In the mid 70s the demand for guitars was going crazy and importers were putting more and more price demands on exporters - a range of starter (or entry-level) guitars was badly needed. Previously, Teisco, Guyatone, and similar instruments were all that were on offer to beginners with smaller budgets. Matsumoku and Fujigen responded with a range of full scale "grown-up" guitars with less pretty woods and less pretty hardware. Where they didn't cut costs were neck construction and pick-ups. Other Japanese plants were offering a budget offering - Chushin were supplying guitars with the Maya brand, and whilst hitting the High Streets at the same price point, the Matsumoku produced guitars were vastly superior. Compare a Columbus Strat copy to a Kimbara copy and this difference (especially 50 years later) will be obvious. UK got Columbus from Chushin, Kimbara from Matsumoku and CSL from Fujigen - the latter 2 will be superior quality. Westminster was the equivalent of Kimbara and most were exported to Australia and New Zealand - Westminsters were also sold on the domestic market which is where we source ours from. Producers would always ensure the home market got the best.
 
This Westminster Tele feels every bit as good as the Grecos that are so popular here. It makes do with the entry level pick-ups - tall bobbin underwound neck Maxon without cover, and a tall bobbin overwound bridge Maxon at the bridge. All the classic creamy and bitey Maxon tones are there. The Alder body appears to provide even more bite than the ash bodied Grecos further up the range. Light as a feather, this tips the scales at 3.4kg (7lbs 8oz)
 
A little amp, some decent gain or an OD-3, and this is just pure fun, and easy-playing fun. It is a grown-up guitar with a top-loader bridge and the most 'cost-effective' tuners Matsumoku had in the parts bin.
 
Imagine the price of a 75 Fender Tele, notice that the Grecos are heading towards 4 figures now that folk are waking up to them; and grab a bit of vintage Tele fun for a bargain - I'm not suggesting this is a blue-chip investment, but I do suspect they will never be cheaper.