Fernandes TE85-T, Sexy modern Tele < Back Fernandes TE85-T Signature Models have no serial numbers This beautiful recent arrival with us has blown us away. This model is another one of our Signature Model Fernandes – the TE85-T is a Judy & Mary, specifically, Takuya model – the one without the grafitti. The previous owner tells us this is a 1996 model – there are a couple of parking knocks on the lacquer, but nothing else to give away being 26 years old. It has the familiar active FGI-T pickup system, a single volume and selector switch. No tone control. Like the STJ models we have, this feels like a professional instrument as soon as you pick it up. This is a proper alternative to the established original Tele. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzW9_d5NW8A Price Availability £895 Sold Recommendation Stage ready professional standard Fender alternative Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1996 Pick-ups Fernandes FGI-T Active Selector 3 way Mini-switch Bridge Original Gotoh GTC201-B Board Maple 3.86kg; 8lbs 8oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

A high performance genuine vintage guitar you can and should take on the road. < Back Matsumoku クーパー Price £2,099 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! This is another superb example of a pre-serial number Matsumoku built Strat clone - it features the slightly more substantial neck profile than the later Fujigen and Aria products. This one arrived in decent condition but had worn its frets beyond the absolute limit. It has now been re-fretted with Jescar 55090 (similar to a vintage Gibson feel), and so favoured by guitarists in the 1970s who had worn their skinny vintage Fender frets down. The body has been sensitively modified to accept a modern pick-up, and now has a set of custom wound Clausens fitted with a new 5-way switch and potentiometers. The neck and bridge pick-ups are tapped units have 2 outputs selected by an S-1 switch on the master volume control. This offers everything from Gilmour to Trout and more beyond. Keeping the pick-ups in lower output mode calms the tone down if a super clean sound is desired, and switching to the higher output gets the very best out of a valve amp. It's all there, but most importantly we think, there is enough aggression and power in that bridge pick-up to get a nod of respect from the guy with the Les Paul. The in between settings are very wide and scooped - Knopfler to funk catered for. Engaging the higher output mode will give you more presence in the parallel settings. In the middle you can slip on a bottleneck and be Bonnie Raitt. A Master Tone control tames the higher frequencies with a SoZo PIO capacitor. The lower Tone control is a blender function to fade in the neck pick-up when the bridge pick-up, or middle and bridge pick-ups in parallel are in play; and which fades in the bridge pick-up when in the neck pick-up, or middle and neck pick-ups in parallel are in play. When in the higher output mode, the tone of the neck and bridge pick-ups together reminds us of the middle position on a Tele Deluxe. There are so many tones to get hold of with this configuration, and while the controls will require a little familiarization to seasoned Strat players, we wouldn’t change anything unless it offered an improvement. Once you are familiar with this control layout, this guitar adopts the character of a Swiss Army Knife. And all with the traditional look. The bridge and tuners are original Gotoh units - a (very) narrow string spacing (10mm saddles) and 2 1/16 E to E. We have upgraded the string trees. To the customer's specific request, we have refinished this guitar in Mercury-burst - the older darker version as seen in the 70s. The cream pick-up covers, controls and the black scratchplate complete the desired look. It tips the scales at 3.68kg (8lbs 2oz). Details The Look 1970s style Mercury-burst refinish. Will wear to Sunburst Headstock The infamous Gneco logo to mark you out as an early adopter. Personalized decal. Neck Oval C - slightly more substantial than a MIJ Fender. New 55090 frets. Pick-ups 3 x Clausen Custom (neck and bridge tapped). Bridge All original Controls Master volume (S-1 for output selector), Master Tone and Blender. 5-way CRL selector Gallery ← Previous Next→

Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Telecaster Thinline®NOS - Ron Thorn, < Back Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Telecaster Thinline®NOS - Ron Thorn RT0190 Produced by Ron Thorn, Principle Masterbuilder at Corona , this combines amazing looks with a compelling specification. Don't mistake this for a Parallel Universe Magico - they're great, but this is something a lot more special. Complete with CoA and SFT, and with the serial number RT0190, the translucent Daphne Blue Thinline has the following specification: A 2-piece ash body with AA Flame 9.5" radius maple neck , nitro lacquered with bone 1.625" nut, Dunlop 6105 frets and Oval C 60's style profile. 1st and 12th dimensions are 0.810" and 0.975". So far, a familiar set of numbers but now it starts to depart from tradition. The translucent Daphne Blue high gloss finish shows just enough of the grain and the edges are bound with White Pearl . The tuners are American Standard with White Pearl buttons. The bridge is a "chopped Tele bridge" with Ron Thorn's Brass knuckle saddle. A Master Volume and Tone control accompanies a 5-way selector switch. 3 Lollar Goldfoil soapbar pick-ups , each with a White Pearl surround, complete the specification. A few boutique and higher end pick-up winders are re-issuing a selection of Goldfoil units - Lollar have elected to remain faithful to the original mid-50's rubberized magnet construction and worked their magic on eliminating the microphonic characteristics and inherent low output nature of the originals. Lining up this Thinline together with traditional Teles and less traditional spec Teles, these Goldfoils lend a very distinct character to the traditional Strat configuration. Lo-fi and Hi-fi at the same time - not as piercing as Filtertrons, but a very enticing clarity. The middle on its own is a treat. Originally purchased by a prodigious collector, Tte guitar comes with a blue case and all of the candy. Despite the lack of miles on the clock, this guitar has taken a frustrating knock - undoubtedly an errant cable jack. Just into the ample lacquer, not in any way visible unless you know it’s there. But it is there. Obviously having absolutely no effect on the performance of the guitar, and the way it makes you feel when you play it, but it is the sole flaw with this beautiful guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAeenMex9UA Price Availability £6,499 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2019 Pick-ups Lollar Gold Foil Soapbar x 3 Selector 5-way selector switch, Master Volume and Tone Control Bridge "Chopped Tele bridge" with Ron Thorn's brass knuckle saddle Board Maple 2.8 kg; 6lbs 3 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 SE-600, Soul, bit of growl, authenticity. < Back Greco SE-600 Pre-serial Number I'm a sucker for a mystery mini-switch on a 1970s Strat - someone had gone to the trouble of routing a little channel and switch body pocket, studied an Esquire and hoped for a muffled speaker thumper output. They obviously thought they'd killed it as they ended up with a kill switch in both directions. It is harder to kill a 70s MIJ Strat than it is to save one, so I re-purposed the switch with a metre of wire to provide 2 series-connected tones; neck and middle, and bridge and middle, both in series to give a chunk of output, some growl and another dose of character to these already characterful Maxons. Maxons are always entertaining - the early 70s were the short fat ones, never more than 4.9k DCR, bright and airy, and welcoming a 1 meg or 500k potentiometer to bring the inner Hendrix out in you. Being such a low output means they can huddle together in series without the compression and muddiness of doing this with higher output units. Being a little way away from each other lends additional airiness, not just a thicker version of the single. Does it sound like a PAF? No, but it isn't a million miles away, and the tones you do get stand on their own 2 feet (bobbins). The paintwork is either a disaster, or endearing depending on what you need from a guitar. It has been very ungraciously refinished with an old paintbrush, and the quantity of paint probably adds half a kilo; but at least it is black, and no-one is going to notice on stage. Given the number of 600s out there in original finish, let's allow this one to soldier on as it is. The pick-ups and controls are all serviced and work just fine, the scratchplate reveal how much this guitar has been played - again, it looks honest. Where I would recommend some work is the frets. These are low - level, but low. These Mats/Fuji models never were particularly meaty, but you will have a year or so of slick comfy playing before some new ones are needed. Pre-76 models do not accept many replacement necks, and these necks are fundamentally excellent, so a re-fret is always justified. We are pricing this one accordingly, but if you can add £220 to the budget, we can put some fresh ones on, and you can decide what type you want. These necks respond brilliantly to Gibson style or Tall Narrow frets - but standard vintage would be the default. Big headstock, maple neck, 70s heft, genuinely old black Strat - this should tick some boxes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZT9Yq1_yAA This or a new Player II? Well, they were made to much higher standards in Japan. Comes with a Peavey 108 amp if you are an imminent teenager from Tacolnestone. Price Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Sold Recommendation give it for another 50 years Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple 4.47kg; 9lbs 13 oz Modifications Series/parallel switch 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

1984 Fernandes STC-70, The Edward J Olmos of heavy rock guitars < Back 1984 Fernandes STC-70 4120122 Price Availability ££££ Sold Recommendation Perfect for Metallica fans. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1984 Pick-ups HSS Selector 5-way Bridge Head Crasher Locking Board Rosewood 3.87kg; 8lbs 9oz 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

1972 Greco EG-420, Very rare 1972 Fujigen built Greco, great entry into the world of vintage guitars. < Back 1972 Greco EG-420 No Number A fine example of a 1972 Greco EG-420 is now available at Matsumoku. The 420 retains the dimensions and playing character of the 360, but has these amazing pick-ups. The neck is an early Maxon attempt at the Jazz / Rock combination , and whilst they are not indecipherable from each other, they do sound great. These 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 Selmer amps, and then a bit of GT-100 effects to see how they perform. These were produced in the Fujigen factory and there are plenty of folk who have the opinion that the quality control of these guitars were superior to those coming out of Gibson at the time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNo5Hfh5SAk These are not pure faithful Les Paul copies - these didn't appear until 1975, but they 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. Price Availability £££ Sold Recommendation Not on this one. Just enjoy it. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1972 Pick-ups Maxon Jazz Rock combination Selector 3 way Bridge Original (Fujigen) Board Ebony 3.6kg 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

Greco JB-450, Oldie but goodie < Back Greco JB-450 Pre-Serial Number The JB-450 was the premium model of this year - the maple fretboard a fairly expensive option over the rosewood of the JB-420. Some of the really early 1970s instruments are considered toys rather than serious instruments, but this is a serious instrument with a comfortable weight, fine sounding pick-ups and a proper constructed neck. These traditional jazz bass pick-ups more faithfully represent the sounds of a Jazzer than the mini humbuckers of previous iterations. They have a rounded deep clarity, and are too decent to upgrade. There are signs of life with this 52 year old bass - the chrome is pitting, (don't folk pay huge money for this look?) and there are a few parking knocks as you would expect. The original scratchplate has been sacrificed at the alter of Jaco Pastorius, and we have fitted this very appropriate plate. It plays very well, intonated perfectly, and has a friendly action that could be lowered even further if required. The truss rod has plenty of movement either way, and this just feels like a good old Jazz Bass - much more character than a new one, and for equivalent value, this one is of significantly higher quality construction. They were built to different standards back then - this is why we love the 1970s MIJ era. They never fail to impress; offer great value for money; don't need separately insuring, and are probably not even half way through their lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icE1V-AJS4g This one could feasibly and justifiably be upgraded with modern pick-ups, a modern bridge, modern tuners - of course this would be fantastic. But this is good enough to provide good service as it is. Price Availability SOLD Sold Recommendation Fine as it is, suitable for upgrade fun though Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon Selector n/a Bridge Original Board Maple 4.4kg; 9lbs 12oz Modifications Fancy scratchplate Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

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

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Nothing on this bass hasn't been refurbished, rebuilt or sensitively replaced. < Back Hofner 5148 Verithin Bass Free Consultation Book Now Full repair & restoration to original specification Carrying the serial number 682, this is the last known 5148 Verithin Bass produced . Despite leading a busy life, and slightly less than optimal storage conditions for such an instrument, it is adored by its owner. The initial brief was fairly simple - reset the neck and try and make it playable at the lower end of the fretboard. That brief soon expanded... Disassembling the guitar for checking and cleaning soon produced a seemingly never-ending list of "do while we're there" , and as a result, nothing on this wonderful bass hasn't been refurbished, rebuilt or sensitively replaced. The pick-ups were intermittent in their behaviour. The windings had all but perished . The new replacements for these pick-ups are significantly hotter than the originals and so these originals were re-wound to exact specification . Now we have the original tones, and they are so characterful. The selector switch had thrown a leaf and so was replaced by a modern equivalent albeit identical on the outside. The potentiometers were in poor shape, but we rescued them (they don't build them like this anymore). Via this exercise, I can reliably assure a skeptical world that there is a noticeable change in tone when running these pick-ups through CTS pots, although renewing capacitors made no difference at all with the original pots. I think we'd need to find a Tupolev TU-104 cockpit on Ebay to find a suitable replacement for these. The obvious issue with this at the outset was of course the neck . Half in half out of its pocket, major surgery was required to release it fully, and get it back where it should be in order to compensate for the bowed neck (way beyond truss-rod correction). A second round of work may take place in the future that removes the fretboard and deals with the ski-slope at the upper frets, but for now, the guitar plays perfectly well between the 1st and 13th fret . Until this work takes place, a Viola style bridge saddle replaces the original item due to having more adjustment potential therefore allowing an appropriate action working together with the revised neck angle, and getting over the ski-jump. This Verithin is now back in service, looking and sounding glorious, playing comfortably and most of all reliably. (Photo credit to Andrew V., owner of the Verithin Bass) Gallery ← Previous Next→

Jimmy Page Conversion < Back Epiphone Les Paul Upgrade Free Consultation Book Now Full Electrics Upgrade Once understood, the complexity of this configuration is always forgiven as the enormous range and types of tone now available gives you ample reason to include a few timeless classics in the set-list because you can nail the exact sound. Knowing the riff is fair enough, but getting the sound as well will get you more appreciation. You are likely to fiddle around with the push pulls and declare "that's that sound!" more than once. This configuration can be achieved for any 4-conductor pick-ups, but I strongly advise you to opt for Tony Edwards' Jimmy Page humbucker set (in any look you wish, we just adore zebra) and then it is the best of all worlds - these medium output pick-ups are sublime, and if you are used to the mid-heavy raunch of mega-DCR pick-ups, just pull up the neck tone knob and bring in more DCR - tailor the sound precisely. If you need a Mustang skinny punk riff, it's there; if you need a bluesy neck Strat tone, a damn close version is there. This is not just for Jimmy Page covers. Peter Green is there, just about any Les Paul tone is there or close enough. Swiss army knife with magnifying glass and tweezers and toothpick. Only CTS pots are used - we can work with skinny bodied guitars - even SG's have been achieved. No silliness with mega-bucks BumbleBee caps unless you have the budget for it - there is not a lot of room in the cavity for all this wizardry - stick to Sozo, it will sound the same. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj5EaqAxjos Gallery ← Previous Next→