Tomson Splendor Series MG-Style Competition Red 1975
Tomson Splendor Mustang style, comp red finish, made in Japan circa 1975. In mid-70s Japan, a bunch of brands were doing a bunch of Fender and Gibson style models. Tomson and Fresher were the only guys who thought it might be a mighty swell to deviate from Strats and Teles and do a Mustang style model. It's early enough to have some quirky custom hardware and a big chunky neck. The tone is also pretty oddball: super short sustain, big plonky attack, slicing tops and a thumpy low end. It's a lot of fun to play, and although it lacks the precision of later MIJ offerings, it has plenty of charm. The finish: heck, that's proper cool. Splendor-laden and up for a good time.
Model: Tomson Splendor Series
Made: Japan, 1975 approx
Finish: dakota red, white comp stripe
Body: plywood, presumably agathis
Neck: sen ash (not verified), rosewood board, 24" scale, 16" radius, chunky U shape
Weight: 3.285kg
Mods: trem arm removed and missing
Pickups: MG-style single single coil x2
Case: none, no trem arm
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs on the end and bottom edge, some bubbling on the front near the logo and a dent on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and surface scratches, most notably near the middle down from the belly carve, but there's no major marks. The sides have have dimples on both horns and some scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has some scuffs around the jack, along the back edge and in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, intonation is good, neck is straight, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear, they're not perfectly even but probably never were, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.