Terminator

New! added April 2016

Production

Korea icon south korea flag Mid to late 1987?

Description

This previously undocumented model was acquired by Forum member DimensionIV-addict and according to Tom Presley, was produced in Korea immediately following the close of the Japanese Matsumoku plant. Former head designer Tom Presley contributed this background information in a Forum post:

by tpresley on Jan 14, 2013

I can tell you very little about this model as it was not one of the SLM products but from what I’ve seen, it is a “true” Westone and was likely commissioned by Akira Takei, the Matsumoku/Westone Operations Manager and manufactured at Saehan in Korea.

This was not a transitional instrument in the true sense as it is using a Korean made neck with “contracted” hardware. The first Westone production year following Matsumoku’s demise, used mostly Matsumoku made components (necks especially) and much of the same hardware used on the Matsumoku made Westone models.

I imagine that this instrument was distributed by our Canadian agent. The finish is likely original as I’ve seen many of these on various bodies at Saehan during my many trips.

Specs

According to the current owner, the Westone ‘star’ shapes (Dimension models) are more ‘pointy’ with more defined beveled edges. The ‘Terminator’ also has different controls + different headstock.

  • Westone “bird” logo only, Westone name not present, model Terminator
  • Tremolo bridge: Floyd-Rose TRS-101 F/T, and locking nut
  • Pickups: 2 dual coil AlNiCo
  • Machine Heads: Gotoh
  • Scale length: 25 ½”
  • Neck: Hard Rock Maple (natural color)
  • Frets: 22
  • Fretboard: Rosewood
  • Mount: 4 countersunk neckscrews (no neckplate)
  • Body: Veneered Wood (plywood)
  • Controls: 3 way pickup selector switch, 1 volume and 1 tone
  • Hardware: Black
  • Color: Black, (faux) snakeskin façade with purple motif designs
Thanks to Forum member DimensionIV-addict for these pictures and information
(Click to enlarge)

Westone Terminator Front

Westone Terminator Front 2

Westone Terminator BridgeWestone Terminator Back

Westone Terminator Headstock Front