Contact me for best deal British Music Fair photo owned by Ceri Binding. For Alan Murphy fans there is a great Facebook group called simply Alan Murphy - https://www.facebook.com/Alan-Murphy-774114059320228/ This amber Yamaha MSG Standard Mk1 was originally owned by fusion/rock guitarist Alan Murphy. It can be seen on stage with him at The Princes Trust gig and British Music Fair both in 1989 - see pics Alan Murphy was a great British guitarist who played with Kate Bush, Go West, Mike + the Mechanics and Level 42, among many others. He was a member of the latter prolific British hitmakers for the tragically short period of a year, before his sad death from pneumonia, resulting from AIDS, 25 years ago exactly, on October 19, 1989. He was just 35. Alan Murphy owned two Yamaha MSG’s – his main Deluxe fitted with a Floyd Rose and this Standard offered for sale. When Alan died the guitar was bequeathed to Nico Ramsden, a contemporary of Alan’s and fellow member of The Stapleton Allstars. The case is road worn with one catch part missing. It is labelled “Nico Ramsden personal equipment”. When I acquired the guitar I took it straight to its original designer and spiritual birthplace Martyn Booth for some deserved TLC . Martyn designed the guitar whilst working at Yamaha and it became the basis for his current range of stunning Booth guitars as well as a cult classic in its own right. Martyn confirmed that the pickups were genuine Mk1’s although the surrounds were incorrect. Unfortunately the original surrounds are impossible to source so Martyn drilled the current surrounds to allow the original 3 screw height/angle adjustment unique to this model. The guitar was completely rewired and a new USA spec push push tone pot installed for coil tap. The frets were polished, truss rod adjusted, body and fittings polished, correct original knobs fitted and reassembled and set up at a cost of £300. The invoice can be seen in pics. Included in the sale is a personal note to Alan written on the back of Chandler guitars business card by Chas Chandler relating to his main MSG (mentions trem arm) and a Dunlop Jazz plectrum which I found jammed hard into the lining join of the case neck. Alan did use these plectrums – it could well be one of his – it was well stuck and hidden. Also three magazines containing interviews with Alan across his career – 1981 Guitar Magazine, 1986 Guitarist Magazine, 1989 'Home & Studio Recording' in which Alan discusses his collaboration with Martyn Booth and his two MSGs. Also a magazine advert of Alan’s endorsement of the MSG is included. The guitar has some digs on the back as can be seen and one flaw on the front also pictured. Martyn did an incredible job breathing life and lustre back into the top – even he commented on how well it looked after polishing/buffing. So a rare, very early Mk1 MSG with added interest of its original owner. Provenance is rock solid – I have various emails and from Nico, Martyn and also John Hill who handled the guitar bequests of Alan’s estate. Martyn also has the serial number documented in his records from the time. Open to serious offers – best to contact me direct - scott.akister@btinternet.com