The Electra Forums

I found this at a yardsale, paid some $130 for it; I figured it could either be a very early Matsumoku or Teisco guitar. I didn't know nothing about it and still don't, except that it is Japanese, it has the thickest neck I have ever played -a 1960s trait, I believe- and a non-adjustable trussrod which also points at early 60s manufacture. this thing has got to have some great wood work for it to last more than 40 years in still-playable condition. it has a "Steel Reinforced Neck" sticker where the trussrod opening ia usually located (I've heard that's a Matsumoku thing). The "GHI" (or "GH1") logo is a mistery too, probably was one of those USA or Canada companies that imported Japanese guitars to sell on their own chain stores during the 60s. Teisco was the primary stock provider from Japan during that time; I thought this guitar was a Teisco until I found a misterious model at the Westone pages that looked nearly identical.

with no further ado, here it is:


I nicknamed this guitar the "Videocaster" of my collection. There is a Kent guitar named the videocasterbecause of the mirror pickguard and blocky-white-plastic pickups; it looks to me like a fancy-equiped strat.

in reality, my guitar has more in common with this Westone.info mistery catalog unit:




anybody want to take a guess, any sugestions?

The Westone is actually made by Guyatone, a Lido or Copa model, and the other guitar is a Kawai made product....

I've seen the GHI logo on ebay but don't have any info. If it plays and is straight, the 130 was a good price. A good clean up and polish, strings and a quick set up check and you should be good to go. Let me know how the foil pick ups sound, I been thinking about using a set in one of my old Hondo's. Good find.

_________________
SlmGuy

These things were all over the place when I was a kid. I see nothing specific to link it to Uncle Matt. Many were made in japan but some were made in Taiwan.