Description
I have such a soft spot for guitars that look like skateboards.
It’s not too often you will see a Skylark. They are super rare, only made for 12-18 months, but if you are into high quality Japanese built guitars by Matsumoku, you’ll love this guy!
The entire run of all three Skylark models were originally contracted as a high-end private label guitar by a large mail order music supply house in early 1980, but for some reason the deal fell thru before delivery. From what I read, they were only produced in 1981 and the entire run was put up on the auction block after they hit the US. The buyer for JC Penney (on top of the retail game at that time) bought the entire lot sight unseen. It’s not clear why JC Penney did not continue the line, but as fate would have it that was the first, last, and only production run of the elusive Skylarks. Here’s your chance to own a truly rare and outstanding MIJ guitar.
Lot No. 857-2596
Body: Ash, Maple Center with Walnut Stripe
Neck: Maple/Walnut 5-Piece Set Neck
Machine Heads: Rotomatic GR-96
Scale/Frets: 25-1/2″, 22 Fret
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Pickups: Deluxe Hum-bucking DH-96
Bridge: Gold Plated SG-45 Brass saddles Nut: Brass
Control Knobs: Plastic gold/black
Controls: 1 – Master Volume, 2 – Tone, 2 – Dual Sound coil tap Switches, 1 – Phase Switch, 3 way PU Selector
Finish: Red (Glossy).
This one just needed a good clean and set up — this thing is killer now. I had a lot of fun playing around on it; a regular skatepunk machine! This thing has a few to-be-expected dings and scratches, but they just add character. The worst of which is located on the bass side horn — looks like someone’s small dog had a nibble on that horn. That is the end of the damage though, there is no functionality issues. (See pics for full details)
Nothing much else to say on this one, it is functionally perfect and awesome. As always, I cleaned it up, polished the finish, flushed the electronics, changed the strings and set the action low and comfortable. This guitar comes with no case or gig bag, but I pack my guitars up tight and insure every package for the full purchase amount. I have been calling this one “Ryan Burns” due to the signature on the headstock.
Got questions? Shoot me a message, I love nerding out with other gearheads!
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