The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

I'll get this out the way- moderators feel free to move this to the Post-Matt section, I just wanted to post this here first.

Short version- this is as close to an impulse purchase as it gets. Was browsing CL the other day with absolutely no intention of getting anything, and I sure was not in the market for another guitar as I am currently trying to thin out the herd a bit.

However, I clicked on the ad for this and could not get it out of my head. So freaking petty. Finally called the seller and it turned out he lived less that a mile or so off my route home from work. So...

I have myself a genuine TA-62. The story on these as far as I know, is that this was a model built for only 2 years 1998 and 1999 and (I'm guessing here) this is basically a re-issue of a TA-60. This doesn't have a center block, which makes it more of a true "hollow body". More like an Epi Casino or Gibby 330, rather than a 335. All maple construction. Gold hardware which is starting to show some wear (I like it like that). Serial number starts with an "S" which I am assuming indicates that this was made by Samick, as was my EPI dot.

(This blows the Dot away, btw.) This is BY FAR the nicest MIK guitar I've ever laid my hands on. PLays great, neck has that familiar uncle mat profile. Could probably benefit from upgraded pick-ups, (can't they all?) but that can wait.The only thing that needs immediate attention is the nut. Somewhere along the way some one "installed" a bone nut and then shimmed it with what appears to be tape. Aside from that there is barely a scratch on it.

Since it likely to be awhile before I ever get my hands on a MIJ version, I think I'll be able to get along with this for awhile.

Cheers,
Gribb

One more, for now.

Noice one you have there

_________________
You can never have too many guitars

Ahhh, she's a beauty alright!

I bought my ''96 MIK TA60, (in error initially thinking it was a Mats ) but eventually ended up loving it regardless: http://www.matsumoku.org/ggboard/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=6584 These early 90's MIK's are nicely made guitars and well worth a look. Like you , I found the pups were OK but not great, so I replaced 'em wif P90's!

Nice score man!

_________________
"A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
Guitars: https://legend.barryeames.com
Music/Pix/Videos: https://getback.barryeames.com

Thanks! Weird, I had assumed the TA-62 indicated that it would have the same specs as a TA60, and I think the MIJ TA 60's had set necks ? ( like mine?) It looks like yours is a bolt on , (nothing wrong with that), but was a bit surprised. Does yours have the center block, or is it more hollow like mine?

IF I do get around to replaceing the PUPS the GFS P 90s are definately at the top of the list.

I just really love the nat maple finish on this with the gold hardware and binding. Classy without being obnoxious.

Cheers, G

I think all the MIK's that I've seen from this era have been bolt on's.
Not as pleasing aesthetically perhaps, but it doesn't appear to hamper the playability or sustain.

My TA60 has the tone block like yours, which is needed to secure the the stop tail. A true "vintage" Gibson ES330 (like mine) or an Epiphone Casino is completely hollow thanks to the trapeze tailpiece. You can get picky I suppose about the differences between a tone block and a 100% hollow body but from a practical viewpoint there is not a lot of difference, particularly if playing in a live band situation methinks.

If anything I think you'll find the hollow body tends to give slightly better overtones, but at the expense very often of increased feedback, particularly with P90's.

_________________
"A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
Guitars: https://legend.barryeames.com
Music/Pix/Videos: https://getback.barryeames.com

Point taken, I hadn't considered that and have honestly never had a peek inside of a Casino or 330. As far as any feedback issues, I cranked it up last night (wife was out of the house for a couple of hours) and it doesn't seem to be any worse than a typical Semi-Hollow ( My Riviera for example). I rarely would play loud enough at a gig where this would ever be an issue in any case.

Thanks for the "Feedback", Barry!
Scott

Yer welcome Scott.
'Course if you want real "feedback" ya gots ta drop in some P90's, eh?

_________________
"A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
Guitars: https://legend.barryeames.com
Music/Pix/Videos: https://getback.barryeames.com

Just a quick update. Got the guitar back from my repair guy ( I don't trust myself with cutting a new nut just yet- I need to get a rack full of Squires to practice first. I am also finding that I have less and less time to work on guitars, and would rather put that time toward playing the blasted things- but I digress )

Anywho, with the new nut and a nice set up, I'm having a ball with this, MIK be damned.
It's turned out to be a really sweet axe, and is on my short list of "keepers", for now.
( At least until an MIJ comes rolling around for less than a King's Ransom) New pick-ups? Yeah probably someday, but not in a mad rush right now.

I would say if you can score one of these in the $300 - $400 range, it's well worth it, IMO. Much nicer than any EPi Dot or even Sheraton that I've ever seen.

Cheers,
G