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Hofner Colorama II 1960, < Back Hofner Colorama II 1960 184 The serial number of this wonderful old Colorama dates it to 1960, and it remains with its Selmer branded snakeskin effect hard case. It is a twin pick-up, tremolo model that has had a refinish in an accurate colour, and done to a very decent standard. The original control panel still exists but the slider switches have perished. Instead of buying the normal aftermarket replacement, we decided to give this one a slightly more modern look, cut our own plate and ditch the rhythm/solo circuits for a series/parallel option. These 1960s guitars are obviously a different prospect to a regular Strat or Les Paul – they are just as useable and give a very distinct stage presence. They have a very distinct sound too and happily keep up with modern traffic when wired up appropriately. The lead pick-up is a particularly raunchy unit, and together in series will have you taken very seriously! This is more than Beatles/Undertakers covers, although it will handle that easily; and it will not be the ideal guitar for drop C metal riffing, but for any other style, it will ply its trade with pride. Does it keep tune? Yes. Is the neck bent like a banana? Not exactly, but it isn’t and will never be rod straight. Does it intonate? Yes! There is ample adjustment on the saddles and stick to 009 and 010 gauge, and your ‘up the neck’ stuff will be fine. Is it slide action? No, but let’s be realistic, it is a 1960s guitar. It is perfectly playable, rhythm and lead. Are the frets worn? Yes, but not to the point of needing remedial work for a while. There is no buzz, and bending is fine. Are they humbuckers? No, they are single coils with double magnets. They have a sound of their own. Are they microphonic? Of course they are - that is part of the charm. You could probably lay down some interesting vocals with them! A reproduction tremolo arm is now fitted as are two shiny new strap pins (after photos were taken). Have a listen to the demo which I am feeding the guitar into the Blackstar and trying it through all the channels. Also, it will be in its original snakeskin Selmer case. Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is, or consider Curtis Novak Goldfoils… Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1960 Pick-ups Hofner Diamond Selector 3 x sliders Bridge Hofner Tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.55kg; 7lbs 13oz Modifications Refinish, new console with on/off and either phase or parallel/series ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Fender Japan TLG-94P, Rare model in great condition < Back Fender Japan TLG-94P A006871 A real rarity, and not just in UK, this is a Dyna-Gakki produced premium model of Telecaster. I say premium as the only way of paying more for a Tele was to opt for the TL-52 with the B-Bender, USA hardware and nitro finish; the TL-60 made entirely out of Rosewood; or one of the endorsee models such as Ritchie Kotzen and Nolie Edwards. Then in the price range was this TLG-94 - a double bound, modern bridge and matching headstock model. Stunning to look at and fabulous to play, this was a very discerning choice. Somewhere on the internet there is a picture of Edge playing one of these guitars. This model seems to be missing from the catalogues - don't mistake this for a 40th Anniversary TLG-70P - the model designation for this one is very clearly stamped on the neck and the body. In 2010, a similar model called the TL-62B was available, but with different neck and binding. This is a TLG-94P, Crafted in Japan, so a transition model as Fujigen gradually transferred to Dyna. Whilst it will be tempting to rank this below Made in Japan models - it is a popular opinion that MIJ is superior to CIJ, bear in mind this is Dyna showing off, and just letting everyone know that they produced incredible quality guitars such as the Alembic-rivalling AG-170. The 1990s mean invariably ceramic pick-ups - a bright snarly immediate bridge, and a neck-up which is mounted slightly further away from the strings to deliver a jazzy warm bloomy tone - in the middle it sounds just as it should. This has been the pride and joy of its previous owner - there is some wear on the saddles and plate, but nothing to detract from its playability or just how amazing it looks. There will not be many chances to get hold of a TLG-94P, this one is freshly serviced and ready for the stage again. Price £1,795 Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1997 Pick-ups Fender Vintage Selector 3-Way Bridge Modern 6 saddle Board Rosewood Weight 3.58kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

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. 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 £5,799 Availability 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 Weight 3.51kg; 7lbs 12oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Fernandes STJ-80BT VH7, A left-field choice well worth trying < Back Fernandes STJ-80BT VH7 No Number Buck Tick was (and still is) a well-known post-punk rock band in Japan – both guitarists are very loyal to Fernandes and have had signature models since the beginning. This is one of Hisashi Imai’s models – they became increasingly wild as the years progressed. We have had a few of these STJs in the last year - always popular due to the power to weight ratio. A double octave super slim and slick neck, fixed bridge and simple set-up – basically a Telecaster on steroids , then a dose of something illegal. These are pro-level instruments – obvious as soon as you pick it up. As we never tire of mentioning, we sourced, made and experimented with guitars for the late Keith Levene and this particular STJ was singled out by him for us to experiment with. We replaced the FGI-T pick-ups with a pair of VH-7 hot-rails style pick-ups, added a series option for them and now this guitar punches and shouts, yet with a quick roll back of the tone, becomes creamy and smooth. This now suits virtually any style of music you need it to deliver, but relishes the high gain - even metal - settings. Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation A left-field choice, but well worth a try. These pick-ups really make a difference. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year Mid-1990s Pick-ups Fernandes VH-7 bridge and neck Selector 3 way Bridge Gotoh GTC102 Board Rosewood Weight 3.21kg, 7lbs 1oz Modifications VH-7 pick-up upgrade; series/parallel via tone pot ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

1974 Greco SE-500 , A high performance genuine vintage guitar you can and should take on the road. < Back 1974 Greco SE-500 Pre-serial number model This is another superb example of a pre-serial number Matsumoku built Strat clone - it features the slightly more substantial neck profile than the later Fujigen and Aria products. This one arrived in decent condition but had worn its frets to the absolute limit. We decided to refret it with Jescar 55090 (similar to a vintage Gibson feel), and so favoured by guitarists in the 1970s who had worn their skinny vintage Fender frets down. These are proving very popular here with customers requiring new frets on their Fender products. Most of our DreamBuild creations have these unless a customer desires an alternative. We had a set of custom Clausen Alnico 3 pick-ups made and fitted them with a new 5-way switch and potentiometers to control them. The neck unit offers everything from Gilmour to heavy blues, the bridge is wound a little hotter and thicker, but is governed by the lower tone control which can be backed off slightly to find a more traditional bridge single. Backing the volume back to 8.5 also calms the bridge down if a super clean sound is desired. It's all there, but most importantly we think, there is enough aggression and power in that bridge pick-up to get a nod of respect from the guy with the Les Paul. The in between settings are very wide and scooped - Knopfler to funk catered for. In the middle you can be Bonnie Raitt. The bridge and tuners are original Gotoh units - a (very) narrow string spacing (10mm saddles) and 2 1/16 E to E. The tuners are also in fine health although we have upgraded the string trees. Compared to many 50-year-old working guitars, this one has led a fairly kind life - just a few parking knocks and scrapes. The finish has aged gracefully - just a few cracks in the lacquer and a nice bit of nicotine sheen in the darker areas of the sunburst. It looks and feels like a genuine vintage guitar (because it is one!), but plays and sounds like a modern upgraded reissue. Check out the other guitar in photo (1978 Fujigen Greco Early Sixties Rosewood Neck) HERE . Price ££££ Availability Sold Recommendation Play it, tour with it, gig with it, hold your own next to mega-bucks Fenders. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Clausen A3 custom wound single coils Selector 5-way Bridge Original Gotoh vintage narrow space Board Maple Weight 3.56kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications Clausen pick-ups, 5-way switch, full refret with Jescar 55090, Gotoh string trees ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Reaching The Final 5% - The Ibanez Case < Back 2008 Ibanez J-Custom Free Consultation Book Now Reaching The Final 5% This is one of the first RG8470Zs off the Fujigen lines and it is in magnificent condition. A very prudent purchase by a keen talented young guitarist - a very good investment. This particular guitar was originally sold in Japan and arrived in UK needing a little work to get it back to playing as it should. It had been very well looked after, and had received a decent fret-dress that would have satisfied most shredders . This chap needed a little more - he flies around the fretboard faster then my eyes can keep up with, but also wishes to bend the strings quite aggressively. These flat boards should take this treatment, but as the frets get more worn, there is a delicate balance to find between micro-action and fret buzzing. This one choked out on the upper frets unless the action was raised by nearly 1mm - sacrilege on an instrument like this. This is not unusual on this style of guitar at this age. As professional grade instruments, they have mostly been used intensively and it is usual to forgive them for aging gracefully. Here at Matsumoku, we have an attitude that declares if something can theoretically be done, we will do it, even if it is extremely difficult and carries a level of risk. So we dared to hold a different view to everyone else and finally all reached agreement that there was theoretically enough meat left in the frets to get this guitar right for the owner for a few more years. Several hours in a quiet room, no disturbances and the finest touches achieved the improbable. Now re-united with a happy and relieved owner, this guitar will go another few years on its frets playing like the owner desires. Additional work included renewing some wiring on the selector switch to make the potentiometers more accessible to service and clean - these pots had never been serviced properly in their life as Fuji doesn't put enough wire in to get them out without breaking. We now have silent pots - no scratching and dead spots. The output socket didn't quite hold the cable sufficiently, so this was replaced. The tremolo arm insert had given up giving that annoying wobble. That's sorted now. This now looks and feels like a guitar a quarter of its age, and has taken the crown for the nicest Ibanez we have seen here. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Rose Morris Shaftesbury 4001, ex-Darkness studio hack < Back Rose Morris Shaftesbury 4001 No Number From the well known Rose Morris dealer in Shaftesbury Avenue, this old warrior was resident in a studio in Lowestoft and has more than likely had Frankie Poullain's talent pouring out of the stereo jack - no provenance, but the current owner engineered the early Darkness years - this was a parting gift. Gone is the Rickenbacker truss rod cover, as this has never been to Santa Ana - but it is a very well built bass from the Japan years when Rose Morris provided Rickenbackers to those without the budget for one. This is Stereo, which works perfectly, and the neck is like most Japanese constructions - in better nick than most Rickies from the period. Looks like one, feels like one, plays like one, sounds pretty close to one, and without the price tag of one. A regretful but necessary sale, this is ready to rock (the Rickie rod cover is in the case); and like most Shaftesbury 4001s, the pick-up cover has long gone. These are essentially the same construction as the highly regarded El Maya and Greco RB series from the early and mid 1970s - made on the same production lines but specifically for Rose Morris to sell alongside the real ones. Nice and solid, the electrics are all original and just serviced. Unlike real ones, the pick-up selector switch doesn't crackle; and there is a strong chance that you'll be playing the bass on the two volume controls as you kick out some stereo glory. We include a stereo cable with it. The original case is in poor shape, but still functional - this has been a busy bass guitar and should continue to be so. If you are local, come and sample it, if not we can demo it over a Whatsapp/Facetime call. We can ship it to you fully insured. There is one crack in the scratchplate - from the neck pick-up to the top, but it holds together, and Jack at TinyTone will make a replacement for it without the usual Rickie-taxed price-tag. Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation 2 amplifiers!!!! Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year early - mid 1970s Pick-ups Nisshin Onpa Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge Rickenbacker style (mute works) Board Rosewood Weight 4.22kg; 9lbs 5 oz Modifications Replacement Truss Rod Cover ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Aria Pro-II ST-400, Time-warp mid 1970's Matsumoku at their finest < Back Aria Pro-II ST-400 K770468 To think this was an entry model to the Stagecaster range is to understand why so many guitarists stuck with the brand and gradually upgraded to the upper end. A lovely full C profile neck, so almost impossible to put down, and never failing to bring the best out of your capabilities wherever on the scale they may be. Still featuring its tremolo cover and original arm, this guitar looks and feels almost new. There are 2 parking dents along the underside - other than that, there are new instruments hanging in Music Stores with more signs of life. The SP-II single coils are characterful; some may say this guitar deserves an upgrade, but have a listen to the video and maybe these are good enough. SP-II and their PU-100 equivalents are actually pretty damn nice sounding pick-ups - Maxons have a firm following - after a modern Strat at this price point, these will feel like upgraded already. Price FLASH SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability 1 only at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation See how good entry level instruments were back then Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups SP-II Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.66kg; 8lbs 1oz Modifications String Tree (Gotoh) ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Mystery Greco TE-280, < Back Mystery Greco TE-280 No Number These Gneco Teles , especially the buttery biscuit base 280 models are getting very thin on the ground now - even more so in this condition. The selector and pots have been recently upgraded, but the pick-ups are original Maxons in a condition I have never seen before. This 280 model retains its wafer thin tuning pegs, and truss rod cover - they can't be from 1972 can they? The pick-ups have not discoloured and the brass plates still look like its 1974. They can't be original can they? The fret dot markers are the exact colour and texture of the 71/72 Teles from Matsumoku, the neck plate is missing a Matsumoku stamp, so this could be either a replacement Chushin style Made in Japan (they are the same size) plate; someone is going to extraordinary lengths to recreate a 71/72 spec Greco Tele (unlikely - not even here!); or Kanda Shokai contracted out to a different manufacturer for this one. We can't decide. We want to say this is from 1972 - the body is right, the paint has aged precisely, the pick-ups are spot on for detail and resistivity. There is a crack on the heel that has been there a fair while. The decal has an odd detail on it that we haven't seen before on an early 70s Tele, but it feels and plays like the old ones. Never mind the suspiciously immaculate condition of metalwork, this is a cracker of a Tele. The noises it makes are sublime - up to and including the microphonic howl you can tease from the bridge unit at high gain settings. The 3 piece neck feels just right - suspiciously deep lacquer and just a tiny bit of wear along the top edge - all way too pristine to be 50 years old. Right? Surely. We have 5 year old guitars here with more parking knocks. Can't be a 72, can it? We took a chance on this one, and we're suggesting you do the same. Don't buy this if you need to be absolutely sure that it is a 1972 TE-280, instead buy this because you love a Tele that looks like the top 2 layers of a trifle, and sounds and feels exactly like a 50 year old MIJ Tele. Thing is, if someone has "re-issued" this more recently, they have gone to such lengths and efforts that it would actually be worth more than an original. If I could be sure of this guitar's provenance, I would price it at millions of pounds so no-one buys it and I can keep it forever, but however much I want to believe it is a time-capsule example of a TE-280, I am selling this as an absolutely fantastic Maxon-equipped Tele with reliable modern controls and a dependable gigging / studio mate. Price £795 Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect as it is, but we have a few upgrade options you can discuss with us. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1972 Pick-ups Original Maxon Selector Modern 3 way blade with modern Master Volume and Tone Bridge Original T-Style back-loader Board Maple Weight 3.46kg; 7lbs 8oz Modifications New selector switch and controls ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Hofner 500-1, < Back Hofner 500-1 3074 This is in almost original condition and its specification and serial number place it between 1966 and 1968 depending on whether the pot dates or the serial number is your chosen metric. It has large frame 511 pick-ups, cream pearl heel cover and open back tuners - if you said 1967, you could only be a year out in either direction. "Almost original" because we did replace the upper saddle (with a genuine part from Rall) as the original had lost one of its 'fret pieces'. That part is now stored in the case. We know the history of this bass since new as it has been passed between family and close friends since it left Shaftesbury Avenue. The pick-ups had been swapped around very early in its life, and although they remain original and functional, we have put them the right way round now so the switches do operate the correct pick-up. The cavity in the body for the bridge pickup only allows the leads to be fed through the body, unlike the neck pick-up cavity which is a more substantial opening. The only way to swap around the pick-ups is to snip the leads and reconnect them. While we had the neck pick-up out, we repaired the lead connections to the coil - good preventative maintenance to ensure reliability. The Macca thud is easy on the neck pick-up and a very full useful tone available with both pick-ups switched in. Light as a feather, looking precisely right, and just the right amount of signs of life to distinguish it from the re-issues. The original case accompanies, and functions; but the binding around the lip has long given up and refuses to be glued back into place. Price £2,495 Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1966/7 Pick-ups Original Hofner large frame 511 Selector Sliders Bridge Original Hofner Board Rosewood Weight TBC Modifications New upper saddle piece (genuine part) ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Late 1974 Greco TE-600, A proper Fender-frightener < Back Late 1974 Greco TE-600 Pre-serial Number The TE-600 was the pinnacle of Telecaster offerings from Japan in 1974 - there are 2 distinct types of TE-600 during 1974 - the early ones had a slightly different neck profile - this late one has a typical slim-C neck profile that you may associate with much later MIJ Fenders, and other than just a few tiny signs of life, this one has been busy but cherished. Arriving with very worn frets, we have fitted new Jescar 45100 frets to give this amazing Tele a good decade of minimum maintenance - I would place it between Closet Classic and Journeyman in condition, but leaning towards Closet Classic; so a perfect blend of new guitar and old guitar feel. The electrics and hardware are well looked after and original - the 500k pots and DM30 switch are as they left the factory - periodic servicing will keep these going. The star-tuners are in magnificent condition. There is some graceful aging on the bridge plate - just discolouration. There has been some clumsiness around the neck pocket - but this is purely finish related - nothing remotely serious. The neck pick-up is nice and bright - it is the opposite of the earlier lower order Maxon Tele neck units. These are much more modern sounding with the volume and tone maxed out - back it all away and some more wooliness and jazziness appears. The bridge pick-up is a dead ringer for my 72 US Tele - it doesn't bite your head off, but it's all there, and again, with judicious use of the controls, you can be Keith Richards for a while. This is a serious guitar - a proper viable alternative to a modern US Fender at a much friendlier price, and a fraction of the price of 1974 Fender in this condition. It comes with its fitted hard-case complete with a Greco polishing cloth - more than likely the one that was sold with the guitar. Price ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy this as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Original Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Original 6 saddle Board Maple Weight 3.5 kg; 7lbs 12oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Maison® Junior, A real one - a Korean rarity < Back Maison® Junior No Number The little ® symbol on the headstock is the important bit - this is a genuine Korean Maison. This is not a modern Chinese house brand (even though they are actually quite good!) This is a mid 80s guitar (Pre YooJin acquisition) with a bolt on neck and a very good quality feel. The previous owner has upgraded the tail piece to get some intonation adjustability - always a decent idea on any Junior if you are soloing or chording high up the neck. The beauty of a bolt-on is that you can adjust the neck angle to your hearts content, and reverting to a traditional fixed tail is always possible. The P-90 is gritty, tamed well with the volume control, but rude as you like maxed. It is a little brighter than traditional TV Yellow, but none the worse for it - the paint is fairly thin in places as the previous owner was a keen polisher. It gives it a nice vintage look. This is simplicity and beauty combined - lovely to play also therefore a really eligible addition to any collection, or your sole guitar if your music style suits. We have a reputation for putting really fantastic pick-ups in guitars that had generic mass produced units, and getting the absolute best out of a guitar, therefore the guitar getting the absolute best out of you. From Arcane to TV Jones, from Haeussel to our own custom wound units, if more than one fundamental tone is required from a single pick-up, we have the ideas and the examples here for you to try. A set of Gotoh SE-770 at the other end would make this a proper sleeper. Price £845 Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect as is, but upgrade fun can be had... Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980s Pick-ups P-90 Selector N/A Bridge Hosco Board Rosewood Weight 3.12kg; 6lbs 14oz Modifications Adjustable Tailpiece ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13