1970s-80s Carlos Model No. 236 Classical Guitar

Top-notch vintage classical, these Carlos guitars become unforgettable to collectors and longtime players

Once again, the sticker with the serial number was torn off by the time it got to me, so there is no way to know the exact year or even take a guess. Carlos guitars made in 1981 and 1982 have a date stamped on one of support strips inside the guitar, so this seems to be 1980 or before.

This was a rescue, it had no nut or saddle and there was a chunk missing just above the nut on the headstock. This guitar played and sounded so nice though, that I passed it on to a professional flamenco guitar player and he intended to use it for when he traveled, so the cosmetic flaws didn't matter at all.

I can't recommend these Carlos guitars enough. You can find them for as little as $50 in some cases and they're probably better than most brand names you'd pay $250-$300 for, even secondhand online.

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2000s Ibanez Gio GSR 100 Bass Guitar

Budget line bass guitar from a trusted brand, plays nice and easy

Ibanez is known for making electric guitars with fast necks and this Gio bass continues that tradition. This model has the classic split pickup P-Bass setup, but I've seen others with P/J and even humbucker setups.

For as well as it does play for it's price range, it's probably not up to par for a gigging musician to use even as a backup and definitely not something that you want to reach for if you're laying something down.

It is however, an excellent choice as first bass for a beginner or maybe a guitar player who wants to mess around with one. The price should definitely be right. These retailed for around $200 or so way back when, anything more than $100 secondhand is a crime.

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1960s Checkmate Model No. G 300 Acoustic Guitar

Great-looking vintage guitar, with double pickguards and exotic stock dye job on the back and sides

Checkmate guitars are low-to-mid level guitars made by Teisco, who manufactured guitars for over a dozen different Japanese companies in the mid-late 60s.

This particular model looks real sharp, but really isn't much of a player. Alot of people use these Checkmates as slide guitars and this one does feel a little bit like an electric guitar.

These guitars are can be found all over the place and that makes sense, as they were distributed throughout the country in their day. Finding one in great shape could be a bit of a challenge, it is 45+ years later and they probably weren't ever pampered by anyone either.

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1986 Takamine GX-100T Electric Guitar

Vintage lawsuit guitar, a rare solid-body electric made by one of the most-respected names in acoustic guitars

This is a very high-end copy of a Gibson Explorer, it was so nice that Gibson threatened Takamine with a lawsuit and they stopped making electric guitars altogether, from what I've been able to dig up.

The pickups look like Seymour Duncans and it's a possibility, they made the pups in the old Ibanez guitars. On top of that, this model also features neck-thru construction. Plays like butter too.

If you find one of these in even decent shape, you should pick it up, they generally go for between $500-$800 on most auction sites.

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1960s-70s Granada No. CG-75 Classical Guitar

Beautiful vintage Japanese classical guitar, the years have been kind and she sounds absolutely beautiful

Another little-known gem, this one was built in Japan and probably distributed through local music stores way back in the day. I found it on craiglist, but I've read stories of people digging them up at garage sales as well.

That's really the only information out there though, which factory it came from and which years they were distributed, no clue... **UPDATE AUG 2013: Granada guitars were built at the Matsumoku factory in the 1970s** It does play nice though and it had seen it's fair share of abuse, but was still rock solid.

This is one of those things where you can probably pick one up from anywhere between $25-$60 if you get lucky, but longtime players might be willing to spend $150-$200 to get their hands on a vintage MIJ classical.

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1990s Ibanez Model No. PF5-12 12-String Acoustic Guitar

Vintage budget line 12-string guitar, Made in Korea, solid guitar to use at church or the beach

The serial number seems to indicate that this particular box was built in 1992, but it's tough to validate Ibanez acoustics from this era. Even though this guitar is bare bones all the way, it plays nice enough for what it is, I had it set up with D'Addario Acoustic XLs and the brights really sounded pretty.

I held on to this guitar for nearly 10 years, before I upgraded to a nicer Takamine from the same era and even used it to record some tracks. These made in Korea models don't seem to pop up as often as the newer Chinese-made guitars, but $150-200 should be the most to put out for one of the Performance Series guitars.

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1980s Aria Pro II RS Special V Electric Guitar

Made in Japan, by the famed Matsumoku guitar masters, with the classic black and white setup

Early-mid 80s Aria Pro II RS Special V Strat Style electric guitar, these are often said to rival Fender Strats of the same period and this one definitely plays like a dream.

Can't say for sure what year it is, the neckplate indicates 1982, but the Special V series supposedly only ran in 1983-84.
Either way, this is a killer vintage electric guitar and one that is offered at a price you'd pay for a new mid-level guitar, at best.

These seem to be more popular over in Europe, so you can sometimes find them here in the US for less than $200.

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1990s Customized Squier Short Scale Fretless Bronco Bass Guitar

In near-mint condition, customized with a fretless neck and a Seymour Duncan Cool Rail pickup

Showcased today is a customized Squier bass, upgraded with a nice fretless neck and a Seymour Duncan Cool or Hot Rails guitar pickup.

The candy apple red finish and speckled pickguard give this one a nice vintage look, helped along by the mini Fender Mustang body. Immaculate condition for a 15-year old instrument, with just some light scratches along the bottom and rear from regular playing.

The short scale makes this bass easier to play for students or anyone that has a hard time wrapping their hands around a normal bass neck. The fretless neck also plays smooth as silk and sounds just as good.

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1982 Carlos Model No. 249 Acoustic Guitar

Made in Korea and in great condition for a 30+ years old acoustic guitar 

 

Here is a hidden gem, a top-quality Carlos guitar with a brass nut and saddle, reportedly constructed out of solid wood. This one needed a repair, as the bridge had begun to separate from the body.

Can't speak enough as to how nice this guitar sounds though and it plays great too. The dark (mahogany?) finish still looks beautiful and the structure of this guitar is still very sound, with no cracks or breaks.

Throw on a set of Grover tuners and you would think you were playing a much more expensive guitar. This is a copy of a Martin D28 or a Guild D25, but they are lesser known, because there were no lawsuits threatened against any of the Korean makers.

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2000s Esteban American Legacy Acoustic/Electric Guitar

Surprisingly nice guitar, in great shape and upgraded with new Ping tuners  

This one was found at the same time as the limited edition Black Silver model and wouldn't you know it, this is the better player by a country mile.

It looks great, with just a couple of nicks by the cord jack and on the headstock.

It plays real nice and projects the best of all the Estebans that I've had over the last few months.

On top of that, this one had a busted tuning peg when it arrived, so I replaced the whole set with brand new Ping chrome tuners.

This really is a decent guitar and would be a perfect beginner or something to take along to the beach or church.

If you'd be embarrassed by the Esteban brand, you could just cover the logo on the headstock with something and tear off the label inside, no one would ever know, it plays that well...

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1950s-60s Victoria Model No. 26-3 Classical Guitar

Ancient guitar has been to hell and back, still sounds great, looks cooler than ever!

Not much is known about this guitar. A few sites have suggested that they were made as far back as the 1950s and if someone told me the 1930s or 40s, I'd be willing to believe them.

This one looks like it's been played endlessly, but the wear around the sound hole just adds character and the natural fretboard looks great. The bridge is pretty warped though and the top is sunken in a bit below the sound hole. But, despite all that, it is still in playable condition, it's rock-solid with no cracks and cosmetically there are very few nicks and dings for it's age. Sounds better every day since the new strings were put on too.

Worst-case scenario, it's looks great hanging up on the wall...

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1981 Carlos Model No. 209 Acoustic Folk Guitar

Made in Korea and in absolutely immaculate condition for a 30+ year-old acoustic guitar  

Another bonafide classic from the old Carlos company, right up there with the Model No. 249 as the best of the bunch.
Like it's younger dreadnought cousin, this beauty features a brass nut and saddle, giving this classic killer tone.

Not exactly sure that this is a Model No. 209, as the label inside the sound hole has been ripped out, but from what information I've been able to track down, it's the most likely fit.
It plays real nice and easy, just had a set of D'Addario XLs put on, but this one would probably benefit from a heavier gauge.

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1987 Peavey Companion 15 Guitar Practice Amp

Classic take-along amp, battery operated

This little amp is fairly high-quality for what it is, but that's to be expected from one of the top names in the history of American amplifiers.
It came with the instruction booklet and spec sheet, which is probably even more rare than the amp itself.

Inputs:1
Power: 12V
Channels: 1
Overdrive: Gain, E/Q, Saturation, Thickness
Out: 1 (Headphones)
Speakers: (1) 8”
Speaker Impedance: 10W

No effects and only one channel, but it's still nice to have on the go and the battery-powered option gives you the ability to play anytime, anyplace.

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1980s-90s Jasmine By Takamine Model No. S80S Acoustic Guitar

This beauty was among the first Jasmines ever made, with exotic Brazilian Rosewood on the back and sides 

 

Don't be fooled by the Jasmine name on this absolutely astounding guitar, this one plays and sounds as nice as guitars that retail for twice the price.

Not sure exactly when this one was made, but I've read the line began around 1995 and this was the only solid top acoustic listed in their discontinued models, so it's only logical that it's an early model.

The beautiful dyed Brazilian rosewood on the back really gives it a unique touch and the way it plays and sounds make it more than just a pretty box. Also has a set of gold Ping tuners, which were stock on this model.

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2006 Esteban Black Silver Acoustic/Electric Guitar

Sharp-looking guitar with upgraded fretmarkers and artwork on the back, limited run of 15,000  

 

This is the second Esteban guitar that I've had in the last few months and this one definitely catches the eye.
The flowered inlays on the frets look great and the black/silver color scheme will never go out of fashion.

As far the guitar itself, it plays easy enough and sounds ok. Doesn't really project as well as others at this level, but the inlays, the cutaway and the acoustic/electric feature make it a popular model.

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1970s Yamaha F-160-1 Acoustic Guitar

Beautiful vintage instrument has aged very well, just needs a little love

Mid-70's Yamaha acoustic guitar in great playing shape and still rock solid. The first number in the S/N is tough to read, but these black label Yamahas were only made from 1974-1976 and the only thing missing is one of the original covers for the tuning gears.

A new nut would be advised, as the B string sits down too low in the slot and buzzes out hard. I stuck a piece of masking tape in there as a temporary fix and it works just fine.

It still sounds great though, especially the low end. If you can find one of these in playing shape, I highly recommend it. I've seen them pop up every now and again from $100-$300.

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2000s Crate GFX-212T Guitar Combo Amp

Great Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Amp in like-new condition 

 

This one comes from the my own personal collection, purchased brand new in the summer of 2002.

The amp is still close to brand-new, as it's barely ever been used, aside from some light use for recording in 2004 and exactly 2 live shows in 2005.

It comes with the original foot-switch, has a built-in tuner, which always comes in handy and 8 built-in effects. Reverb, Delay, Chorus and Flange have multiple notches on the dial and the level knob allows you to control just how thick or thin you want the extra sound in there.

Inputs: 1
Power: 120 VAC, 60Hz, 95VA; 100/115VAC, 50/60Hz, 95VA; 100/115VAC, 50/60Hz, 95VA
Channels: 2 (Overdrive and Clean)
Overdrive: Gain 1/2, Shape, Gain Select, Low, High, Level and Channel Switch
Clean: Level, Mid, Low and High

In/Out: Connects external effects and speaker cabinets

Speakers: (2) Crate Custom Design 12”, 8
Speaker Impedance: 120W RMS @ 5% THD, 4

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1960s-70s Trillo Model No. 108 Acoustic Guitar

Beautiful classic sunburst finish, distributed right here in SoCal back in the day!

Not much is known about these guitars, from what I've been able to find out, they were made overseas in the 60s and 70s and with this one being made in Korea, the 70s are a better bet.

The sunburst finish has a couple of little nicks on the front side, but it still looks great after all of this time. The bridge definitely needs to be replaced, as it's coming up at the sides. The tuning keys on the right side were replaced at some point as well.

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1960s-70s Checkmate Model G235 Acoustic Guitar

Sweet-looking vintage guitar, gorgeous cherry sunburst finish and double-pickguards

 

Like the Carlos brand, Checkmate is another vintage guitar brand that I've recently become familiar with and this is the 3rd that I've had in the last month or so.

These are not great quality guitars to begin with and this one needed some work somewhere (maybe a new saddle?), as notes are lost between the 7th and 14th frets.

But collectors seem to love these things, mainly because they usually look great and this one most certainly does. It shows signs of mild wear, considering it's probably over 40 years old and the pickguards are still in great shape too.  Some players like to use these as slide guitars, because they do sound OK for the price. You can find them from anywhere between $80-$150.

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1970s Carlos Model No. 240 Acoustic Guitar

Another under-the-radar classic, possibly handmade in Korea, in excellent condition

 

This is the 5th Carlos acoustic guitar that I've come across in the last couple of months and it's the oldest of the bunch.
This model was produced between 1976-1978, but with a serial number nowhere in sight, there is no way to tell exactly which year.

It's a great player, though not in the same league as some of the other high-end model Carlos guitars that were made in the early 1980s.

Top: Spruce
Back/Sides: Mahogany (Deep Cherry Finish)
Fretboard: Spruce
Solid Wood Construction

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2004 Yamaha F-335 Acoustic Guitar

Great all-around guitar: look, sound and feel, gorgeous tobacco sunburst finish

Mid-2000's Yamaha acoustic guitar, this one is the next class up from the F-310 that we featured a few days ago. Like that F-310, this one is a terrific player and a fantastic option for a first guitar.

Longtime players can also use this as a backup to carry around with them and hold their heads high, as Yamaha has been a well-respected maker of acoustic guitars for over 40 years now.

Top: Laminated spruce
Back/Sides: Meranti
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Rosewood
Pickguard: Tortoise shell
Finish: Tobacco sunburst gloss
Tuners: Gold die-cast

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2000s Squier Strat By Fender Electric Guitar

Affinity Series, classic black & white look!

 

This is a budget line Squier, the same model you see in Guitar Center and Sam Ash, usually packaged with a Fender practice amp. The Fender Strat look never goes out of style, but this guitar is very poorly-made and you'd be better served looking at a knockoff brand before you put out any cash on this.

The input jack is so cheap, that just about every time you remove the power cord, the washer and nut come flying off with it. The guitar itself plays well enough, but paying anything over $80 for this means you've been taken hard.

Features:

3 single-coil pickups
5-way pickup switch
Maple neck
Rosewood fretboard
Tremolo bridge
Die-cast chrome tuners

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2000s Montana MT105-CB Acoustic Guitar

Sharp-looking Player, Gorgeous Cherry Sunburst Finish 

 

Mid-2000s Montana Acoustic Guitar, made by the Kaman Music Corporation, home of Takamine and Ovation.

This one would make a good first guitar, it looks great and plays easy. The sound leaves much to be desired, as it's not made from quality woods at all, but it is also a bit better than some of the other brands in the price range.

These generally run anywhere from $60-100 online and once you outgrow it and move on to bigger and better things, at least it still looks cool hanging up on the wall...

Made in China
Top: Spruce/Photo Flame
Back & Sides: Agathis
Top Binding: White
Fingerboard/Bridge: Nato
Machines Heads: Ping Chrome Diecast

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1970s-80s Fender Classic FC-10 3/4 Classical Guitar

3/4-sized guitar is easy to play and perfect for younger students

 

This model was made by Fender between 1971-1982 and the serial number attached to this one suggests sometime between 1977-1982. Where exactlty it was made is the topic of debate in many an online forum.

This guitar is in great shape for it's age, it shows minor signs of regular use on the body and the neck is straight and sturdy. A quality vintage instrument from a big-time name in Fender. Sounds and plays real nice.

Top: Spruce
Back/Sides: Mahogany
Fretboard: Rosewood
Solid Wood Construction

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1997 Yamaha F-310 Acoustic Guitar

Great all-around guitar: look, sound and feel, in excellent condition

Late-90's Yamaha acoustic guitar in great cosmetic and playing shape. Nice, deep tone from this 15-year old mid-level dreadnought, with just the slightest signs of wear from regular playing.

Top: Spruce
Back / Sides: Meranti
Neck: Nato
Fretboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Rosewood
Hardware: Open Chrome Tuners
Finish: Natural Gloss

Much like the Ibanez PF5NT, this guitar is a great player from a trusted company in Yamaha. The mid-level model is a terrific first guitar or a backup for the seasoned veteran.

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2000s Esteban American Legacy Acoustic/Electric Guitar

Esteban American Legacy, Model AL-100 Acoustic/Electric Guitar

 

This was one of those guitars that you saw on informercials about 10 years ago for the classical guitarist Esteban. These were made by QVC and are not great guitars by any means. That being said, this one does play nice and easy, doesn't sound horrible and the black gloss finish looks sharp enough to give it the thumbs-up.

Every one of these guitars that I've seen also has the acoustic/electric feature, which is always a popular draw.
Despite the fact that it was a TV special, this still rates better than budget models from brands like Harmonia and Ariana. Not a bad option if you're in the market for a used A/E and don't want to spend much, they generally run between $80-$150 secondhand. 

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2000s Yamaha EG112C Electric Guitar

Low budget Strat copy, surprisingly decent for the price

 

Newer model Yamaha EG112C Fender Stratoscaster copy, with the classic black and white color scheme, a fast and thin rosewood neck and the HSS pickup configuration.
The sound is fairly thin though, which is to be expected with a budget model.

This guitar is still a decent choice for your first guitar or as an inexpensive base for a hot rod project. Many online forums contain stories from folks who have upgraded the pickups and tuning keys on these models. They go for as little as $40 used online and $80 should be the most anyone pays.

Body: Basswood
Neck: Bolt-on Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Made in China

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1980s Carlos Model No. 226 Classical Guitar

Vintage classical guitar, perfect example of why one should never judge a book by it's cover

Carlos guitars are another brand that has a cult following in the collector's market, as you'll come to find in the days ahead here at SCGM. This particular model is not one of the high-quality copies that collectors covet, the difference being the way the word Carlos is designed on the label inside the sound hole.

This is still a very nice guitar though, sounds and plays like a mid-level Yamaha. Like the Ibanez acoustic that was featured earlier this week, you can find these all over the internet, ranging from $50 to over $200.

Top: Spruce
Back/Sides: Mahogany
Fretboard: Spruce (painted)
Made in Korea

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1978 Acoustic 230 Guitar Amp & 403 Cabinet

Vintage solid-state half-stack guitar rig, all original

The original Acoustic Control Corporation started up right here in So. Cal back in the late-60s, they closed up shop in the 1980s, but their legend lives on with an army of rabid collectors worldwide.

No distortion on this model, but the EQ makes it very versatile and when coupled with a quality overdrive or distortion pedal, this thing just cranks that old-school power rock sound.

Inputs: (2) Normal, Active
Power: 125W @ 4 Ohm, 160W @ 2 Ohm
Controls: Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, Reverb, Master Volume, 5-band EQ
Rear Dash: (2) Speaker Outputs, 6-pin Footswitch Jack, Power Amp in and Pre Amp out

Speakers: (4) 12" Eminence Speakers
Speaker Impedance: 200W @ 4 Ohm

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1998 Ibanez Performance PF5NT Acoustic Guitar

Classic look and feel, great beginner guitar from a company with a great reputation

 

Like Ibanez electric guitars, this dreadnought has a thin neck that plays real easy, combine that with it's budget line status and it makes for the perfect beginner guitar.
This guitar looks great, the wing-tipped pickguard (tortoise shell) and bridge combination give it a classic vintage feel.

The overall sound does leave a bit to be desired, but you can't really have it all in this price range. Not recommended for gigging or recording, but not a bad beater for the intermediate player. You can pick up a used model in various online locations, usually starting at around $75.

Top: Spruce (Laminate)
Body: Mahogany
Finish: Natural High Gloss 
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Dreadnought Body
Tortoise-shell Pickguard
Made in Korea

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