An easy introduction to vintage guitars < Back Matsumoku No.43 Price £695 | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! This is a very cost effective way into DreamBuild ownership - all guitars sold as DreamBuilds have to be very special and personal. As we rebuild and re-specify these special guitars, we are left with some very good original parts - some customers want to keep original components with their upgraded guitars, others are only interested in the finished product. The later group of folk have allowed us to produce this guitar. This is a guitar with a few tricks up its sleeve. Based around an early 1973 Fujigen built Ibanez 2375, this features the chunkier 5-piece neck unique to 1973. We named this after the handwritten production line data in the neck pocket and pick-up cavities. This body appears to be a from the prototype line which would also explain the clearcoat finish over a body that would under normal circumstances be painted. The pancake body construction makes itself obviously know, and the thin slab on top has charm even where the contour of the body explains why it didn't make it into production! Originally equipped with short fat Maxons, we have upgraded them to Excel PU-119 pick-ups from a 1977 SE-700 - the first Greco model to feature a 5 way selector therefore appropriate middle pick-up construction to work in parallel mode. 2 new CTS premium pots govern master volume and neck tone, and a push push knob controls the middle and bridge tone. A new CRL 5 way switch provide the normal Strat tones if the push push knob is down, but give it a tap when the neck pick-up is selected and it brings in the bridge coil in series for a big fat humbucker sound. In the neck and middle position, the middle coil joins in parallel to the series connected neck/bridge. This gives a thicker more powerful "in between" tone. These series tones could be heard on the American Deluxe. The addition of these tones to the pallette is in keeping with this vintage Strat style guitar - it is not attempting to be a humbucker guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tq-0arS93c The guitar retains its early Gotoh bridge - even though it looks rather agricultural, it does the job adequately, and the nice solid block gets a solid acoustic ring usually only experienced with very expensive guitars. Another clue that this guitar served as a prototype is the presence of the infamous "star tuners" - only fitted to the most expensive guitars at the time. They retain their quality solid feel, and enable very stable tuning. Whilst yellow pick-up covers and knobs won't be to everyone's taste, we think they make a nice change from established colour schemes - yellow always cheers us up. It is pure vintage MIJ in feel and balance, and at 3.88kg (8lbs 9oz) a little weightier than the more famous and later Fender JVs. A 9.5" radius and a 42.5mm nut make this very comfortable and a very low action can be achieved. Details The Look Shiny, Natural, aged nakedly hiding nothing, and shiny metal, and yellow. You won't lose it. Headstock Still featuring its customized rod cover - adopt the name Kenny Ollerenshaw as your stage persona? Ibanez wasn't always such a fashionable word to have on a Strat, a previous owner was tired of being unfashionable. We have removed the handwritten and incorrectly spelt wishful thinking and put on one of ours - after all, the wood was conditioned and supplied, and the neck constructed by Matsumoku. Neck Chunky C - none of the super skinny JV here - a decent handful. And a Harayama 5-piece. Pick-ups 3 x PU119 otherwise known as Excels. Very well regarded pick-ups, these originating from a 1977 SE-700 Bridge Gotoh original style - and it works well. Controls CRL 5-way switch, a CTS 250 master volume, a CTS 250 neck tone and an Alpha push-push middle and bridge tone control that activates the series mode pick-up configuration. Gallery ← Previous Next→

1975 Greco SE-500B, A beautiful late Matsumoku built Strat < Back 1975 Greco SE-500B Pre-serial Number This is very late Gneco, possibly one of the last before the spelling improved a few months later. The date on the scratchplate is January 1975, the pots are 500k so this is real crossover model. Most surviving SE-500s from this era are sunburst or natural, we occasionally find a white one, but finding a black one is much harder. This mid-range model of Greco was a popular work-horse instrument and many arrive here with an amazing road worn patina, but still perfectly functional. This SE-500 has led a very charmed life - only a few parking knocks to speak of - the plastics and neck condition indicate it was stored in its case between uses. This is the model that featured that very thoughtfully designed truss rod cover in the scratchplate - a thorough improvement over the previous open area that invited dust and grime into the pick-up cavities. The original Maxon pick-ups are in rude health - providing that slightly scooped yet biting tone - they sound amazing with a little crunch. These pick-ups have been thoroughly checked and their leads reflowed to the base plate to ensure their output for another 50 years. Plugging into a little practice amp is very rewarding - the more drive you give it the better! Through the bigger valve amps here just makes it better - bordering on addictive. They don't pretend to be high fidelity precision definition units - these are growly bright and fun; the tone controls will give you a warmer cleaner sound if you need. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U80p1_K-NY This guitar is approaching its 50th birthday and I see no reason why it won't go on for another 50. It comes in its original Greco case, has its original tremolo arm, and user guide (in Japanese). Price Availability £845 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1975 Pick-ups Maxon x3 Selector 3-Way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple 3.98kg; 8lbs 12oz 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

1973 Greco SE-430 No.2, Soulful vintage Matsumoku at its finest. < Back 1973 Greco SE-430 No.2 Pre Serial Number Another glorious 1973 built Greco with the 5-piece construction neck - so special that some folk have asked us to build guitars around them. During this period in Matsumoku's history it wasn't faithful accuracy to Fender dimensions that counted, it was creating a strong stable comfortable neck. We have never seen a 1973 neck that needed any adjustment after 50 years - this one included. This guitar arrived here from Japan after a long cherished life in the hands of its original owner and aside from regular servicing and a fresh set of strings, it needed for nothing. The frets are low but level - a refret is not far away; but when guitars are as comfortable to play as this one, lets get the most from them. This would make a very good starter instrument - they were of course the entry level back in 1973, but these are a different class altogether from new starter guitars. It is tempting to spend as little as possible on the first guitar, but this really doesn't do any favours to the student as they always need the same value as the guitar itself to prepare for actually playing. This SE-430 is so slick, so gentle and has a decent acoustic ring even when not plugged in. The Maxons pick-ups are low output heaven - their distinctive brightness pairs with a small valve amp perfectly. These were the original iteration of the pick-ups in the USA-bound Goya guitars - a fair few very famous guitarists found their sounds and styles on these. Take a listen to how this one sounds in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX2fhlX-Yc Its in great condition, needs nothing for another few years, but will need a new set of frets to get to its 100th birthday. Of course there are signs of life on the finish, but its all genuine - its taken 50 years to get it looking like this! Price Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Perfect example of the marque, or a fantastic donor for sensitive DreamBuild upgrade. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxons Selector 3-way Bridge Original Matsumoku Vintage Board Maple 3.68kg; 8lbs 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

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmWRIqIwqWw This was sold to Glam Rock bonefide Royalty - expect to see it on stage soon. Discretion as always, but this guitar passes from professional to professional, and you could say this has gone "Full Circle". Price Availability £££ Sold 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 3.73kg, 8lbs 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

1977 Aria Pro II ST-500, Proper old warrior ready for battle < Back 1977 Aria Pro II ST-500 H770992 A very rare spec - a natural ST-500 with a Rosewood neck needed a Custom Order form filling out at the Japanese music store - this could quite easily be mistaken for the ultra-rare ST-800 model, but the machine-head style and body construction place this as a guitar built on a 500 platform. This neck did find its way onto the 600B model a few years later. Arriving with us in what is technically known as "a right old state", we have given this old warrior a full refurbishment - keeping as much original as possible, as these ST-500 models were incredibly good; punching well above their weight even when new. The neck has been completely refinished, and now has a set of Jescar 45100 medium jumbo frets. Whilst feeling and playing like a brand new neck, it looks convincingly old and matches the rest of the aesthetic. It's set up like our mate Rob's '63 Strat that he stripped the Fiesta red off in the mid 70s, (and wished he hadn't). The small headstock makes him think its his, as most Strats in this colour scheme are firmly CBS. Most importantly, it plays beautifully. The pick-ups are original to the guitar and have that characteristic brightness and power of the SP-II units. The controls are original to the guitar, refurbished and fully functional. We have refurbished the bridge unit and given it a new tremolo arm and output jack on its original boat. There is a substantial shim in the pocket made of layers of 1977 Japanese newspaper (really!), and loads of room both sides in the rod if you want to set it up in a more modern fashion, but give this a go before you do The battered up body is limited to the finish - there are no big chunks of ash missing - it has just been biffed around all of its life, and doesn't seem to mind. Any cracks you see in the photographs are in the polyester finish. The 3.38kg (7lbs 7oz) feels light and balanced, the typical Matsumoku construction and the new frets make it "zing" and ring acoustically before you plug it in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkvSR3eB8Vo The "old one you'll never sell" is for sale for someone to be able to say that again. Price Availability SOLD Sold Recommendation Enjoy it Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups SP-II Selector 3-way Bridge Original vintage tremolo Board Rosewood 3.38 kg; 7lbs 7oz Modifications Refretted (Jescar 45100 Medium Jumbo), refinished neck 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

Asher Electro Sonic, Looks good, plays great, be one of the lucky few < Back Asher Electro Sonic No. 1090 Bill Asher is another one of the few incredible master luthiers that supply household name guitarists with beautifully designed and crafted instruments. Frequenters of Coda Music may be familiar with the Asher guitars, but if you want Bill to build the one you have in your imagination, you'll have to join a long queue. These unique commissioned instruments very rarely appear on the market outside USA, but we are honoured to be able to offer #1090 for sale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK6UDRG2XeM The Electro Sonic resembles the lap-steels that Bill Asher is best known for. This individual black / TV yellow colour scheme combined with the unusual pick-up covers provide a timeless look - the Creamery pick-ups sound superb, as they always do. This is a 'neck-thru'' construction using quartersawn Okoumé (also known as Gaboon , a variety of mahogany) and has a nice bright tone and combined with the single coil Sweet 14s give outstanding clean sounds. The fretboard is ebony with a 12 inch radius and Dunlop 6155 frets . The bridge is an TonePros AVR2 - well known for its high engineered quality and low tolerances. Kluson Deluxe tuners complete the very high specification of this guitar. This special Asher can be viewed at Ketteringham Hall by appointment, or can be reserved with a deposit of £500 if this is the guitar you know you have been holding out for. Price Availability £5,799 Sold Recommendation Perfect if you are looking for new tones, and a break from the traditional look Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2018 Pick-ups Creamery Sweet 14 Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge TonePros AVR2 Board Ebony 3.51kg; 7lbs 12oz 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 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 Availability £525 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 TBC Modifications New Tuners, pick-ups and controls 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

Ultimate Versatility - all the guitar you'll ever need, and you'll get noticed < Back Matsumoku SP-600 Psychedelic Price ££££ | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! Another Sao Paolo style build - so named due to a fantastically famous but unbelievably shy metallist originating from that particular city. These guys really know their stuff when it comes to what they want from a touring guitar, and this configuration is the result of that project. The brief sounds simple - look like a Strat, sound like a Strat, but handle foolish amounts of gain for one song, and spacey modulated clean for the next. Gimme some new sounds too. Even though the specification may read complex, and be difficult to explain in less than 20 minutes, the actual control philosophy is easy to adapt to. The 5 way switch does what you would expect, the lower tone control will get you from chimey single coil to full on hot-rail style humbucker - treble focussed with the knob down, and bass focussed with the knob pulled up. The really interesting tones emanate from that S-1 switch which will likely have you using that middle pick-up more than most. Pressing the switch will deliver a tone you won't hear on a regular Strat - the two coils will run in parallel and provide a crystal clear tone that cuts through without any shrill spikiness, or dominating bassiness. In conjunction with the pick-ups either side of it, you will find a huge array of parallel tones that don't disappear in a band mix like positions 2 and 4 sometimes can. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fYfJ4B5koM There is a huge palette of tones to dial up and all with the standard switch arrangements - no hunting for mini-switches and making sure it is the right one. The master tone will work on the bridge pick-up as it will the other 2 but you may find yourself using the gradual coil split to define the bass / treble balance instead of just removing higher frequencies. The coil being cut never fully leaves the circuit - just enough remains in play to keep hum at bay but remove all the compression from the full series humbucker. Haussel was selected over the more familiar Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio options as we wanted some character beyond full-on power and shred. These pick-ups work very well clean, and many mega-bucks boutique luthiers around the world choose Harry Haussel for a reason. Phenomenally expensive, but sometimes, only the best will do. These are handmade by the man himself for the guitar in question. The revised configuration will undoubtedly take some time for familiarization, but it is unlikely that this familiarization exercise will be a chore – these Matsumoku built Grecos are an absolute dream to play. The more you explore, the more you find, and the more you can be inspired. This is a celebration of detail, quality and versatility. From the precision engineering offered by Gotoh upper end products, to the positioning of the rails on the bridge pick-up to follow the string line, this guitar is the ultimate work-horse. We love building them, and can make adjustments to the specification as you require. Oh yes, and the scratchplate - so subtle I nearly forgot. The SE-600 in 1974 was a real attempt to out-Fender Fender, and now this has jumbo frets to go with its large headstock, this thing just screams 1974. So it received a frilly collar, 19 inch bell-bottoms and Bold as Love and Disraeli Gears albums under its arm. Peace man. Details The Look Roadworn but scrubs up well - the top end hardware is all new and shiny. Old and new where it matters most. An estimated 25 years ago, this originally black 1974 SE-600 was stripped and refinished in black nitro. Headstock Big 1970s headstock style with orignal star tuners. Neck The SE-600 in late 74 featured a slightly slimmer neck more similar to the early and now appreciated and adored MIJ Squiers. The 7.25 radius maple neck now features a fresh set of Jescar 45100 Jumbo frets as you would find on a premium Gibson - this was a popular upgrade to Strats during the 70s amongst the guitarists who's made a bit of money but wasn't yet having endorsements thrown at them. Pick-ups 3 x Häussel ST Blades (Alnico V) wound for this guitar with black covers and compensated rails on the bridge unit for the angle. Bridge Luxurious quality and totally appropriate for these guitars - the Gotoh NS510T tremolo is about as good as it gets. Controls New CRL 5-way selector, S-1 Master Volume with Middle pick-up mode (series or parallel), CTS 500k Tone pot, Bourns 500k coil splitter (linear) with push/pull to direct slpit direction. Paper-in-oil capacitor for good taming. Huge versatility but retaining the aesthetical purity. Gallery ← Previous Next→

That perfect combination of old vintage feel, and modern everything else < Back Matsumoku SE-500 Price £1,600 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! My love of early 1970s Matsumoku Strats is well known around here - I just can't get enough of them. After 50 years many have developed their own character from the styles and treatment they have received by previous owners. As much as the Maxon single coils have their own soul and character, occasionally it seems sensible to have the modern options such as being quieter and louder when you need them to be, and having more than just 3 sounds at your disposal. This SE-500 was another rescue from Japan - thoroughly used by a busy musician from new until his retirement 5 years ago. Instead of gathering dust and being quietly forgotten about, I brought it to join the fleet here - another 1974 as it turns out. The pre Serial Number 1974/5 Grecos are special - they are all good, but these ones are special. Maybe the consignment of timber, maybe everyone had had a pay rise - whatever the reason, when I see one available, I get it. The Maxons were weak - long had the wax disappeared from them. They are away for rewinding and re-potting so shall return in full working order to accompany the guitar wherever it goes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GoOBzNhy7Y In their place is a set of Monty's Guitars '62 Strat which are AlNiCo 5, and 5.8k, 6.0k and 6.3k from neck to bridge. The bridge has a baseplate as I like the thickness these bring to the bridge tone. Monty uses heavy Formvar wire for these and only partially potted. We are going for an early 1960s tone here so these seem to be the best choice. The bridge is now a Gotoh 510NST - a very high quality unit that adds a lot of sustain to the guitar, and has incredible tuning stability. Tuners are new Gotoh SD91 units. And another resounding success. This is a guitar that you just don't want to put down - a guitar you actively look for an expensive US Fender relic'ed Strat to show off in front of. All the patina is real, the sounds are phenomenal, the comfort for long-hauls is there. This could so easily be your main working guitar, and a real genuine alternative to that relic'ed Strat or re-issue that you will have me upgrade the pick-ups on anyway... Details The Look Looking old where it appeals and new where it matters. Its like the Sean Connery of guitars... Headstock Gotoh SD91 Chrome tuners and trees Neck Geometry and fret adjustment - luthier prepared for life on the road Pick-ups 3 x Monty's Guitars '62 Stratocaster single coils. 5.8, 6.0 and 6.3k from neck to bridge. Bridge pick-up has steel baseplate Bridge Gotoh 510NST Chrome Controls 5 way selector, standard Strat configuration with OIP caps to get a little closer to that 60's vibe Gallery ← Previous Next→

Westminster Competition Colors, I bet you just said "oh Wow"... < Back Westminster Competition Colors J780480 Offsets seem to be in fashion at the moment - Fender Mustangs are getting very expensive; a Mustang makes a stronger statement today than I expect Fender expected. This white, now creamy yellow 'Competition Colors' Westminster is a very unusual guitar to be seen in UK - Westminster was a mid-range brand offered mostly to the Australian and NZ market by Kanda Shokai (who owned Greco, Aria Pro II etc). Westminster Strats, Teles and other familiar styles of guitar and bass were in the same bracket as Kimbara and Pearl, but their Mustangs and Rick 4001 were of similar standard to Greco - definitely a level above the rest of the range from a materials and quality standpoint. The two original Maxon pick-ups are typically low output, and beg for a decent valve amp and/or a good overdrive pedal. Listen to the demo - they are grown up proper pick-ups - these can either whisper at you or scream at the top of their voice. This has the classic Mustang switching and the reverse phase setting is bordering on insane. Shouldn't work but does. Especially with that overdrive pedal notched up a bit. I'd buy this guitar just for that sound. I did actually. Short scale, this will feel familiar to proper Mustang players, and at 3.7kg (8lbs 2 and bit oz), has a "this is not a toy" feel to it. Those familiar with a Ben Gibbard model, may like this one - the substantial C neck is a dream. As with most Matsumoku models until the 1980's, necks remained substantial - not the skinny types. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inoicXrmj50 This plays as well as it looks good - timeless style and absolutely stage ready. Price Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 2 sliders on/off/on Bridge Dynamic Vibrato style Board Maple 3.7kg; 8lbs 3 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

Aria Pro II JPJ-3, Massive versatility from these great pick-ups < Back Aria Pro II JPJ-3 4030032 Back in 1983, ESP were making signature models for contemporary rock stars - Masayoshi Yamashita was one such chap - the ESP PPJ-160 was a special order from ESP for a few years. Matsumoku produced their own version of this configuration - the JPJ-3. The first appearance in any brochure was in 1986 by which time the pair of Precision-style pick-ups were angled. This is an early model These basses were the spiritual successor to the Westones that had ceased production, but were still in demand. The JPJ-3 was the proper wild one - using the same pick-ups as the older Concord II and Thunder basses - amusingly but accurately titled Hard Puncher, this one punched and kept kicking. 3 pick-up basses are rare - a few boutique builders offer them with Strat control philosophy and a few folk have customised their favourite basses to try and just need one bass for a gig, and ended up with a scratchplate full of switches and a good memory to remember how to get sounds on the fly. This is the original evolution of the JPJ-3 and benefits from a significantly more intuitive and useful control philosophy - 3 Volumes and 1 Tone; therefore all the possible combinations and everything in between. Tipping the scales at 4.37kg (9lbs 10oz) this is a medium weight but well balanced bass; in fantasttic condition and ready for work. We use early iterations of the JPJ-3 as the basis for a dramatic rebuild with modern upgraded components and switching options, but this one is perfectly fine to to live on as Matsumoku designed it first time round. We can upgrade it if the next owner prefers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdBrOc97nDs Price Availability £575 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1984 Pick-ups 2 Hard Punchers, 1 Super-Boomer Selector N/A Bridge High Mass Board Rosewood 4.37kg (9lbs 10oz) 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 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