Matsumoku floating bridge >> Vintage Guitar and Bass

MATSUMOKU | PARTS | BRIDGES | ADJUSTABLE FLOATING GUITAR BRIDGE

As fitted to Matsumoku hollow bodies guitars from 1967

Some guitars fitted with this bridge

This floating bridge was fitted to wide range of electric acoustic guitars produced at the Matsumoku guitar factory, Matsumoto Japan; from the mid/late 1960s to the mid 1970s. This facility produced guitars for export around the world, and this bridge appeared on guitars branded: Angelica 2856, Aria (5002T, 5102T), Aria Diamond (1202T, 1302T), Commodore (N177 / N25), Conrad 1276, Conqueror, Domino (Dawson 40E2), Epiphone (5102T / EA-250), Greco 950, Lyle (5102T), Orlando, Pan P-D / P-T, Raven, Toledo, Stewart, Univox (HR-2 / Coily), Ventura (V-1000, V1001, V1002, V1400, V1500) - and most likely many, many more.

The bridge is easily positioned thanks to the paper position marker glued to the guitar body (see below).

The bridge consists a 'tray' with individual intonatable saddles, over a rosewood base. Height is adjusted by two wheels, one at each end - 22mm diameter, 2.75mm thick. A thin, clear plastic strip sits beneath the saddles (presumably to reduce friction when adjusted) - dimensions 15mm x 64mm x 0.3mm (rough cut, ends not straight). The six saddles are each mounted on 21mm x 2.9mm cross head dome bolts.

List of Matsumoku bridges / tailpieces / tremolos

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Matsumoku bridges for sale

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Vintage Teisco Kay Orlando Conrad Bass Guitar Bridge Tailpiece for Project

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

Vintage Teisco Kay Orlando Conrad Bass Guitar Bridge Tailpiece for Project. As pictured. Don't forget to check my other listings!!!... more

Univox Teisco MIJ Floating Bridge Incomplete 1960s

Utica, New York, 135**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$75

Missing one saddle and saddle spring / screw. Fully functional besides that. Ships fully insured and packaged with care
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Orange, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$59

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Vtg Aria Pro II Electric Guitar ACT / EX Tremolo Bridge Original Saddle Japan

Sacramento, California, 958**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

You are Bidding on:
Electric Guitar Original Part
AS PICTURED
ALL contacts between bidders / buyers and seller must be made via EBAY MESSAGES ONLY
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Surprise, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

As seen in photos.
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70??s Matsumoku Strat Cast 6 Point Tremolo Bridge Vibrato Chrome Japan

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

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Gotoh LP-F Tailpiece Vintage Matsumoku Guitar Bridge MIJ

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$40

Add vintage style and sustain to your instrument with this LP-F tailpiece guitar bridge. Designed in the classic Les Paul-style format, this tailpiece is ideal for vintage restorations, upgrades, or custom guitar builds where tone, feel, and authenticity matter
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Vtg Aria Pro II Electric Guitar ACT / EX Bridge Whammy Bar Tremolo Arm Japan

Sacramento, California, 958**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$60

You are Bidding on:
Electric Guitar Original Part
AS PICTURED
ALL contacts between bidders / buyers and seller must be made via EBAY MESSAGES ONLY
... more

Vintage LOT Teisco Kay Orlando Conrad Bass Guitar Bridges Tailpieces LOOK repair

Portland, Maine, 041**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$80

Vintage LOT Teisco Kay Orlando Conrad Bass Guitar Bridges Tailpieces as shown 6 look complete for parts or repair... more

Vintage 1976 Sekova Hollowbody Guitar Japan Matsumoku L-5 S Bridge

Lubbock, Texas, 794**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$89

Vintage 1976 Sekova Hollowbody Guitar Japan Matsumoku L-5 S Bridge==As used on multiple Japanese brands==Ships worldwide==
If you are considering a purchase, please take a minute and read our feedback !!!
We strive to achieve 5 star service !! PLEASE contact us if there are ANY problems (SEE RED BELOW)!! THANKS !!
Payment within 3 days please==We pack extremely well and ship quickly as possible!
PLEASE NOTE: Normal handling time is 3 business days or less, but we are out of town on ... more

Clamshell Hook Tailpiece - Teisco Harmony Matsumoku With Bar Style Bridge Base

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$40

Clamshell Hook Tailpiece - Teisco Harmony Matsumoku With Bar Style Bridge Base
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See Photos for Details. Shipped with Tracking. What you see in the photos is what you will receive.
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Vintage Teisco Univox Hi Lo Orlando Hollow Body Guitar Bridge Part for Project

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$85

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Japan Bass Bridge 70's Teisco Ibanez Matsumoku

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$70

Experience authentic vintage sound with the Japan Bass Bridge 70's Teisco. Crafted to match the original design, this bridge enhances your bass guitar's tone and sustain while providing reliable tuning stability. Perfect for restoring classic Teisco basses or upgrading your instrument with a piece of musical history, it delivers both style and performance that stand the test of time. Elevate your playing with this essential vintage component
Fast shipping ! We ship, same day or next... more

1960s Teisco Guitar Tremolo Tailpiece W Bridge Cover Kay Aria Univox

Portland, Maine, 041**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

This is a Vintage 1960s Teisco Guitar Tremolo Tailpiece Comes with the Original Bridge Cover ,Double Tremolo Screws are underneath. May fit other Japan made hollow body guitars Kawaii Aria Univox Bruno etc that use this style Tremolo Trapeze Tailpiece Hard to Find Sold As You See It Please look at all the pictures... more

80??s Aria Pro II Japan The Cat ACT / EX 2 Point Tremolo Bridge Vibrato Chrome

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

Up for sale is a 80??s Aria Pro II The Cat ACT / EX 2 point tremolo. All screws move freely and no threads are stripped. It's in 100% working shape. All parts shown are included. 2 13?? string and 2 84?? mounting spacing. Thanks for looking and please ask any questions. Ships within 24 hours
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Very Rare Vtg Aria Pro II ACT / EX Tremolo Bridge Original Mounting Studs

Sacramento, California, 958**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$60

You are Bidding on:
Electric Guitar Original Part
AS PICTURED
ALL contacts between bidders / buyers and seller must be made via EBAY MESSAGES ONLY
... more

Vtg Aria Pro II Electric Guitar ACT / EX Tremolo Original Bridge Plate Japan

Sacramento, California, 958**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

You are Bidding on:
Electric Guitar Original Part
AS PICTURED
ALL contacts between bidders / buyers and seller must be made via EBAY MESSAGES ONLY
... more

Vintage 70's Teisco Lyle Harmony Kent Sekova Guitar Bridge Part for Project

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

Vintage 70's Teisco Lyle Harmony Kent Sekova Guitar Bridge Part for Project. As pictured. Don't forget to check my other listings!!!... more

80??s Aria Pro Japan Electric Bass Guitar Bridge 4 String

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

Up for sale is a 80??s Aria Pro Japan electric bass guitar bridge. String spacing 2 30. Chrome finish. Thanks for looking and please and any questions. Most of my items ship the next day if purchased before 8pm EST
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1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

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1971 Epiphone 1802T

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1971 Shaftesbury 3400

Shaftesbury was a brand distributed by Rose-Morris in the UK - generally imported guitars from Italy or Japan. This guitar, model 3400 was produced by Matsumoku in Japan, and was one of the earliest Les Paul copy guitars, debuting in the UK in 1969, although the same guitar was also sold as the Univox U1982 'Rhythm and Blues' by Merson in the USA as early as 1968. It was also available in different territories under different marques, most obviously the Aria 5522 (Japan), Jedson Jet 4444 (UK, Dallas Arbiter), with no doubt many more examples worldwide.

1981 Gibson Victory MVX

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1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogue

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Scan of 1971 Rosetti catalogue (UK) featuring guitars from from numerous manufacturers worldwide: guitars by Epiphone, Hagstrom, Levin, Hoyer, Egmond, Eros, Moridaira, Kiso-Suzuki, Schaller, and Tatra.

1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

Scan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

Hofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

The Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

By the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

Production of Bill Lawrence's Gibson Marauder began in 1974, with production peaking in 1978. But by 1980 the model was officially discontinued, though very small numbers slipped out as late as spring 1981. Over 7000 examples shipped between 1974 and 1979, and although no totals are available for 1980 and 1981, it is unlikely production reached three figures in either of these years. These final Marauders were all assembled at the Gibson Nashville plant, and had some nice features not available through the later years of production, such as a rosewood fretboard, and in this case, an opaque 'Devil Red' finish. It's a great looking and fine playing guitar!

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

When Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo to the Matsumoku plant in Japan, a whole new range of electric, flattop and classic acoustic guitars was launched. Between late 1970 and 1972 the new models were launched and refined. This 'folder' catalog contains various inserts released over these years detailing four electric six-strings (ET-270, ET-275, ET-278, and thinline EA-250), three bass guitars (ET-280, ET-285, and thinline EA-260), three folk/steel acoustics, four jumbo flattop acoustics, two 12-string jumbos, four classic acoustics, and a banjo.

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

'Gibson Specials' was part of the June 1981 pre-owners manual series, but unlike the other folders contained a mish-mash of different guitars: limited editions, test marketing and close outs. "You will find the unusual, the brand-new, and the bargain within this folder". End of line 70s guitars like the Marauder, S-1, and L-6S Custom mixed in with brand new models the The V, The Explorer and the Flying V Bass.
It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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1961 Hohner Zambesi

This very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

The Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of �47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

The Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

Catalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

The Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

The 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

The sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

A detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

The Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price �18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

A nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

Not to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music

Matsumoku adjustable floating bridge

As fitted to Matsumoku hollow bodies guitars from 1967

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