1960s-70s Kay? Model No. G440 Acoustic Guitar

Vintage parlor guitar, guessing on the brand, but it's nearly identical to others I've had, made in Korea

The label inside the soundhole only lists a model number and there is no brand marker on the headstock either. It's nearly identical to a Checkmate Model No. G235 that I also picked up right around the same time, so chances are they're related.

This one plays a little better, even though the neck is separating from the body, so it doesn't stay in tune for very long. Like every Checkmate acoustic guitar that I've ever seen, this one also looks great, which is probably the reason people still collect these to this day.

The double flowered pickguards just invoke the spirit of this one's glory days. These are purely for collectors, they don't play easy enough for beginners and they don't sound anywhere near the level needed for recording and performing.

Thanks for looking, more high-resolution pictures here.

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.

Thanks for looking, more high-resolutions pictures here.

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.

Thank you for looking. More high-resolution pictures here.