Mid-1970s Tomson "Splendor Series" Mustang Competition Red (MIJ)

Mid-1970s Tomson "Splendor Series" Competition Red Mustang (MIJ)

Whilst many Japanese manufacturers made Fender copies throughout the 60s and 70s, it's believed that Tomson was the first to properly copy Fender's Mustang design. And boy did they do a good job! Dimensionally almost exactly the same as the real deal, this is an excellent copy of classic Fender styling mixed with Japanese vintage flair. Finished in competition red with the iconic stripes, it has a quirky bridge/tremolo setup that allows for some great fluttering, a "C" shape neck which feels very comfortable in the hands (not to mention the beautifully figured rosewood and maple combo) and a pair of jangly single coil pickups that are capable of a wide range of sounds and styles.

The neck is made from high quality maple and offers a reasonably hefty carve in the hands. Capped with a nicely figured rosewood fingerboard, it has 21 medium frets with very little fretwear considering the age of the instrument with approximately 85% fret life left with almost no pitting visible. The original open gear machine head strip is in great working order and has been serviced and oiled.

The original pickups are low output single coils measuring just 4.0kOhms each meaning a whole lot of sparkly, chimey tones coming out of this guitar. With loads of top end clarity and punch, this guitar is perfect for genres like surf rock and punk. Crank it up into overdrive and these pickups really start to bite and respond with great natural distortion. All electronics are original and in great working order including the on/off toggle switches for each pickup, however we've upgraded the original jack socket to a Switchcraft socket for strong and consistent signal.

In excellent condition for its 50+ year vintage, this guitar is not without the odd ding, dent and scratch but all is in keeping with the age of the instrument. Professionally serviced and setup with 10-46s, it's playing smoothly with comfortable action and a straight neck. Intonation is slightly questionable (and non-adjustable with that bridge setup), but isn't too bad considering. Missing tremolo arm. Comes with a gig bag!

Specifications:

Make: Tomson

Model: "Splendor Series" Mustang

Origin: Japan, Suzuki Factory, 1970s

Body: Laminated Mahogany

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Unbound Rosewood w/ Pearloid Dot Inlays

Pickups: 2 x Tomson Single Coils (Mustang Style), Neck: 4.0kOhms, Middle: 2.0kOhms Bridge: 4.0kOhms

Neck Profile: 24.75" Scale, Medium/Chunky "C" Profile, Gloss Finish, 16" Fingerboard Radius, 43mm Nut Width (Plastic)

Frets: 21 Medium Frets

Finish: Competition Red

Weight: 3.0kg

Shipping & Returns:

Domestic AU Shipping (Insured) - $Free

International Shipping (Insured) - $199.99

Local Pickup/Click & Collect - 135 New Canterbury Road, Lewisham 2049

The item is sold as is - if it is broken or damaged on arrival, we will offer you a return/refund. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or offer any warranty on used/vintage items.