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  • 2017 Deimel Firestar, 091

    2017 Deimel Firestar, Enormous Specification. < Back 2017 Deimel Firestar 091 Frank Deimel has been a hero and inspiration for us since we first ever laid hands on one of his creations. Whilst a fair few "boutique" guitars really focus on how they look, Herr Deimel focusses on versatility, specification and also has some visual tricks up his sleeve too. As normal, prices for such guitars seem almost obtainable, but then you get an options list which tempts you into abject poverty while you wait years for the guitar to arrive and sell more vital organs when the taxman clears his throat and holds out a hand. This is a particularly high spec Firestar model from 2017 - a one-owner guitar here in UK that has formed part of a managed collection, and whose mileage is purely the journey to the MOT station every year - it is genuinely in 'As New' condition, complete with Certificate of Authenticity. A lot of option boxes were ticked: this Firestar has a one-piece Swamp Ash body and the "highly Figured" maple neck to the JM59 standard - a bit more to get hold of, but not too much. The saddle and tremolo are Mastery products - supremely engineered and constructed and the long arm encouraging warbles, but happy to go further if required. The Magenta aluminium scratchplate contains 2 Curtis Novak pick-ups - a JM-V at the neck and a JM-90 at the bridge. The JM-V is a classic take on the Fender sound; the JM-90 being a P-90 style construction and resulting beefier tone. This has a master volume and master tone both using 500k CTS pots, the tone being governed by a Sprague 1813 capacitor. That, in itself, provides a great sounding guitar - each of the 3 fundamental tones sounding expensive and there on purpose. But this is just the beginning. Between the saddle and bridge is another pick-up - a Mojo Jaguar bridge unit; Alnico 5 with 42awg wire just as they were in 1963. This pick-up, known as Behind-the-bridge, delivers the subtle vibrations that make it past the saddle. Plucking the strings over this pick-up will give the very strange effect you'd expect, but there is method behind this madness. A slider switch by the selector toggle allows you to decide which bridge pick-up is in play - either the JM-90 or the Mojo Jaguar. If the Mojo is selected, and the toggle in the bridge position, then all you will get is those post-saddle vibrations that do change with chord positions, but only as far as the scale is altered by the chord. The demo video will show you what this means to your ears. If the toggle is selecting neck and bridge, then the neck tone will dominate, but the parallel connected Mojo will enable some shimmering harmonic effects to add colour to the sound in fascinating and slightly discordant ways. If the neck pick-up is selected on its own, the Mojo has no effect on the tone regardless of the position of the slider. And there is more... The slider switch next to the pick-up selection toggle activates a piezo disc that is mounted in the control cavity. This piezo disc operates independently from the magnetic pick-ups and the presence of the effect is governed by reducing the magnetic pick-up volume. Once again, the demo video will describe this effect more than words can. This piezo effect applies to tones using the Mojo pick-up too - already a huge palette is available. But there is still more... There is a further slider switch and two roller wheels on the upper horn - these govern the LesLee controls where further magic happens. The slider switch activates the effect, and the roller wheels govern the rate and depth of the effect. Producing an effect similar to a rotary speaker and a tremolo (guitar effect, not bridge). Activating the Leslee overrides the pick-up selector toggle as the signal alternates between the neck and bridge pick-ups either slightly in terms of which pick-up dominates, or at its maximum effect the time it takes to sweep the whole signal between them. This is controlled by one rotary wheel, the other rotary wheel will determine how quickly this happens. When the controls are set to near maximum effect, the effect can almost resemble a slicer. If the Mojo pick-up is engaged as the bridge pick-up, the LesLee will provide an even more intense effect as the signal sweeps between the neck pick-up and the Mojo, which as explained above is only reporting the vibrations of the string between the saddle and the bridge to the signal path. If words aren't enough here, please check out the demo video. Engaging the piezo adds yet more character to the tone. Complexity accepted, and with sufficient time to familiarize yourself with the controls and functions, this is a creator's dream. Ideas and experimental work will flow easily from this instrument as the controls are well placed, the rotary wheels are weighted perfectly and the guitar feels like a very premium instrument indeed. The Pyramid 1508 frets are, as their name would suggest, a triangular style fret, similar to Jescar 51108, an unusual but interesting fret - another characteristic of the guitar that sets it aside from most others. This exciting and indulgent specification added over 40% to the basic spec Firestar price - the resulting guitar is breath-taking; a fastidiously well built instrument offering you a huge opportunity to experiment and get very creative. Price ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2017 Pick-ups Curtis Novak JM-V, JM-90+ Mojo Jaguar Selector 3-way Toggle Bridge Mastery Board Rosewood Weight 3.67kg; 8lbs 1oz Modifications Most options ticked ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

  • Fender Custom Shop | General recommissioning

    Strattifying and unstratty Strat < Back Fender Custom Shop Free Consultation Book Now General recommissioning Many of our 'Friends of the Show' have a large fleet of guitars - always turning up with something different for me to marvel at. Many head next door for a quick fettle, but some need the third degree and consensus amongst a select few to plan a course of action. This Custom Shop Strat is a strange one. It's a glorious one, but not as Stratty as it appears. This fret gauge was probably specified to pacify a Gibson guy - the not-quite-stoptailed bridge doing its best to emulate a ToM. The challenge is to make this unstratty Strat more like a Strat, but without changing its underlying soul. Basically soften it a bit then. Some fret-work magic and bridge adjustment took place and as usual, we had a few nerves at the handover, but none were needed. The owner bonded with it as he originally expected to. A lovely guitar now made lovelier. Gallery ← Previous Next→

  • Matsumoku Monaco L78

    Taking a single pick-up guitar to the extremes < Back Matsumoku Monaco L78 Price £1,999 GBP Add to Cart Chat with Us A thoroughly disassembled black 1978 Aria ST-400 appeared one day in the workshop - I'd agreed to buy it off a chap in Brighton. To my amazement, L780016 featured a parrotbeak headstock - just like the Thor Sound range. I threw it to the forums - it seems there were a few leaving Matsumoku attached to Strat clones in December 1978. Most were old photos of long-dead instruments, so I guess this is a bit of a rarity and therefore I decided it would live on in style. This Monaco is one of a pair - it accompanies the SuperMonaco, and both are so much fun, and so adorable that I intend to make more of these offering different options for sounds. This Monaco features a single Haeussel Tapped 1956 P-90, wound specifically for this build, and a dummy coil hidden beneath the plate to offer various hum cancelling options for studio work. It is a brave move, or a decision made by someone with the budget for many guitars, to opt for a single pick-up guitar - Esquires are very rare compared to Teles. This single pick-up no nonsense guitar has 5 tone options governed by that 5-way switch. They are: 1) tapped P-90 (6.5k) with 470k pot value - rude and aggressive sound. 2) tapped P-90 (6.5k) with 220k pot value - warm and pleasant sound 3) full winding P-90 (8.2k) in parallel with dummy coil with 470k pot value - unique and addictive sound 4) full winding P-90 (8.2k) with 470k pot value - the traditional Gibson sound 5) full winding P-90 (8.2k) in series with dummy coil with 550k pot value - another unique and useful sound There is a sound in there to suit most requirements of a player with a yellow guitar no-one else has ever seen before. The bridge is a black Gotoh GE101TS providing ample sustain and great stability. High quality Aria tuners are rebuilt and ready for many years of reliable service. Like most of our guitars, they are not supposed to look brand new - neither do we intend to add flaws, or relic anything. The finish on this guitar is supposed to reflect the life it has led, but add a radiance; some excitement and new character to enjoy. Details The Look A radical new look and expression. Everyone needs at least one yellow guitar in their lives Headstock Rebuilt Aria Pro II (by Gotoh) black tuners on a black refinished headstock, but refinished over the scars. Neck New Dunlop 6100 frets on adjusted and resettled neck geometry. Pick-ups 1 x Haeussel 1956 P-90 (tapped) custom wound for this guitar by one of the finest pick-up creators in the world. Thanks Harry. (There is one of his secret dummy coils in there too) Bridge Gotoh GE101T in Black Controls 5 way selector, master volume and tone Gallery ← Previous Next→

  • Greco SG300/360, No Number

    Greco SG300/360, Bargain vintage rocker ready for the stage < Back Greco SG300/360 No Number This guitar is feather-weight fun. Always difficult to date precisely, but no later than 1973, and this one has had a few upgrades to compensate it for a previous owner attempting to glue the neck - too many folk look down on the bolt-ons, and I guess he got pushed over the edge!! Anyway, it is unglued now and you are free to adjust the angle with shims if you fancy. Most surviving early G'n'ecos have had a busy and hard life - this one no exception, so the tuners are new Gotoh SD90, and the pick-ups are now early 80s MMK-45 units. These ones are 11k DCR and ceramic so modelled on Super Distortions. They suit this guitar very well. Adjusting the pole pieces carefully and getting the heights spot on, this will keep up with any modern traffic and has an incredible clean(ish) bridge tone - it nearly speaks to you! These are 2 conductor units and the body isn't deep enough for good quality push pulls, so 3 sounds only here but the tones are great in any mode. You have brand new CTS pots and Switchcraft switch and jack - ready for another 50 years of AC/DC, Zappa, or whatever you want it to do for you. There are knocks and bumps, chips and dents - it wears them well and won't mind if you add a few more. I have claimed this as 'Very Good' condition as I have rebuilt it with the new upgraded parts. It is ready for gigging straight away. As an alternative to a new Epiphone, this offers so much. The spec, obviously, but it has that vintage soul and spirit missing on new guitars since the accountants took over. This was built in an era when it was actually was all about the guitars, and has been fettled with the same attitude. If you don't mind a bolt-on; and that it was made in Japan, not China; and that is it 50 years old, not made 2 weeks ago and drop-shipped as the lacquer is still drying, I reckon you should give this a chance. Price £525 Availability Sold Recommendation Worry-free enjoyment Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups MMK-45 (11k DCR) Selector 3-way Toggle Bridge ToM Board Rosewood Weight TBC Modifications New Tuners, pick-ups and controls ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

  • Fender 68 Telecaster Closet Classic - Blue Flower, R78927

    Fender 68 Telecaster Closet Classic - Blue Flower, The ultimate Blue Flower Telecaster. < Back Fender 68 Telecaster Closet Classic - Blue Flower R78927 Price £6,899 Availability 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 Weight 3.33kg, 7lbs 5oz Modifications Klein 1961 Epic Series ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

  • Matsumoku DB-500 Tropical

    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→

  • Greco SE-500 Custom, K772621

    Greco SE-500 Custom, The ultimate SE-500? < Back Greco SE-500 Custom K772621 Back in '77 you could stride into Tokyo Music Store, slap 3 months wages on the counter and fill in a form to specify exactly what you wanted. A few weeks later it would arrive in a nice case and would even be in a canvas sack inside that case. This is a Fujigen produced Greco, and it features PU-119 pick-ups (otherwise known as Excel) from the more expensive models in the range. The 500 was the only model available with the large headstock and maple neck which is why we believe this guitar was based upon a 500, but spec'ed as a 6/7/800 in terms of electrics. Just had to have that modern large headstock I guess. The hues of the stain finish are very reminiscent of the new Greco Original range that were launched in 1977, also the 'violin finish' seen on the megabucks EGF1350, 1500 and 1800s. It is obvious that this guitar has led a cherished life as it bears no obvious normal signs of being 45 years old. The pick-ups are typical late 70's Maxon - fairly high output and airy - perfect for the Hendrix repertoire but these Excels cover all bases very well. The Excels have the dynamics and mid range that the earlier versions lacked The bridge unit and tuners are all in great condition, there is lots of life left in the original frets. I get a few guitars over here that blow me away straight out of the box - this is one of them and I doubt I'll be able to let it go - certainly not without a fight. So I'm not even going to try and value this one - it is a special guitar, and suits a collector - it even has its certificate of authenticity. Currently the super-high end Greco Les Pauls are equalling their genuine American originals and I doubt the Strats will ever manage that, but it will take quite a sum to part me from this... Price Private Stock Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups PU-119 Excels Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.78kg; 8lbs 5oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

  • Palir Titan Day of the Dead 2016, 417164

    Palir Titan Day of the Dead 2016, < Back Palir Titan Day of the Dead 2016 417164 A very rare opportunity to get hold of a Palir without a trip to Alabama, or Louisiana. Palir may not be a household name but they are extremely well regarded amongst household name players. It is not just about the looks with these, they play and sound incredible. This is one of a very few Day of the Dead Titans - a 2016 build. The guitar is as new - it formed part of an extensive collection, and other than an occasional light strum during maintenance routines, has never actually been played. Acoustically, there is the bright resonance that Swamp Ash usually provides, and the medium roasted maple neck is a C profile with a 7.25" radius maple fretboard and 21 6230 frets (Medium). This Titan features Porter 9T pick-ups, accompanied by an Emerson control panel with standard 3 way switching. These Porters give P-90 tones but can be dialled back to capture traditional Tele tones thanks to the Emerson trickery. The guitar is supplied with its original G&G case and Certificate of Authenticity. Body: Swamp Ash Neck: Medium Roast Maple Bridge: 3 barrel Tele Bridge Pick-ups: Porter 9T set Controls: 3 way Emerson Controls Fretboard: Maple Radius: 7.25" Frets: 21 medium Joint: 4 bolt Nut Width: 1 5/8 inch (41.3mm) Scale: 25 1/2" Machineheads: Gotoh SD91 Weight: 3.41kg (7lbs 8oz) Price £1,850 Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2016 Pick-ups Porter 9T set Selector 3 way Emerson Controls Bridge 3 barrel Tele Bridge Board Maple Weight 3.41kg; 7lbs 8oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

  • 1973 Greco SE-500N, Pre-serial Number

    1973 Greco SE-500N, < Back 1973 Greco SE-500N Pre-serial Number This is a fine example of a pre-serial number Matsumoku Stratocaster destined for the home market in Greco guise. Despite being significantly cheaper than the imported US equivalent, this guitar represents incredible value for money compared to the “real thing” from 1973. The neck profile is a substantial C, unlike the later and better-known JVs, the scale is as you would expect unlike some very early Strat clones. The pick-ups are pure Maxon – bright and airy, and the scratchplate still carries the original 1meg pot for the volume and a pair of 500s for the tones. This will upset the purists, but these pots get the best out of the Maxons. The original 3-way switch remains and has had sufficient use to allow us to find those in-between settings. The grain on this pancake body construction is sublime – up close it has a few knocks and dings from 50 years of use, but it wears them well. This guitar has been a busy one – the frets are worn to absolute limit, yet it still plays sublimely – those that like a low action on their Strats will adore this one. We think there is a year or two left in these frets and this will be a rhythm guitarists best mate for a while until a re-fret is finally due. When guitars with worn frets arrive, we often just put on a nice new set of tall narrow, or some nice fat 70s Gibson frets to give it that real 70s feel; but this one we will leave to the next owner to decide – the last year of service these provide will be a fantastic year. Or, we can give it the Dave Edwards treatment and convert it to something resembling one of Rory Gallagher’s fleet – some fancy pick-ups, some unusual tonal variety – even a pair of humbuckers. Price SOLD Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon x3 Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple Weight 4.13kg; 9lbs 2oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

  • Taylor 150c 12-String, 2202280470

    Taylor 150c 12-String, No need to go up the range - this is the ideal workshorse 12 string. < Back Taylor 150c 12-String 2202280470 This Taylor 150c is a no-nonsense decent quality electro-acoustic that covers all bases from Wish You Were Here through to Love and Affection - the bass and treble controls covering just about all your glisten and shimmering needs. Hardly used, it was bought for one gig, and then stored. Lots of acoustic volume, and when the 100 series is as good as they are, it seems unnecessary to venture up the range and spend a fortune unnecessarily. This one comes with a Taylor padded gig-bag. The video uses a Loudex Mini amp with gain at 3 out of 10 and a dab of reverb Price £650 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2020 Pick-ups Expression 2 Selector n/a Bridge pin Board Ebony Weight TBC Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

  • Matsumoku Frontman I

    You can hide a packet of JPS on it < Back Matsumoku Frontman I Price £2,895 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! The person at the front of the show needs an instrument that really stands out. David Rusan put the Cloud into Prince's hands. Auersfeld too. Didn't do any of them any harm! Bono looked better with Waller's green Gretschercaster than he did with a standard Gretsch. Göran Malmberg was single-handedly responsible for Waterloo winning Eurovision 1974 (in my mind). But back in sleepy Norfolk and scaling this inspirational stuff down to what makes the most sense and money is in fact an issue, and cheques are not blank, we set about deciding what our particular Frontman needs instead of a pair of Peavey EXPs and a (admittedly beautiful) Tokai Love Rock. At the time, his guitarist was rocking a salmon pink Gibson and an iridescent PRS so we had some headroom. Our Frontman stood at the front of a fair few bands and covered a multitude of styles - always the vocals and waving the microphone stand around, but still a guitarist - the Frontman does the intros a lot. The few gigs I saw to get the measure of the man revealed he's only at home to the bridge pick-up and its volume control. The man needs an Esquire. So much more timeless and adaptable than a LPJr and a Kramer puts too much pressure on him from guitarists in the audience. They are all EVH-heads and demand a lot. Keeping Prince in mind, I sourced a very special Esquire from the workshops of Toshio Moridaira - a tenuous but nevertheless bonefide link to Prince as his HS Anderson MadCats came from him. Hohner was later. Out came the Bill Anderson pick-up (I know, sacriledge) and off came the rather generic tremolo (this Esquire was routed for a vintage tremolo - this concept eventually evolving into the Bill Lawrence BTOR range). Our Frontman likes a super skinny neck and they don't get much skinnier than 1980's Nagano. On went a new set of Jescar 55090 frets, and talks started with pick-up chaps and tremolo manufacturers. After 2 failed attempts at getting an A8 Dual Rail from Germany (if anyone finds them, please send them to me and I'll share some of the 400 quid with you) we turned to UK and an Evil Sheep tapped Tele unit. We had adored the ones we had put in Floral Teles, and therefore settled on a fairly hot wind with a really hot wind via an S-1 switch on the single volume knob. Begging the master luthier and game-changer Frank Deimel to flog me one of his proprietary bridges came to nothing (still friends though). Wales then, and a Wudtone unit. I had to keep the brass barrels, but our Frontman needed an occasional warble, so a suitable unit was ordered. As Black and Gold as a JPS Lotus, an eye-catching scratchplate was produced here in the workshop to suit the guitar. Gold Gotoh SD91 tuners, trees and boat in place, the Matsumoku Frontman I was finally and slightly belatedly born. Clang. KerLANG. It won't get lost in the mix! Take a man's neck pick-up away because he never uses it soon evolves into missing a neck pick-up. A Frontman II then... Details The Look If Vertu made guitars... Headstock Glossy black parrot-beak - personalized decal Neck Super skinny - only the Japanese can make them this slim and still be comfortable Pick-ups Evil Sheep Tapped Tele - wound for this build 7.4k and 11.3k really makes sure it is heard Bridge Gotoh haven't got around to making such a device - Andy from Wales to the rescue. These units are big cost options on Custom Shop Fender and PRS. The Frontman gets one. Controls Master Volume with output switch on the S-1. Gallery ← Previous Next→

  • Gretsch Penguin - Stephen Stern Masterbuild, UC22032277

    Gretsch Penguin - Stephen Stern Masterbuild, Rare chance to acquire a Stern Masterbuild < Back Gretsch Penguin - Stephen Stern Masterbuild UC22032277 Custom Shop Gretsches are usually very special, and this one was commissioned to be very special indeed. This is a Stephen Stern hollow body Penguin, in an extremely dark metallic green - almost black until it catches the light. Sparkly silver binding and cream sides and rear really makes this one stand out even amongst other Sterns and Madrigals. There are 3 Dynasonic pick-ups - these are 10.33k, 10.57k and 10.45k from neck to bridge, and all 3 sound phenomenal at any level of gain, and their character transforms from a warm clarity with low levels of gain right up to aggressive brightness as the drive increases; but they always feel in control - a more refined version of the original DeArmond 2000 on which they are based. Thanks to the crystal clear clarity on offer, mixing the pick-ups offers enormous versatility with tones you may not expect from a Gretsch. The control layout assumes a normal twin pick-up Gretsch in that the pick-up selector offer neck, neck and bridge, and bridge in its 3 settings, and each pick-up has its own volume control. The neighbouring toggle switch will activate the middle pick-up in any of the settings and its own volume control is the bottom knob. The middle can be heard on its own by turning the other pick-ups' volume down. On its own it is a very pleasant tone and pleasingly different. A third toggle switch feeds the signal through a pair of Squeezeboxes to give you the usual Gretsch tone pre-sets. A Master Volume with a treble bleed completes the control layout. The Bigsby provides the normal wobble of the pitch, but stays firmly in place at all times - no chance of tuning instability with this one. Almost unplayed since new, this joined a large collection and shows no signs of use. It comes in its original case complete with all the paperwork including CoA. This beautiful guitar has one tiny cosmetic flaw in that the paint has minor cracks in 2 places - one at the heel and the other at the bottom below the strap pin. The binding and paint have expanded at slightly different rates and this occurred a few weeks after delivery and has not changed since. Some have suggested this occurred in the aeroplane, but we can't commit to that. We have captured this in the photos and please contact us to let us show you over a videocall if this may be an issue. That tiny flaw aside, this is an outstanding guitar with an interesting and useful specification - Stephen Stern models are perhaps the most sought after modern Gretsches and chances to own one are few and far between. It is here at the Hall and can be viewed and played by appointment - thanks to recent UK politics, the exchange rate may well suit overseas buyers - we will ship worldwide, pack to extremely high standards and guitars are despatched with full value insurance. Price £7,450 Availability Sold Recommendation Be quick... Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2022 Pick-ups Gretsch Dynasonic Selector 3-way Toggle Bridge Bigsby Board Rosewood Weight 4.06kg; 8lbs 15oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos

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