile engineered construction neck with the 9.25 radius. Frets were always tiny and low on these, but this one retains more than most at this age. So slick, so easy and a many years to go before any remediation required. If you need a fat or tall fret on your neck, head over to the DreamBuild section. This would make a superb donor for a DreamBuild, but some guitars arrive begging us to keep them standard. This is one such example. This guitar is from the era before the better known Ibanez, Edwards (ESP) and Fender JV Strats - without this era, none of those would ever have happened. Back then, it was this or a US Fender and despite the incredible build quality and fantastic character of these "pretenders", they were a quarter of the price of the US original. Now they are less than a quarter of the price of a contemporary Fender - and that just seems wrong. But that's how it is. Take advantage of that while it lasts. Get this vintage MIJ beauty in your collection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=870p3V8lQq8 Price Availability £795 Sold Recommendation Enjoy it as it is, or go nuts and let's make a monster Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3 way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple 4.4kg; 9lbs 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

1978 Aria Pro II ST-500, A rare Olympic White and Rosewood combination. < Back 1978 Aria Pro II ST-500 F780745 This ST-500 is 45 years old so has a couple of scars on the bodywork, but if you can live with that, you could have a friend for life here. The small headstock, Olympic White and Rosewood combination is quite rare - rosewood was a pricey option back then. The 3 PU-100 single coils are bright and punchy and work well clean and driven. The 7.25 radius board and shallow C neck will be familiar to MIJ fans, and a large part of the popularity of these Mats/Fuji models. Not everyone needs the hallowed name on the headstock - and the prospect here is a simple one: a really well built Strat from the 1970s, from the extremely highly regarded Matsumoku plant, in a timeless white/rosewood combo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_5iWnMtizE Price Availability £795 Sold out - Contact us if you want us to find one for you Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups 3 x PU-100 Selector 3 way Bridge Vintage tremolo 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

Fender Custom Shop LTD 59 Jazzmaster , Timeless quality Closet Classic < Back Fender Custom Shop LTD 59 Jazzmaster CZ575475 Complete with the paperwork in the wallet, the original case and the candy, this stunning beauty has hardly had any use at all; for no other reason as an even more expensive hobby came along. Obviously a great looking guitar, and the spec is up there to match - the pick-ups, the saddle and the smooth warbly tremolo deliver the quality you expect from this kind of investment. The compound radius neck (7.25 - 9.5) encourages you to venture up the neck, the Jescar 47095 medium jumbo frets are comfortable and slick. The Deluxe Closet Classic spec gives you that glorious aged crazing to the nitro finish, and the tobaccoburst scheme is complemented by the clay dots and gold scratchplate. This one has an Ash body, and tips the scales at 3.8kg (8lbs 5oz). Other vital stats are 1.65" nut; 1st to 12th is 0.82" to 0.9" A huge saving over a brand new one, the condition of this one easily compares to a new one. There will be brand new ones hanging on the walls in the posh parts of shops that have had more play-time than this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnmDBt3AU7c Price Availability £3,375 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2024 Pick-ups HW Flat Mag Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge RSD Jag/Jazz Board AAA Rosewood 3.8kg; 8lbs 5oz 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 LGB-700, Versatile and eye-catching gig monster < Back Greco LGB-700 B029478 With the Fender joint venture gradually being usurped by Ensenada, Fujigen were able to breathe again, and return to making great guitars on their own terms and to their own standards. Controversial perhaps, but Fender had interfered with the legendary Japanese belief in quality. We would soon see Fujigen producing their good stuff again with CoolZ and History brands, then a little Greco revival before FGN bedded in and Japan got their mainstream guitar maker back again. This is an example of the revived Greco brand - a fascinating Les Paul Bass with 3 Thunderbird style humbucker pick-ups either doing solo work or working together seamlessly. No need for a tone control here - just 3 volumes. Nothing more needed. If we can't see obvious and good value improvements, we leave guitars alone. We're leaving this one alone as it just works as it is. It sounds powerful yet with great definition. We have the JPJ range to go crazy with - this one gets the job as a work-horse - the colour scheme may challenge a few mindsets, but many bass players do that anyway and rightly so. Sufficient power from these pick-ups to avoid the complexity of active pick-ups - not as muddy and compressed as a big-mag Musicman style unit, these Thunderbird units can thump, they can drive and growl, or they can clean up magnificently with a little balancing across the units. It's a blue Gibbo style bass, highly likely to be the only one your audience has seen; sufficiently different to make you stand out but coming with no compromises for quality or sound delivery. Assuming blue can be tolerated, what's not to like here? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUH49-rmzyQ The last photo displays the original black metal knobs just in case the yellow ones are a step too far. Price Availability £695 Sold Recommendation Get noticed and sound phenomenal Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2002 Pick-ups Maxon TB-9 Selector n/a Bridge Hipshot B Board Rosewood 4.14kg; 9lbs 2oz 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-450S, Lose the headstock tax < Back Greco SE-450S CC805067 The first couple of years of the 1980s must have been exciting at Fujigen - Fender were in town and had decided that if you can't beat them, you have to join them - Fender Japan was in sight. The late 1970's had produced incredible quality guitars at very worrying prices for the Americans - all the modern developments of the CBS era were being delivered - 5-way switches, bullet rods, 3 point micro-tilt neck fitment - all present in the Greco range alongside the traditional pre-CBS styles. 2 models in the range featured these CBS style developments - the SE-450 and the SE-700 - the latter being one of the best kept secrets and a firm favourite amongst our customers and visitors. The SE-450 was the entry level post-CBS era tribute with the PU-S5 pick-ups (an iteration of the ever-popular PU-100), the 5-way switch providing the parallel in-between tones, and the 3 bolt neck. Some 450s were sen ash, some were alder - this one being the latter and a flyweight at 3.18kg (7lbs exactly). Where the Early Sixties 700 had a thick slab of Rosewood and a late 60's neck profile, the Spacey Sounds 450 had maple, and fans of the MIJ JVs and Squiers will immediately recognize the slim C neck. A few years later, this guitar would have be sold as a CST-50 Squier by Fender. Have you seen the prices of those today? With this one, you don't pay the headstock tax. As the 1980s rolled on, the warmth and character of the alnico pick-ups were falling out of favour against the ice-picky more punchy ceramics - the all of nothing types that were feeding long floor pedal chains and solid state amps. These older alnico magnets were developed for simpler days when it was you plugged into an amp. Of course, this feeds an OD-1, or a Maxon 808 perfectly well, but delivers marvellously with just a cable and a small valve amp. Now we going full circle, plugging into a Focusrite and doing all the clever stuff on a computer screen, these old pick-ups start to make sense again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKXq67GE68g I can't think of a better guitar to begin a journey on, or to develop intermediate skills. Starter guitars bought with a mouse click and delivered in 24 hours serve a purpose, but will quickly let you down. This is the sweet-spot, and will serve you for many more steps along the journey. The seasoned professional here happily admits he would gig with this in a heartbeat. A previous owner has had a tiny section of the rear of the headstock removed - either for an unusual approach to an F chord, or perhaps a Japanese icon of the time had done this and therefore it became necessary - we're not sure. Make sure you see that in the photos, but know that it is invisible from the front, and doesn't affect the guitar's performance. Black on black on Sunburst makes up for this! Price Availability SOLD Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups PU-5S Selector 5-Way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple 3.18kg; 7lbs 0oz 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