Westbury Standard

22 frets, twin humbuckers, 3 position selector, 4 pots - volume and tone for the two pickups. No tremelo - so if you like them - tough. Mine is cherry which a lot seem to be. Nice attractive colour. Visually I would say the nearest famous guitar is Gibson SG. The Westbury is an "inspired by" rather than a slavish copy. I think the Japs took the SG's style notes and built the best guitar they could independently - so much better than apeing another guitar 100% and expecting the sound to match the looks.

Although there are 22 frets I would not pesonally attempt playing much above A on the E-string second octave. It is cut away enough to play in G an octave up no sweat whatsoever, the A is passable but you are going to have trouble there getting your fingers into any bends on the high E-String. Beyond A ...Don't start playing scales you can't get fingers in to finish! :)

The frets are low, the action is low, the neck is middling wide and not that deep. Very playable as described below. I'm going to say 9 as my daughter, who is on the small side, has trouble getting her hands round it.

I play blues and heavy rock and use a Peavey backstage amplifier. I have recently purchased GNX4 guitar workstation. They both appear to love my rather older Westbury and it appears to love them.

It's an extemely soulful guitar and resonates even when not plugged in as described below. Not sure it would be as ideal for finger tapping and other such nonsense but hey - bleugh, why would I GAS about that kiddie fad?

For blues and rock it seems pretty much ideal - 'sings' on its own before you even allow for the difference a decent amp can make. ...Trying to make up for the tone of a bad guitar with effects and amps seems a house built on sand to me. With a Westbury you are putting in a good foundation sound on which to build.

Two minor flaws ever.

#1 the zeroth fret / nut or whatever you personally wish to call it was a bit "grabby" on the B string. Would tune it start playing and then some extra slack would ping through from the machine heads to teh fretboard section (or vice vera) and detune it slightly. After 10 years (heh) of playing it like this regardless took it to the famous Andy's Guitar Workshop in Denmark Street and they just filed it out. Doesn't happen now.

#2 Pickup selector ring became loose at some point and doesn't really stay tight for any length of time. The problem - If I just let this go the switch ends up upside down sometimes so that Hi is up instead of down. Meh. It's minor!

As indestructible as others say. Mine has keeled over whilst leaned carelessly against something and taken the most almighty ding off furniture and amp corners. Bar a few digs on the exact spots where it hit, it's practically untouched.

Never needed

Someoen else said the quality can be discrened by.. "You can tell by the way they resonate when played without an amp" Actually I had read that advice in a guitar mag before I bought mine from new in (cough) 1982(?) and it's why I chose a Westbury in the first place despite never having heard of the brand. This remains as true today as it ever was - a solid body electric you can play with the power off for a quick practice it resonates so well. (not to other peopel obviously).

I also had the usual dumb decison to make between Strat style guitars with their weedy little necks and Les Paul style with their "railway sleeper" frets. Did not like either to be honest and the Westbury seems a much better compromise with it's middling-wide flat neck, low rounded frets and low action. (It's as easy to play as that sounds)

Yes I would probably seek out another from E-Bay if my shop bought model was ever stolen.

I keep thinking about buying other guitars now I am older and have a lot more money. But then I think why bother? Me and the Westbury go back a good 20 years now what am I seriously going to get from another guitar? Settled in the end on a GNX4 guitar workstation to add some versatility instead. Does this up to date full-on modelling effects pedal worry that I have an old guitar? No of course it doesn't. The two sound brilliant together.

Purchased on E-bay for $200
Finish- Black
Probably made from 78-80 Japan Matsumoku factory
Les Paul-type controls and features... This model looks to have the original DiMarzio Pick-ups. This baby is beat... buckle-rash dings and gouges... truss rod cover missing. Original tuners. Bridge is missing one adjustment screw and spring under the "B" saddle. Has a great feel to it... light and comfortable... originally I was a bit thrown off by something so light and comfortable...

I generally play through a Fender '63 Vibroverb (2x10) or a '68 Fender Bandmaster head through a Crate Blue Voodoo (4x12) Currently I process through a Korg AX3000G. It definately has the Les Paul flavor about it, with some differences, Thank God! Generally I prefer minimal tone adjustments on my Fender Amps... Treble from 8-10 and Bass around 5-6. Has a pretty clean voice as well as hefty overdriven sound, plenty of Highs a good round bottom. This thing sounds pretty damn good!!! I imagine it was AWESOME before the abuse and neglect.

Well-made... this things been through the wars... still in one piece, still plays and sounds great. Solid set-neck construction...the action is terrific (after I paid for a set-up)and the replaced the neck p/u volume pot. Again, probably awesome before the war. Great slim FAST neck.

Haven't played out with it...YET. I wouldn't play ANY gig without a back-up regardless of the name on the headstock. I'm sure this one will be more than fine in any situations... I HAVE used it AS a back-up guitar on more than one occaision.

N/A

30 year player...I play a Gibson Les Paul Jr. Lite, Eastwood Stormbird, Epi Dot, Burny Les Paul Custom...too many more to list. I remember these being "New" at my local guitar shop. It's not my main guitar and not likely to be... I would like to find a cleaner model possibly the custom version... as far as it goes in all fairness "No" I wouldn't replace it... I would miss it though. It's fast and it rocks...beat up and I don't ever have to worry about being too careful... I love playing guitars not normally seen or heard...

Bought my Westbury in 1982 from the excellent and sadly defunct Rainbow Music in Dundee. Paid ??125 for it with the cash burning a hole in my pocket on the bus to the shop. Was looking for a good first 'proper' left-handed guitar and liked the finish and fact it has Di Marzio pickups. Essentially it's a Les Paul/SG combo with good quality hardware, great finish (mine is chipped and bashed now)and is comfortable to play. Mine came with its own genuine cardboard box.

I love the sound of my westbury. Great sustain and able to cope with range of music with it from blues, rock, clean chorus/delay. Somewhat bright on top end but rolling back the tone pot lends a beautiful rich and creamy drive. I have used it through a number of amps (primarily a Lavey Linebacker 30) and it sounds great. Putting it through a Marshall 100w tube head and a Mesa Boogie 100w head and it just soars. Sustains for ever. Just a great sounding guitar, I'll never get rid of it.

Action is great, easily adjusted subject to string gauge. Pickups just keep growling. My frets are now so worn I need to have the guitar re-fretted. Was toying with putting a wammy on it a la Alex Lifeson's last batch of Les Pauls with the same but think I'll keep to the way it is. All in all, the Westbury standard is a well made guitar, great weight for gigging.

As Ronnie Wood said of the Telecaster, this is like a Sten gun...seems to be indestructable. Pots crackle a bit (hardly surprising after 26 years) but a bit of spray inside the cover and under the pots and it's sorted. Strap buttons good for gigging. Used on gigs with/without backup and never needed the backup...main fear is if a string snaps and quick change needed but rely on this guitar and it delivers. Other than replacing my worn frets and, as of the past month, the toggle occasionally pinging back into the middle from the treble position I think this guitar will continue to rumble for years to come.

Nevr dealt with Westbury. Wish some sort of westbury presence starts up again. Any well known artists ever used them?

Been playing with this guitar pretty much from when I started aside from a horrible Kay I had prior to the Westbury. Played other guitars but this one is like coming home. Suits my style of music which is primarily blues/rock. Would be most upset if this was stolen or damaged. Jammed with some serious players recently with Les Pauls, Jacksons and Strats and they couldn't believe the sound of the Westbury. The look is now sort of 80's retro (bit like the Westones from that time) and a bit of an oddity. I play this through a Boss multi-fx and it slots into any style from Simple Minds to Lou Reed to Knopfler to Clapton to Rush. A brilliant guitar and a big part of my teens through to 40's.

My Westbury Standard: It's the "wine" colored one, clear coated to show the deep rich Mahogany wood. A Neck thru double cut away, w/ 2 vol/2 tone (Les Paul set up)Chrome Hardware, dots in the rosewood fretboard, medium frets (that are in excellant shape)The headstock has a " W " on the face as is customary w/ the Westbury Instruments. As I said, it's clear coat Lacqured, only the headstock is black. The tuners are sealed, and have a script " W" on the back, and are excellant tuners. She stays in tune, and I tune 1/2 step down from 440, and even when I drop "D" tune the low e string, it holds the tuning w/ no slap or drop out. There is a serial # on the back of the neck, and it was made in the famous "matsumoko" Japan factory. (think that spelling's right)There is a beveled edge around the body, and came w/ the Ducan Super Distortion in the Bridge, and matching neck pic up which has a beautiful toneal quality, different from the Bridge pic up.( Passive set)

I play Rock/Hard Rock/Blues Rock/Metal and this instrument serves me well. It would be a fine instrument for many other type of styles as its range of sounds would suit it so.
I have played it through Marshall Jcm 800/900, Mesa Boogie Rectifier, and now currantly through my MASSIVE Crate Blue Voodoo 300 Head and matching Cabinets loaded w/ 30w Vintage Celestions. It just screams when you wanna really rip! The differant tones and sounds from clean to atomic are all there and the neck is just awesome. I use GHS 9's and the bends, powerchords, and solo voicing are pure addictive pleasure . There are no noise/crackles whatsoever, all electronics are clean and solid. It's not too heavy, and is very comfortable to wear while playing.
The only thing I would say that is a trouble for me, is the tone overall (w/ the bridge S. Distortion) it can be more "bright" or "treblely" compared to my other axes when I make switch offs for different reasons. I just back off the treble on my amp, or set the "Classic" channel, ( Crate Blu Voodoo's come w/ 3 channels: 1-Fender type,British/vox clean channel. 2. "Classic" British/English/Marshall older Tube amp type channel. 3. "Modern" Atomic Distortion Overdriven boosted type channel)to accomidate using this guitar. I get a full, warm, biting aggressive tone, and also a beautiful full, warm, lush clean sound. All good.

I bought this guitar from a Pawn shop in Connecticut. The owner was a wise ass who knew nothing about guitars, so after down playing the features and saying it was for a kid who was "just starting out and needed a beginner instrument...." he didn't take the $260.00 price tag, and after it had sat in the shop for 3 months, he took $100.00 for it plus the new Fender H.S.Case that was in the corner for another guitar! (Score!!)
Honestly, even I didn't know what kind of deal I got. All I knew was that it was a set neck, had Duncan Super Distortions in it, and was in great shape. I was only looking for a back up, and was curious about this fine looking instrument that needed a polish, strings, and a minor set up which I did myself.
The only flaws I found were very small marks on the underside, @ the back edge, looked like in got bumped a little, and of the 3-4 marks, only one had a small "pop out" of the clear coat about 1/8" round exposing the mahogany underneath. Other that that Once wiped down, and gone over, I had one NICE VINTAGE INSTRUMENT!!!
I looked online and found that in the 70's this model sold for $400-$600.00. I also found old ad's from papers showing the guitar, and other instruments they had available from the Westbury Company.
I'm very pleased w/ this find, and watch for them on e-bay, the Black ones look great too! Maybe some day....

This is a great guitar, I have used it in "Live" rehearsals, and in the studio w/ great results. Some people have even commented on how well it compares to instuments costing hundreds, even thousands more.The hardware is sturdy, solid, and beautifully chromed- which has held its look all these 30+yrs of life. The finish is tough, and sweet when polished, no other marks on it anywhere. Strap knobs are good enough to use w/ out locks. I depend on it, and have grown very found of this little guitar I stumbled upon.
Only an idiot would play a "gig" w/ out a back up, always be ready to pull your own weight!

The Company is no longer in business........to bad. They made excellant guitars.

My overall rating of the WESTBURY STANDARD DOUBLE CUTAWAY Electric Guitar is a 9. Only because of the differance in the treble/brightness from my other instruments. With a solution of adjusting or designating a channel for it specifically, this axe is tops in quality, toneality,toughness,feel, and playability.
I put it up against my other instruments: Gibson Les Paul Custom(2), Gibson Exployer(2), ESP/LTD EC1000 Deluxe (2), B.C.Rich Bich Classic,
B.C.Rich Mockingbird(2),& Ibanez Exployer and she fits in very well, and they all have welcomed her into the "Family".
If you come across one of these little gems and she isn't too banged up, pick it up, try it out, and bring her home to meet the Family!!

Made 1979,not sure where it was made.it has 22 frets,made of mahogany and finished in a deep rich burgundy lacquer.2 tone-2 volume & a 3 pole toggle switch.slim body & one piece neck.
lefthanded version but has no serial label

Rich sounding good alround instrument

action is quite low,it has a few dings and bruises but plays well,plenty of character.

all of the components seem to be quite good condition.certainly would use it live.

never had customer support

I have many guitars mainly lefthanded,some expensive some new some second user but it is one guitar which I would not sell without some consideration

As documented

Roll the tone off off the bridge pup and this guitar is great for legato style and sweep picking as it has a really slinky feel and low action. I'm currently using a Peavey Classic and Hughes & Kettner Warp factor and this baby sustains forever.

As documented

Pickup selector seems to pop back into the middle position sometimes when set to bridge. Minor niggle for a 20+ year old guitar easily remidied.

I've been playing for over 20 years and have always dreamed of finding that 'undervalued bargain guitar' Well, I think I've done it. I'm already looking at evilbay to try and find another one. Only thing I slightly dislike is the shape of the headstock. I think that there should be a Westbury standard aprreciation society, no wait, that would only increase the prices, scrub that! ;-)

all ready cover well

think it a freat sounding guitar

it is beat to death - chipped - buckle rashed bad - but - it plays so well - set neck was truly set and stayed set - action is low no buzzes

has proven it's self a true tank

na

i collect double cut-a-ways - this week was great i found this treasure and an '83 carvin aalso a set neck w/24 frets - both black
both cream pickups - you can't beat two great guitars for under $200
been playing for years - five years in a band - now for fun - but i like collecting as much as playing - this was a great addition - may never be worth much as a collectors but to just to play it - greater than the any money - if you find a westbury treasure - but it - you'll like it

You all will have read the features stuff on other reviews so I won't bother.

I've always liked the sound out if this baby, the DiMarzio's pump out some serious noise.

As I bought it form a second hand shop I tinkered with the set-up, no real need to, and haven't needed to since...Over 20 years. Only slight downer is that one of the machine heads was replaced (prior to me buying) but still works fine.

All chrome buffs up nicely!

Un-breakable! The finish (apart from the odd buckle mark on the back) is pretty much indestructable, the strap buttons are as solid now as when I first got it.

Who cares, it's built like a brick-out house.

Love this guitar. Own a Aria pro-II semi-acoustic. They are have a nice contrast. I was a little surprised to see that they came from the same factory, but then the Aria's another under-valued guitar in my option.

Made in Japan (as the sticker on the back of the neck shows)
22 Fret
Two volume, Two tone controls laid out in Les Paul Style. Three way pickup selector switch, again in Les Paul fashion.
Two Dimarzio humbuckers which currently sell for around #70 each on their own!!
Came with a fitted Westbury case, which after 20 odd years is showing its age

This guitar has served me well during my many years playing. The sustain has to be heard to be believed. Great for those bluesy/rock riffs and stunning lead.
I have always used marshall gear which really brings out the quality of this guitar.
I have fitted an active mid boost to the pick ups which allow the dynamics of the guitar to come through at lower volume.
My only gripe is that the tone pots do not have a smooth change in tone to them. They tend to be either dull or bright.

When I bought the guitar the frets had been stoned flatter. The pickups still had the factory stickers on and the finish was superb. All the controls were tight and smooth in operation, and still are. The action was a little too high for my liking and was easily lowered, with minor adjustments made to the intonation, the guitar plays beautifully. Much better then my Les Paul bought new.

Was once my main guitar and stood up to many many gigs being thrown around. I always used this guitar without a back-up as it has never given me any problems with string breaks or crackles and pops.
The finish is now showing the many years of playing, with plenty of buckle rash, chips and dings but hey, its got character.
One moan is that the plastic nut split at the G slot and was hard to get a good replacement. Also the plastic pick up selector switch broke far too easily. Hmmm I really must get around to replacing that.

Never had the need to deal with them even if they were still around

In my 25+ years of playing, this was the first real quality guitar I bought. It turned out to be the best #100 I have ever spent. The Westbury now sits at home while I take the Gibbo and Fender out with me as the guitar does not offer me enough variation in the sound I now need. My advice to anyone is if you see one of these babies for sale then buy it. They are not only built to last, they play beautifully. Not only that, when you strap one on you dont feel as though you have just put a giant redwood around your neck.
Of all the guitars I have and have owned, this is the one i will never sell.

Like most of you out there know, Westbury guitars are from Matsumoku factory in Japan. I thought they were made in the early to mid eighties but I read on here that they were only made from 79 - 81. Mine is a wine colored Standard model with cream Di Marzio pickups and 2 + 2 volume and tone which are identical to the gibson speed knobs on my Gibson Les Paul Studio. It is a solid mahogany body with set neck, a bit lighter than a LP but slightly more meaty than an SG. Standard controls, no coil taps here.

The sound of this guitar is awesome for rock/blues and probably jazz too. It sounds like my LP,though it has a little bit more crunch but remains smooth and creamy. This is down to the excellent construction and quality pickups. Sustain is great and the range of the tone pots is good with no noise from any of the electrics.

For a twenty odd year old guitar mine is near mint, I was very lucky to get this example. The set neck joint is flawless and allows very easy access to the higher frets (better than my LP), the action is absolutley spot on.The hardwear is heavy quality and my only gripe would be that the tuners could be of a little better quality. Having said that, for the about #30 you could easily put a basic set of Schallers or Grovers on and you would almost have a Gibson/Gordon Smith quality guitar.

As mentioned the hardwear is good solid stuff like you get on proper guitars, not cheaper copies. Strap buttons are similar to fender ones with the felt pad and ample diameter. Pickup switch is solid and there are no crackles or noise from any of the electrics. Finish is translucent so you can see the woodgrain, very nicely done. I would use this live without a backup, no question. It is amazing to think that these guitars have been around for 25 years and still play like new, only set up properly.

No longer manufactured.

I have been playing guitar on and off for 20 years and I remember when I started plating my Satelite LP copy, my mate had a Westbury, I was so envious because even back then I knew that these were fine guitars. You can tell by the way they resonate when played without an amp. I also own a Fender 1986 Jap Strat, a 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio and have had one or two other Strats and a Gibson SG in my time and this Westbury stands up on a par of quality with all of them. Though I only bought this Westbury recently I would be gutted if it got nicked, it has the character of a Les Paul Junior/SG. If you buy a Westbury guitar you will not be disapointed.