Westone Spectrum FX

[Thass]

I decided to thin the herd and sell my 1985 Westone Spectrum FX. This was my first guitar that I bought with my hard earned busboy money back in the fall of 1985. I think I was making $3.95 /hr. I know nothing about Westone guitars and went to wikipedia in search for details. One sentence caught my eye " Upon the end of production, many Westone guitars and basses have become collectors items." So then I went to Reverb.com and found one listed for sale for $650. (I understand it is just listed for that and hasn't sold) My search on eBay didn't turn anything up. The one I possess is in much better condition and I have the original case and receipt. I did learn on this but I remember it wouldn't stay in tune very well, and I moved on to a strat, joined a cover band and never looked back to the Westone. It's been following me around ever since. Does anybody have any intel on these instruments? I'm not into vintage guitars, but if I could sell the Westone and tune it into a Black Jet or a PRS SE 24-08...well that has my attention.

Thanks
T.

 

[drmilktruck]

From the Blue Book. The only model listed there is the Spectrum ST, $400 for a mint condition model.

WESTONE
Instruments previously produced in Japan between the late 1970s and 1987, Korea between 1987 and 1990, and 1996 and 2001, and England between 1996 and 2001. Distributed in the U.S. by St. Louis Music in St. Louis, MO and by FCN Music between 1996 and 2001.
The Matsumoku company of Japan had been manufacturing guitars for other trademarks (such as Aria, Epiphone, and Vantage) since the 1960s. In 1981, Matsumoku decided to market their own original designs under their own trademark in addition to their current production for others. Westone guitars were originally marketed in the U.K. prior to the U.S. market. Matsumoku guitars are generally well-built, solid playing guitars that featured innovative design ideas.
In 1984, St. Louis Music announced that it would be merging Westone with their Electra brand (which was introduced back in 1971). Through the mid-1980s, models were sold under the Electra/Westone imprint, then Westone only as the Electra brand aspect was discontinued. In 1987, Matsumoku stopped producing instruments, so guitar production switched to Korea.
In 1996, FCN Music reintroduced the Westone brand and began importing Korean-built models into England along with producing some in England as well.

Most guitars were designed as part of a certain series. The overall body design would then feature different pickup combinations, or the addition of a tremolo; popular series includes the Pantera (1986-1987), Thunder (1981-1987), Spectrum (1984-1987), Phoenix, Dynasty, Futura, Custom Pro, and the Clipper Six (1986-1988). The Clipper Six series was designed by Mark Ray of the United Kingdom. Many of the guitar series were produced in limited quantities. Matsumoku-produced Electra/Westone guitars should have serialization beginning with a 4 or 84.

 

[Thass]

From the Blue Book. The only model listed there is the Spectrum ST, $400 for a mint condition model.

WESTONE
Instruments previously produced in Japan between the late 1970s and 1987, Korea between 1987 and 1990, and 1996 and 2001, and England between 1996 and 2001. Distributed in the U.S. by St. Louis Music in St. Louis, MO and by FCN Music between 1996 and 2001.
The Matsumoku company of Japan had been manufacturing guitars for other trademarks (such as Aria, Epiphone, and Vantage) since the 1960s. In 1981, Matsumoku decided to market their own original designs under their own trademark in addition to their current production for others. Westone guitars were originally marketed in the U.K. prior to the U.S. market. Matsumoku guitars are generally well-built, solid playing guitars that featured innovative design ideas.
In 1984, St. Louis Music announced that it would be merging Westone with their Electra brand (which was introduced back in 1971). Through the mid-1980s, models were sold under the Electra/Westone imprint, then Westone only as the Electra brand aspect was discontinued. In 1987, Matsumoku stopped producing instruments, so guitar production switched to Korea.
In 1996, FCN Music reintroduced the Westone brand and began importing Korean-built models into England along with producing some in England as well.

Most guitars were designed as part of a certain series. The overall body design would then feature different pickup combinations, or the addition of a tremolo; popular series includes the Pantera (1986-1987), Thunder (1981-1987), Spectrum (1984-1987), Phoenix, Dynasty, Futura, Custom Pro, and the Clipper Six (1986-1988). The Clipper Six series was designed by Mark Ray of the United Kingdom. Many of the guitar series were produced in limited quantities. Matsumoku-produced Electra/Westone guitars should have serialization beginning with a 4 or 84.

Thanks for the response. After more research I found a Westone guitar forum, I will reach out to them for info.

 

[JC higgy]

I had a 1985 Westone Spectrum bass in white,it was a great bass,it almost played itself ,it was a Christmas present from my parents in 85.

Wish i still had that bass,all i wanted back then was a Fender P bass, Rick 4001/4003 and a black Washburn Force 40.
I have a MIM P bass now ,but ya know, that Westone played better,funny how that goes.

 

[Johnny Alien]

I've seen them sell for around $300. I think $400 for a mint one seems about right.