1981 Maxon Greco Dry Z <> ORIGINAL Non-Covered Matched Set <> Exceptionally RARE

                     Exceptionally RARE matched set of 1981 Maxon Greco Dry Z pickups 100% original with no covers

The Maxon Greco Dry Z is the gold standard by which all other Japanese made vintage MIJ humbucking pickups are judged. Originally prototyped  by Jun Takano in 1979, the legendary Dry Z pickup was eventually produced for a very few Greco models during 1980, and in 1981. The Dry Z pickup was cataloged as being installed in only a few higher end Greco models, and only for those two years. This fact can account for the true rarity of Dry Z examples. The Dry Z is actually many times rarer than original Gibson PAFs. Locating a seller offering an original matched Dry Z set in 2021, in original unmolested condition, with original length leads, is not an easy task.

What is rarer than locating a matched set of Maxon Greco Dry Z pickups? Obviously it is finding a set that was originally produced without covers. It would be a safe bet to state that 99% of Dry Z examples produced did come from the factory with covers. There are however a very few Dry Z examples that did come from the factory without covers. These Dry Z examples are exceedingly rare aka the rarest of the rare. Of the very few rare examples of factory non-covered Dry Z pickups that I have seen, they typically have double black bobbins.

So what is the history of this particular matched set of Dry Z pickups from 1981? In 2009 I purchased a 1981 Greco MSV-850, fully expecting the guitar to have the double black bobbin PU-2 pickups, just as the model is cataloged as having. When I received the guitar I eventually discovered the pickups did not have PU-2 embossed on the base of the pickups but rather were marked with the typical 'Z' ink stamp, and the six digit date code that has long been the identifying mark for Dry Z examples. The first five photos demonstrate the actual 1981 MSV-850 that this matched set of Dry Z pickups were factory installed in. Please note the pristine nature of all of the wiring, and the virgin solder, within the first four photos. Also, note the date code on the pot with the green cap, in the fourth photo; you can right click the photos, then left click 'View Image' and this will allow you to expand the photos to view small details. Needless to say when I discovered I had a matched set of Dry Z pickups in my 1981 MSV-850, I was quite shocked but in a good way. I eventually removed the Dry Z pickups, and placed them in storage for over ten years. Within the past year I installed this matched Dry Z set in a Les Paul replica (see last photo) which I have played the guitar very little since then. So, this matched Dry Z set has only been installed in two guitars. If you want to purchase this extremely rare Dry Z matched set then I will remove them from the guitar in the last photo, and I will ship the Dry Zs to you.


CONDITION:
I am rating this matched Dry Z set as 'Excellent' & 100% original condition. This Dry Z matched set came to me as described above, obviously in original condition, unaltered in any way. The adjustable poles, and the slugs have obvious heavy oxidation from never having covers. The leads are fully intact; 11 1/2" length for the neck pickup, and 8 1/2" length for the bridge pickup. The ink stamps on both pickup bases demonstrate the 'Z' stamp, and the date code 811113. The typical thin wax layer is present on both bases. The bobbins are factory tape wrapped at both bobbin ends, typical for Maxon produced non-covered humbuckers from the era. Obviously there are no signs of solder on the bases for covers.

DCR Values: Both pickups are read 7.2 ohm. Readings are direct from the lead & ground.

INCUDES:
(1) Matched Dry Z set (two Dry Z pickups) as described & as pictured above
(2) four original single slotted height adjustment screws
(3) four original springs


 *** If you are viewing this listing then you most likely know of the desirable nature of the Dry Z pickup, of its' rarity, and of its' ever increasing market price point over time. I really am in no hurry at all to move this exceptionally rare Dry Z matched pickup set so, I am requesting only serious inquiries please. Thank you ***

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RETURN POLICY:
MIJ Vintage offers used, and vintage guitars from Japan. Items I offer do not come with any warranty, expressed, or implied. If you are looking for a 'new' instrument, with a warranty, then please purchase from some other seller. I typically do not accept any returns because I do not offer ‘new’ instruments. Please be aware that any returned item will be charged a 20% restocking fee, based on the total costs of the purchase, and shipping. Shipping costs for any accepted return is the sole responsibility of the party returning any item. Thank you