

Korean instruments are identified by checking the neck for a scarf joint. Dates and manufacturer are unknown but some may have been made by Samick. These tend to be Super Strat type copies rather than original designs and as near as we can determine the majority of better made guitars and basses were Korean made. We speculate that this was to avoid any potential copyright infringement at the time. We have seen instruments stamped with the Westone ‘bird’ logo accompanied by the word Weston. That should tell you all you need to know.Īvoid! (More info on Indian Westone in this Forum thread discussion ) Addendum April 2016 “Weston” brand (no “e”) This site also sold similar poor merchandise under bastardized versions of well known brands such as Givson and Fendar. These were cheap and somewhat gaudy looking acoustics and bear absolutely no resemblance to a Mats made instrument whatsoever. We’re also aware of the Westone brand that was featured on a now defunct Indian site selling guitars of dubious quality. They are considered to be inferior instruments and are definitely not covered here. ChineseĬhinese made “Westones” are also seen occasionally but are mostly copies of traditional American styles. Our Best guess is that they were likely made in China but under relatively good quality control. The products in no way resemble the MIJ or MIK post-Mats models, but were copies of traditional guitar configurations. Germanįor a brief period, roughly late 2010 to early 2012, the Westone brand was revived by a German company, Musik-Meyer, which is still in business but no longer selling Westone guitars. While you may find a few early post-Mats Korean made instruments listed here, we do not feature them, concentrating primarily on the Japanese made Matsumoku’s. We are also gathering information on the range of Westone Prestige guitars designed by renowned British luthier Sid Poole and built by Status-Graphite in England in the late 1990’s. Here, you will find information, history, pictures and specifications of these amazing instruments. Louis Music during a period of 10 years from 1981 to 1991.

Westone guitars and basses were made by Matsumoku (or “Uncle Mats” as we affectionately refer to it) in Japan and subsequently in Korea for St. Overseas bidders please contact me for shipping rates before placing an offer.The guitar legacy of Matsumoku Industrial Co. The shipping cost reflects the packaging costs. The guitar does not come with a hard case, but will be well packaged for shipping. long travel Azusa bridge (steel with brass saddles)Īll 4 pots are enclosed in shielded steel cans.

The electronics work well although a bit scratchy at times, and could do with a clean. The lacquer isn’t actually broken, and can only be seen with certain angles of light. There is some “buckle rash” on the rear of the body. There are a few dings and marks over the guitar, with some chips to top of headstock as shown in a photo. The guitar is is excellent condition considering its age. It features in the 1981 Westone catalogue with its wider horns and original shape of F holes. This Version 1 Rainbow 1 guitar in Translucent Walnut dates from around 1981-1982.
