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< 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 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

< 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 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

< Back Greco JB-450 Pre-Serial Number The JB-450 was the premium model of this year - the maple fretboard a fairly expensive option over the rosewood of the JB-420. Some of the really early 1970s instruments are considered toys rather than serious instruments, but this is a serious instrument with a comfortable weight, fine sounding pick-ups and a proper constructed neck. These traditional jazz bass pick-ups more faithfully represent the sounds of a Jazzer than the mini humbuckers of previous iterations. They have a rounded deep clarity, and are too decent to upgrade. There are signs of life with this 52 year old bass - the chrome is pitting, (don't folk pay huge money for this look?) and there are a few parking knocks as you would expect. The original scratchplate has been sacrificed at the alter of Jaco Pastorius, and we have fitted this very appropriate plate. It plays very well, intonated perfectly, and has a friendly action that could be lowered even further if required. The truss rod has plenty of movement either way, and this just feels like a good old Jazz Bass - much more character than a new one, and for equivalent value, this one is of significantly higher quality construction. They were built to different standards back then - this is why we love the 1970s MIJ era. They never fail to impress; offer great value for money; don't need separately insuring, and are probably not even half way through their lives. This one could feasibly and justifiably be upgraded with modern pick-ups, a modern bridge, modern tuners - of course this would be fantastic. But this is good enough to provide good service as it is. Price £645 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Fine as it is, suitable for upgrade fun though Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon Selector n/a Bridge Original Board Maple Weight 4.4kg; 9lbs 12oz Modifications Fancy scratchplate ← 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

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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