Pawn shop Focus 3000 used and abused

[japkramernut]

I was out and about this weekend and saw this focus 3000 on the rack and figured what the hell. I didn't pay the listed price, but in the end I took red home with me. Spent late Sat. & early Sun. cleaning this and the GTX. I put strings on and tuned and wailed for a couple of minutes. I am addicted.

[sixstring]

It's got some character for sure!

[japkramernut]

I also noticed when I was done and placed the recently aquired red focus 3000 next to incumbent red focus 3000 there is a difference in the size of both guitars. The recently acquired focus is smaller. The new one has gold kramer inscription logo and the larger focus 3000 has black inscription logo. Also, noted on the neck plates the larger body guitar neck has made japan, no serial number and the smaller has kramer logo and serial number. What up with that? Can someone chime on the difference between the two. Thanks.

[japkramernut]

Tonight, I also got a deal off craigslist on a hot red kramer focus 6000 and peavy audition 20 pratice amp. The guitar will need some tlc to get it IN shape. I will post pics tomorrow night. ROCK ON!

[japkramernut]

It's got some character for sure!

No doubt about that, it's been around the block a time or two.

[xbolt]

ESP vs Matsumoku

[sixstring]

ESP vs Matsumoku

Yep, lower horn on the Mats is a little different.

[japkramernut]

ESP vs Matsumoku

So, which one is ESP and which one is Matsumoku?

[errbt]

So, which one is ESP and which one is Matsumoku?

Black logo = Matsu

Gold log = ESP

You can tell mainly by rounder "butt" that the black logo one is a Matsumoku body, and the over all chunkier shape. Those and the previously mentioned lower horn are the telltale signs.

The more sleek, slender ESP body shape became the standard (for the 1000 - 3000) through '87 and is just more sexy looking to me - the perfect Kramer body shape!

[sixstring]

Also the lack of nut over hang on the Mats necks as well as the HS shape overall.

[da5hcharl]

also, the mats has the bigger screws and thinner plate, yes?

[japkramernut]

Black logo = Matsu

Gold log = ESP

You can tell mainly by rounder "butt" that the black logo one is a Matsumoku body, and the over all chunkier shape. Those and the previously mentioned lower horn are the telltale signs.

The more sleek, slender ESP body shape became the standard (for the 1000 - 3000) through '87 and is just more sexy
looking to me - the perfect Kramer body
shape!

Thanks for info guys. I am also more partial to the ESP body than I am with the Matsu body. The Matsu is a bit bulky. I will more than likely let the Matsu go as soon as i can acquire a black ESP 3000 to match the red ESP.

[da5hcharl]

question: are the esp's always gold logo'd?

i have that super early focus 2k that has all other ESP indicators, but a black logo.

i think the body shape is ESP, it has the ESP style neck plate... but it's like the first run of focuses... i thought those were all esps... damn confusing kramer

[KRAMER Classic I]

One of my Foci had a thin card board shim under the neck that had the ESP logo in white on a blue background. No mystery who made that one--lol.

[Kramer James]

Nice purchase! I think the focii and F-thousand series are the best bang for your buck guitars out there... gotta love a "player" as well

[Full Crib]

One of my Foci had a thin card board shim under the neck that had the ESP logo in white on a blue background. No mystery who made that one--lol.

I never realized there was such a huge difference between the two...so the Mats were prior to ESP correct?

[sixstring]

Yep. Maybe Mats made a few then Kramer didn't like them or something then went with ESP.

[Full Crib]

Yep. Maybe Mats made a few then Kramer didn't like them or something then went with ESP.

Thanks six....this made me go back and study all of my 3000's.....I def dont care for the Matsu body
Jap Nut....that was a great find....my white 83 is pretty banged up too....(or lotsa character) and has prolly been played more than most of my others!

[sixstring]

Here is a good example of a Mats body. Maybe a real early "try" by them. Would have had a non FT Floyd.

[da5hcharl]

ok, but how about this one... mats or esp?




it's an 83, NFT FR, beak headstock, black logo, standard size plate 6 digit serial number (first 4 are zeros)

[Full Crib]

ok, but how about this one... mats or esp?




it's an 83, NFT FR, beak headstock, black logo, standard size plate 6 digit serial number (first 4 are zeros)

I would guess ESP....as this one I got from Tom a few years ago was the same as yours.....originally with a NFT floyd,
recessed jack, four digit serial in the 2000's IIRC, black logo.....the tip of the beak on mine is the fatter ESP style...def doesnt have the rounder
butt like the Matsu....I always thought this "inconsistency" shit was overhyped....until now
What is your second toggle?

[sixstring]

Pics of the nut over hang or lack of would be good.

[Full Crib]

Pics of the nut over hang or lack of would be good.

I thought the short nut was ESP?
Here's a short nut from what I understand to be an ESP body and beak Same one with the ESP shim pictured above

[sixstring]

I thought the short nut was ESP?
Here's a short nut from what I understand to be an ESP body and beak Same one with the ESP shim pictured above

My thinking as well.
ESP= short shelf
Mats= full shelf.

[da5hcharl]

This isn't a good shot to see if there';s an over hang, but here's the 'stock



btw that second toggle... i don't know what the hell it's supposed to do or why it's there

if i replace the pickups with 4 conductors it'll probably be a splitter or parallel switch.

right now it does something i'm just not sure what.