Some guitars fitted with this bridge
The Matsumoku hook-on tailpiece was a Japanese-made replica of the tailpieces fitted to Gibson solid bodies such as the Gibson Les Paul. It first appeared on the Matsumoku Les Paul copies circa 1969/1970, but was used on a number of other solid body guitars produced at the Matsumoku factory, Matsumoto Japan, from 1969 through to the mid 1970s. This facility produced guitars for export around the world, and this tailpiece appeared on guitars branded: Aria (5522), Shaftesbury (3400), Univox (U1983 "The Mother") - and most likely many more.
Note, this tailpiece is almost identical to the bolt-through tailpiece, fitted to some other Matsumoku-made guitars at the same time.
It is not 100% clear who manufactured this part. Although widely used in Matsumoku instruments, it may have been supplied by a third party manufacturer. It has no identifying features beyond its dimensions and weight: length: 97.9mm, width: 16.0mm, height: 10.0mm (5.0mm for the arms). The raised section has a length of 60.2mm. Post hole centre to centre 80mm. Posts: total length 38.3mm, metric M8 thread. Weight: 82g
List of Matsumoku bridges / tailpieces / tremolos
The tailpiece in situ on a 1971 Shaftesbury 3400 Les Paul Custom copy - alongside the HTF bridge. Shaftesbury was the house brand for UK distributor Rose-Morris who imported these guitars from Matsumoku in Japan.
Gold plating is never particularly durable on a guitar, and it is suffering from significant wear in this example.
Reverse view of the unmounted bridge, with posts.
Underside view of the unmounted bridge, with posts.
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