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

1977 Aria ST-500N, 70's nirvana < Back 1977 Aria ST-500N E771352 Pure 1970's on offer here - the big headstock, a well-shouldered substantial C-shaped neck, natural finish and some growly single coils (5.4-5.5k). When the Greco range was transferred to Fujigen and became more and more faithful to US Fenders, Matsumoku continued to produce these guitars with their chosen characteristics - mostly retaining the chunkier neck profiles. Curiously, only the entry level 400 model featured a 5 way switch - all other 500 and 600 models retained 3 way simplicity. We have given this ST-500 the 5-way switch it so deserves so now you have the in-between tones - save the dexterity for the fretboard. While we were there, we allowed the lower tone control to govern the bridge pick-up too for some great rhythm tones. The condition of this guitar is outstanding - usually these late 70s guitars show a fair bit of wear and tear - not so this one. Ok, the sticker that graced the guitar behind the tremolo has left a tan-line, but that is the only real sign of it being 48 years old. Obviously cherished throughout its life, this is a recent arrival from Japan, and there really isn't too much more to say beyond it being a comfortable dependable fashion-proof instrument that is perfectly fine for home or gig duties. It tips the scales at 3.46kg (7lbs 10oz) so nice and light for an Ash/Maple combo. As most of the Stagecaster and Strikin' Sound guitars were small headstock guitars, this is a rare chance to get one with a large headstock. It's good to go as it is, but could serve as the basis for a nice upgrade project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzN_4QTF1r0 Price Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Sold Recommendation Great intro to vintage guitars Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon SP-II Selector 5-way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple 3.46kg (7lbs 10oz) Modifications 5-way switch 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 68 Telecaster Closet Classic - Blue Flower, The ultimate Blue Flower Telecaster. < Back Fender 68 Telecaster Closet Classic - Blue Flower R78927 Price Availability £6,899 Sold Recommendation Listen to the Kleins before returning it to original pick-ups. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2015 Pick-ups Klein 1961 Epic Series Selector 3-way Bridge 67 Tele Board Maple 3.33kg, 7lbs 5oz Modifications Klein 1961 Epic Series 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

2020 Fender Custom Shop '57 Journeyman, Delicious Custom Shop, friendly price... < Back 2020 Fender Custom Shop '57 Journeyman R101655 Looking for all the world like an Eric Clapton model, this isn't. This is a 1957 Journeyman model that has proper Hand Wound 57 single coils and traditional control set-up, rather than the noiseless pick-ups with the active boost and TBX tone control. We have always found the EC set-up on a Strat to be a little soulless and numb (if that's heresy, then sorry!) and much prefer the simplicity and familiarity of basic coils. The light relic finish looks perfect, and this guitar was ordered with no relic'ing on the neck or frets. These 57s had 6150 medium jumbo frets and these feel slick and easy - you can get underneath the string if you need, or the action can come down a touch if that is preferred. A 9.5 radius and 1.65 nut width will feel familiar, and this ash / maple combination weighs in at 3.3kg (7lbs 4oz) - nice and light. The Floor Traveller describes the neck as a 10/56 V - it certainly has a great mid 50s feel. Originally sold in USA (Dave's Guitar in Wisconsin) it has found its way to UK and has been in a collection for a few years - reluctantly let go of in order to scratch a Rickenbacker itch. It shows very little signs of use - we have no problem describing this as Excellent Condition - bordering on Mint. All the paperwork is present and correct, as is the original case with the candy still unwrapped. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_agCEQhZiw Whilst it's true we mainly deal with MIJ offerings, we usually carry a US Fender or two for folk to feel the difference between them; and we know for some folk, it just has to be a Fender, and a US Fender. This ought to hit the spot. We have a few US Fenders at the Hall at the moment and so this one is priced extremely keenly Price Availability £2,785 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2020 Pick-ups Hand Wound 57 Strat Selector 5-way Bridge American Vintage Board Maple 3.30kg 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

Washburn KC-40V, Bargain! < Back Washburn KC-40V 0060009 The KC40-V was the value for money model in the Korean made Chicago Series- genuinely good pick-ups, a locking Trem that works, and fabulous classy finish that Washburn were very well known for back then. The equivalent guitar today is in a different price bracket altogether. Korea was determined to match Japanese quality and for a few years, it managed to do that. This has an Alder body and high quality gold crackle finish, a super skinny and slick maple neck with proper quality rosewood 9.5" radius fretboard. Simplicity for controls, one volume, one tone and a Strat-style 5 way selector. This is the era where a gig would start with heavyish pop/rock, a bit of melodic metal, and finish with a couple of smooth chorus-soaked ballads- guitars needed to cover all of these and this is exactly what the Washburn sets out to achieve. The Frontmen may still have strummed the bottom 2 strings of Les Pauls, but the virtuoso lead guitarist usually played a Super-Strat like this. Lukather, Leggett; guitar solos you know, but had a less famous session player perform was likely done with a Super-Strat of some form. This example is in excellent condition - the one and only flaw is that the allen key holder on the rear of the headstock has been removed and binned. Sensible move - they serve no real purpose. Tools belong in a bag. This is a one-owner from new guitar, it was cherished and when life took over and guitars took a back seat, it was carefully stored. It just needed a minor service, and is now ready for action again. It is true that there are some less immaculate KCs out there for a few quid and requiring three times its sales price to recommission, and this one is likely to be the priciest one in your serach. The condition determines the value here - there were new ones hanging up in guitar stores with more signs of life than this one. Quality wise, these 90s Washburns are light years ahead of modern EVH / Sire etc. If the guitar competing with this one for your attention is Indonesian, just go for this one as this one will not need fixing every few weeks. It may look like a complicated guitar to choose as a first "proper guitar", but this is a fine guitar to learn and practice with. This could be a starter guitar that you won't outgrow - we would all take this one to a serious gig in a heartbeat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykG-8fXG5y4 Price Availability £295 Sold Recommendation Worm-hole to the 90s Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1990 Pick-ups Washburn HSS Selector 5-way Bridge Floyd Rose (Licence) Board Rosewood 3.8kg; 8lbs 7oz 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

1987 Bill Lawrence Esquire BTOR55B, < Back 1987 Bill Lawrence Esquire BTOR55B B17305 This is a very very rare Yoshino built 1987 Bill Lawrence Esquire with a Seymour Duncan STL-1 Vintage '54 pick-up and single volume control. The contoured and sculpted body is a nice surprising boost for comfort - aching ribs from a regular Tele/Esquire won't be a thing here. At 3.6kg precisely, it is a nice comfortable weight and feels very balanced hung high or low on a strap. The original black hardware is all high quality Gotoh and in fine working order. Having a tremolo on an Esquire is a very unusual prospect but a very welcome one. This was a short-lived range of guitars only available in Japan which was the result of a feisty relationship between Moridaira and Bill Lawrence. The tone from the Seymour Duncan is as you'd expect - powerful and capable of vintage twang and thick overdriven aggression. With such minimal controls, it really is you and your playing style; but that is what this type of guitar is about. This one has had a busy life - it comes complete with plenty of scratches and a couple of dents in the lacquer. The little chip in the paint by the string tree was repaired and a new string tree was installed since earlier photos were taken . Nothing that detracts from its functionality. It is a good sounding, good playing and interesting guitar. Demo video below was filmed before the new string tree was installed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sXzX6X-yiw Price Availability £££ Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1987 Pick-ups Seymour Duncan STL-1 Vintage '54 Selector N/A Bridge Tremolo Board Rosewood 3.6kg; 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

Maison® Junior, A real one - a Korean rarity < Back Maison® Junior No Number The little ® symbol on the headstock is the important bit - this is a genuine Korean Maison. This is not a modern Chinese house brand (even though they are actually quite good!) This is a mid 80s guitar (Pre YooJin acquisition) with a bolt on neck and a very good quality feel. The previous owner has upgraded the tail piece to get some intonation adjustability - always a decent idea on any Junior if you are soloing or chording high up the neck. The beauty of a bolt-on is that you can adjust the neck angle to your hearts content, and reverting to a traditional fixed tail is always possible. The P-90 is gritty, tamed well with the volume control, but rude as you like maxed. It is a little brighter than traditional TV Yellow, but none the worse for it - the paint is fairly thin in places as the previous owner was a keen polisher. It gives it a nice vintage look. This is simplicity and beauty combined - lovely to play also therefore a really eligible addition to any collection, or your sole guitar if your music style suits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz1Tvki0aIo We have a reputation for putting really fantastic pick-ups in guitars that had generic mass produced units, and getting the absolute best out of a guitar, therefore the guitar getting the absolute best out of you. From Arcane to TV Jones, from Haeussel to our own custom wound units, if more than one fundamental tone is required from a single pick-up, we have the ideas and the examples here for you to try. A set of Gotoh SE-770 at the other end would make this a proper sleeper. Price Availability £845 Sold Recommendation Perfect as is, but upgrade fun can be had... Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980s Pick-ups P-90 Selector N/A Bridge Hosco Board Rosewood 3.12kg; 6lbs 14oz Modifications Adjustable Tailpiece 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

Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster - Left Handed, No nonsense instrument < Back Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster - Left Handed ISSL20005446 A Samick built Squier in fairly rare left handed format. The condition is best descibed as mint - there are brand new examples with more signs of life on them. A comfy C neck, traditional Tele tones, the timeless Butterscotch finish, this does exactly what it says on the tin. If you spent approaching £400 on a new one even from the popular trendy outlets, the chances are it will be drop shipped to you and will never have been prepared for sale. You take it to someone like us and we make it play properly. This one has been made to play properly already, so essentially £100 cheaper than a brand new one. It could form the basis of an upgrade project where we can go as nuts as you wish on the spec. There are not many good value options for left handers in this regard - contact us and we can develop an exciting plan Price Availability £345 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2020 Pick-ups FD Alnico Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage 3 saddle Board Maple 4.1kg; 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

Cool Z ZLC-1 2015, A rare sight outside Japan < Back Cool Z ZLC-1 2015 A150516 A CoolZ is a very rare sight outside Japan but it has a very good heritage. Ensenada caused Fujigen to rethink the business plan as a Made in Mexico gave Fender a logistical and economic advantage over Japanese production. Fujigen were really in their stride and were producing some very high quality guitars for Fender and in the mid 1980s most of Fenders sold were produced in Japan. Mexico opened in 87 and despite some teething issues and catastrophes, Mexico had replaced Japan in the plan. Fender Japan evolved back into Greco - produced for the domestic market only. Following this, Fujigen established several new brands. CoolZ is one such brand and was released to great critical acclaim. The long tenon construction won it many fans - even amongst Gibson fans. This delicious Snow White ZLC-1 is one of the last made before the model evolved into the ZLC-10. This guitar is factory fresh - not a mark on it. The guitar can be purchased in its current specification from this advert, or alternatively we can upgrade the pick-ups to Clausen A5 custom wound PAFs (Gold covers) which provide an enhanced set of tones. We can offer an even higher spec with a full Jimmy Page wiring solution with coil splitting, series and reverse phase options to unlock the full potential of this guitar. If either of these options appeal, please contact us via the website and we can discuss the options. Price Availability £1,295 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2015 Pick-ups BH-1 x 2 Gold Covers Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge ToM Board Rosewood 4kg; 8lbs 13oz 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-600 1974, One that worried Fender < Back Greco TE-600 1974 Pre-serial Number Our love for Matsumoku built TE-280s and 350s is well known - we rave about them all the time, and for good reason. Fujigen were quite keen to get in on the act too, and from the mid-70s onwards, produced some incredibly good quality Teles and Strats, culminating in a partnership with the big boys themselves to form Fender Japan. Matsumoku were always keen to impart their own personality onto Fender ideas - it is what makes them so special, and relevant alongside the attempted facsimiles, that are now often and genuinely considered to be as good, or better than USA made originals from these years. That's controversial, obviously. This particular guitar is a Greco TE-600 model - the top of the range Tele from Kanda Shokai's range. The idea here was to make an absolute identical copy of a Fender - this is an early 74 build and came with the familiar Maxon tele pick-ups of the time. In the past, a previous owner has replaced the neck unit with a 2-conductor Seymour Duncan Vintage Rails - a very nice low output unit that retains the single coil sound with a little more clarity. The bridge unit puts a smile on your face with its snarly aggressiveness - back the volume down to smooth it out a little. The woods (ironically sourced from the Matsumoku conditioning plant) are top drawer - you can see the gorgeous grain under the blonde finish. The top-drawer star-tuners remain, and are a reminder that this was the top of the range model. A previous owner had grand plans for this Tele - behind that little white string retainer plate on the reverse, are a few further modifications that were either given up on, or mind was changed half way through. Just a few holes drilled for a reason we can't fathom. You can't see it, feel it, hear it - it is simply a bit of the guitar's history - we can forgive it, hope you can to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAOZWCiwYSs Price Availability SOLD Sold Recommendation Enjoy the quality Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Vintage Rails and Maxon Selector 3-Way Bridge Original Board Maple 3.58kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications Seymour Duncan Vintage Rails 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

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