>> Vintage Gem

For sale is this beautiful 1986 (40 years old!) Westone Spectrum DX, built in the legendary Matsumoku factory in Japan—the same factory that produced high-end instruments for brands like Aria Pro II, Vantage, Electra and many others during the golden era of Japanese guitar manufacturing.

Serial number: 6071656

This guitar is in excellent playing condition. Everything works exactly as it should:

• Straight neck;
• Frets in very good condition with plenty of life left;
• Truss rod works perfectly;
• Electronics function flawlessly;
• Original twin humbuckers sound powerful, warm and articulate;
• Stable tuning and comfortable low action;
• Floyd Rose-style tremolo operates smoothly.

These guitars have become increasingly sought after because they offer exceptional Japanese craftsmanship for a fraction of the price of comparable vintage instruments.

About Westone
Westone was the flagship brand of Matsumoku Industrial, one of Japan's most respected guitar manufacturers throughout the late '70s and '80s. While Matsumoku built instruments for many famous brands, the Westone models represented some of their finest work and showcased everything the factory had learned about quality construction and innovative design.

Many professional musicians appreciated Westone guitars for their reliability and outstanding playability. Over the years, artists such as Reb Beach (Winger/Whitesnake), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Elliot Easton (The Cars) and Steve Howe (Yes) have all been associated with Westone guitars or Matsumoku-built instruments at various points in their careers.

Today, vintage Matsumoku guitars enjoy a cult following among collectors and players who know just how good these Japanese instruments really are.

Bandmaster Deluxe locking tremolo
An interesting detail is the original Bandmaster Deluxe locking tremolo. Like several high-end Japanese manufacturers in the mid-1980s, Matsumoku developed its own locking tremolo system rather than simply copying the Floyd Rose design. The distinctive angled fine tuners and unique bridge construction were part of this proprietary engineering, giving the Spectrum DX its own identity while delivering excellent tuning stability and smooth tremolo performance.

Precision four-bolt neck joint
The neck is secured using Matsumoku's precision four-bolt construction with a tight-fitting neck pocket. These Japanese-built instruments are renowned for their excellent craftsmanship, resulting in outstanding stability, sustain and effortless playability.

Condition
This is an almost 40-year-old vintage instrument, so naturally it shows some honest signs of age and use. There is light patina and the expected cosmetic wear that comes with a well-cared-for guitar from 1986. Nothing out of the ordinary, and certainly nothing that affects its playability or structural integrity.

As is often the case with vintage guitars, these small signs of wear are surprisingly difficult to capture accurately in photographs. I'd much rather have potential buyers see the instrument in person than rely solely on pictures.

You're more than welcome to inspect and play the guitar at your leisure while enjoying a cup of coffee. The guitar can be tested through either a vintage-style Fender Deluxe tube amplifier or a Line 6 Helix, so you can hear exactly what this Matsumoku-built beauty is capable of.

Free VINTAGE hard case
As a bonus, the guitar comes with a vintage hard case at no extra cost. While the case shows its age cosmetically, it offers solid protection and perfectly complements this 1986 Japanese classic.

Why am I selling?
I recently bought both this vintage Westone and a vintage Aria Pro II. After spending time with both guitars, I simply bonded more with the Aria, so I've decided to let this fantastic Westone go to someone who will appreciate it.

If you're looking for an authentic 1980s Made-in-Japan vintage guitar with outstanding craftsmanship, killer humbucker tones and a reputation that's only growing stronger, the Spectrum DX is an excellent choice.

A genuine 1986 Matsumoku-built Japanese classic that's becoming harder to find every year. Buy it for the quality, keep it for life.

Final words
This is a quality vintage Matsumoku instrument, so I'm not in a hurry to sell. Please make reasonable offers only. I will respond to serious buyers; unrealistic offers and time-wasters will be ignored.