Rickenbacker 4001 CS - Signed by Chris Squire, A Must-Have for a Yes Fan < Back Rickenbacker 4001 CS - Signed by Chris Squire 306/1000 Limited Edition This desirable and collectible bass is signed by the late great man himself and is photographed around his neck for provenance. This is #306 of the limited run of 1,000; only a tiny fraction of these were held and signed by Chris Squire in person. The Certificate of Authenticity accompanies the guitar. It is a large headstock version produced in December 1991. The bass is in fine condition, and has been put to use - it is no case queen; yet still in great condition. Under the red and cream is a maple body, maple neck and the normal Rickenbacker rosewood board. It is a fine tribute to Chris Squire's 1974 4001. Obviously this is a serious investment and we welcome any communications via the website to discuss and review the instrument and the provenance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nov2NA4WaLw Price Availability £12,495 No longer available Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1991 Pick-ups Original Rickenbacker Selector 3-way Bridge Original Rickenbacker with operational mute Board Rosewood 4.54 kg; 10lbs 0 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

Super-versatile shred/ballad beast < Back TEJ-55G MMK Price £995 Add to Cart Chat with Us Familiarization will obviously be required to remember how these tones are obtained, but it really does soon become intuitive. We always favour a simpler aesthetic and stealthy functionality. The fundamental tuners are original to the guitar, but the buttons have been replaced to match the fabulous Gotoh 510-T tremolo that is a vast improvement over the original Fernandes Knife-edge unit. These Gotoh units are fitted to very premium luthier built MIJ guitars (and some mega-bucks USA makes too). They are eye-wateringly expensive, but with these, you get what you pay for. Not only is the tremolo action smooth, the fancy block provides a bucket load of sustain that the original aluminium block was incapable of giving. It can do a great impression of a lap-steel although the action is a bit low for a bottleneck. Black and Gold strap locks complete the hardware upgrades, and the road-worn finish still polishes up nicely - just add to the ring-dings that pepper the top, and are a testament to how this guitar has plied its trade. Due to the fact that you can hide a packet of JPS ciggies on this guitar, it was very close to joining our Lotus Classic Team series representing the JPS era, but this is just too amazingly good to be a case-queen / show-case guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRcbzEzsuT0 The Fernandes TEJ-55 was a rare model even when new, and was essentially a TEJ-70 without the FGI-T active pick-ups, and G models had the gold hardware. These were a whole quality level up from the more basic TEJ models - as soon as your hand meets the neck, this will become apparent. Premium models with cheaper pick-ups are our favourite as we can recreate an instrument that retains the premium feel and then add amazing pick-ups and functionality. The LH-1 humbucker is now replaced by a Kent Armstrong HSDE model (predecessor of the Grinder model) which packs an almighty punch in series mode, but has enough strength and presence in the individual coils to let them be voiced individually and provide some shimmering clean tones. The guitar retains a simple look with the pick-up selector and master volume and tone controls, but both chickenheads are governing premium CTS push pull knobs to enable 4 distinct modes. Mode 1: (Volume and Tone pushed in) This is Power Tele mode with the neck single coil, the neck and bridge humbucker in parallel, and the bridge humbucker available from the toggle selector. Ideally suited for driven tones, the humbucker will struggle to stay clean even on a solid state Fender amp. But stamp on the OD-3 or change to the drive channel and this guitar packs an almighty punch. Mode 2: (volume knob pulled up) This is metal mode - the middle and lower selection on the toggle voices just the full humbucker, and by flicking the toggle between neck and middle positions enables a kill switch function. Great fun and no need for another button. Mode 3: (Tone knob pulled up) This is sweet mode. The 3 single coils behave as individual units - the middle position voices all 3 in parallel for the sweetest Strattiest tone possible; and the bridge position voices the Kent Armstrong in parallel configuration which retains a huge presence but increases the clarity and definition. Amps will break up less and you'll get a P-90 type of aggression but never losing the treble response. Mode 4: (both knobs pulled up) Country Clack. 2 tones to choose from here - the bridge single coil for a hot Tele bite, and the neck position provides a tone most associated with Gretches and Rickies. Some partial phase trickery is taking place as all 3 single coils are connected into series. It's very unusual and not found on any stock guitar we have ever heard (Parker Fly got close). Details The Look Roadworn and ready for more Headstock 1980s and 90s pointy headstock nirvana. Neck Skinny shredder with 43mm nut and 12" radious Pick-ups Kent Armstrong - covers all bases Bridge Gotoh 510 T in gold Controls Master Vol and Tone, both push pull for mode selection. Metal, ballad, Rock, Country Gallery ← Previous Next→

Greco SE-500N, The Case Queen < Back Greco SE-500N F763771 Open the case pocket and find the accessories that accompanied this flawlessly perfect SE-500N including the sales ticket. It may as well be Summer 1976. F763771 is a time-warp condition example - a white-glove job that only comes out for very special occasions. It has a headstock to match full seventies collar, and a skinny neck to match the tight fit tank top. Crystal clear Maxons and a perfectly functioning tremolo invite us to enjoy this guitar, but the condition scares us into gently placing it back in its case. This is a collector's dream. And yes, it is a Fujigen product - production had skipped across town to there by this time. Price Availability £1,500 1 only at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Collectors of near flawless vintage guitars especially pre-Fender Fujigen Strats Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage Tremolo (covered) Board Maple 3.51kg; 7lbs 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

The best value way into Vintage guitars < Back Matsumoku DB-500N Price £££ | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! This lovely old warrior arrived with us as a long retired but one previous owner late 1973 Matsumoku built Greco SE-500. As normal with long retired guitars, the electrics were very worse for wear - and the neck was bordering on fretless. Low frets on guitars mean it has been played and played - it is usually a sign of a very nice guitar. Tipping the scales at 4.5kg (9lbs 15oz) this is a proper late 1970s Northern Ash weight, but not quite a boat anchor. The 5 piece necks on 1973 models were always a little heavier than later one piece skinnier models so the balance seems fine. The SE-500 bridge units were the first units that genuinely resembled the Fenders, and this one is original with the solid steel block and it sustains beautifully - a combination of the weight and the bridge working together perfectly. There are 2 odd saddles - the E and B are saddles from an earlier SE-430 bridge, and 2 of the fixing screws are different from the rest. With the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality, I have kept this as it is - it works absolutely perfectly, and keeps the costs down to get this to you for a friendlier price. Not everything survived though - the tuners had seen a lot of work and were loose beyond repair. In there place is a set of Chrome Gotoh SD-91 with black buttons - a bit of collars and cuffs for the scratchplate and string guides. The frets were almost completely gone, and were a proper challenge to remove; but in their place is a fresh set of Jescar 55090 Tall Narrow which always works on an old full C Harayama style neck. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfkbXp_eTh8 The pick-ups were sadly shot to pieces - and these have been replaced with a set of Maxon Excel PU-119 units from a 1979 SE-700 which gave them up for a set of Haeussel Desperados. PU-119 pick-ups enjoy a great reputation for a true Fender-like chime and clarity - we have in the past upgraded a few Player Plus Fenders to PU-119 instead of the often disappointing noiseless coils they come with. Some folk would rather have the soul and character of an older pick-up rather than the results of more brutal cost cutting by the 'big boys'. These PU-119s are 5.8-5.9k, and as they are from an SE-700 that had a 5 way switch, the middle is RWRP - quite rare as the vast majority of PU-119 were governed by 3 way selectors. The pots are new CTS250k, the selector is a CRL, and the knobs are the premium comfort knobs as found on the very top end USA Strats. A small design difference but a magnificent one. Precise changes easy and accidental changes unlikely. We mounted this all on a black sratchplate, and cut the scratchplate with the little access cover for the truss rod - a design detail seen on 1973 Grecos. The lower tone control governs the bridge pick-up, the upper tone control looks after the neck and middle. The lower tone control is a push-pull that when pulled up will put the neck and bridge pick-ups into series when the neck pick-up is selected. When the neck and middle are selected, the bridge pick-up joins the neck in series, and the series pair in parallel with the middle. 2 more very useful tones. The outcome of these modifications is a fine sounding guitar with the traditional configuration, renewal of the critical components that spell reliability, and renewal with premium items usually found on guitars costing many thousands of pounds. Not many vintage guitars of this era will have new frets - once this level of expenditure is made, its usually a keeper! It purposefully doesn't have a new guitar look as it isn't one - it's 51 years old, and probably the best value route into the vintage/giggable/'no need to separately insure' area. Quality out of Matsumoku back then was really worrying the CBS boys - a few hours with this one, and you'll see why. We can always continue with the modernization and upgrading now or in the future, but this one is good to go as it is, and has as friendly a price as we can given the love it has had in the last month. Details The Look Naturally aged natural Ash with black scratchplate - a real 1970s vibe here. Headstock Old school Gneco decal but all new hardware on it - new SD-91 tuners, trees and nut. A splash of black to match the plate. Neck This is a classic full C Harayama 5 piece neck - again, right in the 1970s. Pick-ups 3 glorious PU119 units from 1979 - donated by a premium SE-700 that went onto even greater things. Bridge The original Matsumoku produced unit with all its little modifications since new. Not pretty, but in keeping with the character of the guitar, and most of all perfectly functional. Controls new CTS pots and CRL 5-way with soft-touch Fender knobs. A push pull on the lower tone puts the neck and bridge pick-ups into series when the neck pick-up (and neck and middle) is selected. Gallery ← Previous Next→

1978 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties, The ones that scared the hell out of Fender... < Back 1978 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties A783328 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 3.6kg (8lbs 0oz) 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 A783328, 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=rX1HFDGssFc Price Availability £1,195 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 3.64kg; 8lbs 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

1973 Greco SE-500B (RW), Rare spec time-warp Matsumoku < Back 1973 Greco SE-500B (RW) Pre-serial Number This is a rather rare opportunity to have a rosewood neck on a Matsumoku built Strat from the early 1970s. This guitar fundamentally dates from late 1973 - the bridge and the tuners are perfect for this period. Rosewood necks were an 18,000Yen option on these guitars - quite a chunk of money in the 1970s. Under the rosewood board is the engineered 5 piece maple neck - held in very high esteem by MIJ enthusiasts. A departure from the Fender style, but Matsumoku were always trying to improve on tradition - facsimile copies were not the objective despite the talk of Lawsuit era etc. This one arrived from Japan in almost time-warp condition - the frets were, however, almost worn to nothing so a fresh set have gone on, and the rosewood board refurbished to take a slight hump that the rod couldn't cope with. It's now as good as new and ready for another few decades of service. The pick-ups are classic short fat Maxon singles - 4.5k, and the sort of output that makes you braver with the gain knob on the amp or the OD-3. Bright, airy but digs in and makes sure it is heard in any mix. With the neck refurbishment, this guitar feels and plays like a very premium model; and will happily sit alongside a modern Fender in a rack - it may even put it to shame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIDT4nmF4Tg This guitar still has its original case, its original strap is still in the pocket. Price Availability £895 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxons Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood 3.68kg; 8lbs 1oz Modifications Re-fretted 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 modern everything else < Back Matsumoku SE-500 Floral Price £1,600 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! I write about Harayama elsewhere 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 one fine example. Based around a 1973 Matsumoku built Greco (the original Gneco decal stays) SE-500, this already fine guitar has traded most of its hardware and all of its electronics for a modern and vastly improved specification. The glorious neck remains with its original frets - all dressed and perfected to retain the vintage "run-in" feel. The body has its original White polyurethane finish - just one or two signs of a good life remain to indicate it has been around for nearly 50 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE_upA0Ev2Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6msZhf2OGIU This SE-500 is part of a trilogy of 1973 Matsumoku 'Gnecos" - a Strat, a Tele and an Esquire complete the set. As well as the general aesthetics, these guitars also share a common specification for hardware and electronics. This one has a set of Evil Sheep 'Sheep Experience' pick-ups - a clever blend of AlNiCo 2 and 5 across each one to deliver clarity from bass and treble ends. They are medium output - not too hot, but deliver a lot more punch than the original Maxons. We now have a 5 way control instead of the original 3 way, and standard volume and tone circuits. The amazing Matsumoku designed bridge (that featured on guitars for only a year) has been replaced by a Gotoh 510NST unit to retain the narrow string spacing but provide the most reliable and comfortable tremolo function. A beautifully printed scratchplate design really makes this guitar stand out. I frequently hear folk who sample this guitar say "it plays feels like I can't afford it", but compared with the majority of good 1973 Strats, it isn't as pricey as you may expect, and much higher value in terms of how you can use it. All the original parts and components for this guitar are safely stored in our archive and would come with the guitar either stored with us, or with you. All are in working order and could be returned to the guitar at any point in the future. The bridge would require minor surgery, but nothing particularly difficult. Details The Look Part of the floral trilogy, and the scratchplate design aside, this guitar retains a lot of its original look. Shiney new chrome Gotoh hardware always looks good on these models. Headstock The tuners are rebuilt originals - in perfect working order. New string trees improve stability Neck An original Harayama 3-piece maple neck with beautifully dressed frets - ready to provide comfortable and free playing in every circumstance. Pick-ups 3 x Evil Sheep 'Sheep Experience' with all AlNiCo5 for the neck pick-up (5.9k), a mixture of AlNiCo 2 and 5 on the middle and bridge (6.1k and 6.5k) and this results in warm and bluesy, or rock and roll when you need them. A fine balance. Mark takes care to use very specific wire for these - his efforts have paid off handsomely. Bridge Marvin warbles and Gilmour dives are easily taken care of with the Gotoh 510NST bridge unit - a very fine high end unit. Controls Traditional 5 way switching, volume and tone controls here - only the finest quality parts used. Gallery ← Previous Next→

PRS SE Custom 24 "Lefty", Time-warp condition < Back PRS SE Custom 24 "Lefty" R28186 This is a fine example of the timeless classic PRS in rare lefty format. This one is so mint, that the rear spring cover wrap is still on it - it has been part of a large collection now being thinned out due to an unfortunate condition that denies the owner the pleasure of playing. This model is still current - this one is a WMI Korean build, and controversially maybe, the Korean ones had a choice of superior woods than later Surabaya builds. Anecdotal, but I predict these MIK models will outlast the MII and be cheaper to maintain in the long run. The guitar produces the tones you would expect from a PRS - the coil-splitting function adds a nice bit of versatility. Fretwear is absent, you will spend ages holding the guitar up to the light even to find a polishing mark. We don't usually have the confidence to say "as new", but we'll make a brave exception here. Complete with the gig bag, the tools and warranty ticket, even the receipt; this guitar is serviced and ready to gig. Price Availability £675 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Bargain! Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2017 Pick-ups 85/15 S Selector 3 - Way Bridge PRS Patented Tremolo Board Rosewood 3.56kg; 7lbs 15oz 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

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→

Full rescue! < Back Aria Pro II LS600D VS Free Consultation Book Now Restoration Most folk only realise how great these guitars are after they have traded them in for Gibsons. Sure, the brand doesn't have the universal aspirational appeal of the Gibson, but the actual guitar itself punches well above its weight - back in the 1980s, these were actually obtainable; not a huge volume available, but at a price that could be saved up for. Functionally, this was the model with all the toys - massively powerful pick-ups that blow hot T-Tops into the weeds, 2 albums worth of tones, and that probably unnecessary booster, but always nce to have even more on tap. Silky smooth to play, a decent weight and materials that compare favourably with any high end contemporary Gibson - everyone that traded theirs in eventually regretted it. This one had undergone a very traumatic attempt to recommission - I think the technician probably came off worse than the guitar - these are complicated beasts. No reliable formal technical guides exist for them, and you either know how these go together or you don't. Luckily we do - it is what we exist for. With only the bridge pick-up making any noise, and the mini-toggles behaving like kill-switches, a valiant attempt had been made to re-install the original pick-ups. This really was a rip it up and start again full re-wire, and now we have the coil splits and the phase reversal doing their jobs, and that lovely creamy neck pick-up is back. The booster and Varitone are now configured correctly again, all the little details are right. This now feels like its a few years old - beautifully played in; but most importantly has all its functions again. They really don't make them like this any more. It's hard to believe, and easy to fall for all the super-slick marketing efforts of modern brands, but until you play one like this, you don't have the right benchmark. They were built to outlast us all, maybe provide a nervous breakdown for Gibson worshipping technicians, but look after them and they'll look after you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7df_5ijWDsg Gallery ← Previous Next→

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