Greco SE-600 (Electrics Upgrade), Taking Maxons to the limit < Back Greco SE-600 (Electrics Upgrade) Pre-serial number 1974 was the year that Matsumoku really started to emulate the Strat. This one comes with its original 'star' tuners and Maxons - the latter having an unmistakeable set of tones. We are always so smitten with the Maxon sounds - bright and airy, always cutting through even amongst the humbuckers. We also adore the Maxon humbuckers on the early EG range - they have a remarkable growl. Therefore, with a minor modification, we can have both, and we are delighted with the results. This is the 3rd 1974 SE-600 we have had since we started and they have all been super heavy-weights - you'll have lighter Les Pauls in the rack. If a heavy, and I mean really heavy, Strat doesn't put you off, read on, as this is a guitar that will cover a lot of bases that previously required 2 guitars, or a mega-bucks one with huge headstock tax. When I say heavy, I mean 4.6kg - that's over 10lbs in old money. It's sen ash, so nothing exotic - there is no gold stashed in it. It is just a dense bit of ash. All the better for it. I have converted this one to a 5-way selector (we have cut a new plate for it but retained the little truss rod adjutment hatch as this is a solid good idea), and replaced the pots with new premium CTS items - the lower tone control being a push pull that engages a different pick-up configuration with the 5-way. Pushed down, we have a traditional Strat configuration - the 3 magic Maxons and the parallel tones too. Pull this up and position 3 will engage the neck and middle Maxons into series - very similar to that lovely neck Maxon humbucker on an EG Les Paul model. In the bridge position, the bridge and neck Maxons are joined in series and we get a really nice ES335 middle position tone with a bit more bite - a very decent lead tone indeed - much more mid-range than the bridge Maxon on its own. In between these 2 positions is the neck and bridge in series; that in parallel with the middle. If you like the "in-between" parallel tones on a Strat but always lose yourself a little in the mix, then this is the position that brings you back in no uncertain terms. In the remaining selector positions, you get the neck on its own - always a glorious option with a Maxon. Versatility without too much complexity, and this is very quick to familiarize yourself with. 1974 SE-600s had a slightly slimmer neck than the lower order models, and they do have a premium feel to them - the tuners and tremolo also being higher spec. Star tuners on the back of the headstock meant you had the top of the range. We have never seen a broken or worn Star tuner - they will outlive us all! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlgAjU-qK4M Of course it has a couple of knocks and scrapes to remind you it is 50 years old, but it still feel like it has another 50 plus ahead of it, and now you have a hugley more powerful set of tones to accompany your vintage Strat. Either get down to the gym and prepare yourself for this guitar, or wear it instead of going to the gym. Either way, you'll end up up better off! Price Availability £845 Sold - another one coming Recommendation Leave the Gibson at home Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Original Maxon Selector 5-way Bridge Vintage Fender-style tremolo Board Maple 4.6kg; 10lbs 2oz Modifications Series options with push-pull 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

1979 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties Black on Black, Black on Black with Rosewood - perfection... < Back 1979 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties Black on Black I790431 This 1979 Greco SE-700 has a 2-piece body and retains its original PU-119 pick-ups with unusual but original black covers. This is another vintage Greco that blows the minds of Fender traditionalists - the neck will feel very familiar to a sixties Oval C, the weight and balance will give the impression of a very expensive original. The colour scheme is reminiscent of the Fender Black-outs and large headstock Highway One editions - it does look sensational. These PU119 pick-ups are held in high regard amongst the MIJ crowd - they respond well to subtle control changes on the guitar and the amplifier and exhibit a good clarity and slight nasal characteristic when driven. Everything on this guitar remains original - the bridge and tuners are all in great aged condition - most importantly perfectly functioning. The black scratchplate was an option at the time, and gives this guitar a really purposeful look. At a fraction over 3.59kg (7lbs 14oz) this has "that perfect Strat" weight and feel to it - there are a few parking knocks and scars on the body that give it that authentic vintage touch too - we have attempted to catch them all in the photos. None of them down to the wood. The frets have lots of life left in them, this is fast slick and comfortable like all SE-700s - arguably the sweet-spot of the range. The serial Number on this one is I790431, an early November 1979 Fujigen build from the time they were really showing off to impress the boys from Corona. A Fender guitar from this CBS era is hit and miss - there were some real howlers, and even the good ones are likely to have been upgraded by now. During this era, Fujigen and their contemporaries were just the opposite - getting better and better. This guitar feels like one of their very best. This SE-700 will put guitars twice, even three times its price to shame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHG_mLr4_K8 Despite being in fantastic condition, we can talk about upgrade ideas, we can recommend Tall Narrow frets on these lovely necks; we can give it a Gotoh 510T tremolo; we could convert the electrics to Sao Paulo spec (rail humbuckers), but these are all fun indulgent options - this guitar is genuinely good to go as it is. Price Availability £1,195 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1979 Pick-ups PU-119 x 3 Selector 5-Way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood 3.60kg; 7lbs 14oz 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

1979 Greco SE-500, Old Warrior ready for battle. < Back 1979 Greco SE-500 B791640 Trust us, it used to be a 3-colour sunburst but I guess the previous owner played it while sunbathing - the red hue is still there under the plate and the jack socket - it's faded everywhere else. We call it a Sepia-burst. It's been busy - very very busy, and that's a great sign. Plug it in and you'll hear why - it is a set of Excel pick-ups under the stained (but clean!) plate. Excel (PU-119) pick-ups were the ones you would expect in the SE-600 and upwards. The clarity, power and definition will turn heads - the Fender boys will ask you what you have in there. It is beaten up, the neck is worn to perfection - the skunk stripe is just perceptible on you palm, the lacquer on the headstock has collected polish from those rare moments of non-essential maintenance. The staining on the plate is from a section of unpeeled protective film (now removed). It appears gloriously filthy but isn't. It's as clean as a new Custom Shop. The Excel pick-ups are not constrained by the 3-way switch as the lower tone control is a mid blend function to tailor the neck and bridge tones to perfection. The only bits we replaced were the pick-up covers - the originals were just too far gone and cracked. Perfectly not-quite-matching to stay in keeping with the general world-tour-worn look. A quarter of the price of the equivalent US Fender, and half the price of a younger and less characterful JV, this is sweetspot of value for money for true genuine vintage guitars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlV51_Y1AS4 Price Availability £745 Sold Recommendation Prepare to be asked what pick-ups you have Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1979 Pick-ups Maxon Excel Selector 3-Way Bridge Original Tremolo Board Maple 3.77kg; 8lbs 5oz Modifications Middle pick-up blender 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

Shergold 124, Pretend you are Mike Rutherford < Back Shergold 124 12420 This extremely rare UK built double neck is in fine condition and stage ready for a Genesis (or Julian Cope at a stretch) tribute act. The serial number is 124 20, which we assume means the 20th guitar built in this particular 12 up top, 4 below configuration. We think it dates from 1978, and the hardware and electronics are totally original and in fine working order. The only items that have been replaced during the recent re-commissioning are the guitar strings, and the scratchplate and string guide screws. One "witch hat" knob on the neck selector has been replaced by a 1970's Fuji black tip - it fits well and doesn't look out of place. The pick-ups are the original Re'An units - Re'An is synonymous with Burns of London. Jack Golder is the 'Gold' in Shergold - he and Jim Burns more or less established Burns of London. The Burns tone was popular amongst the professionals and therefore it made sense to stick with Re'An for these subsequent ventures. They are indeed great pick-ups and up top you have the choice of a single coil, regular series humbucker, or the two coils of the humbucker out of phase. The neck and bridge units have their own 3 way sliders to select how you need each pick-up and a further 3 way selector gives you neck, both or bridge. Most great sounding 12 string electrics use single coils - here you get the choice, and an additional effect of combining the pick-ups with one out of phase which provides a very interesting and useful set of tones. The bridges retain their original saddles and also the black covers which often go missing on these. Under the control plate, the electronics are of great quality and function perfectly. It is beautifully put together - the design and workmanship continuing into the areas you are unlikely to ever see. The bass guitar features one 8 pole humbucker (6.725kΩ DCR), and both necks utilise a master volume and tone control. 124 20 features a stereo output facility - the upper output socket can feed 2 amps (or signal paths), one for the bass, the other for the 12 string. A standard mono cable in the lower output socket will deliver either bass only, guitar only or having both necks live at the same time, but they will be going through the same signal path / amp and the DCR is reduced as the bass pick-up and guitar pick-up(s) are in parallel - have a look at the DCR curves to check this effect. With a stereo cable in the stereo jack, the outputs of the bass and guitar pick-ups are not affected and both necks can be in play at full output power. If you are familiar with Rick-o-Sound, then this is similar - whereas Rickenbacker delivers separate outputs for each pick-up, this delivers separate outputs from each neck. There is a stereo cable included in the sale of this guitar so get a second amp ready, or get 2 tracks on the DAW and have loads of fun. There is a flight-case with this guitar and as you can imagine, it is extremely heavy - please factor this in when considering shipping this. Price Availability £2,695 Sold Recommendation Join a Genesis tribute band Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Re'An Selector 3 way selectors for neck selection, pick-up configuration and pick-up selection Bridge Original Shergold Board Maple 6.0 kg; 13lbs 5 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 Greco SE-700W Early Sixties, Earlier weightier Early Sixties model < Back 1977 Greco SE-700W Early Sixties I774760 The Greco SE-700 was the premium big-headstock model of the range in the 1970s. In 1977, there were 2 SE-700 models in the range, a small headstock maple neck version with PU-100 pick-ups and a 3-way switch - these were built in tiny numbers. This is not one of these, it is the more familiar and highly regarded Early Sixties model, with the PU-119 (Excels) and the 5-way switch. These are every bit as good as their well deserved reputation suggests. Each of the 5 positions (including the middle on its own) has a distinctive character and there is no weak position amongst them and all respond well to subtle control changes on the guitar and the amplifier. The controls and switch are all original, in fact everything on this guitar other than the strings remains original - the bridge and tuners are all in great aged condition - most importantly perfectly functioning. At precisely 4.40kg (9lbs 11oz) this has, despite the Early Sixties moniker, a very 1970s weight and feel to it - the aged white finish fading to cream gives it that authentic vintage touch too. It isn't completely flawless, there are signs of life, but nothing to detract. 1977 Grecos regularly seem to have a lot more weight to them that earlier and later years - we'd class this as a 'heavy strat' - there are other lighter models here if this is a deal-breaker. The serial Number on this one is I774760, a late November 1977 Fujigen build from the time they were really showing off to impress the boys from Corona prior to the partnership. A Fender guitar from this CBS era is hit and miss - there were some real howlers, and even the good ones are likely to have been upgraded by now. During this era, Fujigen and their contemporaries were just the opposite - getting better and better. We adore all SE-700 models, and have a special soft spot for this one as it bucks the trend and has its extra kilogram and wears it very gracefully indeed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKIYEkOh84U There is scope for further work to this guitar - even though the frets have plenty of life left in them, a set of Tall Narrow on this neck; together with a Gotoh 510T tremolo upgrade turns this already fantastic guitar into Custom Shop eater - but without the catastrophic price tag. We don't see the need to upgrade the amazing PU-119 pick-ups, the only worthwhile upgrade would be a set of Haussel Desperados but definitiely give these Excels a chance beforehand. Their reputation is well deserved. Price Availability £1,195 Sold Recommendation Lovely as it is, but there is scope. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups PU-119 x3 Selector 5-Way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood 4.4kg; 9lbs 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

Classy, purposeful and amazing spec < Back Matsumoku EG-59B Price £1,095 | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! The EG-360 and 380 were the entry level bolt on Les Paul style guitars in the early 1970s, the 420 being superior only in that it had the Jazz Rock pick-ups over the classic Maxon humbucker. A rosewood board until you got to the 480 where you had ebony. After this, we had the solid bodied set necks. May be it's the underdog syndrome, not sure, but we have a huge soft spot for the entry levels. If you're my age, its like preferring to rag the arse off a Peugeot 205GT rather than going backwards through a hedge in a 1.9 GTi. People are paying silly money for set-neck Greco Les Pauls and I don't think we are "cool" enough to be in that gang. We like guitars that surprise us (pleasantly, obviously), and lower order Grecos never fail. They are affordable, they are not vanishingly rare, they are not faked and you are unlikely to be judged for the model number that never appears on the guitar anyway. They are just honest workhorses, the chambered body gives them a special character - more than just a bit of wood. Most of our EG-360, 380, 420 and 480s go out after a thorough restoration or recommissioning, but occasionally we need to go a bit crazy with one and let it shine in different ways. This black pancake EG-380 is aimed at folk that don't need the Maxon characterful stuff, and want a more faithful Gibson sound. Tony winds pick-ups for Gibsons, he knows every tiny detail about every single pick-up they have ever had. These are his A2 PAFs modelled on '59s; not too hot and all the cream yet capable of barking loud when you need. This being a chambered model, there is a bit more Greco character https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLSUkpFYClM Black on black on black with some delicious aged cream binding, it will look as great on the stand in the living room as it will purposeful on stage. Locking tuners are a feature you won't normally find on guitars until you start needing to sell a kidney for - we have them here. A 1974 vintage Fujigen product, locking Gotoh tuners, boutique high end pick-ups, new switch, saddle and bar - this sounds like an awful lot of money. OK, it is more than a generic drop-shipped anonymous sounding Chinese Epiphone, but there is nothing anonymous or generic about this one. Details The Look Black on black on black with classy aged binding Headstock New locking Gotoh tuners Neck Super comfy slim not skinny - plenty of fret left Pick-ups Tony's Stealth PAF modelled on '59s. Creamy yet barks loud. Bridge Brand new black Gotoh aluminium tail and saddle Controls New Switchcraft black switch - everything else original Gallery ← Previous Next→

Stealthy versatility, bit of a looker too < Back Matsumoku Rising Sun Price £1,295 | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Starting with a fine solid 1978 Matsumoku built Aria Stagecaster, and looking for an excuse to use a splendid looking scratchplate, I rather went to town on this one. Starting with the hardware, the already fine tremolo bridge was replaced with a Gotoh GE-101TS in Gold with the lovely stainless block, a set of aged gold SD-91 tuners replaced the original ones, and matching gold jack plate and strap buttons gave me the general look - we were pleased with it. Even though Maxon SP-II pick-ups are great sounding units, these models were still constrained with the 3 way switch. Rather than convert the middle to RWRP, I went several stages further to make this guitar sound even better than it looks, and add some stealthy versatility to make this into a proper studio and stage tool. The concept is to have a set of traditional vintage sounds - optimised to boutique mega-bucks standards; and add some really very powerful and rich sounds usually available to HSH super-strats. But not making life difficult with a plethora of mini-switches - just a simple push pull on the lower tone knob to toggle between vintage and modern. This is a set of Tony's finest Alnico V single coils, a perfect neck unit, a secret sauce middle and a perfectly hot bridge. With the tone knob pushed down, the 5-way gives you a standard array of tones - vintage output from the neck and middle, and a overwound bridge unit to get some proper power. The lower tone knob is available to tame that bridge unit if you need, the middle tone knob acting on the neck and middle units. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUp3M6MJEJs Pulling up the lower tone knob - easy as it is a rubberized surface - and the real power kicks in. The neck unit converts to a series neck and bridge configuration. These are wound and are constructed from magnets that do not turn this power to compressed mud - the clarity remains, just a lot more in the mid range - from a chime to a howl. Neck and middle together converts from a traditional quack to a powerful cluck. A vintage output middle joins the series connected neck and bridge. The increase in midrange is precisely where you need it. Position 3 converts from a vintage output middle to a hot output middle - great for searing slide guitar. This middle pick-up is where the magic happens - there are 2 outputs that either serve in their own right, or have the desired effect when coupling with their neighbours. Middle and bridge converts from vintage quack to a less scooped growl as the full winding of the middle becomes available to match the hot bridge perfectly. The bridge is just the bridge - it needs nothing more than the tone control or a backed off volume control. Lots of words - language is very rarely sufficient to accurately describe the tones that this guitar will provide - please give the demo video a listen - ears need to hear what I am trying to describe. The new guitar feel is accentuated by a fresh set of frets - all you lucky folks with a 59 Les Paul will recognise the 44500 Jumbo frets - ideal for these Matsumoku necks. Luxury from start to finish here. Details The Look Cheers you up as soon as you clap eyes on it. Headstock It's a 1978 guitar, so the appropriate large headstock. Neck A new set of Jescar 45100 Jumbo give this a classy new guitar feel. Pick-ups Tony's finest single coils. Alnico 5, vintage neck, dual output middle and overwound bridge. Best of all worlds. Bridge New gold Gotoh GE-101TS with the stainless block Controls 5 way selector, Master Volume, Neck/Middle Tone, Bridge Tone - the latter is a push pull to activate some amazing versatility. Gallery ← Previous Next→

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→