MATSUMOKU SERIAL NUMBERS SOLVED!
Hi, I finally got to the bottom of the mysterious Matsumoku serial number via an email conversation with Franck from
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/After I sent pics in an email he responded:
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Hello Simon,
Beautiful FV indeed. Mine is a 77 Greco FV600 build by Fujigen.
So, the neckplate is a typical Matsumoku one. The serial number of your Arbiter is 1051027. It's not easy to decipher a Matsumoku serial because there is no sequence.
Nevertheless, Matsumoku serial with 7 digits starting with 00, 01 and 10 are from late 60's to mid 70's. The 10 is common for Aria FV guitars (also Matsumoku). In some cases but not always, the third digit indicates the year, i.e. 0-7 for 70-77. Third digit of yours is 5, so probably made in 75.
The original pickups are certainly Maxon with a serial on the backplate that can indicate more about the year. There is an article on my blog to read the maxon serials, please refer to it to know more.
Hope that can help.
F
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It the best info ive had to date. The guitar was actually sold two weeks ago to a really great new owner who knew exactly what he was looking for.
Cheers
S