Shaftesbury Dan Armstrong replica

[mmj14]

Greetings, folks!

I stumbled upon this forum while researching a Shaftesbury guitar I own. After reading some posts, I see that there are people who know their stuff when it comes to guitars. So, I figured I'd post my story and a few pictures of the guitar in question to see what else I can learn about it.

I got the guitar in 1991 while living in Linz, Austria (I traded a schoolmate a mountainbike for it). At first, I was just stoked to have an electric guitar but as I got better at playing, I moved on to different guitars. I kept the Shaftesbury in its case and only took it out every once in a blue moon...

I have done a bit of research over the past few days. Based on some websites, it seems pretty clear that it is a Shaftesbury Dan Armstrong Plexiglass replica. It seems that the guitar was made in Japan and sold by Rose Morris Co. around the early 1970s.

Does anyone know anything more about this guitar? How many were ever made? Exact years? Is it rare or are there hundreds (thousands?) of them out there? There is no serial number of any other identification besides the "Shaftesbury" signature visible in the picture. The sticker (in the picture) is from a small guitar shop in Linz, Austria, which is where the original owner lived.

I am not sure what to do with the guitar. I like the plexiglass look but the pickups and the neck are not to my liking. I certainly could replace them but I am not sure if this can be morphed into anything decent. Should I sell it? Where and if so, what is this thing worth?

Anyhow, I am a bit conflicted. Any information and/or advice is appreciated.

Mike

[Spud1950]

Here you go.Here's an old thread about these types of Japanese acrylic guitars.


There's a link in the thread to a four page article about the Japanese Armstrong copies.Lots of info and pictures. Yours appears to be one of the variations made at the Matsumoko factory and sold under various brand names.

[mmj14]

Thanks, Spud!

BTW, I contacted Rose Morris (the company that sold Shafetsbury guitars) and they told me that they have discarded their old records and have no info whatsoever regarding this guitar.

[Bassassin]

Hi - lovely guitar, absolutely do not modify it - these things are like gold dust & highly collectable.

As I said in my posts on the earlier thread about these, this was likely made by Matsumoku in the early 70s. Ebay I guess is the obvious place to sell, not sure where you are in the world, but Shaftesbury was a UK brand so I expect you're in Europe or Britain.

Value-wise I would guess it would make between £350 - £500 / €400 - €575 - but that's purely a guess, Ebay sales can be incredibly variable. If you did a good ad with big, clear pics, a detailed & well-researched description and you're prepared to post it anywhere, it will probably do well.

Jon.