Offered for sale;
Used 1960’s Kingston S-1 single pickup solid body electric guitar.
This guitar is in very good condition, fully functional and cosmetically showing moderate playing time with some small marks and nicks.
This guitar features what appears to be a mahogany/sapele neck with a relatively flat rosewood fingerboard, 19 frets, open back tuners, select solid tone wood body that appears to be mahogany.
The width at the nut is 1 21/32”, the neck profile at the 1st fret is 1.01” and at the 10th fret is 1.25”, the weight is 6.4 lbs.
One single coil pickup with volume and tone controls and a basic bar style bridge, in other words “vintage cheese” early Japanese guitar.
There is not very much documentation available about the Kingston brand, so dating the instrument is difficult. It is a common belief that these guitars were built by Teisco and Kawai and possibly Guyatone.
It is known that the importer to the U.S. was Jack Westheimer, who was a “pioneer” of bringing Japanese instruments into mainstream commerce from the late 1950’s and 1960’s.
There is a market for these early imports, many collectors seek these guitars, the neck is fat and quite playable, the sound is twangy, and the overall vibe is kitschy.
Case not included. Cases and gig bags are available separately.
“We carefully inspect every instrument when we buy it and bring it up to our standards before we offer it for sale. We also do a full set up before we ship. If you decide to purchase this guitar, please let us know what gauge strings you prefer.”
*Please note: we do our best giving descriptions of used pieces. We have found it impossible to describe every mark on an instrument or amp that is not in the "mint" category. Also, what's important to you may not be important to someone else. For example, you may say, "I don't care what it looks like as long as it plays or sounds well." Another person may say, "Body cosmetics are very important to me so tell me about every scratch, nick and blemish." So, please ask the questions that are most important to you. If you ask they will be answered. They are free and there's no limit. Additional photos can also be made available.
This is a specific item that is also being offered for sale in our brick & mortar location. It is possible that it has just been sold. Please ask if it is still available before purchasing.
*It is our policy to require a signature on delivery of all musical instruments. Please let us know if you prefer no signature required when ordering or we will automatically require a signature.
If you prefer your item to be sent without a required signature Imperial Guitar and the selected carrier can no longer be responsible for the security of the package once it has been delivered.
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All shipments made by us are fully insured. Also, all new products are fully covered by the manufacturer's warranty and used gear usually carries our 30 day mail order warranty. Most stringed instruments sold by IGS are shipped UPS Ground service for $50.00 to $100.00 for the 48 Contiguous states. (Overnight Red Label is also available). Please call on each item. GUITAR FREIGHT (Foreign) We ship instruments world wide. Our shipping department prides itself in its ability to safely deliver guitars anywhere in the world. We use Fex Ex Great Rates service, wherever possible. You are responsible for any import duties, V.A.T., etc. on delivery. It is advisable to consult with your local customs office.
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