Epiphone Emperor Jo Pass, Great value < Back Epiphone Emperor Jo Pass S6124920 This is a Korean made JP, a Samick produced version, so assured of a very solid construction unlike some Indonesian and Chinese versions. This one has a delightful Bigsby tremolo which is rarely seen on an Emperor, and this plays wonderfully with it; tuning is stable and it doesn't slide around the top like a few Gretsches we have wrestled with. The Epiphone humbuckers are perfect for this application - the original Alnico 2 units really don't need upgrading if the warm jazzy sound is what you want. The bridge humbucker can get dirty and aggressive so it is fine to cover a bit of Joe Pass and Billy Duffy in the same set. This was a busy guitar about 10 years ago - anyone who has stayed at any North Norfolk holiday parks may have seen this guitar with its late owner entertaining heartedly. We have just recommissioned it after a few years storage, and its good to go again. There is a little scar you can see on the upper cutaway - this is lacquer deep and not in any way structural. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0Hx4Jr2BIw Comes with a hard case and original Epiphone parts to convert this to a non-Bigsby if that is preferred. Price Availability £££ Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1996 Pick-ups Alnico 2 Humbuckers Selector 3-Way Bridge Bigsby Board Rosewood 3.4kg; 7lbs 8oz 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

Gibson Marauder, A bit of Gibson history < Back Gibson Marauder 72308092 1978 Gibson Marauder The Marauder links Massive Attack, Pete Shelley, Queens of the Stone Age and was the sacrificial instrument of choice for Paul Stanley to sledge hammer the stage floor during Kiss encores. Produced between 1974 and 1982 in small numbers, this was Gibson’s response to huge competition from Japanese imports, and an attempt to claim more of the residual market from Fender. Bolt-on necks from Gibson is a little similar to a straight 6 in a Mustang to many, but this should just add to the appeal. Let the debates rage on regarding that bridge pick-up – ‘Hot Bill’ claims they are humbuckers, not singles – Gibson certainly told us this in their catalogues. We can let our eyes deceive us. Many of the guitars we have here at Matsumoku are the reason this guitar exists – it is fabulous to have them together to compare them. This example has the blender function instead of the earlier 3 position toggle – a trade-off between simple but limited tone selection, and near infinite variety between the neck and bridge tones. Swings and roundabouts… There is no Tune-o-Matic bridge here – Hot Bill Lawrence believed in the high quality of Schaller units, and so the Marauder features a Schaller Harmonica. This is never going to compete with a Les Paul, but would happily sit alongside one. It’s ideal for folk who sit firmly in the Gibson camp even when they need a Tele Deluxe – everyone needs a Tele Deluxe at some point. It’s as heavy as you’d expect a mahogany body to be – Gibson folk will be well used to this – Fender types may need a sturdy strap. How it sounds is so subjective it needs your own ears to determine – but again, it’s mahogany so expect a darker mood and a little boost on the amp’s treble control even at the bridge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8bPZwmBLs0 The important fact is that it all works and looks as it should. It has a tiny bit of pitting on the harmonica, a little belt buckle and wedding ring evidence. It’s in better nick than I was in at 44 years old. It’s here at the KettHall studio undergoing a sensitive re-commissioning and will reside here with us until someone decides they can give it a new home. There is a slightly tragic reason for sale, and will be sadly missed by its owner of 40 years. It has been lightly used, it’s obviously perfect for a collector who has a Marauder shaped gap in the collection. Despite being one of the underdogs of 1970’s Gibson range, it will (in this condition) unlikely ever be cheaper. As well as the re-commissioning, it will have the highest possible quality professional set-up from the hugely talented Matsumoku tech-team. It will be ready to play, or can be made ready to store if that is the plan. Book a slot to try it with our amps, or bring your own – spend some time with it acoustically – whatever you need. These don’t come through here very often; given its condition, it may not hang around here for long. Price Availability ££££ Sold Recommendation Perfect for the collector, investor or those that just need to scratch an itch Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Bill Lawrence Selector Blend pot Bridge Schaller Harmonica Board Maple 4.57kg; 10lbs 1oz 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

Aria Pro II ASB-60, Transition period Medium Scale with toys < Back Aria Pro II ASB-60 No Number By the time this bass was built, the Matsumoku plant in Japan had become Nanbu Park, and the remaining stock of parts had been transferred to Korea to continue production. The ASB range was a medium scale offering, and had the spirit of the older SB models, but has been largely forgotten as the Integra range took over. These ASB models are too good to overlook - they feel and play like the older MIJ guitars. This one had certainly been busy - the bodywork is very worn, but doesn't detract from looking great from the audience. The fun starts with the switching. 2 stealthy S-1 switches for master volume and master tone. When both are unactivated, the bass operates as a traditional PJ style with the 3-way toggle. With the Tone control S-1 activated, the phase of the Precision unit is reversed to get that nasal tone that you think you'll never use, but always do. With the Volume control S-1 pressed, a whole new world appears. The 2 pick-ups are connected in series, but the D and G strings are in reverse phase. If the Tone control S-1 is activated, the phase reversal is swapped to the E and A strings. Witchcraft? No, just having the maximum fun with what tones a PJ is capable of producing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAInSAgMiiI The video demo is very necessary, obviously. This bass will make a fine work-horse, and bass solos will take on a whole new character with the series/phase options. A little mad? Yes, but a whole lot of fun. Price Availability £595 Sold Recommendation Thru'neck and versatile Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1989 Pick-ups AP-2; Super Boomer Selector 3 Way Bridge Original Board Rosewood 3.78kg; 8lbs 5oz Modifications New Wiring Schematic 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

The ultimate spec in an International Series tribute. The best, everywhere. < Back Matsumoku Monaco H79 Price £2,395 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! The Monaco H79 is a re-finished and re-imagined 1978 Greco SE-800 - the top of the range instrument of the day, and a tribute to the 54 Strat. During this time Fujigen were trying so hard to court Fender and this was how they did it. Refinished, but not polished, in yellow nitrocellulose, a little of the grain makes itself known, the rest of this guitar is a nod to the International Series Monaco. The original International series had the big headstock, the bullet truss rod; as did the MIJ re-issues and so does the current reissue (did I start a trend?). Our Monaco tribute has the small headstock and the C profile neck. Instead of Vintage Fender pick-ups, I decided to explore the delights of D Allen pick-ups and ordered a set of Echoes for this. These are not a simple copy of the Seymour Duncan SSLs - they are essentially his celebrated 69 VooDooBlues set but with an extra gear on the bridge. The volume knob sports an S-1 switch which will bring in the additional winding (7.6k to 12.5k). Coil taps on Strats offer a very useable alternative to resorting to a humbucker installation with coil split. This is also a lot less complex and convenient than adding a boost facility via pre-amp and 9V. It retains the fundamental soul of a Strat, and doesn't give you the hassle of massive volume changes between settings. The S-1 really lets you make the change quickly and precisely - Comfortably Numb has never been more convenient! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarCZ_IeSRw We have given this a Master Volume, Master Tone arrangement and assigned the lower tone control to neck blend function via a CTS 250NL potentiometer. It provides that wider in between sound - not exactly a Tele, but offers you a huge variety and finely adjustable tones. Clean and driven, this is a very versatile guitar. You may not have heard of D Allen pick-ups, but plenty of professional session musicians have. The bridge is a new Gotoh GE101 unit - stability and sustain improved, and no messing with the looks. The neck has been re-fretted with Jescar 55090 (Tall Medium). After a couple of years making tributes to the Monaco Strat, Fender must have seen Steffie's amazing photos and wondered why they aren't making these. They always cheer people up, they seem to be impervious to fashion trends, and you are unlikely to lose it on the stage. The difference between a new re-issue at £1,200 and this one at a fair bit more, is essentially due to this one being a genuine 1978 high end Greco at heart, and having very expensive and top quality components. The late 70's and early 80's is commonly considered to be the MIJ golden age for quality. Here is a yellow one with pro-session musician spec and quality. This one is already built and serving as a demonstrator - we can build one to suit individual criteria and specs. We have many fantastic guitars here ready for a transformation and will source the one you want if it isn't already here. Details The Look Vibrant yellow, shiny chrome and black plastic make this a faithful tribute to the original International Series Monaco. Headstock The smaller version of the classic shape therefore timeless. Neck A typical slightly slim C - this is what made the SE-800 Greco so great. Familiar, yet oddly better. New frets. Pick-ups The Echoes set by the legendary D Allen. The bridge is 12.5k with a tap at a more traditional 7.6k. Bridge New vintage style Gotoh GE101 in Chrome. Controls Master volume with S-1 for coil tap, Master Tone (Centralab 0.022) and Neck Blend. All CTS/CRL. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Combination of 1973 refurbished Harayama neck; modern everything else < Back Matsumoku DB-350 Paisley Price ££££ | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! I give the Harayama speech elsewhere on this site - it is worth a read - but this Tele gets you one of his supreme 3 piece necks coupled with a medium weighted body. Whilst we always adore the original Maxon pick-ups, this one has been re-imagined with the serious stage or studio player in mind. This TE-350 is equipped with a Seymour Duncan Stacked Tele at the neck to provide the traditional Tele neck tone in a noiseless fashion. At the bridge we have had Tony wind a Vintage output pick-up that matches the neck unit well, and contributes to the alternative lead sound. Modernisation continues with a 4 way switch enabling all 3 traditional tones where you expect them to be, and a series phase shifted tone in the second position. There is no comparison to describe this tone - it is the result of improving the series option that most 4-way switches enable. The Gotoh bridge piece is a side-less ashtray for increased comfort, and features quality brass saddles in traditional Tele fashion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tfPikVIpn4 Old Greco Teles are timeless looking instruments to begin with and we still think this is a timeless updating - that plate will look as relevant and appropriate in 20 years time. The refurbished fretboard and new frets provide a "new-guitar" feel - an extremely premium one at that. Harayama necks always feel wonderful. This is a 50 year old Vintage guitar that you can rely on in the most demanding circumstances - the inherent fragility of such a guitar is now replaced with top drawer reliability. That extra lead sound should hopefully open up some new ideas for you - a little old fashioned analogue slap-back delay is ideal for it. This comes with a fitted case - we suspect this is the original case for the guitar. Details The Look This guitar retains a lot of its original look - a few scars from 50 years service. Shiney new chrome Gotoh hardware always looks good on these models. Paint faded very gracefully. New Paisley scratchplate Headstock New premium Gotoh SDS510 tuners and trees Neck Glorious 3-piece maple neck refurbished with new Jescar 55090 frets - a proper Custom Shop feel. Pick-ups Seymour Duncan STK-T1N at the neck and Tony Edwards Vintage at the bridge Bridge Gotoh BS-TC2 Bridge Controls 4-way switch - all 3 classic Tele tones and one extra alternative lead tone. New CTS pots, Sozo cap and new control plate with a choice of Chrome Tele or Chickenhead knobs Gallery ← Previous Next→

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

Fernandes STJ-80BT, 90's rock heaven < Back Fernandes STJ-80BT Signature Models have no Serial Numbers 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. These STJs are so damn good we have 4 of them and will try and get more. 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. In the past, someone has had a GK-3 synth pick-up on it. This one also has its original active FGI-T pickups , and they sound fine. These were domestic market only – we never had them in UK. I think 100% of UK’s stock of these are here, some are upgraded – this one is pristine and will stay that way. Price Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Perfect donor for sensitive upgrade or DreamBuild Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1991 Pick-ups Fernandes FGI-T Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge Gotoh GTC102-B Board Rosewood 3.04kg; 6lbs 11oz 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

Westone Thunder III, Timeless range-topper - all the toys < Back Westone Thunder III 2021313 This is an honest, hard-working top of the range Thunder - like so many, it took a tumble and suffered a cracked neck. Nothing horrific, and we have repaired this as part of a general recommissioning and preparation for sale. Whilst still visible, run your thumb over it and it isn't there. The Westone range of the early 80s was short lived and quite complex, but the III model was fairly consistent in that it had all the toys and 2 octaves worth of frets on that delicious thru' neck. Still with its brass knobs, the controls are all fully functional - master volume, PEQ tone, and a pre-amp volume; 3 mini switches for the coil split, phase reversal and pre-amp on/off. This configuration deserves more than turning everything to full, and blasting away. The variety of tones on offer here is immense - subtle use of the pre-amp with the split humbuckers, and the phase reversal unlocks a lot of fun and expressiveness. The PEQ control is centre-indented, and works differently in passive and active modes - in passive mode, just the lower portion of the control acts as a traditional tone control but in active mode, the lower portion boosts the bass and the upper half boosts the treble. It turns our OD-3 into a DS-1! Anyone who is of the opinion that phase reversal is a tone-sucking gimmick may just change their mind once the Peter Green and Jimmy Page sounds are found. The MMK45 pick-ups are as good as their reputation suggests - based on the soul of a Super Distortion they not only kick out the rock tones brilliantly, they don't get too mid-heavy like the super-hot ceramics, and split to singles extremely convincingly, especially when that pre-amp comes in. The one great characteristic of Matsumoku guitars from the beginning to the end was the feel of their necks. Having 24 frets on a 10" radius ebony board feels great and looks great. The very comfortable heel encourages you to explore the upper end. 4.3kg sounds heavy, but this is beautifully balanced seated or strapped on. This nut width is 43mm. A fair few folk of my age will have lusted after these in the guitar shops in the early 80s, but budgets hardly stretched to a humble 1A, let alone a III. The Alembic influence was fading into the shadow of hair metal pointy headstocks, but note how timeless this design appears next to a Charvel Model 5. Its a high quality, brilliantly designed and constructed Japanese made guitar that will last forever if serviced properly. They deserve a re-fret when the time comes, although this one is a long way away from needing it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noWboJJmKp8 This one is fully recommissioned and ready to go. I have opened a can of worms with suggesting this can be upgraded - whilst it may sound like heresy to remove MMK-45s, we have put a set of TV Jones Classic Plus into one of these before with fabulous results. Price Availability £965 Sold Recommendation Scratch the itch Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1982 Pick-ups MMK-45 Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge ToM style Board Ebony 4.3kg; 9lbs 8oz 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

Fender Bonnie Raitt Signature 1996, < Back Fender Bonnie Raitt Signature 1996 N561996 Built in May 1996, this Bonnie Raitt signature edition Stratocaster is in 3-colour sunburst rather than the slightly more challenging blue. It has an alder body, maple narrow C profile neck and rosewood board, and the highly admired Texas Special single coils, which have an over-wound hi-presence character - great for those in-between sounds. The 4ply white Pearloid scratchplate completes the look. Like many of our finest playing instruments, this one has seen some life. There has been a minor repair to the body under the tremolo - it is completely invisible from the outside, and an unfathomable cause! Someone has been careless when removing the tremolo fixing screws perhaps. It's invisible, it doesn't affect the function in any way, but we must mention it. There are signs that the guitar has been used properly - the scratchplate screws had seen some heavy blues sweat. We have replaced them with new ones but the staining on the plate remains - signs of a good life. It is no case queen - it isn't a mint never been used collector's box ticked - this is a fine Strat that someone previously has enjoyed and used properly, (maybe not wiping it down enough but what are guitars actually for?). We have set it up on 10-46, and as a Strat that rings and rings; and an action height that can have a slide on it without fretting, but low enough to remain comfortable. The middle pick-up is set a little higher than the normal Stratocasters so those Bonnie Raitt covers will be accurate - neck and middle together is totally addictive. Price Availability £1,895 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1996 Pick-ups Texas Special Selector 5 way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood 3.64 kg; 8lbs 0 oz 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