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Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
http://www.matsumoku.org/ggboard/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=13462		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  ExFender [ Fri 01 Nov 2019 10:50 PM ]
Post subject:  Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
I just purchased this Wessy from KingKrisy here in Germany and should arrive next Wednesday or Thursday. It appears to be very similar to a TS-600 (might even be the same as a TS-800). About the only real issue are the control knobs - Fender Strat type :barf:- whereas the Thunder series had neat brass ones. It is possible that, as a prototype, Matsumoko used whatever knobs they pulled out of the box. Two other examples I've seen on the Westone Forum have a variety...

I noticed the "for sale" ad more than a month ago, adding it to my favorites list and hoping that it wouldn't "disappear". The asking price was actually over what I could justify, but we were able to come to a happy medium (I just have to postpone a new 'fridge till the New Year :roll: :D )!

ImageWestone Thunder Prototype by staubkorb, auf Flickr
Author:  Barry [ Sat 02 Nov 2019 09:35 AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
She's a beautiful guitar, but I would hesitate to call it a "prototype". That would make it a "one off" which is not the case.

Perhaps it is more accurately called a "limited production run" since several of these have surfaced in recent months, and in different finishes. :wink:
Author:  ExFender [ Sat 02 Nov 2019 10:39 AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
Agree with you, Barry. That's why I put the ? after "prototype". I've found some brass knobs (also available in chrome, gold and black) on fleabay that appear to be close to the ones shown on Thunder models depicted on the Westone website. Not cheap, but better looking than what is now on the guitar.
Author:  Barry [ Sat 02 Nov 2019 10:57 AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
Some folks have also used gold coloured Getsch knobs with some success. But they tend to be a bit too shiny for my taste.
Author:  ExFender [ Sat 02 Nov 2019 12:13 PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
Good tip! One of the nearby stores (Session) carries Gretsch, and I'm planning a visit on Monday - looking for a case for the Aria FS-750.
Author:  ExFender [ Tue 05 Nov 2019 10:58 AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
Christmas arrived early :santanut: ! The puppy arrived about 45 minutes ago. Took me nearly 30 to get it unpacked (very well done, I must say), but in very nice shape for its age with only a few dongs - none in very conspicuous spots. It IS a bit weighty, due to the neck thru constuction and I'll be posting photos as soon as I make room :blush: and tune it up.

Christoph put new (no-name) strings on it (something he does as a matter of course) so I'll be able to play without undue delay :hyper: !

Pics:
ImageDSCF6515 by staubkorb, auf Flickr

ImageDSCF6518 by staubkorb, auf Flickr

ImageDSCF6516 by staubkorb, auf Flickr

ImageDSCF6517 by staubkorb, auf Flickr
Author:  Barry [ Tue 05 Nov 2019 01:41 PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
Looks great, congratulations!!

As much as I like speed knobs on a lot of guitars, they really don't look well on this one methinks. :toopid:
Author:  ExFender [ Wed 06 Nov 2019 12:44 PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
I was also a bit skeptical about the knobs at first, but now kinda like them - they are not as butt-ugly as the Fender style witch hats that were on it in the advert. I'm glad Christoph decided to change them!

I plugged the puppy into my little 27 watt Peavey tranny today after a bit of set-up. All I can say is :hyper: :loon: :love: ! Need a new living room window, tho... report is on the WESTONE Forum:
http://westone.forumotion.com/t6757-wes ... nder#61845
Author:  Barry [ Wed 06 Nov 2019 04:53 PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
I'd still be inclined to change out those knobs.
On my Avenger AV310 resto I used clear speed knobs and they are less intrusive. (see current avatar)

You can get them in all kinds of finishes and colours. Perhaps creme/ivory to match the pickup bobbins?
(You'd need to change the chicken head knob to match too of course)
Author:  ExFender [ Wed 06 Nov 2019 07:18 PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Westone, prototype(?) Thunder
I've got clear ones on my FS-750, but I have a set of amber ones, that were too dark for the natural finish, in my stash. They should match up pretty nicely. I'll try the swap tomorrow.
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