Seizing on the success of affordable import guitars in the '60s, Japanese manfuctuer Matsumoku produced as many guitars as they could for the '70s and '80s USA guitar market. Much more than worn-out copies of the same old American-made guitars, Matsumoku's designs, features, and various brands introduced new ideas, and the workmanship sincerely rivaled their USA-made counterparts. In today's vintage market, these intriguing—albeit slightly whacky—axes are great-sounding guitars that provide a different, somewhat off-beat inspiration.
Matsumoku acquired the name Westone in the mid-'70s, and , Westone guitars were distributed in the US exclusively through Saint Louis Music Co. With its unique offset, double-cutaway body, the Westone Prestige introduced a different option for American guitarists. A solid-body guitar with a carved Maple top, the Westone has a unique through-body neck heel design. In combination with the angle of the cutaways, this allows for effortless access into the upper register. With two high-octane humbuckers on tap, it's pretty clear what the Prestige can do! This is a powerful rock n roll machine with sustain, sizzle, and a wide range of versatility.
The Prestige 250 was the top-of-the-line Westone, and it features a Flame Maple top and gold hardware. This 1982 Prestige 250 sports a gorgeous Cremona Amber finish that looks just right on top of the Flame Maple grain. It is outfitted with two Matsumoku MMK 75 humbucker pickups. These were intended to produce a sound close to the original PAFs, and the resistance measures 8.44 k ohm at the bridge and 8.32 k ohm at the neck. This Prestige 250 has a three-way switch and independent volume controls for each pickup, but what's really interesting is the PEQ tone controls. Using 500k ohm pots with a detent in the middle, it functions like a regular tone control when you turn up from the dentent. But as you turn the knob down, it gets more of a thinner, single-coil tone, similar to the effect of a Varitone.
This 1982 Prestige 250 has been played, most of the metal parts are tarnished and worn, and it shows some general play wear as well as various cosmetic dings and scratches (see photos). The worst are some finish scuffs on the edges of the headstock, a ding on the back of the neck worth mentioning, and various dings and worming all around the back (from buttons, zippers, etc). The finish is chipped on the rear corner of the treble cutaway, and both pickup trims are cracked but fully functional. The nut may be replaced, but we're not 100% certain on that. Apart from the nut, it appears to have all of its original parts and components. It includes its original Westone case, and the setup is excellent.
This 1982 Westone Prestige 250 a fantastic player with a vibe, comfort, and playability that set it apart from vintage USA-made guitars. In keeping with the Matsumoku reputation, the build quality greatly exceeds the price point.