The Electra Forums

Hey everyone. Just picked this guitar up on eBay and had a couple of questions regarding it. First, I wanted to know how I can tell if it is Matsumoku made. This one has a set neck. Second, was wondering about the year. It looks like it is maybe '76. It has the "lawsuit" open book style headstock but the serial number on the back looks like it starts with a zero. From what I read I thought the serial numbers started with the year so I was thinking it would be more likely to start with a six if this was a '76. Just getting acquainted with it but I think I'm going to dig playing this guitar.

The serial number year thing does not work with the foil tags. I think '76 is a pretty good guess but others now the subtle changes amde over time better than I do.

Peace sign emblem with the open book would make it right around 1975-1976. I think 1974 models were script logo, and I think 1976-1977 was cut-out headstock that transitioned into the wave headstock.

_________________
"This is the way that pop ends, Not with a BANG but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing” - Simon Reynolds

"My guitar wants to kill your Mama" - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

Cool. Thanks guys. From what I've read it sounds like it is hard to definitively say if the guitars from this time period are Matsumoku manufactured. Regardless, it sounds like they were well made guitars held to a good quality standard even if they weren't necessarily "Uncle Mats."

There is a thought that some of the LP shaped Electras in this era were not Matsumoku produced. There was carry over production of LP style Electras that were built at Kasuga because SLM had already paid for the tooling that was involved.

_________________
"This is the way that pop ends, Not with a BANG but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing” - Simon Reynolds

"My guitar wants to kill your Mama" - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

If there is a hollowed cavity in the top of body at the pickup/bridge area then it is a non mat model. This version tends to be much lighter than the matsumoku models and with the open book headstock in this model I agree it would fit the 1975-1976 manufacture dates. I have all the Omega models and this one is my favorite one. love the neck on these. Nice Axe... enjoy

_________________
Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Although I love my Matt made guitars, don't get too hung up on the Matt thing. Kasuga, Terada, Yamaki and other Japanese makers were crafting some very nice guitars during the mid 70's to the late 80's. Matsumoku just has become a name people know.

Hey guys. Just heard back from the guitar store I took this too and they said the bridge pickup is toast. Do any of you have any experience with tracking down original replacement pickups for these? I'm either going to try to find a new one online or potentially have the original one rewound. I might also post in the repair/restoration thread too. Thanks!