1973 Greco SE-500N, < Back 1973 Greco SE-500N Pre-serial Number This is a fine example of a pre-serial number Matsumoku Stratocaster destined for the home market in Greco guise. Despite being significantly cheaper than the imported US equivalent, this guitar represents incredible value for money compared to the “real thing” from 1973. The neck profile is a substantial C, unlike the later and better-known JVs, the scale is as you would expect unlike some very early Strat clones. The pick-ups are pure Maxon – bright and airy, and the scratchplate still carries the original 1meg pot for the volume and a pair of 500s for the tones. This will upset the purists, but these pots get the best out of the Maxons. The original 3-way switch remains and has had sufficient use to allow us to find those in-between settings. The grain on this pancake body construction is sublime – up close it has a few knocks and dings from 50 years of use, but it wears them well. This guitar has been a busy one – the frets are worn to absolute limit, yet it still plays sublimely – those that like a low action on their Strats will adore this one. We think there is a year or two left in these frets and this will be a rhythm guitarists best mate for a while until a re-fret is finally due. When guitars with worn frets arrive, we often just put on a nice new set of tall narrow, or some nice fat 70s Gibson frets to give it that real 70s feel; but this one we will leave to the next owner to decide – the last year of service these provide will be a fantastic year. Or, we can give it the Dave Edwards treatment and convert it to something resembling one of Rory Gallagher’s fleet – some fancy pick-ups, some unusual tonal variety – even a pair of humbuckers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6unJKL_Cc8 Price Availability £££ Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon x3 Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple 4.13kg; 9lbs 2oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoEf8vwqd6A 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 Availability £7,450 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 4.06kg; 8lbs 15oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

Greco SE-450, Fender before it was Fender < Back Greco SE-450 H773531 Always a firm favourite here, a white Greco with the added bonus of a Rosewood board so a proper 1960s look! The necks on the Fujigen guitars are a much slimmer C than the earlier Matsumoku models from across town. The pick-ups are original to the guitar and by mid 1977 had evolved to PU-100s, retaining the snappy and airy brightness of the older units, but with 8.07 to 8.22k DCR instead of the 5.8 - 6.0 we see on the pre-PU100 evolution. A real outstanding feature of this guitar is the 3.34kg weight - compared to many of the guitars from 1977, it is particularly light in weight which makes it a real pleasure to play. The 450 model had a slightly slimmer body - just a few mm, than the 500 models. This is the type of guitar that will hook you in before you even plug it in - it has an acoustic ring we only experience with either expensively upgraded models, or very high end Fenders. This one has been maintained very well throughout its life, the slightly faded white paint gives it that proper vintage look. This is a prime example of a mid range guitar competing admirably with premium models - it has an amazing soul - I bet you're Hendrix in less than an hour on this one! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWk1W3o4C8I Price Availability SOLD Sold Recommendation Learn some Jeff Beck Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3-way Bridge Original Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood 3.34kg; 7lbs 6oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

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? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAZvA_uV4lw 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 3.29kg; 7lbs 4oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

Greco SE-430, The Survivor. < Back Greco SE-430 Matsumoku Stamped This is a fabulous rescue story. This 1973 Greco has remained totally original throughout its life - for years it hung in possibly the most tobacco stained bar in Japan, and languished in a junk shop for a few years before we saved it. It took hours and hours of "de-nicotining", a small repair to the bridge pick-up leads, a tiny adjustment to the truss rod, and finally a decent set of 010s. Now it sings. No-one who has sampled this survivor has managed not to fall in love with it. Hardened Les Paul players respect it; expensive modern Fender players are slightly perturbed by it. Like a lot of our favourite guitars here, it pulls the music out of you; it leads you to odd places and unlocks things. My favourite comment from a guest here is "you just can't not play this thing - it's haunted - it's playing through me". Price Availability Private Stock Stays at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation I have maple neck versions under restoration - we can talk about these Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon 13414 Selector Original 3-way Bridge Greco vintage tremolo Board Rosewood 3.88kg; 8lbs 9oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

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→

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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 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

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 £££ Sold 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 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

Greco TE-280, Old Warrior ready for battle < Back Greco TE-280 Pre-serial Number Another great old Tele from that golden era. This one arrived covered in green sparkly stickers and missing its bridge completely. Presumably once very busy, but retired less than gracefully, there is no 1970s MIJ guitar that can't be rescued and made to live on indefinitely. Now wearing new frets, sporting a new Wilkinson Bridge and a Maxon bridge pick-up to match the creamy perfection of the classic Tele-neck Maxon, this Tele is ready to serve and try to puts its sticker bombing and parts-raiding behind it. The Wilky bridge came with a brass plate for the pick-up base, and this is now adapted for the Maxon pick-up. Is there a difference? The sound gives up less easily - there is a sense of strength to the tone, but doesn't fundamentally affect the signature howly snarly tone. It used to be white, its now yellow - a lot of the MIJ white guitars are now yellow; but not true yellow, just has "become yellow". The new frets give it the new guitar feel, but you're never in doubt this is an oldie, and the Gibson scale will remind you this is a MIJ oldie. The truss rod cover clearly harks back to the late 60s and early 70s models from Fujigen and Matsumoku. They are usually missing so it is great to have it still in place. Spelling errors too - all lovely early 1970s MIJ. Being the lowly TE-280, there is a sense of purpose rather than a celebration of Leo Fender. Fans of neck pick-ups don't usually default to the Tele, but that all changes when there is a Maxon involved. It needs a new category - it is warm, creamy and smooth, yet still bites and has an airiness. The bridge will provide everything from Country to Punk - especially Punk. It can sound very angry indeed. Its the Tele you can take to the pub - no need to panic about it. It is ready to earn a living. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blz4jer2_UI Price Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Sold Recommendation Play the hell out of it Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Wilkinson Board Maple 4.03kg; 8lbs 14oz Modifications Wilkinson Bridge plate & brass pick-up base Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08