1970's Kimbara
703617
 
Kimbara are probably better known for their acoustic guitars produced in various Japanese factories in the 1970's, then onto Korea in the 1980's. Matsumoku produced a few Strat-style guitars with this brand for FCN music, and a few found their way to London music shops. Always surprisingly good compared to the real things, and was a massive value for money back then. From the construction and feel of these Kimbaras, I suggest they were equivalent to contemporary Greco SE-380s and Aria Pro II ST-400s. Always a lightweight Sen body and well made and proportioned gentle C maple neck. 
 
This one came to us for curiosity - it is always interesting to compare the various brands from Matsumoku during the glory years. This particular guitar has been a busy work-horse all of its life and has undergone a series of minor upgrades. The bridge is a Wilkinson unit (OK, but Gotoh suits these better), and the pick-ups are from Alegree (Frigid Haze is our best guess), and they are very well suited to this guitar. The guitar has been refinished in black Nitro a fair few years ago, and some vintage crazing is already present. It suits the guitar and stays  as it is.
 
I intend to restore the bridge to the same type of Gotoh bridge (a previous DreamBuild donated a very good condition example) as the Wilkinson answers questions no-one has asked. And it doesn't look right on a Matsumoku guitar.  
 
Its role here is clear - an example of the brand to sample and compare. But, should someone fall for it, it can go with them. I would value this at £475 which obviously includes a full set-up to whatever state is required. A local sale means it would be looked after here - if you can get it to us, we will keep it serviced for free for as long as you have it. We look after our own!
 
I would genuinely recommend this as a guitar to learn on - it is a perfect gigging instrument that will reward the aspirational player with quality, comfort and an authenticity that isn't available at the entry level. This will hold its own against any MIM Fender, and comes with a run-in feel and character you just won't get from a new instrument at this price point. If having a 45 year old vintage MIJ quality instrument is as 'cool' as having a brand new cheaply and quickly produced one, let this one bring the best out of you. It's this or a new drop shipped Indonesian Squier and the expense of having it regularly set up properly to keep you persevering.