www.whitstableguitars.co.uk

These pages contain unusual & noteworthy guitars that have long since been sold & are now spread around the UK & Europe, hopefully still being played & enjoyed. I keep these pages for reference purposes etc. None of these guitars are for sale

Thanks for looking & I hope you enjoyed the pics !

Cheers Rob

1983 JV Squier '62 Reissue Stratocaster & new Tweed Case

 

2003 Fender Japan Antigua Telecaster + new HSC

Sold

Yamaha Japan 1978 SG-2000 Sunburst

Supplied with new shaped hardcase

SOLD

 

1986 Fender Squier "E" Series Telecaster

with new tweed hardshell case

SOLD

This beautiful natural finish Japan Squier Telecaster is one of the earliest models & followed the famous "JV" & "SQ" models from the Fugijen Gakki Factory

It arrived as an unfinished project & looked like this..

The body, which was originally yellow had been 3/4 stripped & then abandoned.

In 1986, it would have looked like this.

(not the actual guitar - pic found on web)

A white single ply pickguard & top loading on the bridge for stringing are two of the original features that have been changed

The "Japan Fender" stamped machineheads & the "E" Series serial number made this a no-brainer as a project worth finishing !

 It's also a good way for me to learn how to do this. The telecaster with it's slab body & bolt on neck makes it alot easier than other styles of guitar.

The next 2 pictures confirm the date & model number on the neck

 dob. 17th February 1986!

Note the trussrod adjustment is at the base of the neck which was the original style. A bit of a pain to get it right but this neck is spot on.

 So, to start...., the paint & lacquers (polyester) used by the Japanese are rock hard & was the reason this wasn't finished. The trick, I've found is to penetrate the outer lacquer & then the paint will come away fairly easily

Next job is to use "grain filler" on the wood to minimise lacquer sinkage. Many hours on the workbench in the garden to achieve the desired finish !

This was taken under artificial light but it just shows the body now ready for lacquering

At last ! The first coat is on. I elected to use a nitro-cellulose lacquer on the body. Although trickier to apply & the finish is not quite so hard & takes longer to dry (as I found to my cost later on !) it is what was originally used back in the 50's. It allows the wood to breathe & is the finish used on expensive guitars to this day. Polyester & Acrylic give harder finishes but have a tendency to "seal" the wood. Anyway, lets not get too "anoracky" here ! I used a nitro finish to make the guitar more desireable - hopefully! 

10 coats later, a dodgy ride back from my brother's sprayshop trying not to damage it & it's time to flat & polish & then remember where all the bits went !

 

The finished article...

Original Parts

4 piece solid wood (either Sen Ash or Basswood) body (refinished in Nitro-Cellulose lacquer)

1 piece maple neck & fretboard

Chrome Bridge, Control Plate & knobs 

Fender Japan Tuners

Neck Pickup

Pots

 

Replaced Parts

Bridge Pickup - A mystery but probably a vintage Fender (see below)

Pickguard - Black Single Ply

Jack Socket plate

3 way Switch - now 4 position with wiring upgrade pickups can now also be used "in series"

String ferrules - now has thru body stringing

Although I'm still very much learning, I am 95% happy with the finished result. The front is perfect

The guitar came with a Kent Armstrong in the bridge position but I recently took possession of a guitar that had a vintage pickup at the bridge. Slotted screws, cloth braided yellow & black wires & a sticker bearing the number 05079279. The cloth wires, the copper base plate & the sound lead me to believe this is a vintage Fender bridge pickup like this

http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_vintage_tele_pickup_set.htm

 

 

Whilst fitting the string ferrules I put 2 tiny dents in the lacquer where it hadn't fully hardened. Soooo annoying ! With plenty of flatting & polishing they are all but gone now. When spraying with nitro, I would recommend a couple of days drying time before doing any work. This was still soft under the surface after 24 hours

Having said that, a camera won't pick them up they are practically invisible - but I know they're there !

Any guitar with a bolt on neck tends to suffer these tiny hairline cracks by the neck pocket. Often both sides but just one side on this. It doesn't affect the guitar in any way but worth pointing out

The neck is untouched. It has a few scratches & dents but is dead straight & the guitar has lovely low action

Note the unusual rounded shape at the back of the headstock. You don't see this on more modern Fenders

This is a brand new tweed case with plush red lining, locks & keys. It's a perfect size for a strat or tele & I only charge exactly what it costs me (£36) I just think it finishes it off beautifully & obviously gives top protection during transit.

1970's Maya Stratocaster - Made in Japan

SOLD

1981 Hondo Revival Series H-935RS

SOLD

Complete with original Hardcase & US Dimarzio Pickups

Made in Japan

1970's Columbus Les Paul

Made in Japan

This guitar is now sold

1993-4 Fender Squier Stratocaster

Made in Japan.

 Sold

1991 Godin Artisan TC

SOLD

This is the third Godin I have owned. It's an early 1991 model. It isn't as pretty as the others but the neck & electrics are as good

I was initially a bit disappointed when this arrived as I thought the body was finished in matt & it had a few knock & bumps around the edges but after a couple of hours work, it has come up to look really nice. It has obviously been owned by someone not too fussy (I'm being kind!) & it also had no hardcase & it showed !!

1996 USA Gibson SG Special & HSC

Sorry, this guitar is now sold (14/10/09)

1980's Aria Pro II Titan Artist Series TA-40

SOLD

These old Aria Pro's are becoming pretty popular & collectable. I purchased this in Hampshire a month or so ago & was initially a bit disappointed with the guitar. Like so often, it hadn't been looked after & was dirty & poorly set up with crackly switches & knobs.

These Aria Pro's were originally made at the famous Matsomuko factory in the early 80's as part of the "Titan Artist" series. The models were TA-30,50.70 etc. Production later switched to Korea & that was when the TA-40 appeared

This example plays well with a comfortable neck, good balance & nice low action. The bridge & maybe the neck pickups have both been changed but they work well & the guitar has a good range of sounds & can cover most styles

Now living in Sussex & about to undergo a pickup upgrade - should sound awesome !

1998 Gibson Les Paul Smartwood

 & new tweed shaped Les Paul Case

Sold

We kept this one "kind of" in the family as it was so nice. Enjoy it Paul !

 

Hohner Professional TE

Sold

A nice example of a Telecaster copy from the 90's by Hohner. Built in Korea (possibly the Samick factory where the Epiphones of that time were also built) it is in good condition but has some wear (see pics). Sunburst with body binding & through body stringing. It has a bolt on neck, two pickups. Rosewood fingerboard. There are some good reviews of these guitars at Harmony Central...

This model is now enjoyed by Juan Carlos in Madrid !

Hohner Professional SE-35 Redburst

With brand new hardcase

Sold

A 2001 Korean made excellent 335 copy

 

This is the third of these very underrated guitars I have now had. They have all been really good & all the others have ended up with delighted customers - check out the guestbook. A brand new fitted hardcase comes with this guitar

1993 Iceni Zoot "Deluxe F" 5 String Bass with Active Pickups

Sold

1984 Fender Master Series Flame Standard

(Inc 80's Fender Hardshell Case)

Sorry but this guitar is now sold

Yes, at long last, I have found one ! The smaller sister of the Fender Esprit, a Fender Flame in Autumnburst.

1994 Fender Japan Foto Flame Stratocaster

 & Hiscox Style HSC

This guitar is now sold

Yamaha MSG Image Deluxe

Comes with good quality hardcase

Sorry, this one is now sold - didn't hang about long, did it !!

I am quite excited about this one ! It's a rare & highly regarded Martin Booth designed Yamaha MSG Image deluxe in an orangeburst with a good quality hardcase. The guitar also has a Floyd Rose tremelo System & coil split Kent Armstrong Humbuckers

Conrad Jazzmaster Copy

Sold & gone to Wales !

Strange & a bit quirky! But that's what I love about some of these old Japanese guitars. Having said that, they nearly always  use good quality woods for the neck & body. The hardwear is generally pretty good & they are very well made. This one is no exception

I use the term "Jazzmaster Copy" very loosely as the bodyshape & neck are about all that are copied here.

Conrad were a rare Japanese manufacturer who made good quality & highly rated guitars but no longer exist.

A google search will bring up some references & reviews at Harmony Central are few & far between but the ones that are there are very complimentary

1990's Hohner Professional SE-35

Specifications:

Semi-Hollow Body

Maple bound top, back & sides

Black Pickguard

Mahogany Neck

22 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard with Pearl dot inlays

Tune-o-matic Bridge

Gold Hardwear & Twin Humbucker Pickups

2 x Volume & 2 x tone Knobs

3 way switch

Manufactured from 1990

A really nice example of this ES-335 copy from the 90's by Hohner. Built in Korea (possibly the Samick factory where the Epiphone Sheratons, Dots & Casinos were also built) it is in very good condition.

Now sold & living in Edinburgh

1983 Vintage Yamaha Japan SF-400 (OHSC)

This rather rare guitar from Yamaha Japan has proved difficult to both date & to find any information on. Yamaha Japan have now dated it to 1983 (I thought it was older) & it is exact in body shape to the excellent  SF "Super Flighter" range from Yamaha that emerged in 1977 according to this translated site

This guitar is sold & now gone to Lincoln !

Godin Artisan ST-1

Godins are built in Quebec Canada & the Artisan Series was produced from 1992-1998 & this guitar had the following features:

 Birdseye maple top with bound edges

Limewood Body

Maple neck & ebony fingerboard

3 Godin twin blade pickups (designed by Godin and manufactured by Schaller), and a mid filter function on the tone pot. when activated, it cuts half the db level at 600Hz.

This guitar has now gone to Scotland !

Sanox guitars are quite rare & there is little info on the web about them. Having previously owned a set neck model with twin humbuckers, I went after this one when it came up for sale. It was almost certainly built in the 70's or the 80's. I don't believe there was ever a "Sanox" factory this probably hailed from the Matsomuko factory or similar. There is a tale that "Sanox" is the Japanese interpretation of the word "Saxon" I don't know, amusing though!

This one, now gone to Germany

 

2007 USA Fender Stratocaster in "Candy Cola" & OHSC

What a beauty ! I recently purchased the entire equipment from someone who no longer played guitar. It included the Squier Standard you see on this site, an amplifier, effects pedals, mixing desk etc & this gorgeous USA Fender from 2007. The guitar & shaped Fender case are both unmarked & the guitar comes with handbook, all tools & polishing cloths etc

Now living in Portishead, Somerset

1981 Japanese Hondo H-937BS

Sold & now happily living in the English Riviera !

A nice 1980's Japanese made copy of the Gibson ES-137

2005 Gibson Les Paul

SOLD

Double Cutaway in faded Cherry Red

This model had the great addition of P90 pickups which just sounded sooo cool. I love the sound & this Gibson Les Paul is at a really competitive price, not a lot more than an Epiphone really.Now sold to a man from Tonbridge in Kent who was very happy with it !

Fender '62 Telecaster Custom RW 3TSB

Japanese guitars are nearly always good. Japanese Fenders are always good (in my experience) & this is no exception. A really nicely made guitar in near perfect condition. An excellent guitar, now living in Canterbury but I will definitely be on the lookout for another !

1996 Epiphone Casino

Sunburst with Epiphone HSC

Korean made at the Peerless factory

Basically a thinline hollowbody guitar with a Maple veneer body & a Mahogany neck. 2 x P90 fixed pickups

Every so often a guitar comes along that you pick up & play & think "Why do Fender sell so many instruments when there are rivals like this around?"

What a stunning guitar this is. Superb build quality, great sustain & a lovely sound !

Features : Telecaster-style solid body guitar. Made in Canada in 1995. A beautifully flamed carved maple top.Nice birds-eye maple neck with rose wood fingerboard. Dot inlays. Medium neck scale, semi-flat d-shape.

1980's MIJ Yamato Stratocaster

A nicely made Yamato Stratocaster Copy

I  changed the scratchplate since I got it from a 3 ply white to a 3 ply black which looks rather nice

It has all the features of a strat but with a 3 way switch.

1995 USA Fender Telecaster Standard Sunburst with OHSC An all original 95 Fender Tele in sunburst with maple neck & original Fender case. Of the 3 Fender USA Standard Telecasters that I had, this one played & I think looked the best. It featured a sunburst body, modern 6 saddle bridge (better intonation that than the vintage ones) White 3 ply pickguard & maple neck. Now sold to FSC Music http://www.fscmusic.com/ Many thanks Phil

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph Washburn BB100 Bass Washburn BB100 Bass   This from the Washburn Bantam Series & is a nice,no frills, entry level bass guitar. Good sound & nice action, it has a 20 fret short scale neck so would perhaps suit someone who is young or slight. Plays well

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph 1990 mij Fender Stratocaster 1990 MIJ Fender Stratocaster & hardcase Totally Original, this "I" series Japanese Fender Stratocaster in Creme with rosewood fingerboard is in great condition & has been really well looked after. Now living happily in Northants !

Fender Squier Telecaster Standard  This was rather a nice Squier Telecaster Standard in a plum colour with a white 3 ply scratchplate. This is a standard which is better than an affinity model. It is made in Indonesia but don't let that put you off, it's good quality & in perfect condition other than one small knock.

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph Korean Squier Telecaster A nice example of a Korean Squier Telecaster in royal blue. The body & neck are both date stamped 1997.The guitar has all original parts & not modified at all Good Points Solid wood body, quite light.Fast straight maple neck Bad Points some scratching to the chrome on the bridge by the pickup & a 5mm ding on the front of the body by the control panel Other points.Totally filthy with brown rusty wires(strings?) & Input jack not working when I got it. All fine now. It's a top loader which some say holds its tuning better & others say has less sustain than thru body stringing. All personal choice really!

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph 1979 Yamaha Super Axe SA-1000 What a fantastic guitar! Produced by Yamaha in Japan from 1977-1983 and part of the ever popular SA range. Basically a copy of a Gibson 335 with a centre solid block of wood in the body to improve sustain & cut out feedback. Beautifully made by the guys at Yamaha, it's easy to see why these are the choice of many a professional player & session musician. Yamaha's Japanese website  gives the follwing spec. Spruce body with a Maple top. Mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard. This example is in 8/10 all round condition considering its age. High resolution pics can be sent on request. As you can see it is in its original Yamaha case. A rare guitar in original condition I contacted Yamaha Japan with the serial number of the guitar to date it & they replied giving a production date of April 1979

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph Gordon Smith Graduate Slimline Limited Edition This is the second Gordon Smith that I have owned, the first was a GS II but this one is much,much better, it is the Graduate Slimline Ltd Edition.This was a run of 200 guitars that Gordon Smith introduced to celebrate their first 20 years in production.The body is mahogany with a carved & highly figured maple top. A one piece maple neck & fretboard.This one is no.86 of the run and was bought from Ebay (of course) and described as "unplayed" The seller wasn't fibbing, the frets were dull & tarnished and the electrics didn't work at all! A good clean & a few squirts of WD40 later + a set of 11's and it sounds superb! Upgraded...Never all that happy with the sound & look of the GS stock pickups (Sorry Gordon Smith!), I have now upgraded this beauty with Seymour Duncan Humbuckers. A JB SH-4 at the bridge and an SD Jazz at the neck (Both with coil splitting) What an improvement!!

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph 1950's Zenith by Framus Archtop A 1950's Zenith Archtop jazz guitar. This is the second Zenith I have owned, the first having had a cutaway (see my gone never forgotten page). Here are a few Zenith factoids for you ! Paul McCartney's first guitar was a Zenith which he still owns (shame it's not this one) Zenith guitars were made for the Boosey & Hawkes corporation by Framus guitars in Germany. They all carry the sticker inside saying "tested & approved by Ivor Mairants" and are personally signed by him. He was a famous British Jazz guitarist of the 1950's They were at the lower end of the market when they came out but were a popular guitar & are quite rare. This one would appear to have a truss rod but it is not adjustable. This one was owned by a club entertainer in the north of England by the name of Albert Rawson. He also used a "Savana" Ukelele & a "New Windsor" Zither banjo. This is after a clean. It arrived with a pickup which is a Hofner(German) I have had to get the electrics sorted out. The volume knob was disconnected & it has a trailing lead. I have now rewired it and put in a jack socket at the bottom edge.

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph Gone Not Forgotten 2007 Peavey Predator USA 1992 USA  well built (before they moved to far East) Peavey Predator in black with maple neck & fingerboard. A good quality Strat style guitar with the usual range of Strat Sounds. Probably comparable in quality etc to a Fenix. Certainly much better than Mexican,Korean or Chinese FendersThis guitar was finished in   Black with a bolt on neck in maple, and maple fret board.  The headstock has "PEAVEY" & "Predator" Logos on the front & serial number plus USA made stamp on back  Enqs made via the internet date this USA Peavey to 1992. Peavey Predators & Patriots are well made guitars but becoming very rare. 3 Single coils at the bridge, centre & neck 5 way selector switch with normal Strat configuration 1 volume and 2 tone controls. Micro tilt adjustment on back of neck plate

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph Fender Squier Korean Stratocaster. Although Korean, this is a fine Stratocaster finished in black with a one peice maple neck & fingerboard. The pickups feature staggered pole peices. Top quality Gotoh style tuners too. In excellent condition. I changed the white single ply scratchplate for a 3 ply tortoiseshell one which I think looked soooo cool !(IMO).

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph Fender Squier Korean Stratocaster. Although Korean, this is a fine Stratocaster finished in black with a one peice maple neck & fingerboard. The pickups feature staggered pole peices.Fender stamped saddles too Top quality Gotoh style tuners too. In excellent condition. I changed the white single ply scratchplate for a 3 ply white pearl one which I think looked rather cool !(IMO).

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph Washburn WD20SCE Tonewood   A lovely electro acoustic. So little used it still has the film on the scratchplate !! Features Solid spruce top, cutaway body, Grover tuners, Fishman electronics with 3 band EQ (Midrange is sweepable with contour knob). Traditional Blonde top, with dark top and sides. "Open pore" finish, which gives the guitar an antique look and feel.  Jack & XLR connctions. Now living in N.I. !

Edit Delete Move Up Move Down Insert Paragraph 1994 Fender Japan P Bass Fiesta Red A nice example of a Fender Japan Bass.Solid & reliable. When it arrived it had a single ply white pickguard (retained) a broken volume pot and no bridge or pickup covers. It was also covered in surface scratches where stickers had been applied and removed carelessly. The chrome covers are genuine Fender & imported from the USA The pot was replaced with a Fender also from the USA After alot of elbow grease it is now looking pretty good & has a black 3 ply pickguard. Now living in Strood!!!!

Yamaha SG 90 (Circa 1975)

Purchased on ebay, this gem from the 1970's although a little tatty and with a nasty ding on the front is superb to play. The action is very low, it has a slim neck 24 frets and 2 powerful Yamaha humbuckers.

When I stripped it down to change the strings, adjust the truss rod & give it a good clean, I was amazed at the build quality. Everything from the tuners to the wiring is top quality.

1978 Yamaha Studio Lord 500S

(Imported from Japan)

A great example of a 1970's "lawsuit" Yamaha Studio Lord 500s Unlike the cheaper SL's this one has a "set neck" giving it beautiful sustain. I have contacted Yamaha in Japan & they have kindly dated it to May 1978

Great Yamaha pickups & attention to detail. When I imported it, it was just missing it's original pickguard. I sourced a replacement which you can see is a good match although it needs to be on it a few years to age properly!

1995/6 Fender Japan Squier Stratocaster

Always such good guitars. The Japanese Squiers are a joy to play & this one is no exception.They are head & shoulders above the Chinese & Indonesian ones & also superior to the Korean ones. I am going to stick my nect out here & say that I think this is better than a Mexican Strat!(IMO!) It was a bit unloved when I collected it .Someone had changed the knobs for coloured ones? Lost the trem arm (where are they all? Someone, somewhere has thousands of them hidden away!!) and it still had the single ply scratchplate.

I stripped it down, gave it a good clean up & changed the scratchplate for this white pearl one( the original has been retained & will come with the guitar). It has a very light body and you hardly notice it around your neck. It is set up & plays really nicely & the standard Jap pickups have a great Strat sound, action is good with very low fret wear

1970' HS Anderson II-Japanese

Designed by "Patrick Vrolant" a french rock guitarist, these Andersons are extremely rare and becoming sought after, one selling recently for $500+ on ebay

1995 Fender Japan Precision Bass

Yet another Ebay purchase ! I had an old bass that used to play which was poor quality, I decided to upgrade as cheaply as I could to a Japanese Fender. I love Japanese guitars, they are affordable good quality guitars

When the courier delivered this bass guitar it looked like this !

Nice, eh? If you look closely you can see "Nirvana" engraved into the wood !

Anyway, not my style, particularly the home made scratchplate, so a few hours sanding , then a helpful brother who mixed up some paint to "sort of" match daphne blue, I now have this beauty !

Yamaha Super R'n'Roller 500

I imported from Japan together with another 2 vintage Yamahas. They are all such well made guitars. You just cannot get quality like this now. This is the 3rd SR (strat Copy ) I have had & is just as good as the others. When it arrived it was missing its trem-arm but I have replaced that. Unfortunately the tip is rather white compared to the knobs & switch. It will be ok in around 2037!

The electrics all work perfectly. It has a 3 way switch rather than the modern 5 way selectors.

Yamaha SA-1100

1983 JV Squier J Jazz Bass Original!!

 

This was the first JV Squier I owned & had the  chance to play. To be honest, I always wondered what all the fuss was about. They can't be that good, can they?

I suppose the important thing is to understand the history & to realise that what you have is a 25 year old Japanese Fender with USA Pickups & electrics

Here is some history .....

"Fender, under the ownership of CBS, acquired the Squier brand name in the mid to late-1960s when it bought a USA based string-making firm, but it lay dormant for many years.

In the early 1980s, several events were pushing Fender to produce a second-line brand. Firstly, CBS had sold out to new management without the factories in California. This meant there would be a drop in production before new manufacturing plants could be constructed and commissioned. Also, there was a demand for an inexpensive range of guitars that could not be manufactured in the USA at a low enough cost due to the cost of manpower and raw materials. Furthermore, companies were producing Strat copies at affordable prices to cater to a large market of novice guitarists, and this trend was eroding Fender's share of the market, especially in Europe and Asia.

As a solution to the aforementioned problems, the Squier brand name was resurrected in the early 1980s to distinguish a series of classic reproductions called the known as the Squier JV Series. These were surprisingly accurate reproductions of classic 1950s and 1960s Fender guitar models. Soon, a second series followed and these were called the SQ series as seen from the prefix to their serial numbers. They were generally reproductions of 1970s models, the main difference being that they were completely made out of parts made in Japan, whereas the initial JV series used USA-manufactured pickups."

Initial Squier JV series

When initially launched in Europe in the early 1980s the Squier range offered classic reproductions of Fender's most popular models: '57 and '62 Stratocasters, '57 and '62 Precision Basses, '52 Telecasters and '62 Jazz Bass. These were made in the Fuji Gen Gakki factory in Japan - then also used by Ibanez - using original factory blueprints. These early Squiers are referred to as "JV Squiers" due to those two letters being the prefix on the serial number stamped on the neck plate that stand for "Japanese Vintage". Initial shipments to Europe had Fender's logo in large script on the headstock with a small "Squier Series" decal but quickly this gave way to a large Squier logo with a small "by Fender" decal. These early JVs are extremely accurate reproductions of the classic models and are highly sought by guitar collectors, especially in Europe.

 

This example is 98% original with only a volume control knob changed as the original came off & was lost. It isn't pristine but plays & sounds great! They are very worthy of all the fuss. For info, this one has cloth shielded wiring, all the correct neck stamps. A neck date of  1-08-83

Now owned by Bram Berk (musician) from Holland

1990's Fenix Les Paul Standard

A rare example of a Fenix Les Paul Standard. Made in Korea in the 1990's by Young Chang (Yes, we all know the story of the Ex-Fender guy who set himself up in Korea.) How much truth there is in it, I'm not sure . The only thing you can be sure about with any Fenix is that it is superbly made and they are all very sought after guitars.

1980's Sanox Set Neck in Antique Violin

This guitar is very similar to a Fender Flame & some Ibanez Artists & I think came out of the same Fujigen Gakki Factory

It is stunning, Has a set neck & is finished in a beautiful "Antique Violin" as Ibanez call it. Everything about the guitar is quality from it's costruction, bridge, tuners & powerful pickups to the cross "+" markers along the fretboard & mother of pearl style inlay all around the body binding.

This guitar is now sold & lives happily in the Emerald Isle with Eamonn !

Cheers Eamonn!

1976 Fender USA Mustang

A rare example with a maple neck & natural body

Features

Bolt on neck

Full size 22 fret neck

Original Mustang pickups

Original Switching & scratch plate (serial number stamped on underside to match headstock)

2x 3 way slider switches for each pickup

1 volume & 1 tone controls

Now living happily in Co. Laois Eire & cared for by Kevin !!

1979-1982 Westbury Deluxe (W2210)

What a beauty! A 1979-82 Matsomuko, Japan made set neck guitar with the following features:

The Deluxe has a hard maple body, carved top, rosewood fretboard, deluxe tuners and two DiMarzio pickups. The bridge is oval and the back contoured. The bridge pickup is a Dual-Sound DiMArzio Super Humbucker which included a micro-switch to go from "clean" to "dirty" (distortion), probably through the use of a coil tap. The neck pickup is either a PAF or Super Distortion

1997 Hohner HS-35HG

A new arrival this week & what a beauty.A Korean made ES-335 copy In near 100% perfect condition, these Hohners are great guitars. When they came out they were reviewed by a well known Guitar magazine alongside Epiphone Dot & Aria Pro & they came out on top with their build quality.

 

1980's Yamaha SA-700 Super Axe

(Imported from Japan)

A great example of a 1980's  Yamaha Super Axe. Unlike the other SA-1100 on the site, which is a superb guitar, this one is a "made in Japan" Instrument Great Yamaha pickups & attention to detail.

Now living in Sweden.

2006 USA Valley Arts Custom Telecaster & OHSC

 

What an incredible guitar & by far, the best telecaster I have ever played, including all the Fender USA telecasters (IMHO) .

I have been a Larry Carlton fan for many years. I finally saw him play & met him briefly afterwards in 2007. He had a close association with Valley Arts guitars when they were set up in the 80's & he is playing them on a couple of instructional DVD's that I own. I believe helped with the development. This isn't an original L.C. Signature one as the factory suffered a fire in the 90's. Details can be see here

http://player.gibson.com/june03/valleyarts.html

They are now built in the Gibson Custom shop & this one is a special order in Sunburst

All the spec is here

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/ValleyArts/Valley%20Arts%20T-Series/

 

1980's Westbury Standard in OHSC Black

I used to own a Westbury Deluxe which I sold a few months ago. I recently found two Westbury Standards which are pretty much the same but without the carved top & coil splitting. Although both guitars are excellent, this one is the better of the two & also has it's Westbury Hardshell Case (if a little battered!)

This guitar now owned by "Gef" from West Wickham. Thanks Gef !

1980's Tokai Goldstar Stratocaster

Tokai Goldstar strat, 80's model with amazing low action and beautiful sound.

Solid wood body

Maple neck & fingerboard

3 single coil Pickups

1 Volume & 2 tone controls

5 way switch

1993 Levinson Blade Texas Standard Pro

What a cracking guitar ! Like the "Godin Artisan" featured on another one of my pages, it is so nice to see other guitar manufacturers building classic styles, to a very high quality but with different specifications & ideas.

Swiss based guitar designer Gary Levinson has been building guitars since 1982. In 1987 production was shifted to Japan & this model was made in 1993.

1997 Hohner Professional SE-35

A really nice example of this ES-335 copy from the 90's by Hohner. Built in Korea (possibly the Samick factory where the Epiphone Sheratons, Dots & Casinos were also built) it is in almost perfect condition. It has a set neck, twin humbucker pickups. Rosewood fingerboard. There are some great reviews of this guitar at Harmony Central...

1982 Westone Rainbow I & OHSC

Nice guitar! A 1982 Matsomuko made 335 copy from the 80's, Japan made, set neck guitar with the following features:

This Rainbow I is a "translucent walnut"finish & has a semi-solid laminated Canadian Ash body, a 3 ply Maple neck.The centre block is Maple.
Rosewood fingerboard, 24.75 inch scale 22 frets. Brass nut.

1988 Fender USA Telecaster Standard

This is a 1988 USA Standard Telecaster. I purchased it from a professional musician from South  London called Sam Beer. His music is mostly acoustic based and he has a selection of his music, some featuring this guitar on his website

http://www.sambeer.co.uk/#

  

1954 Zenith Semi Acoustic

My first electric! Made in East Germany/Czech republic and marketed by Boosey & Hawkes in the UK. I added the pickups & pickguard. Built of plywood & would never stay in tune! Fond memories though...

1996 Fender Japanese Strat 1952 reissue

I never fully appreciated how good this guitar was. Bought new, wish I still owned it ..

1979 USA Fender Stratocaster International Series in Maui Blue

The bridge, pickup covers & knobs were changed. Sold to a highly delighted RN Helicopter Pilot!

Why oh why did I sell it ?? It will be worth a fortune in years to come

1990 Fender Strat Plus

Not the greatest Fender I have seen or played.OK but not as good as the Jap ones

Gordon Smith Gypsy II

An early example from GS. Lovely guitar, I would still love a Graduate though!

for more info on Gordon Smith guitars, go to

http://www.fairplay.demon.co.uk/

Patrick Eggle Berlin Pro V

Probably the prettiest & best made guitar I have owned & the most expensive. (Sold for £750)

An early example built when Patrick Eggle was still in charge! I never could get on with the rotary switches though.Not a big fan of Wilkinson Trems either !

for more info on Patrick Eggle, go to:

http://www.patrickeggleguitars.com/

1990 Fender Japan 50's reissue Telecaster

Imported by me from Japan.Great guitar.Light body.Neck plate &control plate were crooked.Unusual-Fake ? Went to Italy, a very happy buyer

Fenix Telecaster Deluxe

I love Fenix guitars. Famously made by Young Chang,  the guy Fender sacked for making his own guitars. I didn't realise how good they were when I bought this one! Through body stringing, gold hardwear and creme binding. Fantastic!

This one went to Germany. Buyer delighted !

1983 Fender Japan Master Series Esprit Standard

The first Esprit I bought. Absolutely fantastic guitar! Built at the Ibanez factory. Only 4000 ever made and famously used by Robben Ford.This one went to a lovely and very happy ebayer on the Isle of Wight

1996 Fender Japan Telecaster Fotoflame

Such a pretty guitar. Great neck and sound.Went to Spain, this one! As good as my USA Standard Tele

Early 1980's Yamaha SF500

Beautifully made guitar. I would have another tomorrow! A real rocker !

http://www.yamaha.com/

Fernandes Telecaster Copy

Imported by me from Japan.Good guitar, now living in Merseyside

http://www.fernandesguitars.com/menu.htm

Young Chang Stratocaster

An early Fenix guitar(note the different headstock) that was a beauty. Now living happily in the Netherlands

Fenix TC10

Sadly unloved when I bought it, but a good clean and a new pickguard later.It is now happily living in Newcastle

Yamaha Super R'n roller

Imported from Japan by me.Still in original hardcase and complete with Yamaha strap, polishing cloth & tools. An absolute peach! Went to the West Country

Fender Squier Stratocaster Japanese 1990

So much better than the later Squiers from Korea and China.

Sanox Sound Creator

Top quality 1970-1980 Japanese made guitar. Finished to a very high quality. Sold to a Greek who still owes me £20 !!

 

Morris Anderson "Global Sounds"

 

 

Satellite Strat HH Thru Neck

Nice Japanese 1970's Fender copy but with a thru neck. Now living in Berkshire. A nice player

Washburn Washington J-9

Purchased from a hard up student from Canterbury Uni. Took many an hour just to clean it up! A few deep scratches in places and knobs missing.

After a good clean & set up, the difference was amazing! Now living happily in Essex

Legend Acrylic See-Thru Guitar.

Purchased from a hard up student via ebay, this guitar was purchased around 2000 at the guitar show at the NEC Birmingham. The seller stated that there was a small stall where a guy had hand built these and he just fell in love with it.

I cannot verify any of this information & looking on the web, the only Legend guitar makers I can find are in the USA and mainly build acoustics.I don't think it is from there.

When I bought it, the neck pickup was knackered, it wasn't a recognised make so I have replaced both pickups with some high outut "Zebra" style which are copies of Dimarzio/SD Humbuckers. They work great. The guitar was also dirty, no strings & badly set up! (Students!) I have given it a birthday & it now is a great rocker with low action  ! It has all the signs of being hand built but a good job was made of it. If anyone has any info regarding this, it would be gratefully received!

1982 Ibanez Artist AR50

A 1982 Ibanez Artist made at the Fujigen Gakki factory in Japan and the first one I have owned.Easy to see why these are so sought after. Absolutely gorgeous to play with a great sound.

A couple of small but noticeable marks on the back & front when I got it. These have now been blown in & relacquered professionally

1984 Peavey Patriot USA

SOLD

I have been after one of these for a while & I certainly wasn't disappointed! A really good little guitar. Dates to the early 80's.USA made (not far east like the new stuff) .Mahogany body & Maple neck & fingerboard.2 punchy & powerful "Peavey Super Ferrite" pickups which are almost P-90 like. 1 vol & 1 tone and a three way switch. Peavey Tuners