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  • Moog Taurus I, T 2071

    < Back Moog Taurus I T 2071 This marvellous bit of the 1970s gave the guitarist / bassist the opportunity to be Rick Wakeman for a while. This is where it all really started - the first set of bass synth pedals that the professionals really took seriously. Is it as loud as the professionals claimed it to be? Absolutely. It makes the Hall shake - we have had complaints about it from people living in different buildings. In the environments it was designed for, you feel it, then hear it. Yet it DI's straight into the Focusrite, or through the Fishman Soundbox mini and that big arena feeling is right there in the headphones without any tinkering. The Octave button allows you to double the pedal count, and a quick well rehearsed manoeuvre will actually unleash 4 octaves for your feet. Even plugged into a simple transistor amp, this will produce the arena shaking bass - it delivers a real feeling of power even at low decibel counts. These don't regularly come up for sale - often they have lost their control panel surround which is exposes the guts to too much of the outside world of a gig. This example is far from mint, but has not lost any pedals, knobs, or vital components. As with most surviving examples, it has a wonky power cable grommet, but this is still holding firm and doesn't affect its functionality. The LED for the Variable switch has given up, and we have decided not to violate the main PCB to replace this. Other than that, the unit functions as it should. If I were to really nit-pick, just the Oscillator B Frequency slider sometimes needs a little gentle persuasion to fire up its pitch, but it ultimately never fails to do so. It's big, it's basic, it's heavy and it's expensive. But worth it for the vanishingly rare opportunity to make and be seen making, these sounds for real. The previous owner hauled it around in an adapted golf bag, but admits it hasn't been used in anger since the late 1980s. It's 13kg by itself - a typical case will probably nearly double that. This one does not come with a flight case, so ideally, we will carry it down the stairs and place it into your car, but if shipping is required, we had better talk about the options which would include a £375 Swan-Flight Taurus case in yellow. Price £4,000 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Worry any nearby seismographs. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups N/A Selector N/A Bridge N/A Board N/A Weight 13.0 kg Modifications N/A ← 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

  • 1974 GRECO TE-350, Pre-serial number model

    < Back 1974 GRECO TE-350 Pre-serial number model These Gneco Teles are getting very thin on the ground now - even more so in this condition. I constantly search for these guitars to stock as donors for DreamBuilds , but this particular example is in such great condition that it will remain original and a perfect example of the breed. Completely original, and having suffered only a tiny amount of parking damage in its 48 years, the Maxons retain their classic sounds. The bridge pickup does look a little weedy and slim compared to the classic Fender type, but it has a soul of its own - also a lot more power than you'd think. The characteristic that makes these old Grecos shine is the neck. This is a very late 3 (actually it is 5 if you study the headstock) piece neck - the construction changed to a single piece a very short time after this particular guitar appeared in the shop. The body is a pancake construction - the tell tale line bisecting the sides of the guitar is just visible. The simplicity of this guitar is refreshing - the top loading bridge is a little agricultural, but all the better for it. We have replaced a few of these original bridges with modern Gotoh units which add some comfort and refinement, but it's good to have an example of how they were. We would let this 1974 TE-350 go to a loving home - keeping it in this condition and with regular use and servicing, it is unlikely to ever lose value. The frets are quite low, but have that glorious run-in feel - the main thing is the neck (as they all are on these) is perfectly straight, and the frets are level. The guitar has had a luthier set-up - Joe always delivers that final 5% that makes a good guitar feel even better. We value this stage-ready guitar at £725, and know you could have a couple of new Squiers for the same outlay; but these old proper MIJ vintage guitars are built to different standards - I would say that this is half the price of a new MIJ JV Tele with which it shares significantly more DNA. Price £725 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy vintage feel and tones, or ideal donor for DreamBuild. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Original Gotoh Board Maple Weight 3.88kg; 8lbs 9oz 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-430, Matsumoku Stamped

    < Back Greco SE-430 Matsumoku Stamped This is a fabulous rescue story. This 1973 Greco has remained totally original throughout its life - for years it hung in possibly the most tobacco stained bar in Japan, and languished in a junk shop for a few years before we saved it. It took hours and hours of "de-nicotining", a small repair to the bridge pick-up leads, a tiny adjustment to the truss rod, and finally a decent set of 010s. Now it sings. No-one who has sampled this survivor has managed not to fall in love with it. Hardened Les Paul players respect it; expensive modern Fender players are slightly perturbed by it. Like a lot of our favourite guitars here, it pulls the music out of you; it leads you to odd places and unlocks things. My favourite comment from a guest here is "you just can't not play this thing - it's haunted - it's playing through me". Price Private Stock Availability Stays at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation I have maple neck versions under restoration - we can talk about these Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon 13414 Selector Original 3-way Bridge Greco vintage tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.88kg; 8lbs 9oz 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

  • Westone Paduak II, 2072472

    < Back Westone Paduak II 2072472 Prestige and Rainbow owners will disagree, metallic blue and yellow Raider owners will drop their eye-liner in shock, but the Paduak is, to me, the pinnacle of the Matsumoku Westone range. The neck seems to suit and impress high end Strat and LP players equally. The PEQ controls can convincingly emulate weedy singles, fat P-90s and full humbuckers at some point through the rotation. Those brass knobs with their centre indent just feel better then plastic. So it looks like a 1970's housing estate internal door to some, agreed, but it can grow on you and has its own identity amongst the Fenders and Gibsons. It's all about the neck with this one - the craftsmanship of construction and anti-fashion look aside, even the versatility of the tonal spectrum aside, this neck is addictive. Like all good necks, it brings out the best you have. We have a pair of this model (2072472 and 2062625) with the exact same specification. In the words of our regular visitors, "they are really hard to put down." While 2072472 continues to stay with us at the Hall, 2062625 can join a loving owner. In the video it is the 2062625 in action. For more photos of 2062625, please click here . Price Private Stock (2072472); £595 (2062625) Availability 2 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Just enjoy it as it is. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1982 Pick-ups HF450 Selector 3-way Toggle, with Master volume & 2 PEQ tone Bridge HD Brass Board Maple Weight 3.32kg; 7lbs 5oz 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

  • 1980 Aria Pro II ST-500, C801650

    < Back 1980 Aria Pro II ST-500 C801650 This is a fine example of a mid-range Strat built by Matsumoku. Many of the 500s we find end up being transformed into DreamBuilds with stellar specifications. We kept this one back to remind ourselves just how good they were and really enjoy the side-by-side comparisons with MIM and MIA 'real ones'. This surprises a lot of people. Instead of the usual SP-II or PU-100 pick-ups, this one was ordered from new with FS-1 pick-ups. They are 13.24k, 12.47k and 13.25k, and pack a real punch. Stealthily hiding under those standard white covers, they drive an amp beautifully. For many, an older MIJ "pretender" makes for a better playing experience than a brand new Vintera, or Player grade Fender - raw material quality control ethics and diligence was a great deal higher in Japan during this era than it is now. Body: Ash Neck: Maple Bridge: Vintage vibrato with arm Pick-ups: FS-1 (yes, really!) Controls: 3 way selector ; Master volume, Neck and Middle tones Weight: 4.01kg (8lbs 13oz) Price £££ Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect Donor for DreamBuild Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups 3 x FS-1 Selector 3 way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple Weight 4.01kg; 8lbs 14oz 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

  • Aria Pro II ST-600D, D800066

    < Back Aria Pro II ST-600D D800066 By 1980, these traditional Strats had stopped featuring in the catalogues as the Project Series' had really started to take off. They reappeared in the 1981 "LS and Others" brochures. We have found a few traditional models on 80 plates and this Strikin' Sound 600D is a great example. The D denotes DiMarzio pick-ups - this 600 featuring a set of fully functional FS-1 (Fat Strat). With an Inductance of 6.7 Henries and 13.4KOhms, these pick-ups have characteristics very different to the SP-II of the more junior ST ranges. Not to be confused with the ST-600 from the late seventies with their single volume single tone configuration and SP-1B pick-ups, this single owner guitar (prior to us) guitar has had a gentle life - just a little wear to the fret board and a few knocks to the body. This guitar is in the queue for a very special and completely reversible upgrade project, but is such a great player that it will reside in the studio to be enjoyed for the time being. Price £850 Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect donor for DreamBuild or sensitive upgrade Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups DiMarzio FS-1 Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.88kg; 8lbs 9oz 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 Bonnie Raitt Signature 1996, N561996

    < Back Fender Bonnie Raitt Signature 1996 N561996 Built in May 1996, this Bonnie Raitt signature edition Stratocaster is in 3-colour sunburst rather than the slightly more challenging blue. It has an alder body, maple narrow C profile neck and rosewood board, and the highly admired Texas Special single coils, which have an over-wound hi-presence character - great for those in-between sounds. The 4ply white Pearloid scratchplate completes the look. Like many of our finest playing instruments, this one has seen some life. There has been a minor repair to the body under the tremolo - it is completely invisible from the outside, and an unfathomable cause! Someone has been careless when removing the tremolo fixing screws perhaps. It's invisible, it doesn't affect the function in any way, but we must mention it. There are signs that the guitar has been used properly - the scratchplate screws had seen some heavy blues sweat. We have replaced them with new ones but the staining on the plate remains - signs of a good life. It is no case queen - it isn't a mint never been used collector's box ticked - this is a fine Strat that someone previously has enjoyed and used properly, (maybe not wiping it down enough but what are guitars actually for?). We have set it up on 10-46, and as a Strat that rings and rings; and an action height that can have a slide on it without fretting, but low enough to remain comfortable. The middle pick-up is set a little higher than the normal Stratocasters so those Bonnie Raitt covers will be accurate - neck and middle together is totally addictive. Price £1,895 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1996 Pick-ups Texas Special Selector 5 way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.64 kg; 8lbs 0 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

  • 1978 Greco SE-500PR, J783017

    < Back 1978 Greco SE-500PR J783017 The 1979 Specials Catalogues from Kanda Shokai had some real anomalies to catch out the experts 40 years later. The SE-450 with a 3 way switch (450 and 700 models were both modern 5 way switches to keep up with Fender's introduction of this in 1977) is next to a bright red SE-500 with a tortoiseshell plate on the page, called the SE-500PR. This was the first time a red Greco Strat could be ordered. If you ook up a YouTube video of Peter Frampton playing Show me the Way on the Midnight Special in late 1975, you can see him playing a red Strat with a tortoiseshell plate. This 500PR is a total copy of that guitar. Should it have been a 500PF? Typo in the catalogues? A popular opinion is that he was playing a Fiesta Red 62, a more contentious opinion is that it is a Fernandes model - forget that, there were none of these MIJ Strats in hallowed hands until a lot later in that decade. The PU-100 pick-ups are the evolution of the infamous Maxons from the early 70s - still slightly fatter dimensions to the Fender pick-ups. The 100 units had a little more power than the earlier versions, and the airy brightness does remind us of the Texas Specials - after all both of them are modelled on early 1960s tones with a bit more oomph. A little winding down of the tone pots will calm the brightness without losing the volume. The neck is a very familiar C profile - not the super skinny JV style that most associate with Fujigen produced Fenders. This feels a lot more like the early Squiers from Japan - the ones that are always 'keepers'. At 3.67kg, it is a comfortable weight. The condition of this guitar is amazing - we have changed the pots to premium Alphas to avoid having to drill the plate to accommodate them. A Sozo capacitor gets that warmth from the tone roll-off without the dullness. Everything else on this SE-500PR is original and it will add a rarity to a collection, or just serve as a really good everyday guitar - perfect to gig with. Even better if you are a Frampton tribute act and have a TalkBox. If you have a triple humbucker Les Paul because of Frampton, you ought to have this too. Price £845 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3-way Blade Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.67kg; 8lbs 1 oz Modifications New potentiometers ← 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

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