"Micro Frets" with interesting adjustment at the nut

[alyctes]

1960s, I guess.  The adjustment at the nut is not something I've seen before - was it a common feature at some point?

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/405863005694?itmmeta=01JV8VZADF5CG7YP0KVWG9S5YD&hash=item5e7f51fdfe:g:5zIAAOSwYiNoI5Nm&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4MHg7L1Zz0LA5DYYmRTS30nNijOSOrzkDAnLiGf1TkSPifVn13Fdn5qXFc5XQNpEIt876IXQXLIPNRw6xHmhQ7EgtRghiJ87ly5WP8xLI23VUxjM1GW7k%2B4GcZ%2B9AMuSPBWnmYhyAZdKtWh7CiKs5%2F2258QfqWB0JNP8Ts7mI27WlogEsifognBTXEqUmI63e9bXTfFPqZtGydEqIAG1Ylg10KYpSmyo1bUvAcUknsWBGz8AFHR6vRUxwY6M5o1CzGkmCF6kkajHIeXWZgjHAtJSlyT2BbomxTRU7Nn0ThMl|tkp%3ABk9SR_Cm_ZvaZQ

[BigRedX]

The instruments date from the late 60s to mid 70s. 

 

The adjustable nut was a feature on all Micro-Frets instruments. It makes more sense on the guitars where it helps make some first position chords sound more in tune. 

 

It's a good price at the moment even taking into account the condition and the non-original parts, I think the machine heads are replacements too. There are a number of well-known Micro-Frets collectors so I don't expect it to stay this cheap for long. However if I was still collecting unusual instruments I would be taking a punt on this.

[Bassassin]

LIke buses, presumably!

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/306090339623

 

Japanese dealer so no idea if the eye-watering (£3800!) price is in any way realistic. Both have Schaller M4 tuners which would suggest mid 70s or later.

 

I'm aware of the brand but know nothing about it, in fact I don't think I've ever seen one before just now. And now I've seen two.