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1976 Greco EB-500, A proper survivor < Back 1976 Greco EB-500 C760577 A very rare opportunity to obtain a Greco EB-500 bass in a great condition. This is a March1976 build and both pick-ups are fully operational and sound great. The neck is as good and straight as we have seen on an EB, and is wearing new strings. These are Maxon built PU-114 and PU-115 pick-ups, and both are humbuckers and are in fine health - the mudbucker making the Hall shake. The bridge unit has a fair bit of punch too - together they sound fantastic. Whilst looking pristine from the front, it does have a beauty spot on the top edge of the neck where a small patch of finish has met with an object that removed it. A lovely old bass, in great original condition - fully serviced and ready for service. I am not, never have been, and will never be a competent bass player - the demo video is limited to proving it works and what it sounds like. Price £895 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon PU-114 & PU115 Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge 2 point with mute Board Rosewood Weight 3.55kg; 7lbs 13oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 00:46 Play Video Play Video 06:36 Play Video Play Video 00:41 Play Video Play Video 07:41 Play Video Play Video 07:03 Play Video Play Video 02:13 Play Video Play Video 03:56 Play Video Play Video 05:26

Short scale, angry when you need, furious at all other times < Back Matsumoku Ibi JKL No.2 Price £2,600 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! I'm assuming you've already read the description of the red one - that gives the background to these Ibi JKLs. My rock-star buddy had "settled" for a Telecaster, and despite the obvious delights of a decent well set-up Tele, I could see he wished it was something else. These Concords defintitely had the Tele in mind with their twin singles laid out like that. After evaluating a lot of different pick-ups, I settled on Jaime's amazing Creamery creations - opting for clarity and power, and a 2 speed gearbox on the bridge. To keep the purity of the look and the specific sound I wanted here, a tapped single coil is the correct answer to the question that a splittable humbucker can never answer properly. The original neck pick-up on these Concords were always surprisingly soulful and powerful - this P-90 style replacement takes that sound and solidifies it, fills in the gaps, and delivers something I have not heard anywhere else. Good, that's the whole point. The bridge pickup in low gear begs for a loud crunch setting on the amp and is like throwing glass bottles at a wall. Bang the tone pot to change into high gear, and it's like throwing a crate of glass bottles at a wall. All in a good way, of course. All you can do is play it to see what this delivers - there really is very little else out there to compare it to. I can do something similar or identical to your Westone / Vantage / Matsumoku guitar. Or I can find a suitable donor instrument for you. This one can be for sale - any excuse to build another one!!! Details The Look This guitar retains the orignal finish complete with 40 years of parking knocks. The same shape scratchplate is used, but now features a yellow stripe and is cut to suit the Creamery pick-ups. The output jack is now at the bottom edge. That yellow headstock completes the new look. Headstock The tuners are upgraded to Gotoh SGS510 in black - the highest quality locking tuners suiting the look and feel of the guitar, and allowing fast string changes. Neck This is the original neck with the original skinny frets - just tidied up. Pick-ups A Creamery Tele-P90 for the neck position and a Creamery Tapped Tele for the bridge. Bridge A Gotoh FX6 in black gives this guitar stability, great intonation and more sustain than the original. Controls 3 way toggle with master volume and tone pots - a push push on the tone changes gear on the bridge pick-up. This thickens up the middle position as well as the obvious changes at the bridge position. Gallery ← Previous Next→

These are vintage guitars that we have revived with a modern touch. We help you create THAT sound in your head. We are bold, imaginative and skilled in making YOUR DreamBuild come true. DreamBuilds These are vintage guitars that we have revived with a modern touch. We help you create THAT sound in your head. We are bold, imaginative and skilled in making YOUR DreamBuild come true. Free consultation for your dreambuild. Book Now Matsumoku Kodawari Ibi Keith Levene #1 A mojo packed work-horse, underpinned by the soulful characteristics of a vintage MIJ guitar, brought up to date - maybe beyond... Featured Showcase Recreation Matsumoku Paisley Versatility to the max, classy and very special Recreation Matsumoku SP-600 Psychedelic Ultimate Versatility - all the guitar you'll ever need, and you'll get noticed Recreation Matsumoku DB-500 Tropical That perfect combination of 1973 Harayama neck, and sensational look. Recreation Matsumoku Junior Get those ZZ Top riffs ready... Upgrade Matsumoku DB-500 That perfect combination of old vintage feel, and modern everything else Upgrade Matsumoku DB-500N The best value way into Vintage guitars Recreation Tokai ES-T Getting the absolute best out of a late MIJ Tokai Breezy Recreation Matsumoku Greco HH Massive versatility and inspiring tones Upgrade Matsumoku No.43 An easy introduction to vintage guitars Recreation Matsumoku TE-350 Eye catching upgraded 1973 Greco TE-350 Upgrade Matsumoku 73 Black Strat Another Matsumoku tribute to the famous Black Strat Recreation Matsumoku クーパー A high performance genuine vintage guitar you can and should take on the road. Recreation Matsumoku Monaco H79 The ultimate spec in an International Series tribute. The best, everywhere. Recreation Matsumoku Frontman I You can hide a packet of JPS on it Recreation Matsumoku Frontman II Gritty Growly Yellow Super Strat Recreation Matsumoku SE-500 Floral That perfect combination of 1973 Harayama neck, and modern everything else Recreation Matsumoku TE-280 Another perfect combination of 1973 Harayama neck, and modern everything else Recreation Matsumoku Monaco L78 Taking a single pick-up guitar to the extremes Recreation Matsumoku Super Monaco B79 Because you need a neck pick-up Upgrade Matsumoku SE-500 That perfect combination of old vintage feel, and modern everything else Recreation Matsumoku Ibi JKL No.2 Short scale, angry when you need, furious at all other times Recreation Matsumoku アーレンス Left Handed Gilmour tribute Recreation Matsumoku Ibi JKL No.1 Short scale, powerful and dynamic with a twist Recreation Matsumoku Monaco C78 An amazing combination of old and new where it really matters. Create Your DreamBuild Step 01 Choose Your Donor Guitar From our iconic Matsumoku collection or bring us a donor guitar of your choice. Step 02 Choose Your Dream Specs We can be your sounding board or advise what's required to create THAT sound in your head. Step 03 Build & Revise An ascending spiral path we go on together to make your DreamBuild come true. Step 04 Refine & Complete That last 5% that only experienced luthiers can provide. Contact Us to Create Your DreamBuild Matsumoku Guitar and Bass Ltd Ketteringham Hall Church Road, Wymondham NR18 9RS DreamBuild Enquiry Choice of Donor Guitar From Our Collection Your Own Guitar Areas to Upgrade / Customize The Look Headstock Neck Pick-ups Bridge Controls Submit Thanks for submitting!

Greco SE-600N, California Jam vibes? < Back Greco SE-600N F782908 By 1978, Fujigen was setting the bar for a quality Strat and as CBS accountants were sucking the soul out of Fender, Fujigen was on the up and up. Controversial opinions are that in these years, MIJ was the better guitar - at least more consistent in quality; and certainly more affordable. The Japanese market was still going nuts for demand, and Fujigen capacity was largely being soaked up by domestic demand which is why Grecos were a rare sight outside Japan. The SE-600 was a tribute to the early 70s, whereas the SE-700 harked back to the mid 60s and the SE-800 looked a decade further back. The 500? Well, that was for folk who just wanted a great Strat. It is true that we are missing a bullet rod (the 450 and Super-Real 700s would give you that), but everything else screams 1973, and California Jam. Eagle eyed catalogue experts will equip the 600s with PU-100 pick-ups, but by 1978, Excel PU-119 pick-ups were appearing more and more often in the mid-range guitars - this 600 has a set of sublime PU-119s. A bit more output, and a lot more in the lower frequencies that often cause the comparison with Texas Specials. A Slim C neck profile feels very comfortable, and 45 years of playing have given this a worn-in and familiar comfort - the handshake is fantastic. Impossible to pick up without a few minutes playing - even if no plugged in. As with all the premium models, there is a very solid steel block on the tremolo, that when set to float a little, will ring and resonate beautifully. This is carried through to an amplified signal - the sustain is just right for all types of tone - those resonant high frequencies can be muted with the tone controls if a jazzy tone is called for. It's got plenty of scars - nothing remotely horrendous - just adding to the character of this fine guitar. That angry looking crack on the end of the headstock has been checked out, we have photos of the integrity of the headstock - quite often, cracks in the lacquer look a lot worse than they are on the natural finishes. You can say it was when you attacked a pedestal camera! We'd be happy to send this off to a new owner just as it is, but it could be the perfect guitar for an upgrade project - we can be even more 1970s and put some Jescar 55090 frets on; put a Gotoh 510 tremolo on it; whilst the Excels are dreamy pick-ups, we could put something either hotter, more versatile, or anything you wish in there - a glorious stage-worn natural Strat is the ideal back-drop for anything. Contact us to discuss the options and the resulting price. Price £895 Availability Sold Recommendation I don't believe he smashed the Natural Strat... Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups PU-119 Selector 3-Way Bridge Original Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.70kg; 8lbs 4oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 06:36 Play Video Play Video 00:41 Play Video Play Video 07:41 Play Video Play Video 07:03 Play Video Play Video 02:13 Play Video Play Video 03:56 Play Video Play Video 05:26 Play Video Play Video 03:04

1975 Westminster SE-420, Forget the sub-£100 drop-shipped stuff, start your journey here. < Back 1975 Westminster SE-420 701848 This recently arrived Westminster SE-420 completes the trio of Mustang, Tele and Strat, and for the UK audience, these were the domestic market and Australian export versions of the Kimbara - an entry level Matsumoku produced guitar aimed at folk who wanted to start their journey or improve their basic skills on a full scale grown up electric guitar. Not to be confused with the SE-330 which was contracted out by Matsumoku to the Chushin Gakki plant which was the equivalent of the Columbus models - a good few mm thinner bodies. The SE-420 received more powerful versions of the original Maxon coils from the early 1970s models. This guitar has more power than you'd expect and you may find yourself backing off the volume a little for super clean requirements. A classic 3-way switch gives you the 3 basic tones you'd expect from a Strat of this age, and judicious positioning of the selector will locate the in between tones, but as this is a classic 3 position Strat, the middle is not RWRP and therefore the carefully selected neck and middle is in reverse phase, and through a wound up OD-3, this sound will get you a gig in a punk band. Unlike today's entry level guitar, the controls on this SE-420 are the same units as you'd see in a range topper from Greco - large body pots with great positive movement, not the tiny mini-pots that fail very shortly after anyone takes a soldering iron the base. As with its Tele brother, the tuners are the most basic ones available without resorting to strip tuners, and they are showing a little signs of their age, but they do keep tune and the teeth are all present and correct. Costs were saved at the tremolo bridge too, as the block is a strip of bent plate, not the solid resonant steel you would see on a Greco or Aria, but it still does the job well - the powerful pick-ups making up for the differences in sustain. The body is, we think, Alder and not Sen ash so there is a slight tonal difference between this and higher spec models. It is less noticeable on high gain settings, and that completes the spec differences between this and an Aria ST-400. Real MIJ-geeks will know that the Aria Pro II ST-480 from 1976 was a continuation of this SE-420 model and the ST-400 offered an improved spec for a little lower price in 1977. So confusingly, this Westminster was the premium entry-level model. Matsumoku catered for a lot of levels. We have both SE-420 and ST-400 models here side by side at the moment - playing them one after the other will justify why the 400 is a bit more expensive than the 420 - they are different evolutions of how Matsumoku was getting closer to Fender standards. The 420 offers that early MIJ feel in that you know it is different to a real Strat, but none the worse for it. This guitar has bags of character and loves being played hard through a practice amp. We prefer playing this through the Fender 15 watt Mustang amp than we do the bigger stuff in the studio. It is just great fun, and not a guitar that you will grow tired of playing - callouses will form quicker with this and you'll spend more time with it than you'd perhaps planned. As well as a brilliant practice guitar, this SE-420 wold make a cheap addition to a bigger collection of more prestigious instruments just to remind yourself of more innocent and care-free days. It will put a smile on your face. It tips the scales at a featherweight 3.18kg (7lbs exactly) and please try and forgive the signs of life around the edge, the mismatched neck tone pot, the sticker rash and the fact that I got carried away snapping the top E moments before the photoshoot. As I said, care-free days... Price £495 Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect starter guitar Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1975 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3 Way Bridge Vintage tremolo bridge Board Maple Weight 3.18kg (7lbs 0oz) Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 06:36 Play Video Play Video 00:41 Play Video Play Video 07:41 Play Video Play Video 07:03 Play Video Play Video 02:13 Play Video Play Video 03:56 Play Video Play Video 05:26 Play Video Play Video 03:04

Greco SE-450S, Lose the headstock tax < Back Greco SE-450S CC805067 The first couple of years of the 1980s must have been exciting at Fujigen - Fender were in town and had decided that if you can't beat them, you have to join them - Fender Japan was in sight. The late 1970's had produced incredible quality guitars at very worrying prices for the Americans - all the modern developments of the CBS era were being delivered - 5-way switches, bullet rods, 3 point micro-tilt neck fitment - all present in the Greco range alongside the traditional pre-CBS styles. 2 models in the range featured these CBS style developments - the SE-450 and the SE-700 - the latter being one of the best kept secrets and a firm favourite amongst our customers and visitors. The SE-450 was the entry level post-CBS era tribute with the PU-S5 pick-ups (an iteration of the ever-popular PU-100), the 5-way switch providing the parallel in-between tones, and the 3 bolt neck. Some 450s were sen ash, some were alder - this one being the latter and a flyweight at 3.18kg (7lbs exactly). Where the Early Sixties 700 had a thick slab of Rosewood and a late 60's neck profile, the Spacey Sounds 450 had maple, and fans of the MIJ JVs and Squiers will immediately recognize the slim C neck. A few years later, this guitar would have be sold as a CST-50 Squier by Fender. Have you seen the prices of those today? With this one, you don't pay the headstock tax. As the 1980s rolled on, the warmth and character of the alnico pick-ups were falling out of favour against the ice-picky more punchy ceramics - the all of nothing types that were feeding long floor pedal chains and solid state amps. These older alnico magnets were developed for simpler days when it was you plugged into an amp. Of course, this feeds an OD-1, or a Maxon 808 perfectly well, but delivers marvellously with just a cable and a small valve amp. Now we going full circle, plugging into a Focusrite and doing all the clever stuff on a computer screen, these old pick-ups start to make sense again. I can't think of a better guitar to begin a journey on, or to develop intermediate skills. Starter guitars bought with a mouse click and delivered in 24 hours serve a purpose, but will quickly let you down. This is the sweet-spot, and will serve you for many more steps along the journey. The seasoned professional here happily admits he would gig with this in a heartbeat. A previous owner has had a tiny section of the rear of the headstock removed - either for an unusual approach to an F chord, or perhaps a Japanese icon of the time had done this and therefore it became necessary - we're not sure. Make sure you see that in the photos, but know that it is invisible from the front, and doesn't affect the guitar's performance. Black on black on Sunburst makes up for this! Price ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups PU-5S Selector 5-Way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.18kg; 7lbs 0oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 00:41 Play Video Play Video 07:41 Play Video Play Video 07:03 Play Video Play Video 02:13 Play Video Play Video 03:56 Play Video Play Video 05:26 Play Video Play Video 03:04 Play Video Play Video 07:08

1974 Greco SE-550N, Time warp Matsumoku Rarity < Back 1974 Greco SE-550N Pre-serial Number This is one of the rarest Greco models out there - along with the 480, this is one you will least likely find. Only featuring in the 1974 Kanda Shokai catalogue for half a year, after the 'Electric Sounds" range evolved into the "Electric Guitar" range. The 550 became the 600, and was essentially a model that used the nicest looking wood in their stock. This 550 features the more faithful copy of the vintage bridge, and it retains its cover too. This 550 has a less chunky neck, also a single piece of maple instead of the laminate 5 piece of earlier models. The board has a 9.5" radius; the nut is 41mm. The pick-ups are standard Maxon units governed by traditional 3 way switch and volume / tone functions and all work magnificently. Maxons are known for their low output airy bright snappiness that encourage Hendrix renditions, and stamp on the OD-1 and SRV repertoires take over. The overwhelming feature of this 550 aside from its rarity is the condition. It has been played, but has been meticulously cared for. Quite weighty at 3.89kg (8lbs 9oz), this may also remind you of a late 70s Fender. Like all Matsumoku necks, this one allows a super slick action, and is equally at home with a higher action. Price £975 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Just enjoy it as it is. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Greco Vintage tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.9kg; 8lbs 9oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:41 Play Video Play Video 07:03 Play Video Play Video 02:13 Play Video Play Video 03:56 Play Video Play Video 05:26 Play Video Play Video 03:04 Play Video Play Video 07:08 Play Video Play Video 03:48

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Fernandes MY-115S, Scratch that Sustainer itch! < Back Fernandes MY-115S No Number This MY115S was one of the really interesting looking signature models. It is the Kiyoshi (Media Youth) model developed from MY95S launched in 1997 and finishing production as the MY-Custom S in 2003, and Kiyoshi was, and still is, a very successful musician in Japan and amongst fans of Japanese modern music. He used this model of guitar in his collaboration with Hide. I bought this in as I knew it would put a smile on Keith's face when he really was up against it towards the end. His comment when I pinged him a photo of it is unbroadcastable however playing it was the second thing he would do to it. As well as the orange half sucked Firebird appearance, the sustainer function was something he was looking forward to experimenting with. Then, a thoroughly good friend of ours took it to write and record with (it's on a few Delicate Giants tracks) and now it had returned to us; it's served its purpose admirably now and this is too useful and decent an instrument to stay here when it should be out plying its trade. As far as I am aware, this model was not routinely available outside Japan and therefore they are a very rare sight. I know of a few in Australia and a couple have been shipped in to USA, but none in UK or Europe. Like the other Artist Series guitars from Fernandes in the era, the guitar is made beautifully - a real professional grade instrument. The body is maple and mahogany, the neck is maple with a nice rosewood board - flat and thin for those virtuosos, and nicely balanced for long stints on stage. The double octave neck feels good at the top and the bottom. The pick-ups are top drawer Fernandes - a VH402 at the bridge and a CD-100F with the sustainer at the neck . The bridge is a Wilkinson VS100 and in perfect condition. Like many of the signature models, the pick-ups are key to the design, and they don't bother with tone controls, so a single volume pot only. The 3 way toggle governs the pick-ups in classic 3-way fashion, and the 2 mini-switches control the sustainer circuit. The farther unit swiches the unit on and off, and the nearer 3 way switch governs the effect - a dynamic setting which responds to your picking strength; a setting that forces through a sustained note and the third setting that forces through an octave above the note you play. It is a sensitive unit unlike some others that can get overpowering and uncontrollable - this one seems to know what you want and lets you calm the effect very well. The guitar is luthier prepared and ready for studio or stage . It will definitely get you noticed! You will see some unfortunate cracking and crazing of the lacquer on the upper horn. According the previous owner, this happened on a flight and not from anything more severe. It is invisible from the first row of the audience and has no bearing on the way this looks and plays. There is a stage-bash on the lower rear back of the body - nothing remotely serious. But if a perfect finish on a 25 year old is critical, please make sure you look at the photos carefully or call us for a video call. Price £995 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2000 Pick-ups Fernandes CD-100F and VH402 Selector 3 way Bridge Wilkinson VS100G Board Rosewood Weight 3.73kg, 8lbs 4oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:41 Play Video Play Video 07:03 Play Video Play Video 02:13 Play Video Play Video 03:56 Play Video Play Video 05:26 Play Video Play Video 03:04 Play Video Play Video 07:08 Play Video Play Video 03:48

That perfect combination of 1973 Harayama neck, and sensational look. < Back Matsumoku DB-500 Tropical Price £1,595 | Sold Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! I write about Harayama elsewhere (most places!) 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 another fine example. Based around a 1973 Matsumoku built Greco (the original Gneco decal stays) SE-500, this already fine guitar has traded its electronics for a modern and vastly improved specification. The glorious neck now has fresh Jescar Tall Narrow frets - close your eyes and you could be playing a astronomically expensive Masterbuilt Fender '62 Jazzmaster - that's the nearest equivalent we have experienced. We have focussed our modifications to the aesthetics for this guitar - the condition of the hardware determined this guitar should live on with it for another 51 years - we can make further upgrades if required, but we love this guitar as it is, and the price can be kept as friendly as possible. The Burgundy Mist nitro refinish is paired with a fabulous scratchplate. Sonny Crockett could have had this as a bit of practical art on St Vitus' Dance - did an episode of Miami Vice influence this I wonder? I lived in Miami for a while - I guess this episode of life influenced me a little here. The Excel pick-ups are held in high regard for a reason - very little benefits are required from upgrading them. These pick-ups are from a 1979 SE800 that received a very special upgrade. This guitar plays deliciously, sounds fantastic, and looks good enough to eat. Details The Look A continuation of the Floral theme, this guitar is one of 2 guitars we have refinished in the early 60s Custom colour Burgundy Mist, this one is combined with a striking and perfectly matched scratchplate. Headstock A highly regarded 1973 large headstock style with its original Gotoh tuners and new Gotoh barrel trees. Neck The infamous Harayama 5 piece full C neck with new Jescar 55090 Tall Medium frets on a gracefully aged maple fretboard Pick-ups 3 Maxon Excel single coils - probably the most favoured iteration of the Maxon single coil with their characteristic airy brightness and clarity. The neck pick-up will likely worry your blues bandmates as they just know you'll make them go around again. And again. It's that addictive. Bridge The original Gotoh vintage tremolo unit remains and its steel block gives amazing sustain and it sounds so delightful acoustically, you'll play it for ages before even plugging it in. Controls Upgraded to a 5-way switch, and tone control for the bridge pick-up. Glorious soft-touch knobs feel very premium. Gallery ← Previous Next→

CSL Double Axe, For those Don Felder moments < Back CSL Double Axe Pre Serial Number Just begging for a Hotel California rendition, this Fujigen built Twin-neck is otherwise known as Ibanez 2402, we often see Greco versions too. CSL was Charles Summerville Limited, an importer with stores in the north of UK. I bought this guitar in 1990 from JG Windows in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and have only ever needed to perform routine maintenance on it. The lower neck bridge pick-up is a 1980s replacement and is apparently a DiMarzio - as the original Maxon units sound so good, it has never occurred to me to change anything about this guitar - it is solid, reliable and despite the weight, very comfortable to play. Difficult to date precisely, but having seen a lot of 70's Fujigen products, I am putting this one at 75-76. How heavy? 5.65kg (12lbs 7oz) so pretty heavy! But a sturdy strap is all you need to be Don Felder for 7-10 minutes at the end of a set. The original case is present and correct, the hardware is all original and perfectly aged but functional. But a Gibbo is going to be 8 big ones, an Alpine White 1976 Nashville is probably going need a mortgage. This ought to be close enough if you need to be Don Felder. Fujigen really knew how to worry the guys in USA for quality - I bet this one outlasts the real ones. Price £2,295 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation A cool wind in your hair Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1975 Pick-ups Maxon + 1 DiMarzio Selector 3 Way Toggle (3) Bridge Original ToMs Board Rosewood Weight 5.65kg (12lbs 7oz) Modifications lower Lead pick-up replacement ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 02:13 Play Video Play Video 03:56 Play Video Play Video 05:26 Play Video Play Video 03:04 Play Video Play Video 07:08 Play Video Play Video 03:48 Play Video Play Video 06:19 Play Video Play Video 13:20

1976 Westminster TE-300, Fun fun fun < Back 1976 Westminster TE-300 C760978 In the mid 70s the demand for guitars was going crazy and importers were putting more and more price demands on exporters - a range of starter (or entry-level) guitars was badly needed. Previously, Teisco, Guyatone, and similar instruments were all that were on offer to beginners with smaller budgets. Matsumoku and Fujigen responded with a range of full scale "grown-up" guitars with less pretty woods and less pretty hardware. Where they didn't cut costs were neck construction and pick-ups. Other Japanese plants were offering a budget offering - Chushin were supplying guitars with the Maya brand, and whilst hitting the High Streets at the same price point, the Matsumoku produced guitars were vastly superior. Compare a Columbus Strat copy to a Kimbara copy and this difference (especially 50 years later) will be obvious. UK got Columbus from Chushin, Kimbara from Matsumoku and CSL from Fujigen - the latter 2 will be superior quality. Westminster was the equivalent of Kimbara and most were exported to Australia and New Zealand - Westminsters were also sold on the domestic market which is where we source ours from. Producers would always ensure the home market got the best. This Westminster Tele feels every bit as good as the Grecos that are so popular here. It makes do with the entry level pick-ups - tall bobbin underwound neck Maxon without cover, and a tall bobbin overwound bridge Maxon at the bridge. All the classic creamy and bitey Maxon tones are there. The Alder body appears to provide even more bite than the ash bodied Grecos further up the range. Light as a feather, this tips the scales at 3.4kg (7lbs 8oz) A little amp, some decent gain or an OD-3, and this is just pure fun, and easy-playing fun. It is a grown-up guitar with a top-loader bridge and the most 'cost-effective' tuners Matsumoku had in the parts bin. Imagine the price of a 75 Fender Tele, notice that the Grecos are heading towards 4 figures now that folk are waking up to them; and grab a bit of vintage Tele fun for a bargain - I'm not suggesting this is a blue-chip investment, but I do suspect they will never be cheaper. This would make a very decent donor guitar to upgrade - we can work plenty of magic with these Westminsters. Price £475 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-Way Bridge Top loader Board Maple Weight 3.4kg; 7lbs 8oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 02:13 Play Video Play Video 03:56 Play Video Play Video 05:26 Play Video Play Video 03:04 Play Video Play Video 07:08 Play Video Play Video 03:48 Play Video Play Video 06:19 Play Video Play Video 13:20