Made In Japan

Epiphone Elite 1965 Casino Natural, 2003

On September 1, 2021 /

The Epiphone Elite 1965 Casino recalls one of the most famous guitars – the one played by John Lennon on many recordings. In fact, Lennon, McCartney and Harrison all had Casinos and McCartney still uses his. There were many other Casino players, including members of the Rolling Stones and Beach Boys. Originally built as a Sunburst model, by 1968 (during the White Album sessions) Lennon had the finish stripped off, with two coats of thin clear lacquer re-applied. It was felt that this improved the tone and resonance of the guitar, and this look has become a de facto standard, especially without the pickguard.

Used

This instrument has sold

Gretsch Country Club G6196TSP-2G Archtop Smoke Gray and Violet, 2010

On July 29, 2021 /

The Gretsch Country Club appeared in 1954 as one of Gretsch’s early electric guitars and targeted at the higher end jazz player needing a full size, 17 inch body and solid Spruce top. This model was in production until Gretsch folded in 1981, reappeared between 1995 and 1999 as a US built reissue, and again since 2001 as a pro-line model, Made in Japan by Terada. Modern Country Club production no longer has the solid Spruce top – like other pro-line hollow body Gretsch models, the body is now built of laminate Maple.

Used

This instrument has sold

Gretsch Broadkaster Jr Player’s Edition Center Block Cadillac Green, 2017

On July 21, 2021 /

The Gretsch Broadkaster Jr revives one of Gretsch’s older model names, previously used on a drum kit and the reason the Fender Telecaster has its current name. It is unlike many of Gretsch’s traditional models, featuring a compact body, though larger than a Jet, and with a solid center block for feedback rejection and sustain. Not just a reworking of an older model, the Gretsch Broadkaster Jr is both a new design and a seriously good guitar, ready for use in a professional context.

Used

This instrument has sold

La Esperanza Classe 1000 Concert Classical Guitar, 1979

On July 19, 2021 /

Here we have a nicely kept La Esperanza Classe 1000 classical guitar built during 1979 in the shop of Masaru Matano or his successors in Kurume, Japan. Matano’s shop built the La Esperanza Classe 1000 and lower priced Classe 600 for sale for the company name “Ongaku Geijutsusha Co” and these models were based on Ramirez instruments. The Classe 1000 features a Red Cedar top and double layer Rosewood sides and back, which is not quite the same as laminated. Here, the two layers are of Brazilian Rosewood and are used to reduce overtones and ‘wolf’ tones when the guitar is played loudly.

Vintage

This instrument has sold

Ibanez Musician MC500 Solidbody Dark Stain, 1979

On June 9, 2021 /

The Ibanez Musician MC500 appeared as Ibanez hit its stride and moved away from straight copies of US models, and was built from late 1977 as a 1978 model to 1980. The Musician series used a multi-piece, neck-through design and active electronics, all quite possibly influenced by the Alembic instruments of the day. Overall, the goal was to provide maximum sustain, stability and tonal versatility in a professional grade package.

Vintage

This instrument has sold

Caparison Dellinger Bass Mike LePond Custom Prototype Black, 2009

On March 31, 2021 /

The Caparison Dellinger Bass has been around for some time, and here we have a prototype built for Mike LePond of Symphony X during 2009. Caparison guitars and basses have been built in Japan since 1995. The company was founded by the Charvel / Jackson Japan design group, and production was contracted to high end builders. In 2011, the company was bankrupt for a few months and re-opened under new ownership based in Cardiff, Wales.

Used

This instrument has sold

Made In Japan

Epiphone Elite 1965 Casino Natural, 2003

Gretsch Country Club G6196TSP-2G Archtop Smoke Gray and Violet, 2010

Gretsch Broadkaster Jr Player’s Edition Center Block Cadillac Green, 2017

La Esperanza Classe 1000 Concert Classical Guitar, 1979

Ibanez Musician MC500 Solidbody Dark Stain, 1979

Caparison Dellinger Bass Mike LePond Custom Prototype Black, 2009

THE TWELFTH FRET

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