Search Results
167 items found for ""
- 1973 Greco SE-500N, Pre-serial Number
< 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 £755 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 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Palir Titan Day of the Dead 2016, 417164
< 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 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Greco SE-500N, F763771
< Back Greco SE-500N F763771 Open the case pocket and find the accessories that accompanied this flawlessly perfect SE-500N including the sales ticket. It may as well be Summer 1976. F763771 is a time-warp condition example - a white-glove job that only comes out for very special occasions. It has a headstock to match full seventies collar, and a skinny neck to match the tight fit tank top. Crystal clear Maxons and a perfectly functioning tremolo invite us to enjoy this guitar, but the condition scares us into gently placing it back in its case. This is a collector's dream. And yes, it is a Fujigen product - production had skipped across town to there by this time. Price £1,500 Availability 1 only at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Collectors of near flawless vintage guitars especially pre-Fender Fujigen Strats Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1976 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage Tremolo (covered) Board Maple Weight 3.51kg; 7lbs 12oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Telecaster Thinline®NOS - Ron Thorn, RT0190
< Back Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Telecaster Thinline®NOS - Ron Thorn RT0190 Produced by Ron Thorn, Principle Masterbuilder at Corona , this combines amazing looks with a compelling specification. Don't mistake this for a Parallel Universe Magico - they're great, but this is something a lot more special. Complete with CoA and SFT, and with the serial number RT0190, the translucent Daphne Blue Thinline has the following specification: A 2-piece ash body with AA Flame 9.5" radius maple neck , nitro lacquered with bone 1.625" nut, Dunlop 6105 frets and Oval C 60's style profile. 1st and 12th dimensions are 0.810" and 0.975". So far, a familiar set of numbers but now it starts to depart from tradition. The translucent Daphne Blue high gloss finish shows just enough of the grain and the edges are bound with White Pearl . The tuners are American Standard with White Pearl buttons. The bridge is a "chopped Tele bridge" with Ron Thorn's Brass knuckle saddle. A Master Volume and Tone control accompanies a 5-way selector switch. 3 Lollar Goldfoil soapbar pick-ups , each with a White Pearl surround, complete the specification. A few boutique and higher end pick-up winders are re-issuing a selection of Goldfoil units - Lollar have elected to remain faithful to the original mid-50's rubberized magnet construction and worked their magic on eliminating the microphonic characteristics and inherent low output nature of the originals. Lining up this Thinline together with traditional Teles and less traditional spec Teles, these Goldfoils lend a very distinct character to the traditional Strat configuration. Lo-fi and Hi-fi at the same time - not as piercing as Filtertrons, but a very enticing clarity. The middle on its own is a treat. Originally purchased by a prodigious collector, Tte guitar comes with a blue case and all of the candy. Despite the lack of miles on the clock, this guitar has taken a frustrating knock - undoubtedly an errant cable jack. Just into the ample lacquer, not in any way visible unless you know it’s there. But it is there. Obviously having absolutely no effect on the performance of the guitar, and the way it makes you feel when you play it, but it is the sole flaw with this beautiful guitar. Price £6,499 Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2019 Pick-ups Lollar Gold Foil Soapbar x 3 Selector 5-way selector switch, Master Volume and Tone Control Bridge "Chopped Tele bridge" with Ron Thorn's brass knuckle saddle Board Maple Weight 2.8 kg; 6lbs 3 oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Greco SE-500, K750149
< Back Greco SE-500 K750149 Wearing its Amanojaku sticker, this guitar is all heavenly, and the only evil lives in the selector switch. It has an incredible soul - the Harayama neck is sensational. The Maxons talk to valve amps in ways modern pick-ups don't. The chances are this won't replace a modern US high end Strat, it will sit alongside it. 天邪鬼 is the reason we do what we do here - it is a benchmark, the very epitome of seventies MIJ. The neck and middle Maxons are where this guitar is happiest. Price Private Stock Availability Stays at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Tell me its OK to fix that switch Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1975 Pick-ups Maxon TBD Selector Original and temperamental 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.53kg; 7lbs 13oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- 1972 Greco EG-420, No Number
< Back 1972 Greco EG-420 No Number A fine example of a 1972 Greco EG-420 is now available at Matsumoku. The 420 retains the dimensions and playing character of the 360, but has these amazing pick-ups. The neck is an early Maxon attempt at the Jazz / Rock combination , and whilst they are not indecipherable from each other, they do sound great. These pick-ups are controlled through the original pots (250!) and have none of the scratchiness of many 50 year old examples. Have a listen to them on the video with Vox AC30 and Selmer amps, and then a bit of GT-100 effects to see how they perform. These were produced in the Fujigen factory and there are plenty of folk who have the opinion that the quality control of these guitars were superior to those coming out of Gibson at the time. These are not pure faithful Les Paul copies - these didn't appear until 1975, but they are still lovely to play and have character of their own. E to E on the saddles is 50mm, the nut is 41mm instead of the 43mm you may expect. The 12" radius will seem familiar, the bolt on neck may not. The original saddles and tail piece have succumbed to the effects of time, and are no longer shiny and new. We can replace these with equivalent Gotoh units if this is an issue. Just contact us via the website to discuss any modifications you might like. The original tuners function very well and the guitar generally has that run-in vintage feel, but other than the bridge finish, no significant signs of being 50 years old. I bet a ECL/CMI '72 out of Kalamazoo would be well over 3k now. We have given it a thorough service, careful nut and bolt rebuild, and a fresh set of strings and now it's ready for anther 50 years. Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation Not on this one. Just enjoy it. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1972 Pick-ups Maxon Jazz Rock combination Selector 3 way Bridge Original (Fujigen) Board Ebony Weight 3.6kg 7lbs 15oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Stormshadow GuitarWorks XII Custom Shop, 0005
< Back Stormshadow GuitarWorks XII Custom Shop 0005 Built in October 2015 in Sheffield, UK, this sensational and rare guitar is here at the Hall and offered for sale. It has been a busy guitar for a very talented local player whose styles have changed (with age!!!!) and who feels he cannot do the instrument justice any more. This is a shredder's paradise - that 25th fret can be bent to the 27th! We saw this guitar a few years ago in a road-worn and tough-life state and have spent the last year gradually and sensitively restoring it back to near original condition. The full spec for this guitar can be found on the Stormshadow GuitarWorks website in their archive section - despite that company ceasing to build guitars any more, they keep a great database of their builds. This has a Walnut body with a slim C Maple neck and Ebony fretboard. We have recently dressed the original frets and the guitar is so slick. The FU-Tone Floyd Rose tremolo brings out the hooligan in you. This guitar lost its original pick-ups, but we have just re-fitted brand new Seymour Duncan pick-ups faithful to the original specification: Hot Rails at the neck and an Alternative 8 humbucker at the bridge. An IronAge killswitch (the best ones!) is the control you don't recognise from the Stormshadow website. The rear control cavity cover has been replaced with a clear plastic one, and we can cut a new black one if that is a deal breaker. This is an interesting alternative to an Nuno (with 2 more frets and even more exclusivity), and this has that handmade feel to it that tells you it is special as soon as you pick it up. This is one of 16 XII models ever produced - grab a piece of history that happens to be a mind-bendingly good guitar as well. Price £1,620 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2015 Pick-ups Seymour Duncan Hot Rails & Alternative 8 Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge FU-Tone Floyd Rose Board Ebony Weight TBC Modifications Killswitch addition ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Westone Concord II, 4011193
< Back Westone Concord II 4011193 Reunited with its bass counterpart after nearly 40 years, this 6 string full scale Concord is a delight. 4011193 lost its Super I pick-ups many years ago, a previous owner installed some Fender Ceramic coils from a MIM standard, but to our ears they were too bright and peaky. A 1978 Stagecaster ST-600B had given up a set of SP-1B during an upgrade so where better to rehome them? They give a very sparkly yet full and rounded set of tones. They will drive an amp, but you need to want to - they stay clean when you want them to. It's not trying to be a Strat, you'll need one of those as well if that's the aim, but it's a fine instrument, very well made and characterful. Like many of the Rosewood necked Matsumoku guitars here, it has a comparatively soft feel. These were workhorse instruments - they wear their parking dents with pride, but if we still have this Concord later in the year, we'll treat it to a full refinish. Price £495 Availability 1 only at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Perfect quality starter guitar, or ideal donor for upgrading Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1984 Pick-ups SP-1B Selector 5-way Bridge Brass Sustainer Board Rosewood Weight 3.13kg; 6lbs 14oz Modifications 1978 SP-1B pick-ups replaced Super I ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Gibson Marauder, 72308092
< Back Gibson Marauder 72308092 1978 Gibson Marauder The Marauder links Massive Attack, Pete Shelley, Queens of the Stone Age and was the sacrificial instrument of choice for Paul Stanley to sledge hammer the stage floor during Kiss encores. Produced between 1974 and 1982 in small numbers, this was Gibson’s response to huge competition from Japanese imports, and an attempt to claim more of the residual market from Fender. Bolt-on necks from Gibson is a little similar to a straight 6 in a Mustang to many, but this should just add to the appeal. Let the debates rage on regarding that bridge pick-up – ‘Hot Bill’ claims they are humbuckers, not singles – Gibson certainly told us this in their catalogues. We can let our eyes deceive us. Many of the guitars we have here at Matsumoku are the reason this guitar exists – it is fabulous to have them together to compare them. This example has the blender function instead of the earlier 3 position toggle – a trade-off between simple but limited tone selection, and near infinite variety between the neck and bridge tones. Swings and roundabouts… There is no Tune-o-Matic bridge here – Hot Bill Lawrence believed in the high quality of Schaller units, and so the Marauder features a Schaller Harmonica. This is never going to compete with a Les Paul, but would happily sit alongside one. It’s ideal for folk who sit firmly in the Gibson camp even when they need a Tele Deluxe – everyone needs a Tele Deluxe at some point. It’s as heavy as you’d expect a mahogany body to be – Gibson folk will be well used to this – Fender types may need a sturdy strap. How it sounds is so subjective it needs your own ears to determine – but again, it’s mahogany so expect a darker mood and a little boost on the amp’s treble control even at the bridge. The important fact is that it all works and looks as it should. It has a tiny bit of pitting on the harmonica, a little belt buckle and wedding ring evidence. It’s in better nick than I was in at 44 years old. It’s here at the KettHall studio undergoing a sensitive re-commissioning and will reside here with us until someone decides they can give it a new home. There is a slightly tragic reason for sale, and will be sadly missed by its owner of 40 years. It has been lightly used, it’s obviously perfect for a collector who has a Marauder shaped gap in the collection. Despite being one of the underdogs of 1970’s Gibson range, it will (in this condition) unlikely ever be cheaper. As well as the re-commissioning, it will have the highest possible quality professional set-up from the hugely talented Matsumoku tech-team. It will be ready to play, or can be made ready to store if that is the plan. Book a slot to try it with our amps, or bring your own – spend some time with it acoustically – whatever you need. These don’t come through here very often; given its condition, it may not hang around here for long. Price ££££ Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect for the collector, investor or those that just need to scratch an itch Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Bill Lawrence Selector Blend pot Bridge Schaller Harmonica Board Maple Weight 4.57kg; 10lbs 1oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Greco SG300/360, No Number
< 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 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- 1987 Bill Lawrence Esquire BTOR55B, B17305
< Back 1987 Bill Lawrence Esquire BTOR55B B17305 This is a very very rare Yoshino built 1987 Bill Lawrence Esquire with a Seymour Duncan STL-1 Vintage '54 pick-up and single volume control. The contoured and sculpted body is a nice surprising boost for comfort - aching ribs from a regular Tele/Esquire won't be a thing here. At 3.6kg precisely, it is a nice comfortable weight and feels very balanced hung high or low on a strap. The original black hardware is all high quality Gotoh and in fine working order. Having a tremolo on an Esquire is a very unusual prospect but a very welcome one. This was a short-lived range of guitars only available in Japan which was the result of a feisty relationship between Moridaira and Bill Lawrence. The tone from the Seymour Duncan is as you'd expect - powerful and capable of vintage twang and thick overdriven aggression. With such minimal controls, it really is you and your playing style; but that is what this type of guitar is about. This one has had a busy life - it comes complete with plenty of scratches and a couple of dents in the lacquer. The little chip in the paint by the string tree was repaired and a new string tree was installed since earlier photos were taken . Nothing that detracts from its functionality. It is a good sounding, good playing and interesting guitar. Demo video below was filmed before the new string tree was installed. Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1987 Pick-ups Seymour Duncan STL-1 Vintage '54 Selector N/A Bridge Tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.6kg; 7lbs 15oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21
- Abbotts and GP Matthews, No number
< Back Abbotts and GP Matthews No number We are not famous for our banjos here, or have very much to do with them beyond fixing them and identifying them for folk. We do need to find a new home for these two - both a little bit special and not the type you will find at car boot sales. We have decided to offer them as restoration projects as banjo specialists and players will have a better idea of how they wish to do it. First up is the Abbotts - a 5 string banjo but with the drone peg and nut absent. It has a tremendous tone and stays in tune as we bang out Wild Horses a few times a day. This is an 11 inch skin, a fairly recent replacement. From my scant knowledge, I assume this to be a Chalton Street model, therefore 1930s or slightly before, by all means chime in and correct me. It'd make a decent plectrum banjo as it is, or a sensitive restoration could get it back to best. This one has a hard case to accompany it. Next up is a very rare fretless George P Matthews. This requires a great deal more recommissioning, and we know about the one in Justecordes in Paris at 1475 Euro, but it has been for sale for years, so remain realistic! Jacken Elswyth has a few videos of a restored model - they sound great fun. We would dearly like to find a new home for these as a pair or individually if that is required, and have a Clifford Essex Popular in a similar state that can go with either or both of them. We are open to offers for these - 100% of the proceeds will be given to the widow of the recently deceased owner of these instruments. Price Offers Welcome Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1928 Pick-ups n/a Selector N/A Bridge N/A Board N/A Weight TBC Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 05:18 Play Video Play Video 03:08 Play Video Play Video 01:43 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Play Video Play Video 06:54 Play Video Play Video 05:47 Play Video Play Video 06:29 Play Video Play Video 04:21