Anyone have a clue what kind of guitar this is?

motowncoop · October 2007

Recently whil look through old family pics I found this one of my dad when he was about 15 or 16. It was taken around 1959. Anyone have any idea what kind of guitar this is? Later on my dad got a Fender Strat, so I assume this here was his first electric.
Any ideas?

Manitou · October 2007

That kinda looks like an Italian Telecaster copy. Some Companies were making these so close to the original, they were called Lawsuit guitars, as they were later sued for copyright infringement.
Companies mostly out of Asia were very good at exact replica.
The Companies out of Europe, mostly Italy were not so interested in making exact copies. They were more flashy, fancier pick guards, more knobs and switches, split pickups (two separated and staggered instead of one pick up)

The headstock and pick guard, and extra knobs looks like the Italian style from those years to me. Can't pick out the name well enough...but...I'd do a search in that direction.

ednrg · October 2007

I don't have any ideas on the guitar, but classic photos like that are incredible. Congrats on the find!!!!

Cobaltblooz · October 2007

Thats a an \"EletroWagnarian Emancipator\"...

And re-size those pics so they dont break the page

ednrg · October 2007

No breakage here, what resolution are you using?

Cobaltblooz · October 2007

1024 X 768...pics souldn't be wider than 600....

I thought your Dad looked sooo cool I re-furbished the photo for you (took out the scratches ect...It's one of the things I do...)

Right click & save

Manitou · October 2007

I'm still stuck on the guitar. I wish you could get some of name more cleared up. Do you have an image reconstruction enhancer ???

8)
(if you do...then I KNOW you are CIA)(always thought you were...we Forum Bullsheit Investigators (FBI) are smart like that):shock:

I'm thinking more LP copy now. The maple fretboard threw me off. It looks more like a humbucker neck pickup now too. Kinda has that LP Jr. look to it.

motowncoop · October 2007

Wow, thanks cobalt! The pic looks great!!!

motowncoop · October 2007

The body looks like a LP shape, and check out that strange looking pickguard. The neck is interesting too.

shredd · October 2007

I'm old enough to oughtta know, but I don't... :oops:
I vote for Tele copy body shape, and a LP-style neck. Looks like soapbar/P90 type pups. But that's one wacko pickguard shape, and lotsa knobs...
Your dad was one hip daddy-O. You can haul out this photo to embarrass him when he shows your new g/f the kiddy pic of you crying with a full diaper.

Cobaltblooz · October 2007

It almost reminds me of this in body shape & headstock

www.tomcollins.com/CharvelSurfcaster.jpg

motowncoop · October 2007

I'm totally stumped. I have searched all over the net and have'nt seen anything close to it. I know for sure the photo was taken around 1959.

Manitou · October 2007

Okidocki then....I'm almost willing to bet cash money...it's a Kay.

Yep...when you look at Kay Gibson copies from that era...they have the same headstock. The name on the front is going to be a model name.

I forget if it was Montgomery Wards or Sears and Roebuck who sold the Kay guitars....but...this is the direction I am leaning hardest.
The headstock is Kay.

motowncoop · October 2007

I wish I could actually read the name on the headstock.

Cobaltblooz · October 2007

I put the headstock in close up on Photoshop...the original pic doesn't have the definition to read the name...just a bunch of squares...even us CIA guys have limitations :shock:

thehootman · October 2007

Solution - scan the original image with higher resolution

motowncoop · October 2007

I tried it already. The original Photo is only 5 by 3 1/2 in.

Unknown · November 2007

Focus on the shape of the headstock and you'll find it!

agelessrocker · November 2007

could be a Kay or a Teisco, but almost resembles an old Hagstrom

motowncoop · November 2007

I have tried many times to search for old catalogue photos, but still have not found it.

Manitou · November 2007

\Manitou\ wrote:

Okidocki then....I'm almost willing to bet cash money...it's a Kay.

Yep...when you look at Kay Gibson copies from that era...they have the same headstock. The name on the front is going to be a model name.

I forget if it was Montgomery Wards or Sears and Roebuck who sold the Kay guitars....but...this is the direction I am leaning hardest.
The headstock is Kay.

:roll: ...above was my last impression, and I still feel strong about it.
There are Italian style features on this, from that era. Outsourcing may have been started with this guitar...

:?

Anyone have a clue what kind of guitar this is?

Comments