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A very rare Rose Morris Rickenbacker recommissioned with the correct bridge < Back Rickenbacker 1997 Free Consultation Book Now General restoration to original specification Let’s pretend Pete Townshend didn’t smash so many of these into Marshalls for a moment and savour one he never got his hands upon! A 21-fret Rickie with an f-hole means only one thing – it’s a Rose Morris import – this isn’t a re-issue, it’s a best guess 1965. It’s a 1 o’clock model – only eight 2 o’clock models are known to exist. It has obviously had a decent and busy life in its early years – the owner put a fair few miles on the clock back then, but as with many beautiful old guitars like this, they get put in a case, left alone while life takes over, and then re-surfaces 40 years later looking just as good but not playing so well. This sensitive restoration involved replacing a Gibson tail-piece with a period-correct Trapeze style item, careful repair of a bent machine-head (don’t believe what you read on the forums, this can be done) to keep it as original as possible, replacement of chipped and broken knobs, an electrical service, a careful fret dress, a sensitive clean, new saddle cover and general recommissioning which thankfully requires a lot of testing, playing and having fun with. The goal with this one was to keep its fabulous patina, but make it play as smoothly and comfortably as it once did; the expression on the face of the owner as he was re-united with it spelled success. Always beautiful in looks and sounds, always a challenge, and the types of challenge we relish. Gallery ← Previous Next→

The final touch for this war-horse < Back Gibson SG Free Consultation Book Now Full Electrics Upgrade Sometimes a guitar looks perfect, plays just as you want it to, you have had someone fit a vibrola so it looks even better, but the sounds are not quite making the grade. No-one should really say these Gibson std pick-ups don't sound fine, but if you want more, better, different, then so be it. There is a massive choice of excellent pick-ups out there, and a popular upgrade is from Montys Guitars. These are what the customer wanted, and these are what the customer got. They give the SG a little more dynamics, a bit more warmth and let you vary the volume and tones a little more without losing the spirit of the guitar. Have a listen to the comparison: Gallery ← Previous Next→

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1938 Epiphone Masterbuilt Olympic, Possibly the best Olympic on the planet < Back 1938 Epiphone Masterbuilt Olympic 13847 From the era when Epiphone and Gibson were direct competitors - the Emperor fighting it out with the Super-400 - this rivalry would bring the best out of each other. This is a genuine 1938 Epiphone Masterbuilt Olympic , with unusual but original block inlays (5) , full f-holes , the 15.25-inch body and original bridge piece . The pick-guard is a later replacement (most originals were replaced in the first few years), but everything else is original and in fantastic condition. The block inlays may suggest this is a Regal built Apollo or a Howard, but this is a bona fide Olympic; just an unusual specification. The cherished life that this guitar has led is obvious as soon as you pick this up. There are polishing marks, a few swirls from a dirty duster, nothing else. There is none of the normal wear on the rear of the neck, and no cowboy chord frets. There are 5 or 6 parking knocks on the upper bout of the body, but nothing else other than the discolouration of the label, to suggest that this guitar is 85 years old . These Masterbuilt Olympics have a well-deserved reputation of sounding amazing - this one doesn't disappoint. A full sound, slightly enhanced upper mids, and clarity from the lower register. It chords well at the upper end of the fretboard, and begs the question "should we put a pick-up on this?"; but realize that this is the spirit of the guitar, and we refrain from that. Although a K&K or a Benedetto would let this guitar reach the audience without needing to sit still by a mic. This Olympic has mahogany back and sides with an Adirondack Spruce top . Adirondack matures famously and after 85 years, this guitar proves the point - I doubt it has ever sounded better. This is the wood that makes the early 30's CF Martins so revered. Most Olympics, Triumphs, Spartans and Blackstones were busy instruments - bought my musicians who used them to earn a crust. Many were worked to death, most others are scarred battered survivors that have been under the knife, patched up and refuse to give up. They were made in quite large numbers and are not especially rare even today hence they remain fantastically accessible. This one must be one of the finest available today. It has been in hiding - a proud possession and safeguarded friend. It's not even on Wiedler, but we have submitted the details. The opportunity offered here is to acquire one of the best possible examples of a guitar that has matured so gracefully that the first assumption is that it is a re-issue, and not 85 years old. This guitar comes with a hard-shell case and will be restrung with either Light XL Chromes or GR-112s (or a specific type of your choice). Price ££££ Availability Sold Recommendation Collector's dream, or just buy it and play it. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1938 Pick-ups N/A Selector N/A Bridge Rosewood Original Board Rosewood Weight 2.2kg; 4lbs 14oz 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

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. 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 Weight 3.56kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos

1980 Greco SE-700 Super Real, < Back 1980 Greco SE-700 Super Real L807194 This is a very rare example of the third and final iteration of the Fujigen built Greco SE-700 . This final edition had a maple neck, the large headstock, SE-1 pick-ups and the Super Real logo - this name is more commonly associated with the Les Paul range , but it found its way onto headstocks of SE-700, SE-800 and SE-1200 models and these were sold in small numbers between 1980 and 1981. This Super Real has been a busy instrument and retains its original specification. It was originally black, and has had a pretty decent refinish in a light hazy purple. The original black finish is visible on the neck pocket, and under a few belt buckle scratches and rash on the rear. The scratchplate is also a later addition, although the pick-ups and controls remain original. The original MH-S7 tuners and TP-S7 bridge also remain and are in perfectly serviceable condition. We have replaced the saddle height adjusters as years of perspiration had taken a hefty toll on them. Despite being rusted and jammed in place, we were able to extract them with patience rather than destructively. The frets are useable, but more than half way through their life. There is no buzzing and the action can be set perfectly low enough (this is a Strat, not a shredder). The pick-ups and controls are also fully functional, and have a slightly darker character to the PU-119. Despite the SE-1 pick-ups having a tap, this iteration of SE-700 gives you just the full power winding. Unlocking the more traditional and brighter Strat sounds is a very simple modification - options are listed on the website. The neck is a good slim C - not as super skinny as some of the later MIJ necks, but very recognizable to those familiar with JV guitars. This 700 has the larger CBS-era headstock, not available from the Fender lines until 1983 (the Squier CST range) and 1984 for the ST72-70 model. The guitar can be used and enjoyed reliably as it is - we have gently recommissioned it and replaced consumable items such as screws and the output jack. We will make it clear that the guitar would require a re-fret soon, but there are a few years (depending on your style and how often you play it) before this is a requirement. Price £985 Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups SE-1 high output Selector 5-way blade Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.58kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications Earlier Refinish over original black polyurethane Pearloid Scratchplate ← 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

Fernandes MY-115S, Scratch that Sustainer itch! < Back Fernandes MY-115S No Number This MY115S was one of the really interesting looking signature models. It is the Kiyoshi (Media Youth) model developed from MY95S launched in 1997 and finishing production as the MY-Custom S in 2003, and Kiyoshi was, and still is, a very successful musician in Japan and amongst fans of Japanese modern music. He used this model of guitar in his collaboration with Hide. I bought this in as I knew it would put a smile on Keith's face when he really was up against it towards the end. His comment when I pinged him a photo of it is unbroadcastable however playing it was the second thing he would do to it. As well as the orange half sucked Firebird appearance, the sustainer function was something he was looking forward to experimenting with. Then, a thoroughly good friend of ours took it to write and record with (it's on a few Delicate Giants tracks) and now it had returned to us; it's served its purpose admirably now and this is too useful and decent an instrument to stay here when it should be out plying its trade. As far as I am aware, this model was not routinely available outside Japan and therefore they are a very rare sight. I know of a few in Australia and a couple have been shipped in to USA, but none in UK or Europe. Like the other Artist Series guitars from Fernandes in the era, the guitar is made beautifully - a real professional grade instrument. The body is maple and mahogany, the neck is maple with a nice rosewood board - flat and thin for those virtuosos, and nicely balanced for long stints on stage. The double octave neck feels good at the top and the bottom. The pick-ups are top drawer Fernandes - a VH402 at the bridge and a CD-100F with the sustainer at the neck . The bridge is a Wilkinson VS100 and in perfect condition. Like many of the signature models, the pick-ups are key to the design, and they don't bother with tone controls, so a single volume pot only. The 3 way toggle governs the pick-ups in classic 3-way fashion, and the 2 mini-switches control the sustainer circuit. The farther unit swiches the unit on and off, and the nearer 3 way switch governs the effect - a dynamic setting which responds to your picking strength; a setting that forces through a sustained note and the third setting that forces through an octave above the note you play. It is a sensitive unit unlike some others that can get overpowering and uncontrollable - this one seems to know what you want and lets you calm the effect very well. The guitar is luthier prepared and ready for studio or stage . It will definitely get you noticed! You will see some unfortunate cracking and crazing of the lacquer on the upper horn. According the previous owner, this happened on a flight and not from anything more severe. It is invisible from the first row of the audience and has no bearing on the way this looks and plays. There is a stage-bash on the lower rear back of the body - nothing remotely serious. But if a perfect finish on a 25 year old is critical, please make sure you look at the photos carefully or call us for a video call. This was sold to Glam Rock bonefide Royalty - expect to see it on stage soon. Discretion as always, but this guitar passes from professional to professional, and you could say this has gone "Full Circle". Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2000 Pick-ups Fernandes CD-100F and VH402 Selector 3 way Bridge Wilkinson VS100G Board Rosewood Weight 3.73kg, 8lbs 4oz 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

< Back Squier Vintage Stratocaster Free Consultation Book Now Re-fret This Squier is either a 1983 or a 1989 SST50 - a model that had been on a bucket list for its owner for a while. As normal, when an example of a rarity comes along locally, it is likely to require a bit of work. These Squiers were built to vastly different standards to later versions - and they were built to last busy gigging lives. The owner is a celebrated blues player (amongst virtually every other style too) and likes to "dig in" as he calls it. After a good session trying out a variety of different fret-types on similar necks from our stock, we eventually chose a set of Jescar 45100 frets to achieve a vintage Gibson feel. Sacrilege on a Strat? Not at all - many 70's Strats were upgraded to this spec, and it was quite normal for busy musicians to have 2 Strats on stage - one skinny, one fat. These frets are finished to allow a slightly enhanced height at the top edge - every player has a style and preference, and this is what we always aim to deliver. This guitar (albeit reunited with its Tobaccoburst body) will soon be heard plying its trade on Norfolk's busy circuit, and I expect will make some appearances on future albums the owner records. Gallery ← Previous Next→

1983 Bill Lawrence Challenger 1 BCOR-55, The charm of simplicity < Back 1983 Bill Lawrence Challenger 1 BCOR-55 B30548 This is a really great example of a Bill Lawrence BCOR-55 which features a solitary S3 Black Label pick-up. Bill Lawrence's heart was in pick-ups and he had Moridaira host them in their fine quality instruments.We are putting this one at early 1983, and all original including the Lawrence stamped saddles. The maple fretboard is unusual - most are rosewood. The location of the volume control is also unusual - most catalogue photos show it close to the pick-up, but there are no signs that this is not how it left Moridaira. The neck is super skinny and has a slight V to the profile. Very unusual but perfectly comfortable. At 3.29kg (7lbs 4oz) it is as light as it is simple. Under that empty scratchplate are routings for HSS should the mood take you later, but who could argue the charm of such simplicity? Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1983 Pick-ups Bill Lawrence S3 Black Label Selector N/A Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.29kg; 7lbs 4oz 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

Underrated and rarely seen Tokai rescued from previous fretwork < Back Tokai LS70GT Free Consultation Book Now General recommissioning We are lucky enough to have some really talented guitarists pass through our rooms here - none more talented than Ron Sayer Jr. A proper gent too. His lovely LS70GT was suffering from a previous re-fret attempt - it played OK, but not as it should. Our job was to restore his trust in the instrument - allow him to unleash the P-90s live on stage without holding back. The key to succeeding here was to make sure the neck geometry was perfect before improving the frets and ensuring they were correctly shaped and finished to suit the player. A very comprehensive set-up perfected the intonation, and a subtle tidy up of the wiring ensured the earthing was correct, and that lovely but heavy Bareknuckle APO capacitor remained connected. Re-united with its owner, there were nerves, but the beaming smile on his face as he played it was reassuring. We take enormous pleasure in not only restoring lovely old guitars, but also owners' confidence in them. Check out Ron's music - https://www.deadbeatcats.co.uk/ and https://www.sayermusic.co.uk/ Gallery ← Previous Next→

Aria Pro II ST-600D, < Back Aria Pro II ST-600D L800038 L800038 is a very late production of the "Regular Line" traditional style guitars with the Aria name - the more modern and up-market Project Series dominating production until the "ST & Others" brochure brought the traditional products back. L800038 is the perfect sibling for D800066 - identical in spec aside from the Rosewood neck. We'll forgive the massive cigarette burn on the headstock, and the chips on the horn - this guitar has a very soft and easy feel to it. Price £995 Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect donor for DreamBuild or sensitive upgrade Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups DiMarzio FS-1 Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.5kg; 7lbs 11oz 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

1980 Aria Pro II TS-500, Matsumoku began to go its own way < Back 1980 Aria Pro II TS-500 099095 At last we find a TS-500 we can offer for sale. The TS-500 is the mid-range model with all of the toys, but the regular grain woods. An extra 10,000 Yen would have got a choice of the premium woods, but still you needed 80,000 Yen to get the thru'neck version. Of course we all want one of these, but they are very rare and expensive now - the 500 with the set-neck gets all the functionality, and a pair of excellent Extra III (aka Protomatic III) humbuckers. These were evolutions of MMK53, and we know them the best from Westone Thunder II models. The specification on these is vast. The two humbuckers can be split into single coils with dedicated mini-switches; a third mini-switch will reverse the phase of the bridge pick-up when both are selected. A final mini-switch will activate an active booster circuit which has its own volume control. You'll make good use of this control as the boost is enormous. We have a master volume and a tone control; and the final control is a type of Varitone function with a variety of high and low passes to get some interesting tones. There is an enormous array of tones once the switches, the varitone and the booster is configured - so much to play with, and lots of genuinely useful tones. It's a guitar to be creative with. The neck is a double octave affair with a nice thick rosewood board on a maple neck. The body has a strip of maple flanked by wings of ash. The matching headstock gives this a real 80s look. This is an earlier 6 in a line model - the TS range became 3 by 3 as the earlier headstock migrated to the more expensive RS range. While the general direction for most of the big guitar plants in Nagano was to emulate as closely as possible the Fenders and Gibsons, Matsumoku never lost the spirit of adventure and looked in more exciting directions such as Alembic for inspiration. This example has just arrived from Japan, and has just been serviced, and now we can offer it for sale in excellent condition. Price £895 Availability Sold. A dark version just arrived! Recommendation Enjoy it as is. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups Protomatic (Extra) III (Alnico) Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge Matsumoku Design 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