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< Back Matsumoku クーパー Price £2,099 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! This is another superb example of a pre-serial number Matsumoku built Strat clone - it features the slightly more substantial neck profile than the later Fujigen and Aria products. This one arrived in decent condition but had worn its frets beyond the absolute limit. It has now been re-fretted with Jescar 55090 (similar to a vintage Gibson feel), and so favoured by guitarists in the 1970s who had worn their skinny vintage Fender frets down. The body has been sensitively modified to accept a modern pick-up, and now has a set of custom wound Clausens fitted with a new 5-way switch and potentiometers. The neck and bridge pick-ups are tapped units have 2 outputs selected by an S-1 switch on the master volume control. This offers everything from Gilmour to Trout and more beyond. Keeping the pick-ups in lower output mode calms the tone down if a super clean sound is desired, and switching to the higher output gets the very best out of a valve amp. It's all there, but most importantly we think, there is enough aggression and power in that bridge pick-up to get a nod of respect from the guy with the Les Paul. The in between settings are very wide and scooped - Knopfler to funk catered for. Engaging the higher output mode will give you more presence in the parallel settings. In the middle you can slip on a bottleneck and be Bonnie Raitt. A Master Tone control tames the higher frequencies with a SoZo PIO capacitor. The lower Tone control is a blender function to fade in the neck pick-up when the bridge pick-up, or middle and bridge pick-ups in parallel are in play; and which fades in the bridge pick-up when in the neck pick-up, or middle and neck pick-ups in parallel are in play. When in the higher output mode, the tone of the neck and bridge pick-ups together reminds us of the middle position on a Tele Deluxe. There are so many tones to get hold of with this configuration, and while the controls will require a little familiarization to seasoned Strat players, we wouldn’t change anything unless it offered an improvement. Once you are familiar with this control layout, this guitar adopts the character of a Swiss Army Knife. And all with the traditional look. The bridge and tuners are original Gotoh units - a (very) narrow string spacing (10mm saddles) and 2 1/16 E to E. We have upgraded the string trees. To the customer's specific request, we have refinished this guitar in Mercury-burst - the older darker version as seen in the 70s. The cream pick-up covers, controls and the black scratchplate complete the desired look. It tips the scales at 3.68kg (8lbs 2oz). Details The Look 1970s style Mercury-burst refinish. Will wear to Sunburst Headstock The infamous Gneco logo to mark you out as an early adopter. Personalized decal. Neck Oval C - slightly more substantial than a MIJ Fender. New 55090 frets. Pick-ups 3 x Clausen Custom (neck and bridge tapped). Bridge All original Controls Master volume (S-1 for output selector), Master Tone and Blender. 5-way CRL selector Gallery ← Previous Next→

Guitar Photography We partner with Hippo Creation™ on photography and aesthetic presentations. Start Now Capture the moments. Explore Our Services Immerse yourself in our guitar photography gallery, showcasing the beauty of our instruments. Capture the essence of your music with our professional photography service, tailored for musicians. Customize Personalize your instrument with our customization service. From unique finishes to custom setups, we bring your vision to life, ensuring your guitar reflects your style and sound. Repair & Maintenance Trust our experts for top-notch repair and maintenance services. Whether it's a simple tune-up or a major repair, we handle your instrument with care, keeping it in perfect playing condition. Lessons Available Enhance your skills with our professional guitar lessons. Our experienced instructors cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced players, helping you master techniques and unleash your musical potential. Vases Tableware Furniture Glassware Guitar Portraits Learn More For every event Learn More Complete your space Learn More Sip in style Learn More ABOUT US I’m a paragraph. Use this space to tell people more about what you do and the services you offer. Double click here or click Edit Text to get started. READ MORE

< Back Echopark Arroyo Brooks Collection Price ££££ Availability No Longer Available Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2016 Pick-ups Echopark Goldfoil and Echotron Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge Tonepros Wraparound Board Macassar Ebony Weight 3.23kg; 7lbs 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 Matsumoku アーレンス Price ££££ | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! Lefties get a bad hand - so much less choice. I built this guitar for a chap who was battling to find the sounds he was looking for from a Guild S-300-S; a lovely thing, but with a very limited sound palette. He had given up looking around guitar stores as no-one had the spec he wanted, or if they did, it was the wrong colour etc. Battled on with the Guild for 20 years. We discussed the ideal build and I set off in search of the ideal donor model. 2 arrived, one from Finland, the other from Japan - both variations of the incredibly rare Aria ST-500L. Both 1980 and produced within a few days of each other - perfect partners to build in tandem and compare configurations. Both were in fantastic condition but we selected the one with the most bodywork issues to use as the donor. The poly finish was stripped, and the hardware and electronics removed. The refinish in black nitro commenced and a variety of pick-ups ordered along with new scratchplates and hardware. Using the other guitar to evaluate the pick-ups, we eventually settled on a set of Full Monty single coils, and instead of an S-1 or sunken mini-switch we decided on a simple 5 way selector and neck volume blend control. The world was turned upside down in search of a Gotoh 510TS in left handed orientation, and one was located and flown across from USA. Lefty tuners were a little tricky too, but my normal suppliers had them. The completed rebuilt guitar was set upon by the finest luthier we have, and the new owner flew in from Germany to test, approve and take home. If there is a finer, better specified, and adorable lefty Gilmour tribute out there, I'd be surprised. Details The Look Tribute to David Gilmour's black Strat, refinished with black nitrocellulose Headstock Gotoh SD91 (lefty) Chrome Neck Geometry and fret adjustments Pick-ups 3 x Monty's Guitars Full Monty single coils with cream covers. Bridge Gotoh 510T (lefty) in Chrome Controls 5 way selector, master volume and tone with neck pick-up blend pot. The highest possible quality parts used. Gallery ← Previous Next→

< Back Westminster Mustang J780126 A very rare model anywhere, let alone UK, this Matsumoku built Mustang is in the queue for an interesting upgrade project. Until that time, it is in the studio and available to be experienced. The Electric Guitar and Electric Bass series were domestic market (Kanda Shokai) entry level instruments launched in the mid 1970s, but punch well above their weight from a quality point of view, but that was always a Matsumoku trait. Given the CBS era dropping of standards at Fender during this period, don't be surprised if this Westminster feels and plays better than the original. Price Discussions invited Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect Donor for DreamBuild Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Original Nisshin Onpa Selector 2 sliders on/off/on Bridge Mustang style Board Maple Weight 3.58kg; 7lbs 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

< Back Matsumoku Junior Price £725 Add to Cart Chat with Us We have a soft-spot for the simplicity of a single pick-up guitar, but also enjoy versatility. A single pick-up guitar needn't be the compromise you expect - OK, you're not going to be Wes Montgomery on this, but roll the tone back, adopt the Keith Richards strum position and there is more to this than meets the eye - and that is before you play with the push-pulls. This was a Korean Maison Junior - Maison were a very highly regarded small Korean manufacturer taking advantage of the stampede out of Japan in the 1990s. Not imported here in large numbers, you could be forgiven for hearing about them for the first time. They are solid, good quality guitars and beg for an upgrade. Out came the generic P-90 and in went a TV Jones PowerTron Plus - the hottest most vicious pick-up available from TV Jones. We hit the high gain channel and lost a few hours discovering how incredible this pick-up is. On a clean setting, we needed to take action. Action was taken with the addition of 2 CTS push-pulls - one to split the humbucker into a single coil, the other to give us both coils but in parallel. The coil split provides a very angry punk sound - tameable with the controls, but this is for those who don't want country twang, and don't need refined Marvin. In parallel, we calm things a little; add a tiny amount of scoop, and achieve a less aggressive tone but with no loss of presence. So many Juniors and their ilk are compromised for intonation - playing chords up the neck requires a little string bending occasionally to sound vaguely in tune. The addition of the Hosco adjustable bridge solves this issue very well and takes nothing from the tone (despite having plenty to spare!). At the other end, we have fitted a set of very premium Gotoh SE-770 - lovely high quality open back tuners to give a nod to unaffordable Gibsons, but indicating to Gibson how good an open back tuner ought to be on an expensive guitar. We have designed 2 scratchplates for this guitar, and the lack of neck pick-up makes swapping from one to the other a matter of minutes - just a few screws. We can't decide which one we like the best so include them both. The guitar looks, feels and plays as new - it probably could do with a few signs of life - over to the next owner for that. The weight is 3.95kg, 8lbs 11oz. This was an experiment - we used this guitar to test some crazy ideas, and however much we love it here, it really should go to someone who will use it properly. Details The Look A bit of single pick-up shiney style - 2 designs of plate included in sale Headstock A set of beautiful open back Gotoh SE-770 keep this in tune no matter how hard you play. Neck Chunky chunky! Not too much, but a proper handful. Pick-ups This is a TV Jones PowerTron plus - Tom makes these for Billy Gibbons Bridge To make the most of this guitar, the fixed stop bar has been replaced with a Hosco adjustable unit - intonation is now achieved. Controls Master Volume which when pulled up splits the PowerTron Plus to a single coil. Master Tone which when pulled up sets the Tron in parallel mode Gallery ← Previous Next→

Our Story Matsumoku as its original iteration likely needs no introduction to many - it is an iconic subject for the history of Japanese Guitar production. If it's a new subject and of interest, Google Frank Meyer for some informative pages covering the rise and sudden fall of the plant. As this project develops, we may uncover more information and anecdotes - they will be appropriately recorded here. We think it is time that the name appeared legitimately on a guitar headstock, not confined to the neck-plate. Many of the celebrated brands produced at Matsumoku are still alive and kicking; some retaining their original brief, others heading in new directions. Some previous employees and creators are still producing guitars - they are very special indeed. We are developing some exciting prototypes to be produced in Japan for limited commercial runs. Matsumoku Guitar and Bass Ltd was established to celebrate the guitars, restore the guitars, create evolutions of the models , and try out configurations that open up their potential yet retain the soul that make these guitars so special, cherished and respected. The primary focus is on Matsumoku produced models, but we have many other models from other contemporary manufacturers. The collection is constantly changing, but always interesting. We are based at Ketteringham Hall , just south of Norwich, and easily accessible from the A11. We are not a guitar store - not a shop at all, but we are open to visitors, and have a small showroom where our ever evolving collection of guitars is displayed; and a small studio where they can be played and explored. Some are for sale, some will always stay with us. If, as sometimes happens, a visitor falls so spectacularly in love with an instrument that isn't for sale, a case may be made for us to bid farewell to it and frantically search for an appropriate replacement. We can chat about guitars, have a look at yours (regardless of brand), find examples you may be looking for, serve decent coffee and tea. Matsumoku Guitar and Bass Ltd is driven by Tom and Steffie . We have a healthy stock of Matsumoku and other Nagano products that could form the basis of exciting projects - we have our own ideas on what they could become; your ideas might be better so if this concept interests you, pay us a visit either in person or virtually. We have a remarkable team of luthiers and recording artists who all contribute their amazing skills to these guitars and we can offer restoration and recommissioning of your favourite guitars too. We have one of our workshops open to visitors to discuss projects, or to drop off and collect. This workshop is close to Snetterton Racetrack - happy to give directions by appointment. Find Us ADDRESS Matsumoku Guitar and Bass Ltd Ketteringham Hall, Church Road, Wymondham NR18 9RS FOR INQUIRIES 01953 686861 tom@matsumoku.rocks

< Back 1978 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties A783328 The Greco SE-700 was the premium big-headstock model of the range in the 1970s. It has a 2 piece body and the rosewood board gives it a real 70's look (despite the model name). The guitar retains it's original PU-119 (Excels) and they are every bit as good as their well deserved reputation suggests. Each of the 5 positions (including the middle on its own) has a distinctive character and there is no weak position amongst them and all respond well to subtle control changes on the guitar and the amplifier. The controls and switch are all original, in fact everything on this guitar other than the strings remains original - the bridge and tuners are all in great aged condition - most importantly perfectly functioning. At a fraction over 3.6kg (8lbs 0oz) this has "that perfect Strat" weight and feel to it - the aged white finish fading to cream gives it that authentic vintage touch too. It isn't completely flawless, there are signs of life, but nothing to detract. Study the photos, and contact us if you want to see this in more detail. The frets are good with plenty of life left; they are, according to the 2 gentlemen that attend to frets here, of that perfect age and state to be your best friend, and remain so for a fair few years before any remediation required. The serial Number on this one is A783328, a late January 1978 Fujigen build from the time they were really showing off to impress the boys from Corona prior to the partnership. A Fender guitar from this CBS era is hit and miss - there were some real howlers, and even the good ones are likely to have been upgraded by now. During this era, Fujigen and their contemporaries were just the opposite - getting better and better. This guitar feels like one of their very best. This SE-700 will put guitars twice its price to shame. Price £1,195 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon PU-119 Selector 5 way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.64kg; 8lbs 0oz 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 Fernandes STJ-80BT Signature Models have no Serial Numbers Buck Tick was (and still is) a well-known post-punk rock band in Japan – both guitarists are very loyal to Fernandes and have had signature models since the beginning. This is one of Hisashi Imai’ s models – they became increasingly wild as the years progressed. These STJs are so damn good we have 4 of them and will try and get more. A double octave super slim and slick neck, fixed bridge and simple set-up – basically a Telecaster on steroids, then a dose of something illegal. These are pro-level instruments – obvious as soon as you pick it up. In the past, someone has had a GK-3 synth pick-up on it. This one also has its original active FGI-T pickups , and they sound fine. These were domestic market only – we never had them in UK. I think 100% of UK’s stock of these are here, some are upgraded – this one is pristine and will stay that way. Price ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Perfect donor for sensitive upgrade or DreamBuild Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1991 Pick-ups Fernandes FGI-T Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge Gotoh GTC102-B Board Rosewood Weight 3.04kg; 6lbs 11oz 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 Alembic Essence Bass Free Consultation Book Now Recommissioning Alembics need little introduction - they are phenomenal instruments and this early 90s Essence is a small body light weight active model with the expected build quality and quality feel. All this needed was a good recommissioning as it had been in storage for a while. A few hours on the bench took out a slight bow on the neck - the dual rods in these make that nice and easy. A really good clean and levelling of 2 frets get this neck as good as it is supposed to be, and a thorough clean of the electrics removed the scratchiness of the pots. The pre-amp and pick-ups were perfect. The brass hardware now shines again and a set of nylon wrap flats now have this Alembic looking to get that double bass vibe - a small adjustment to the saddles for these strings required, but now it is wonderful. A professional grade bass with an interesting set-up for a talented professional. Gallery ← Previous Next→

< Back 1973 Greco SE-500 Pre-serial Number This is another 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, and an interesting 10" radius to that beautiful maple fretboard.. The pick-ups are pure Maxon – bright and airy and the previous owner has converted the selector switch to a 5 way unit so accessing the velvety in-between settings is now no longer a function of luck and making everyone wait 3 bars while you find them. The guitar has had a recent refret, and a very nice job too. New frets on a Harayama 5-piece neck is usually DreamBuild territory,and makes an already fabulous feeling guitar into a perfect one. The bridge pick-up is now controlled by the lower tone control, the upper tone control now taking care of the neck and middle units. Maxons were always a bright sounding pick-up, and the ability to tame that bridge tone is very useful. Have a listen to it in the video below: And look at the beautiful fretboard - this kind of quality is usually reserved for Masterbuilt guitars! The 500 was the premium model back in 1973; the 550 and 600s were still a year away so the 500s from 73 really had the pick of the timbers. Price £845 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Enjoy it as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 5-way Bridge Original Vintage Board Maple Weight 3.77kg; 8lbs 5oz Modifications 5-way switch and reconfigured tone 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 1973 Greco SE-430 No.2 Pre Serial Number Another glorious 1973 built Greco with the 5-piece construction neck - so special that some folk have asked us to build guitars around them. During this period in Matsumoku's history it wasn't faithful accuracy to Fender dimensions that counted, it was creating a strong stable comfortable neck. We have never seen a 1973 neck that needed any adjustment after 50 years - this one included. This guitar arrived here from Japan after a long cherished life in the hands of its original owner and aside from regular servicing and a fresh set of strings, it needed for nothing. The frets are low but level - a refret is not far away; but when guitars are as comfortable to play as this one, lets get the most from them. This would make a very good starter instrument - they were of course the entry level back in 1973, but these are a different class altogether from new starter guitars. It is tempting to spend as little as possible on the first guitar, but this really doesn't do any favours to the student as they always need the same value as the guitar itself to prepare for actually playing. This SE-430 is so slick, so gentle and has a decent acoustic ring even when not plugged in. The Maxons pick-ups are low output heaven - their distinctive brightness pairs with a small valve amp perfectly. These were the original iteration of the pick-ups in the USA-bound Goya guitars - a fair few very famous guitarists found their sounds and styles on these. Take a listen to how this one sounds in the video below: Its in great condition, needs nothing for another few years, but will need a new set of frets to get to its 100th birthday. Of course there are signs of life on the finish, but its all genuine - its taken 50 years to get it looking like this! Price £645 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Perfect example of the marque, or a fantastic donor for sensitive DreamBuild upgrade. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxons Selector 3-way Bridge Original Matsumoku Vintage Board Maple Weight 3.68kg; 8lbs 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