The Electra Forums

Hi folks, checked all the model pics and couldn't find this one. Someone here must recognize it. It's up for sale and I'm thinking about picking it up. Appreciate any help.

Take a look at the model index page that our member McBrat has created.

http://www.indysworld.com/guitars/Elect ... umber.html

Yours was imported out of Japan by PCM (Pacific Coast Music). This company was delivering to the western US in the early days of the Japan guitar importing wave of the late 1960s to the early 1970s. The other company that was also importing Electras was SLM (St. Louis Music) and they evolved into the company that really innovated the Japanese imports later in the 1970s with the models that make up the index of models here. PCM did not issue any catalogues as far as we can tell. There is no known model numbers for their instruments. They basically had their reps visit manufacturers in Japan who would sell basic copy models to all sorts of distributors and in the PCM instance, they would have the manufacturer affix the Electra plate to them.

PCM guitars can vary quite a bit in quality and tone. Some can be pretty good and some are the reason that early on Electra had the pawn shop type guitar moniker attached to them.

These PCM 335 style guitars are prone to having a weak pocket where the neck is attached to the body. Keep an eye out for that. The pick ups can tend to be a little microphonic on these also.

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"This is the way that pop ends, Not with a BANG but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing” - Simon Reynolds

"My guitar wants to kill your Mama" - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

Thanks, that's helpful. Is it possible to have the pickups re-wound or something so they look the same but have some extra drive? I know we're maybe not supposed to ask for valuation but it is listed at 300 without HSC. Would this be in the ball park of value?

Thanks again.