Search Results

1978 Greco SE-500PR, A very rare version of the SE-500 < Back 1978 Greco SE-500PR J783017 The 1979 Specials Catalogues from Kanda Shokai had some real anomalies to catch out the experts 40 years later. The SE-450 with a 3 way switch (450 and 700 models were both modern 5 way switches to keep up with Fender's introduction of this in 1977) is next to a bright red SE-500 with a tortoiseshell plate on the page, called the SE-500PR. This was the first time a red Greco Strat could be ordered. If you ook up a YouTube video of Peter Frampton playing Show me the Way on the Midnight Special in late 1975, you can see him playing a red Strat with a tortoiseshell plate. This 500PR is a total copy of that guitar. Should it have been a 500PF? Typo in the catalogues? A popular opinion is that he was playing a Fiesta Red 62, a more contentious opinion is that it is a Fernandes model - forget that, there were none of these MIJ Strats in hallowed hands until a lot later in that decade. The PU-100 pick-ups are the evolution of the infamous Maxons from the early 70s - still slightly fatter dimensions to the Fender pick-ups. The 100 units had a little more power than the earlier versions, and the airy brightness does remind us of the Texas Specials - after all both of them are modelled on early 1960s tones with a bit more oomph. A little winding down of the tone pots will calm the brightness without losing the volume. The neck is a very familiar C profile - not the super skinny JV style that most associate with Fujigen produced Fenders. This feels a lot more like the early Squiers from Japan - the ones that are always 'keepers'. At 3.67kg, it is a comfortable weight. The condition of this guitar is amazing - we have changed the pots to premium Alphas to avoid having to drill the plate to accommodate them. A Sozo capacitor gets that warmth from the tone roll-off without the dullness. Everything else on this SE-500PR is original and it will add a rarity to a collection, or just serve as a really good everyday guitar - perfect to gig with. Even better if you are a Frampton tribute act and have a TalkBox. If you have a triple humbucker Les Paul because of Frampton, you ought to have this too. Price £845 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3-way Blade Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.67kg; 8lbs 1 oz Modifications New potentiometers ← 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

Westminster Competition Colors, I bet you just said "oh Wow"... < Back Westminster Competition Colors J780480 Offsets seem to be in fashion at the moment - Fender Mustangs are getting very expensive; a Mustang makes a stronger statement today than I expect Fender expected. This white, now creamy yellow 'Competition Colors' Westminster is a very unusual guitar to be seen in UK - Westminster was a mid-range brand offered mostly to the Australian and NZ market by Kanda Shokai (who owned Greco, Aria Pro II etc). Westminster Strats, Teles and other familiar styles of guitar and bass were in the same bracket as Kimbara and Pearl, but their Mustangs and Rick 4001 were of similar standard to Greco - definitely a level above the rest of the range from a materials and quality standpoint. The two original Maxon pick-ups are typically low output, and beg for a decent valve amp and/or a good overdrive pedal. Listen to the demo - they are grown up proper pick-ups - these can either whisper at you or scream at the top of their voice. This has the classic Mustang switching and the reverse phase setting is bordering on insane. Shouldn't work but does. Especially with that overdrive pedal notched up a bit. I'd buy this guitar just for that sound. I did actually. Short scale, this will feel familiar to proper Mustang players, and at 3.7kg (8lbs 2 and bit oz), has a "this is not a toy" feel to it. Those familiar with a Ben Gibbard model, may like this one - the substantial C neck is a dream. As with most Matsumoku models until the 1980's, necks remained substantial - not the skinny types. This plays as well as it looks good - timeless style and absolutely stage ready. Price £845 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 2 sliders on/off/on Bridge Dynamic Vibrato style Board Maple Weight 3.7kg; 8lbs 3 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

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. 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 FLASH SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability 1 only at Ketteringham Hall 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 Weight 3.66kg; 8lbs 1oz Modifications String Tree (Gotoh) ← 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 STJ-80BT VH7, A left-field choice well worth trying < Back Fernandes STJ-80BT VH7 No Number Buck Tick was (and still is) a well-known post-punk rock band in Japan – both guitarists are very loyal to Fernandes and have had signature models since the beginning. This is one of Hisashi Imai’s models – they became increasingly wild as the years progressed. We have had a few of these STJs in the last year - always popular due to the power to weight ratio. A double octave super slim and slick neck, fixed bridge and simple set-up – basically a Telecaster on steroids , then a dose of something illegal. These are pro-level instruments – obvious as soon as you pick it up. As we never tire of mentioning, we sourced, made and experimented with guitars for the late Keith Levene and this particular STJ was singled out by him for us to experiment with. We replaced the FGI-T pick-ups with a pair of VH-7 hot-rails style pick-ups, added a series option for them and now this guitar punches and shouts, yet with a quick roll back of the tone, becomes creamy and smooth. This now suits virtually any style of music you need it to deliver, but relishes the high gain - even metal - settings. Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation A left-field choice, but well worth a try. These pick-ups really make a difference. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year Mid-1990s Pick-ups Fernandes VH-7 bridge and neck Selector 3 way Bridge Gotoh GTC102 Board Rosewood Weight 3.21kg, 7lbs 1oz Modifications VH-7 pick-up upgrade; series/parallel via tone pot ← 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

Aria Pro II Backaroo Tele, Timeless Tele - packs a real punch < Back Aria Pro II Backaroo Tele B800002 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. Most of the new models in the catalogues were humbucker equipped guitars, and so to give the traditional Fender-based models a chance against them, a little "D" appeared at the end of some model names - the ST-600D and ST-850D offered much more powerful pick-ups known as FS-1 and modelled on the DiMarzio Fat Strats. Catalogues at the time offered no such enhancement for the Tele range, but as we have often seen, guitars were built at Matsumoku and other plants that didn't conform to the cataloges. Earlier this year we sourced 2 particular guitars being offered together from Japan that caught our eye - the beautiful ST-600D (B800256) and this Backaroo Tele (B800002). We are suckers for close serial numbers, especially when they appear to have been in the same hands since new. The ST-600D has FS-1 pick-ups - mightily powerful as you's expect; and the Backaroo had pick-ups that were obviously original to the guitar, but were different to the TE-450 and TL-500s we have previously had through here. These Backaroo pick-ups are not PU101 and PU-102 - they are significantly hotter; and the bridge unit has the tell-tale big magnets of a hotter pick-up. The neck unit reports 8.65kohms ad the bridge unit reports 13.82kohms. Therefore, we have a hot Tele here. All other aspects of this Backaroo conform to TE-450 and TL-500s of the time. A thoroughly well built high quality guitar that plays as well as guitars costing many times their price tag. We have given the guitar a new set of CTS250 premium pots, a Sozo capacitor, and a new CRL 3-way switch, and as it arrived with us without a scratchplate, we have produced 3 plates for the next owner to decide on the scheme. Standard Tele plates do not fit MIJ Teles from this era, so these are new plates that fit the Backaroo. Black (as original), Aged White (to match the ST-600D), and Cream. The serial number looks very interesting - it tells us nothing more than this guitar was the second guitar off the line on Friday, 1st of February, 1980; and our ST-600D later on that day. More than likely despatched to the same dealer, and given their arrival together with us, more than likely purchased together and stood in adjacent stands. Now they hang together on our wall, and if they were to leave here together then I am sure our generosity would be extended. However, on it's own, this is a fantastic Tele from the strongest era of Matsumoku production. And it packs a proper punch without losing the twang. Price £865 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups Maxon D-style Tele set Selector 3-way Bridge Original 6 saddle Tele Board Maple Weight 3.4 kg; 7lbs 7oz Modifications Your choice of 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

Maison® Junior, A real one - a Korean rarity < Back Maison® Junior No Number The little ® symbol on the headstock is the important bit - this is a genuine Korean Maison. This is not a modern Chinese house brand (even though they are actually quite good!) This is a mid 80s guitar (Pre YooJin acquisition) with a bolt on neck and a very good quality feel. The previous owner has upgraded the tail piece to get some intonation adjustability - always a decent idea on any Junior if you are soloing or chording high up the neck. The beauty of a bolt-on is that you can adjust the neck angle to your hearts content, and reverting to a traditional fixed tail is always possible. The P-90 is gritty, tamed well with the volume control, but rude as you like maxed. It is a little brighter than traditional TV Yellow, but none the worse for it - the paint is fairly thin in places as the previous owner was a keen polisher. It gives it a nice vintage look. This is simplicity and beauty combined - lovely to play also therefore a really eligible addition to any collection, or your sole guitar if your music style suits. We have a reputation for putting really fantastic pick-ups in guitars that had generic mass produced units, and getting the absolute best out of a guitar, therefore the guitar getting the absolute best out of you. From Arcane to TV Jones, from Haeussel to our own custom wound units, if more than one fundamental tone is required from a single pick-up, we have the ideas and the examples here for you to try. A set of Gotoh SE-770 at the other end would make this a proper sleeper. Price £845 Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect as is, but upgrade fun can be had... Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980s Pick-ups P-90 Selector N/A Bridge Hosco Board Rosewood Weight 3.12kg; 6lbs 14oz Modifications Adjustable Tailpiece ← 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

Echopark Arroyo, Your chance to be Dean Fertita (or Johnny Depp). < Back Echopark Arroyo Brooks Collection This is one of Gabriel Currie's Californian builds, and is the precise same spec as Dean Fertita's (QOTSA Reading 2014 video Burn the Witch). At a shade over 7lbs, the NOS mahogany results in a decent comfortable weight - the substantial C neck is very comfortable indeed - a solid handshake from this Arroyo. The choice of pick-ups on this build is sensational - the Arcane Echotron built to Currie's spec, and gives the lead tone a very special character clean and driven. The neck pick-up is a single coil goldfoil , another custom winding that manages to combine clarity and "lo-fi" perfectly. For the bridge pick-up, just listen to the Reading 2014 QOTSA Burn the Witch – that guitar is the exact same model and spec as this one. It is an Arcane Echotron which cuts and bites without overdoing it. The balance between the two is sublime. This is a guitar that lends its lo-fi character to every other tone you have in your head and delivers something more than you may have expected. It is old-stock Mahogany for body and neck , and a Macassar Ebony fretboard with medium Jescar frets. The bridge is a Tonepros wraparound, all other components are what you would expect (CTS, Gotoh, Switchcraft, PIO capacitor). There is a characteristic of all Echoparks that I have experienced – is it one of Mr. Curries idiosyncrasies? Maybe. The scratchplate doesn’t fit brilliantly – it curls a bit at the edges. It is a lot better than the aluminium affair that graced the Clarence that passed through here a while back. It’s character – proves it’s a real one! This is one of Gabe’s Californian builds – some say his best era. He’s not the easiest chap in the world to deal with, especially lately, but this guitar represents the finest qualities of his hands and mind. A solid handshake without being heavy, a neck like a telegraph pole without being unwieldy, and a green-burst finish that oozes quality and class. This is one of 2 Echoparks we have had here recently – both sublime. This one is still available here at the Hall – come and try it to see what the fuss is all about. Price £4,895 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2016 Pick-ups Echopark Goldfoil and Echotron Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge Tonepros Wraparound Board Macassar Ebony Weight 3.23kg; 7lbs 2oz 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 Schecter Omen Free Consultation Book Now Repair and Recommission This Schecter Omen is the Master Volume version - most are 3 controls. Affordable for a Schecter, but still not cheap. This one arrived under a fair covering of dust, and with its neck pick-up hanging off, and an output jack socket behaving like a kill switch. These Indonesian models are well built and can survive a fair bit of punishment. The neck pick-up had been punched so hard, the thread had stripped, but this is a simple fix, and now it is suspended appropriately from the surround. The output jack replaced, and a slightly errant earth wire no longer brushes against the push-pull chassis. These faults would have confined the guitar to a dusty corner for sure, but now it is back to life - fully recommissioned and sporting a set of DR Blacks in 011-050 guise to really give the metal rhythm the look as well as the sound. Everything cleaned and looking as if it has just left the factory. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Westone Paduak I, Really early Paduak < Back Westone Paduak I F810081 The previous owner of this had it from new, gigged relentlessly with it until life took over. It's missing its brass knobs currently, but we'll put that right as soon as we can. F810081 is an early model of Paduak with the regular Matsumoku neck plate, not the later Westone embossed plate. Not exactly a one-trick-pony - the F-450 humbucker is splittable, and the active boost gives a proper boost even when in single mode. The Brochure stated "greatly increased output" for the active circuit. They weren't kidding. It's no secret I am borderline obsessed with Paduaks. Not without reason I reckon. Price £595 Availability 1 only at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Ideal donor for sensitive upgrade Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1982 Pick-ups F-450 Selector coil split and boost mini-switches Bridge HD Brass Board Maple Weight 3.48kg; 7lbs 11oz Modifications Fender knobs ← 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

Gretsch Penguin - Stephen Stern Masterbuild, Rare chance to acquire a Stern Masterbuild < Back Gretsch Penguin - Stephen Stern Masterbuild UC22032277 Custom Shop Gretsches are usually very special, and this one was commissioned to be very special indeed. This is a Stephen Stern hollow body Penguin, in an extremely dark metallic green - almost black until it catches the light. Sparkly silver binding and cream sides and rear really makes this one stand out even amongst other Sterns and Madrigals. There are 3 Dynasonic pick-ups - these are 10.33k, 10.57k and 10.45k from neck to bridge, and all 3 sound phenomenal at any level of gain, and their character transforms from a warm clarity with low levels of gain right up to aggressive brightness as the drive increases; but they always feel in control - a more refined version of the original DeArmond 2000 on which they are based. Thanks to the crystal clear clarity on offer, mixing the pick-ups offers enormous versatility with tones you may not expect from a Gretsch. The control layout assumes a normal twin pick-up Gretsch in that the pick-up selector offer neck, neck and bridge, and bridge in its 3 settings, and each pick-up has its own volume control. The neighbouring toggle switch will activate the middle pick-up in any of the settings and its own volume control is the bottom knob. The middle can be heard on its own by turning the other pick-ups' volume down. On its own it is a very pleasant tone and pleasingly different. A third toggle switch feeds the signal through a pair of Squeezeboxes to give you the usual Gretsch tone pre-sets. A Master Volume with a treble bleed completes the control layout. The Bigsby provides the normal wobble of the pitch, but stays firmly in place at all times - no chance of tuning instability with this one. Almost unplayed since new, this joined a large collection and shows no signs of use. It comes in its original case complete with all the paperwork including CoA. This beautiful guitar has one tiny cosmetic flaw in that the paint has minor cracks in 2 places - one at the heel and the other at the bottom below the strap pin. The binding and paint have expanded at slightly different rates and this occurred a few weeks after delivery and has not changed since. Some have suggested this occurred in the aeroplane, but we can't commit to that. We have captured this in the photos and please contact us to let us show you over a videocall if this may be an issue. That tiny flaw aside, this is an outstanding guitar with an interesting and useful specification - Stephen Stern models are perhaps the most sought after modern Gretsches and chances to own one are few and far between. It is here at the Hall and can be viewed and played by appointment - thanks to recent UK politics, the exchange rate may well suit overseas buyers - we will ship worldwide, pack to extremely high standards and guitars are despatched with full value insurance. Price £7,450 Availability Sold Recommendation Be quick... Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2022 Pick-ups Gretsch Dynasonic Selector 3-way Toggle Bridge Bigsby Board Rosewood Weight 4.06kg; 8lbs 15oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos

Arnold Phoenix Electro Acoustic 2020, Sensational sounds, timeless class. < Back Arnold Phoenix Electro Acoustic 2020 No Number This is a very rare chance to sample the delights of an Alan Arnold acoustic guitar. Made in very small numbers by an internationally renowned luthier, Alan Arnold, this special Phoenix model is one of the finest he has ever built. This is one a handful he built with the Indian Rosewood body which gives it a lot of presence - all the Phoenix' are loud, but this has an incredible volume acoustically. The bass response is remarkable, but the one property that springs out immediately is the responsiveness. It can whisper, it can know its place in a line-up, but also bang out an amazing solo - your fingers really decide. This is the same plugged in - this is equipped with a Headway pick-up. Only the best for Alan. Tuners are Gotoh 510 in gold. The guitar suits a soloist perfectly - the neck is perfectly shaped for upper fret work. We have this guitar at the Hall now, and it will reside here until the next owner collects, or we ship it out. The guitar comes in a sturdy case and we would pack it with utmost care, and unless the buyer wishes otherwise, use an insured service. Price £4,195 Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2020 Pick-ups Headway Selector N/A Bridge Ebony 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

1980 Aria Stagecaster ST-500L, Lightly facelifted Lefty Strat with familiar MIJ feel. < Back 1980 Aria Stagecaster ST-500L L800383 We have one remaining lefty in stock here. This is a very rare model - left handers are few and far between. With its original tobacco-burst finish, and its VIN-54 pick-ups , this is already a fine guitar. We are stocking this as a donor for a DreamBuild upgrade , but would be happy to let it go as it is for the person who falls for its charms. As it is left-handed, the headstock decals are limited in what they tell us, but had this been right handed, it would have said Strikin’ Sound - the mid-range version that for a 20% price hike, could be offered in left handed orientation. We recently completed a DreamBuild based on an identical model - they are perfect donors for refinishing, and for hardware and electrical re-specification - keeping their vintage feel yet performing so much better than the established branded alternatives. We have given this ST-500L a slight makeover with a new black scratchplate, FS-1 DiMarzios from an ST-600D , and a good set-up, but the potential is here to go further and modernize its delivery. We can part with D800383 in its current specification for £725, but this is the ideal opportunity for a left handed player to get a maple neck Strat style guitar to sound and play precisely how they wish. The original finish on this guitar is remarkably nice, but a refinish is also feasible. Price £725 Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect quality donor for a left handed Dreambuild. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups VIN-54 Selector 3-way Bridge Original Gotoh Vintage Board Maple Weight 4.08kg; 9 lbs Modifications New black 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