Electra 2258 Tree Of Life Set Neck Electric Guitar ?Prototype? 1970s Natural W/OHSC

NOTE: Please read entirely. If anyone has any additional and useful info on this guitar, feel free to message me.

1970s Matsumoku Tree of Life Set-Neck Electric Guitar

With Original Electra Hard Case

Super Low Action & Plays Amazing!

Note from the original owner in reference to the logo and headstock shape:

"Don't change the appearance of the headstock by altering or removing the decal. That would destroy its value as a submitted prototype. There were many Japanese guitar manufacturers during that period. For instance..., If Matsumoko couldn't meet the SLM production requirements during the Super Magnum run the Matsumoko folks would put out requests to other builders to submit an example of what they could produce for a production run. The decal style and headstock shape are Kasuga".

Rare and beautifully crafted 1970s Matsumoku-built Tree of Life electric guitar featuring set-neck construction, carved leaf top, extensive abalone vine fingerboard inlays, and original mini-humbucker pickups. This is a particularly interesting and uncommon example that may represent an early pre-production, prototype, or transitional version of the Electra 2258 model. Unlike the commonly documented examples, this guitar features an unusual headstock shape that differs from both the traditional open-book and later wave-style Electra headstocks.

The guitar features an abalone leaf headstock inlay with Electra and peace symbol waterslide logos (see pics). The guitar appears all original with the exception of the truss rod cover (one original screw hole visible), knobs, and possibly the waterslide decals.

The guitar is in great condition overall, showing only light honest playwear from normal use over the years. Flaws may consist of minor scratches, marks, small dings, and a few clear coat touch-ups to minor chips acquired over the years. The guitar has not been refinished and is free from cracks, breaks, and repairs. It plays beautifully over the entire fingerboard with no issues to note. The neck is straight, the truss rod operates as it should, and all electronics function properly. The original mini-humbuckers sound fantastic and retain excellent clarity, warmth, and vintage character.

One of the standout features of this guitar is the extensive genuine abalone inlay work. The leaf on the headstock as well as the fingerboard vine inlays are true inlaid abalone rather than decals or printed graphics. Combined with the carved top, set-neck construction, and original electronics, this is a striking example of the quality Matsumoku was producing during the golden era of Japanese guitar manufacturing.

Research into this guitar has revealed several features not commonly found together, including the set-neck construction, factory-installed mini-humbuckers, and the unique headstock shape. While the exact model designation remains uncertain, it appears to be an uncommon variant that falls within the early Electra Tree of Life family of instruments.

Specifications:

- Scale Length: 24.75"

- Nut Width: 1.67"

- Weight: 9 lbs. 6 oz.

- Neck Depth at 1st Fret: .822"

- Neck Depth at 12th Fret: .965"

- Original Mini-Humbucker Pickups & Electronics With Factory Solder Joints

- Set-Neck Construction

- Original Brown Electra-Branded Hard Case Included

The original brown Electra hard case is included and remains in very good functional condition for its age.

Setup & Shipping:

This guitar has been inspected, tested, and set up to play properly. As with any vintage instrument, a minor setup to suit your personal preferences may be desired upon arrival due to climate and humidity changes during shipping.

I am happy to ship internationally. Please contact me for an accurate shipping quote prior to purchase. International buyers are responsible for all customs duties, taxes, VAT, brokerage fees, and any other import-related charges imposed by their country.

For the protection of both buyer and seller, I will only ship to the address associated with the Reverb transaction. Please ensure your shipping information is correct prior to purchase.