HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

by herpaderpa Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:12 pm

Hello, I am very new to Westone guitars and I was looking at my local classifieds when I stumbled upon a Westone Spectrum S in white. The plate where the neck is bolted says "Made in Japan"
I can not post pictures because I am new.
Is this a good guitar? I can not find any information or reviews about this guitar.
They were asking $220
Thanks

by Iceman Thu Jan 26, 2012 8:22 pm

herpaderpa wrote:Hello, I am very new to Westone guitars and I was looking at my local classifieds when I stumbled upon a Westone Spectrum S in white. The plate where the neck is bolted says "Made in Japan"
I can not post pictures because I am new.
Is this a good guitar? I can not find any information or reviews about this guitar.
They were asking $220
Thanks

Those are terrible guitars. Do not waste your time with it. Just send along the seller's information and I will take care of it for you...., right Barry? Wink

Nah, just kiddin' around wit 'cha. A Spectrum S is a very good buy at that price as long as condition is acceptable and no major issues are present. A link for you here...

http://www.westoneguitars.net/guitars/spectrum-series/spectrum-s/

Definitely go for it. And if you don't please follow through with my initial instructions. Very Happy

by **Barry** Thu Jan 26, 2012 9:06 pm

herpaderpa wrote:...Is this a good guitar?...

Hell yes!
*ahem* Follow the link in Iceman's post above. (The white one is mine)

by herpaderpa Thu Jan 26, 2012 9:58 pm

Thanks guys, I would post some pictures but the guitar looks pretty mint.
Is it actually made in Japan to good QC standards or is that just a BS badge?
Thanks

by Iceman Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:23 pm

Click on the envelope icon below my avatar and email me the pics you have. Depending on year and model Matsumoku used a variety of neck plates. If you have a pic of the back of the headstock send that as well.

by **Barry** Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:28 pm

herpaderpa wrote:...Is it actually made in Japan to good QC standards...

Hell yes!

by Iceman Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:14 pm

Well herpaderpa.... you have a real deal, genuine, hell-on-wheels axe right there. cheers

100% definitely Matsumoku made of very fine quality. If you have not done so yet then run, don't walk, to wherever the seller is and cheerfully hand over the cabbage. That guit is in excellent shape based on the pics in the album you sent me.

Here is the link for others to chime in... https://imgur.com/a/nh5kq

And if you do not want it then EMAIL ME IMMEDIATELY with who I contact to buy it. 'Kay?

by mortarman120gang11c Fri Jan 27, 2012 2:47 am

Don't miss this one as you will regret it later. It's a beauty.

by The Chad Fri Jan 27, 2012 9:24 am

Welcome herpespanda.

That is a nice guitar!!! Buy it. You will not, I repeat, will NOT, find a nicer guitar in that price range in any store. To find a comparable quality in today's stores, you'll need to spend close to $500.

I dreamed about finding a Spectrum S recently, in a graphite color. I was so excited. I took it off the stand to try playing it, and it turned into a Guitar Hero game controller guitar. I was so disappointed and baffled. Dreams are funny. Laughing

by hobster Fri Jan 27, 2012 11:19 am

Get it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **Barry** Fri Jan 27, 2012 5:39 pm

The pickups have been swapped out (upgraded, not a bad thing), the knobs are not original, and someone has painted the side (and presumably the back) of the headstock white (was originally all black).

Would I still buy it? Hell, yes!

by hobster Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:58 pm

Barry wrote:The pickups have been swapped out (upgraded, not a bad thing), the knobs are not original, and someone has painted the side (and presumably the back) of the headstock white (was originally all black).

Would I still buy it? Hell, yes!

I noticed that white paint on the headstock also and wondered if that was original. The bottom of the neck seems to be a clear wood finish which i assume was black once also. Still a great buy.

by **Barry** Fri Jan 27, 2012 9:16 pm

hobster wrote:...i assume was black once also. Still a great buy.

Yup! And yup!

by Guest Fri Jan 27, 2012 9:40 pm

Every one here raves about the Spectrums, and to be honest I have never played one. What is it about the Spectrums that stands out to you all? You all know I like the high end Panteras, how do the spectrums compare sound/playing wise?

by **Barry** Fri Jan 27, 2012 10:33 pm

Pat, to be clear, Spectrums are definitely not "high end" instruments. And certainly cannot be compared with the Pantera.
However, that is not to say that they are poorly made. No siree. They are well designed, meticulously built and wonderfully finished--to last!

They are what I like to think of as the "workhorse" of the model line: solid, reliable, comfortable to play and with enough available options and finishes to satisfy nearly every player's taste. Sort of like a mini-Stratocaster in presentation if you like, but more with sound versatility, like a Tele. Probably the only traditional sound it can't do very well is the Les Paul bluesy thing. Close on some models, but no cigar I'm afraid.

As the frontman/singer for our band I spent many long hours on my feet with my ST slung around my neck and I quickly grew to appreciate it's relatively light weight. And of course, it's most outstanding feature, for me at least, is that neck! Slim and fast and comfortable. Of course if you like a chunky baseball bat neck, the Spectrum ain't for you.

Nope, she's no Pantera. But then, the Pantera ain't no Spectrum neither.

by Guest Fri Jan 27, 2012 10:40 pm

Barry wrote:Pat, to be clear, Spectrums are definitely not "high end" instruments. And certainly cannot be compared with the Pantera.
However, that is not to say that they are poorly made. No siree. They are well designed, meticulously built and wonderfully finished--to last!

They are what I like to think of as the "workhorse" of the model line: solid, reliable, comfortable to play and with enough available options and finishes to satisfy nearly every player's taste. Sort of like a mini-Stratocaster in presentation if you like, but more with sound versatility, like a Tele. Probably the only traditional sound it can't do very well is the Les Paul bluesy thing. Close on some models, but no cigar I'm afraid.

As the frontman/singer for our band I spent many long hours on my feet with my ST slung around my neck and I quickly grew to appreciate it's relatively light weight. And of course, it's most outstanding feature, for me at least, is that neck! Slim and fast and comfortable. Of course if you like a chunky baseball bat neck, the Spectrum ain't for you.

Nope, she's no Pantera. But then, the Pantera ain't no Spectrum neither.

good stuff Barry. To be honest, I've always thought the headstock was ugly, so I stayed away from them. Once I saw the Trevor Rabin 12 string version with the 6 tuners on each side, I thought it looked kinda cool. Maybe I will pick up one if I can find a good deal one day...but still....that headstock just ruins the look for me.

Do they have the MMK 45's?or 75's in them? I really like the 75's and to be honest I don't think I've had a guitar with the 45's. My thought is the 45's are much hotter and the 75's are more like the old PAF's

by **Barry** Fri Jan 27, 2012 11:18 pm

sarcaster wrote:...Do they have the MMK 45's?or 75's in them?...

Funny you should ask. I was just posting about his very thing elsewhere.
Sadly, most of the Spectrum models appear with the so-called UBC's in them (UnBalanced Coils).

As always, with apologies to Tom Presely, they really suck the big one! None of us to my knowledge have ever found a "genuine" UBC with all its hyped superiority in the coil tap mode. Rather, they come off as wimpy even in full mode, and downright anemic when coil tapped. I had to replace the bridge pup in my band years 'cuz it just couldn't complete with the two other Strat players.

I finally installed a pair of MMK45's last year and wow, what a difference!! That's the way, ah huh, ah huh, I like it! Too bad I didn't do it years ago.

by Iceman Fri Jan 27, 2012 11:40 pm

Fear not Sarc I've got you covered. If you want a Spectrum but do not want the 'buckers they came with just go on out and git yerself sum cheep son-glasses... yeah, yeah.... oh, yeah...

affraid

SNAP OUT IF IT !!! affraid

Sorry.

What I meant to say is just get the earlier version of a Spectrum.

It's called an Electra Phoenix and they DO have MMK45's in them. The last of the line higher end models (x189, x199) have what most of the Electra forumites think of as extra-hot 45's in them as the design specs were constantly being improved on by Tom and Co. as they built them.

And the necks on the Phoenix are just as supple to the hand as anything during that era, and any subsequent era as well. I have read many, many testimonials of the bullet-proof nature of that guitar, how guys have no problem or care gigging them without a backup, etc.

Do yourself a favor and make Google your friend, tonight. Smile

by **corsair** Sat Jan 28, 2012 3:10 am

I don't know what gets my juices flowing about Spectrums/Phoenixes, but I do have a Pantera - admittedly an x300, not an 350/390 - a Genesis II, some Spectrums, a Phoenix and one of the most exclusive of the Matsumoku guitars, a neck thru Vantage.... Plus some others but it is the Spectrums that light me up.

Right now, the SP1012 meets my needs best but the X195 was fast becoming my "go-to" guitar because of the unique pickup layout, but the X185 (GT) was more than the sum of its parts... That neck, man.... gee, it takes some beating, even my Vantage - a companion of more than 30 years! - is shaded a little by the neck on my Spectrums. X195 has a 45 in it, as does the X185 so I had none of the UBC angst, just the MMK roar.... David Blair and I become sure that my ST did indeed have the " proper" UBC pups and I have to say that it didn't lose anything tonally to the GT, or for that matter to the Genesis, which is also equipped with a 45.

Can't really compare them to the VA 900 tonally, as that has MMK 53s in it from memory....

by hobster Sat Jan 28, 2012 1:51 pm

I like the Spectrums because i can afford them! Great guitars for the price, plus i love the sharp horns on the body and headstock. They look cool, and have that great neck like Barry said. I've never played a Pantera Sad

so i can't compare them, but i've never met a Spectrum i didn't like.

by The Chad Mon Jan 30, 2012 3:23 pm

Somebody once said they looked like the bastard child of a Strat and an SG. geek

They do!

They're tanks. Solid as can be and good for about anything except super shredding. Relatively cheap of course, which adds to their allure. When I think about a MIJ Spectrum, I think of a classic, simple, humbucker equipped butt-kicking guitar that you can play hard and it'll reward you for it. And the headstock reminds me of a dragon head. Laughing

by **Barry** Mon Jan 30, 2012 7:35 pm

That "affordability" note is not to be overlooked! That's why I gots 4 of 'em! Laughing

While on the general subject of affordable Mats, I would also offer up the Avenger series in the Vantage line.
Same deal; great players, solid, reliable and some of 'em downright beautiful! That's why I gots 3 of 'em! guitar - HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ Rockwoot

guitar - HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ Rockwoot

by byronofcalgary Sun Apr 12, 2015 12:54 am

just scooped a white MIJ Westone Spectrum "S" [for $150 CDN ! ! ] - non-trem and non-routered back - string thru body - HH set up -SER #511xxxx = 1985 ?? -NOTE the Westone site lets you click on models and then gives pics of a black one - site claims these were the first without trem but ALSO claims "NO COIL TAP" which is WRONG ! ! -it has a push/pull coil tap/split on the tone knob - not obv but very cool and handier than an extra toggle - just scooped a MIJ "old logo" Vantage strat for $120 -HSS layout -the humbucker compares well to the Westone in vol with a mellower tone - gotta love Matsumoku gtrs ! !

by Catalyst Sun Apr 12, 2015 4:03 am

Hi and welcome byronofcalgary, think you might have misread the text regarding the descrition....
Good luck in your forthcoming pursuit of more Westones....we all know thats what happens next Laughing

by **corsair** Sun Apr 12, 2015 4:40 am

Welcome, Byron!!

The Matsumoku lines - Westone, Aria Pro II, Vantage, Westbury and others - are consistently sick guitars with a factory build quality second to none with necks to kill for! Sure there were some moments that we'd like to gloss over - the UBC saga which was better imagined that realised - and models that were, well, less than great, but by and large, there is something for everyone, from the Vantage Avenger and Spectrum ST which apparently benefits from a pickup transplant, to the top-of-the-line Pantera X350 MA and Vantage VA900....

.... and they are still eminently affordable!!

by **Barry** Sun Apr 12, 2015 1:55 pm

byronofcalgary wrote:...NOTE the Westone site lets you click on models and then gives pics of a black one - site claims these were the first without trem but ALSO claims "NO COIL TAP" which is WRONG ! !

Byron, are you looking at the correct site--ours? (If you are looking at westone.info that's an old archive site run by others and badly out of date)
Click Here and scroll down to see a beautiful white S model with push pull coil cut. It also happens to be mine. Wink

by Sponsored content

HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

white 1985 Spectrum S WITH PUSH/PULL COIL TAP on tone knob

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ

Re: HELP! Can I some information on this guitar? Westone Spectrum S MIJ