*Rare* Epiphone Strat With Kahler, Matsumoku Factory! Free Shipping

*price obo* This is a very rare Epiphone Strat from the Matsumoku factory. The Matsumoku models had the Explorer type headstock with the Epiphone logo before it was refined to how we know it today (just look at the pic of the headstock, the Epiphone logo doesn't look like that anymore), not very many of these made. What furthers the rarity of this instrument is it has a factory installed USA Kahler Floating trem. Back in 1986 that was an additional "customization" charge. And the finish is a gorgeous dark aqua sparkle blue. (The headstock looks a little more on the green side, but that's normal for a 30+ year old guitar) I did change the knobs from the original plastic ones to gold metal (I still have the originals), the bar is from a Fender Strat, its not a perfect fit, but it works. And the volume pot was changed at some point, not by me. It will include a brand new 500k pot and another gold knob, in addition to the originals. I've done a lot of research on this instrument and could only find 2 more, neither of which were in this color. I contacted Gibson and they said they had no record of the serial number. They said if the factory made a limited number of this guitar, then they wouldn't have the serial number in the system. As far as sound and playability, the pickups are super hot and the humbucker adds that extra tonal versatility along with the two single coils. The neck feels like a 'thin U' type contour. Plays smooth, action is set up great. I just restrung it yesterday with D'Addario 10-52's. The only cosmetic flaws are the normal scratches on the pickguard and a few small dings in the back. Please contact me with any questions or offers. It will ship out within 3 business days, FREE shipping, CONUS only. Thanks, Reuben G