Bargain basement all laminated instrument. They were notoriously heavy and encased in such thick lacquer that although they felt OK to play, the sound was nothing to get excited about. I bought one new in the late 1960s and it served me well (though quietly!) until I could afford something better a few years later.
Don't raise your hopes about raising much cash. Why not give it away to a youngster starting out? I've come over all nostalgic now! (I also hasd the 12 string version which had similar good/bad points - great playing neck; quiet and unrefined tone.) Keith. Wow that name brings back some memories, as there were quite a few around in the days when I was a youngster. They were generally considered unplayable, and I would not give this to a youngster, rather to someone who already developed a serious grip of death.
I disagree that they were 'generally considered unplayable' at that time. They were no worse than many other low budget guitars (I think it cost me around £30 new in around 1969), and a lot better than some that were available in the late 1960s. In fact the neck on my Ranger was the best bit, and it played well with an easily attainable low action thanks to the screw-adjustable bridge saddle and the (shimmable) bolt on neck. It certainly did not need a serious grip of death, although a hefty right hand helped! Although still very much a low end instrument it was a huge step up in quality and playability from my first 'no name' guitar, and had a certain charm.
At the folk club where I used to sing then, it was borrowed by Johnny Silvo who used it for most of his set and commented that it 'has the feel, but not the sound'! He asked if there was a Guild, Martin or Gibson in the house.
Haha - as if! Late 1960s working class Crewe couldn't stretch to anything like that. The 'best' guitar in the room was a Harmony Sovereign, which sounded good, but was so badly set up that he found that to be unplayable. Apols for the nostalgia fest! ' A guitar like an EKO, with such a limited number of guitars sold ' Huh?
They built between 100/200,000! I reckon most Brits and other Europeans started on these, and due to their being built like battleships, many are still around. Sorry, my post was a bit poorly worded.
Yes Eko made a ton of them back in the day. It's the number of guitars bought and sold now however, that determines the VPG value. Go to any vintage guitar show, check ebay or Reverb listings, Cl ads. An Eko is a relatively rare bird. Then look for listings for a Martin D-18. It's that volume of current sales that creates more data, hence more accurate and stable pricing.
I’ve been running www.myrareguitars.com since about 1997. Before that I was doing it with pen and paper. Recently I discovered a file folder on my backup drive with TONS of photos containing just about every guitar I’d ever bought and sold over the years. Looking at these photos have stirred up some memories. Here is another story with some photos (to the best of my deteriorating memory) from the Back Catalog of myRareGuitars.
EKO Guitars started in Italy in 1959 by Oliviero Pigini. It soon became the largest guitar manufacturer in Europe producing a half million guitars a year. Although primarily distributed throughout Europe, some models found their way to North America in the 1960’s via Milwaukee’s LoDuca brothers.
Many of these “budget” guitars were purchased by our parents as student guitars and found their way into the back of a closet. Over the years, with the help of EBAY, many have surfaced and found their way into my collection. Here are some highlights to share. I just stumbled onto here in my search for an alternative to LaBella Silk & Steel medium guage 12 string strings, (sorry, Ill get to the point) Anyways, the first 12 string I ever bought (40ish years back) was an EKO from my mothers mail order book, and since that day i was hooked onto 12string guitars. I still use the EKO to this day, as the wide neck suits my way of playing, I also like the adjustable bridge as well as the zero fret, something you rarely see these days. So much so that whenever I buy another 12 string Guitar, I now always fit a zero fret, as in my opinion, it improoves it intonation and action no end.
For me, the EKO was all about use-abilaty and playabilaty at an affordable cost, which started me on a road of enjoyment for the many years since. So Many Many Thanks EKO, My life would have never been the same without you guys. “Which ones should we do?” For starters, skip the first two – the Strat knock-offs, though I love the tortoiseshell pickguards on all the models that have them. The 12-string is gorgeous, but looks like it would cost a small fortune to produce, meaning the price would be uncharacteristically (for Eastwood) high. I’m partial to black, but natural finishes are my second choice, so the 500 4V and the Club appeal to me, though I’ve seldom seen uglier electronics, and the 500 4V looks like it weighs about 20 lbs.
(no, thank you). Love the pickguard on the club, too. My personal favorites in terms of the guitar’s shape are the 700 4V and the 500 1V, and the pickguard on the 500 1V merits some attention, too.
Usually, I don’t care for “automotive” metallic finishes on guitars, but the 500 1V’s blue metalflake is spectacular. Assuming Eastwood’s usual updates for pickups and other hardware, these are the two 6-strings I like the best.
EKO RANGER 6 ACOUSTIC GUITAR, MADE IN ITALY, SERIAL NUMBER 6265, SIGNED BY LUTHIER ON INSIDE, BRIDGE IS CRACKED, CRACKING IN WOOD ON TOP, COMES WITH HARD SHELL CASE Auction Location: 13557 77th Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, V3W 6Y2, Canada Previewing Details: Friday June 23rd, 2017 noon to 6pm Taxes:. HST (5%). PST (7%). GST (5%).
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So I've been wondering about these EKO guitars. I know they are really cheap, but they are also vintage? This is what I find interesting. Genesis played EKO 12 strings in the early 70s.
So did Jimmy Page and a lot of other bands and artists. My question is why? They sound very unique I must say. I've tried an EKO 12 string and it was beautiful to play on, and the sound was very nice.
I didn't know they were so cheap and I was kinda shocked when I found out as well. How do you feel about these guitars? The sound and the playability on these vintage ones?
Any experience with EKO 6 strings as well? Obviously they exist and are out there, but since there are very few Eko instruments in North America to begin with (I don't think they were ever marketed in the US - if so, only very briefly,) One of my early musical partners had one, bought in the mid-60s, probably in Boston, so they were marketed here. I rarely played it, but remember it as being very playable, and considering the low price alternatives in the 60s, not a bad axe for a beginner or impoverished musician.
I must admit that for probably not much more, you probably could have gotten a Harmony Sovereign or even a Gibson LG-1, a lot more bang for the buck. Genesis played EKO 12 strings in the early 70s. So did Jimmy Page and a lot of other bands and artists. My question is why? Well, they were.available. And, I must add, cheap (at least, we could afford them).
Consequently, my partner had a Ranger, and myself, I had a. FRAMUS, yes sir, no less (12 strings, the two of them, of course. Why only 6 strings on a guitar when you could have 12 strings? At least two times better, right?) Those things were. Well, they resembled guitars.
They had 12 strings when we were able to afford replacing the broken ones, if not, there always were enough left to make suitable noise. I remember digging a hole in the sand on a beach one night with the Ranger. (forgot the reason for the hole, tho.). I've never played an Eko guitar I would want to own. Your experience finding a nice-sounding one is an experience I haven't yet had.
Obviously they exist and are out there, but since there are very few Eko instruments in North America to begin with (I don't think they were ever marketed in the US - if so, only very briefly,) I've yet to run into any that did much for me. Whm The Italian Eko guitars were imported and distributed in the USA by the Lo Duca brothers in Milwaukee and were fairly common around here. They also imported Italian wine and bottles.
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That part of the business is still going. A guy that used to play in our choir had an Eko acoustic. It was horrible. It had been dropped and the lower bout was smashed and had separated from the top. It was sort-of re-glued but never properly humidiied. There was still a several-inch long gap along the binding where the top wood was broken out and never replaced. The Gibson-like pick guard was more loose than attached, with many of the points sticking out at least 1/8' and sections of it broken off.
He apparently got it new as a gift from his wife before they were married, and felt that he had to play it no matter what. It had fret buzz everywhere, and no volume or tone. But he kept plugging away with it for years until so much of the the top had separated from the sides again that you could just about stick your hand inside. It was completely unplayable. At that point he replaced it with a no-name import that sounded like a guitar. I think he was as relieved as we were. A guy in the choir I'm in now has an Eko solid body electric.
I've never heard it plugged in, but it has this hideous garish retro look that's so ugly that it's actually kind of cool. The Italian Eko guitars were imported and distributed in the USA by the Lo Duca brothers in Milwaukee and were fairly common around here.
They also imported Italian wine and bottles. That part of the business is still going. Along with what Brad had to say about Eko guitars in Boston, there were probably a few regional distributors. There must not have been one in the Kansas City area, though, because they sure weren't anywhere in that region that I ever saw. Most of them that I've seen and played were brought back to the US either by GI's who'd served in Europe or military dependents who lived over there. My bass player and longtime musical partner Karl grew up in a series of American military bases, including in Italy, where he joined his first band as the bass player. He had an Eko electric bass as his first instrument.
He refers to it as 'the Thud bass,' which tells you all you need to know about its musical qualities. While in the military and stationed in Naples, Italy in 1969, my wife bought a new, EKO Ranger XII as a gift to me. As many have mentioned, it was built like a tank and very heavy. My wife's parents are Italian and when we returned to the States in 1972, her father fell in love with the 'Italian 12 string' that I brought home. After conferring with my wife, I gave it to him.
In 1974 his house was hit by lightning and pretty much destroyed in a major fire. The house was gutted by the fire and further damaged by the water poured into it by the firefighters. Fast forward to 2008: When I decided to open 'Re-Tunes' my father-in-law donated a couple of old guitars he had. Much to my surprise, as I opened an odd, dirty looking case, there was the EKO Ranger XII. I had completely forgotten about it, assuming it had been destroyed in the fire. The top had several finish cracks, but the wood was still solid. The huge pickguard had curled from the heat of the fire, but was still attached to the guitar in a couple of places.
I picked it up and strummed it. It had not been touched in 34 years and was still almost in tune and other than the finish cracks, it was structurally solid and very playable. I have a 'Encyclopedia of Guitars' at the shop that features some of the notable guitars built over the years by all manufacturers. The EKO Ranger XII is included and, although not particularly valuable, has developed a following in the collector's circles. I cleaned it up, re-strung it, and it was a nice playing and decent sounding 12 string. I offered it for sale and sure enough, a collector of EKO guitars snatched it up, impressed with the story behind it and how it survived the fire. Tough guitars.
Thanks for the replies guys! The reason I'm asking is because I live in Norway and there are mainly two music shops here. And they both such really bad. They do have a few guitars but they are badly tuned and not very well sought after at all. I was originally thinking of a Martin HD28 or a Gibson J45 or something. But they are nowhere to be found here in local shops.
So I can't try them out before I buy them. Also, the prices are about three times as much as they are in the US. A Martin HD28 goes for around 4-5000 USD, which I think is a bit stiff.
What I need is a guitar with a big body, good range from both bottom and high notes as well as really low action so I don't hurt my fingers any more than I've already done. I don't have to use a capo to be able to play my fingerstyle stuff.
I do play rhytm guitar as well. So I'm in a pickle here basically.
Any EKO owners out there? - Just Plain Networking Forum Just Plain Folks Songwriting & Musician Networking Organization Any EKO owners out there? (Page 1) This topic is 2 pages long: 1 Author Topic: Any EKO owners out there? DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 05:54 ANyone else have a Ranger or a Rio Bravo?
IP: DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 10:56 Thought I would bump this and still check and see if anyone out there Has a Rio Bravo like this one. Mine is the same year as below but not quite mint as the one shown. (1971) The one I have need some more restoring. They were made in italy and real popular in europe and England. This message has been edited by DavidW (edited ).
This message has been edited by DavidW (edited ). IP: DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 18:08 Bump. I just got done semi restoring mine. Basically put a couple coats of polyurethane on it after sanding. Also put a scratch guard on and greased up the tuning knobs.
Ya know what I found cleans a fret board pretty good is Nail Polish remover. It stinks a bit but really gets out the dirt and brings out the wood. Got one email from a gent in South Africa so far. Anyone else out there have a Rio Bravo?
David IP: DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 12:38 FYI A luthier emailed me a while back and said NEVER use Nail polish remover. I should use lighter fluid instead. Nail polish remover will eat at the glue with it's acetone. So the next time I changed the strings I cleaned up the fret board with some lighter fluid and a old sock. Just Don't smoke around it. Good thing I quit about 7 years ago.
DAvid IP: 66Johnny Serious Contributor Posts: 47 From: Spokane, WA, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 14:09 I had to laugh when I saw the name, EKO. I used to have an electric guitar of theirs in the eighties. It had four pickups and six phase switches. It was a lightweight guitar. It was mentioned in a Guitar Player magazine article. Its 'mother of pearl' finish was described in the article as 'mother of luncheonette'.
Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Guitar
I noticed one that looks similar on They are definitely unique guitars. IP: DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 22:11 EKO's are a very interesting breed. Funny you metioned Fetishguitars because I made a overseas pal in Scotland who has the Rio Bravo like mine that's on Fetishguitar.com He has given me a few tips about refinishing and about the Eko company which went out of business in the 80's. THey are trying to revive a new EKO company and have seen a few of the newer guitars out and they aren't too bad.
DAvid IP: 66Johnny Serious Contributor Posts: 47 From: Spokane, WA, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 16:25 I'll admit I enjoyed playing mine. It was a good player.
It was lightweight and the neck and fretboard had a good feel. I got a kick out of the six phase/pickup switches, which behaved like manual radio buttons. I ended up getting rid of it at a music store because I had superseded it with a far better 'primary' guitar. As rare as they were (I think), the store owner was hesitant to buy it from me.
He already had one exactly like it he 'couldn't unload'. I think I got some charity that day.
But, at least he got one in stock with the original case (which was well built). Fun walk down memory lane. IP: jazzz66 Casual Observer Posts: 1 From: st catharines ontario canada Registered: Jan 2005 posted 01:54 i have an eko sombrero six string,anyone know any thing about them IP: EdMac Casual Observer Posts: 5 From: Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina Registered: Jan 2005 posted 14:39 Hey everyone!!! I've just puchased an EKO Rio Bravo 6 here in Argentina (where I live) for $300. I know I have probably been mugged, but I tried almost 40 different guitars from Takamine (EG, EAN and EF series), Ibanez (PF and AW series), Taylor (100 series), Fenders, here and in South Africa for as much as $1400 and this was the best sounding of them all, by far.
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It has no electronics and it is in fabulous conditions, which makes me suspect of its year of manufacturing. It must be around the 80's. The only 3 differences I noted from what I could see in the catalog pictures in fetishguitars.com, is: 1)the saddle string pins are arranged in a semi-circle 2)the bridge itself is height-adjustable via two screws 3) the black truss rod cover has the words 'reinforced neck' in chrome I hope we can share our EKO pride and find someone to ask about serial numbers. IP: DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 09:35 quote: Originally posted by jazzz66: i have an eko sombrero six string,anyone know any thing about them Sounds interesting. I'll poke around and see what I can Find Don't know much about the sombrero. You can try IP: DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 09:41 quote: Originally posted by EdMac: Hey everyone!!!
I've just puchased an EKO Rio Bravo 6 here in Argentina (where I live) for $300. I know I have probably been mugged, but I tried almost 40 different guitars from Takamine (EG, EAN and EF series), Ibanez (PF and AW series), Taylor (100 series), Fenders, here and in South Africa for as much as $1400 and this was the best sounding of them all, by far. It has no electronics and it is in fabulous conditions, which makes me suspect of its year of manufacturing. It must be around the 80's. The only 3 differences I noted from what I could see in the catalog pictures in fetishguitars.com, is: 1)the saddle string pins are arranged in a semi-circle 2)the bridge itself is height-adjustable via two screws 3) the black truss rod cover has the words 'reinforced neck' in chrome I hope we can share our EKO pride and find someone to ask about serial numbers. EdMac, You have not been mugged my friend.
That's probably about right. Unless it's in mint condition and has a split back than it would be even more.
The Rio Bravos were made in the 70's. I don't know much about the serial numbers either. I would love to share some pics of mine and see what shape yours is in.
And your right. They sound just as good as a 2000 dollar guitar. Hang on to it. DAvid This message has been edited by DavidW (edited ). IP: EdMac Casual Observer Posts: 5 From: Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina Registered: Jan 2005 posted 16:36 Jeez, you know what? I'm very glad you told me about that mint condition and you sent me the picture. I just purchased Gibson replacement tuning machines (the ones that normally come with the J-180) and I was about to carve the hell out of the headstock to fit them in.
I'll save my energy for something else. Thanks amigo! I'll send you pics as soon as I take them. IP: DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 19:20 OK HEREs MY BABY.
1970's EKO RIO BRAVO This was after I Cleaned her up. Jus RIGHT click and View Image This message has been edited by DavidW (edited ). IP: EdMac Casual Observer Posts: 5 From: Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina Registered: Jan 2005 posted 10:29 Gorgeous!!! Did it have white binding when you purchased it?
Eko Ranger Guitar Italy
Did you buy it new? Regards, IP: EdMac Casual Observer Posts: 5 From: Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina Registered: Jan 2005 posted 15:22 Finally, here is mine: IP: drjuz Casual Observer Posts: 1 From: South Africa Registered: Jan 2005 posted 01:55 Wow! Your one is in very nice condition, here is a pic of mine: I love my Eko Rio Bravo! I bought mine from and African Guy who used to play in the park in my home town, The bridge is cracked and there is some body damage. I Recently had the Bridge fixed and a new nut put in.
Next step is to get her Refretted and then later the body Fixed. But what a lovely guitar! Plays like a dream and has a sound that makes angels listen in aw;-) Never really goes out of tune either. Mine dose'nt have a serial number, there is eko logo on the inside with space for the serial number, but no serial number has been printed on it???? P.s I am the bloke from South Africa. IP: EdMac Casual Observer Posts: 5 From: Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina Registered: Jan 2005 posted 15:27 Woe, man, you got her in chains. That's not nice of you;-) Yes it sounds awesome.
I never really trusted the brand mainly because some very cheap Ekos were in the market here in South America for a while about 10 years ago. I just strummed this beauty once to realize it was going to be mine. I've been in Cape Town for new year's celebration (3 weeks ago) and went to Paul Bothner and found all guitars twice as expensive.
Do you carry that burden throughout the entire country? You got a BEAUTIFUL coastline there, man.
Eko Ranger Guitar
Ed IP: eko12 Casual Observer Posts: 2 From: Registered: Jan 2005 posted 16:21 i have a 12 string eko semi-acoustic ranger, got it for 50 euro (70 dollars). I was wondering, untill which date were these models manufactured? I mean i cant believe mine is 30 years old.it cant be cos its in mint condition. IP: DavidW Serious Contributor Posts: 1850 From: Registered: Feb 2002 posted 17:07 Rangers were made up to the MID 1980s IP: eko12 Casual Observer Posts: 2 From: Registered: Jan 2005 posted 19:01 thnx for that david!
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