I am tempted to purchase one of those Kawai 319 guitars. I found one in a guitar store and fell in love with the compact 335 style shape and the acoustic quality it had, but I didn't plug it in, as I was too scared to ask for a demo cable! The frets were super short, which is granted for most 60s japanese guitars, but I love it and I'm super down to clown with it, and maybe put in some sort of piezo assembly? who knows, I just really like it!
I learned to play a Teisco very similar to this one, it was just an earlier model, same pickups and neck. I still have it, its sitting in my dad's closet. The neck is bowed pretty badly from being leaned upon the wall in the closet. I need to take it out and repair it, I loved playing that thing. Watching this brings a sense of nostalgia for it. Wonderful video man!
I'm restoring one like the first one you played. Just took a break from it to watch your video. Haven't even plugged it in. Got it in a hundred pieces! If it sounds like yours when I'm done, I'll be a very happy camper! Sounded great! Nice collection you have!👍😎🎸🎶
As a teenager in the '60s I owned, played, or looked at a good number of cheap guitars like the ones you show. I like the way you fix them up and dial them into a decent amp (and maybe make them tunable and playable, finally). Most of these guitars sound better than I thought they would!
1st electric guitar i had was a kay sg, i treated it bad, a frustrated kid, 40 years after full circle sounds like good place to revisit idea.....you certainly get those things strings singing
That second one looks nearly identical to a guitar I have branded a Bruno Conqueror. Only differences I see are the size of the knob on the pickup switch, the lack of "Bruno Conqueror" label on the head, and the plate on the back at the base of the neck, mine has what looks like a serial number stamped into the plate right below "Made in Japan". Also, the knobs on mine are kind of dull copper colored. I can't remember if I replaced those (I don't think I did but I may have) when I bought it and bought new controls for it (they were scratchy when I got it). I would love to know more about it, especially if I could find out what year it was made.
The '68 Univox brings back alot of memories as I had one just like it as did my late high school classmate George Clark.I liked it;I also had one that had an inline headstock and was in a maroon finish.It wasn't as good as the one with the tobacco sunburst finish.I don't see them like I used to.
Hey man. I have an old Japanese made hollow body very similar to some of these but don’t know what it is. It has a chrome control cavity with two knobs, a 3 way selector tolggle on the horn on the high E string side. Also has a laminate on the headstock very similar to a pickguard pattern and color. Sure wish I could add a photo to here.
Nice video my first guitar was a Mayfair just like the one you have I had a friend of a friend that knew I was looking for a guitar this guy his friend knew said he was selling a Gibson es so I went to look at it I checked it out and I'm saying to myself this is not a Gibson he swore up and down it wasn't but I knew better but I offered him 30 bucks and he said ok I think he wanted money to buy weed so I take start heading home down this very dark street then I notice 4 individuals following them it dawned on me dude set me up to be jumped to get the guitar back so I used the guitar as a weapon and fought them off but unfortunately the guitar got some damage as well as his buddies needless to say I still have it to this day 40 plus years
Cool video! Have you ever tried a full body semi hollow Silvertone model 1424? Seen one locally not sure how it would be to a semi hollow. Looking to play mostly rock and blues on it. These older guitars had real cool looking pick ups
is Ventura a similar company made in those factories? i have a hollow body ventura 60s era i think. i was thinking of updating it with new pickups and hardware...
Hi There! Great videos! Thanks for taking the time to go in depth on these awesome guitars. I have a question...I really want to pick up a vintage japanese guitar on eBay and I was wondering what you think are the best brands in terms of sound and playability?
Are they hollow body or semi hollow Brad? I freaking DIG the Teisco! I'm goona start looking for the Teisco Spectrum 5 after Christmas. I MUST have one damut!! ") Brad if you EVER feel like just giving the Teisco away for free, I'm your man!! ") Teisco are really cool looking guitars that sound awesome!! Nice collection brother!! Jack ~'()'~ Canada
+ajp33green I'm leaning that way too. thick tone from that one. I like the Silvertone too. Right up there in tone. Those pickups in that one are great. After a few episodes of this, I'm really starting to get a feel for which pickups to look for, although there are MANY I haven't featured yet.
I learned to play on one very similar to this, it was just an earlier model, same pickups and neck. I still have it, its sitting in my dad's closet. The neck is bowed pretty badly from being leaned upon the wall in the closet. I need to take it out and repair it, I loved playing that thing. Watching this brings a sense of nostalgia for it. Wonderful video man!
Have you any guitars where the pickups have been wax potted? All of the pickups, even on the solids have been microphonic, on a hollow-body guitar they are a disaster looking for somewhere to happen. You couldn't take any of these guitars on stage as they are. I take it that these were the entry-level guitars of their day and so I can understand the makers not bothering to pot the pickups. The Mayfair was the most interesting of the bunch with that banjo-like sound. If you had those pickups waxed would that kill the unusual sound? The Teisco looks rather odd with the rocker selector switches. Just like they were domestic light switches. Simplifies internal wiring?
Good comment. Yes, potting pickups in these would affect the tone. These are really best in low volume situations or for recording tracks. A hollowbody with microphonic pickups on a loud stage is asking for trouble, you're right.
I purchased this exact Mayfair from you a good few years ago! It got a fresh set of strings, some new electronics, and a setup recently. It still sounds just as good, and man is it a looker. Here’s a recording of it, a non-traditional use of the feedback and microphonics: drive.google.com/file/d/18nG3aea6XXowOOQrWOd58yj9jAtTxsu_/view?usp=drivesdk I do wish I knew where to find a replacement pick guard/bracket. Reverb perhaps.
Yep... I'm a sucker for a cheap guitar!
LOVE those old Japanese and European single coil pick-ups!
I have one of those late 60's univox guitars, been sitting in my home since highschool, just listed it up on OfferUp a few weeks back
I am tempted to purchase one of those Kawai 319 guitars. I found one in a guitar store and fell in love with the compact 335 style shape and the acoustic quality it had, but I didn't plug it in, as I was too scared to ask for a demo cable! The frets were super short, which is granted for most 60s japanese guitars, but I love it and I'm super down to clown with it, and maybe put in some sort of piezo assembly? who knows, I just really like it!
i love how you cover and talk about all the guitars, you should cover more guitars you own and just throw as much information at us as you can
The first guitar you played… how does it feel? Is the neck stiff? Or is it smooth to play? I have one on the way and I’m curious.
Gosh, I just realized I have the No. 1 Guitar. I like to play it now. Thanks for the great Video.
I learned to play a Teisco very similar to this one, it was just an earlier model, same pickups and neck. I still have it, its sitting in my dad's closet. The neck is bowed pretty badly from being leaned upon the wall in the closet. I need to take it out and repair it, I loved playing that thing. Watching this brings a sense of nostalgia for it. Wonderful video man!
Your "secret guitar closet" videos brought me here. Too cool!
you're a great player man
Really! I'd go see his band if he has one. Ability & great taste!
I'm restoring one like the first one you played. Just took a break from it to watch your video. Haven't even plugged it in. Got it in a hundred pieces! If it sounds like yours when I'm done, I'll be a very happy camper! Sounded great! Nice collection you have!👍😎🎸🎶
As a teenager in the '60s I owned, played, or looked at a good number of cheap guitars like the ones you show. I like the way you fix them up and dial them into a decent amp (and maybe make them tunable and playable, finally). Most of these guitars sound better than I thought they would!
Man I love these guitars....
@@paulgentile1024 Your comment made me check out this video again...It's still fun!
Dude, that operatic sustain at the end was epic.
+peepeeland ha! Happy accident, as Bob Ross would say.
1st electric guitar i had was a kay sg, i treated it bad, a frustrated kid, 40 years after full circle sounds like good place to revisit idea.....you certainly get those things strings singing
I've bookmarked all this videos, that Mayfair is so resonant is sweet sounding, all of them are great sounding as well.
I bought the Mayfair from him! It still rocks.
That second one looks nearly identical to a guitar I have branded a Bruno Conqueror. Only differences I see are the size of the knob on the pickup switch, the lack of "Bruno Conqueror" label on the head, and the plate on the back at the base of the neck, mine has what looks like a serial number stamped into the plate right below "Made in Japan". Also, the knobs on mine are kind of dull copper colored. I can't remember if I replaced those (I don't think I did but I may have) when I bought it and bought new controls for it (they were scratchy when I got it). I would love to know more about it, especially if I could find out what year it was made.
The '68 Univox brings back alot of memories as I had one just like it as did my late high school classmate George Clark.I liked it;I also had one that had an inline headstock and was in a maroon finish.It wasn't as good as the one with the tobacco sunburst finish.I don't see them like I used to.
I also had mine in highschool, I'm selling it if you're interested, just needs a bit of work
@@9graff9 where is it posted? How much?
@@camilo1455 offer up... offerup.co/kSZdmSug4ab
Teisco and Silvertone for me.dig em dude. Really cool..
I have a Cameo and I have not seen another one so far since I bought it over a decade ago
Cool playing
Brad you oughta write some original tunes, register them with ASCAP, then claim royalties for your youtube playing.
the 3rd i beleive its the Mayfair sounds very much like a banjo! the last one sounded the best to me.
i love it. great sounds and great playing.
Hey man. I have an old Japanese made hollow body very similar to some of these but don’t know what it is. It has a chrome control cavity with two knobs, a 3 way selector tolggle on the horn on the high E string side. Also has a laminate on the headstock very similar to a pickguard pattern and color. Sure wish I could add a photo to here.
Nice video my first guitar was a Mayfair just like the one you have I had a friend of a friend that knew I was looking for a guitar this guy his friend knew said he was selling a Gibson es so I went to look at it I checked it out and I'm saying to myself this is not a Gibson he swore up and down it wasn't but I knew better but I offered him 30 bucks and he said ok I think he wanted money to buy weed so I take start heading home down this very dark street then I notice 4 individuals following them it dawned on me dude set me up to be jumped to get the guitar back so I used the guitar as a weapon and fought them off but unfortunately the guitar got some damage as well as his buddies needless to say I still have it to this day 40 plus years
This is amazing. Got a picture of the guitar?
I still have my '67 NORMA acoustic electric. still in pristine condition. Paid about $125 back then.
Have you ever come across any late 60's Encore violin shaped hollowbody 12-string or bass guitars and what were your impressions or observations?
Cool video! Have you ever tried a full body semi hollow Silvertone model 1424? Seen one locally not sure how it would be to a semi hollow. Looking to play mostly rock and blues on it. These older guitars had real cool looking pick ups
On the third one, was that a string mute on the bridge?
That is actually a really good sounding amp.
is Ventura a similar company made in those factories? i have a hollow body ventura 60s era i think. i was thinking of updating it with new pickups and hardware...
the one marked "Mayfair" is identical to my DECCA.
I have the same model Mayfair type guitar, but mine is branded 'Audition' - apart from that it is exactly the same.
I had a Audition as a first guitar brought it from Woolworths around 1972
the one on the left is a Guyatone & the next 2 guitars are made by Kawai (after 67)
Where can I get these Pickups of the Silvertone Kawai Model; they have an amazing sound.
Hi There! Great videos! Thanks for taking the time to go in depth on these awesome guitars. I have a question...I really want to pick up a vintage japanese guitar on eBay and I was wondering what you think are the best brands in terms of sound and playability?
..second one In, sounds A1 to My ear ..🔊👂
I Have one that looks like the 3 red guitar u showed , were can I get the whammy bar and spring, my came missing!
I have a Univox in emerald green. It needs to see a doctor though.
Oh man! so good!
Are they hollow body or semi hollow Brad? I freaking DIG the Teisco! I'm goona start looking for the Teisco Spectrum 5 after Christmas. I MUST have one damut!! ")
Brad if you EVER feel like just giving the Teisco away for free, I'm your man!! ")
Teisco are really cool looking guitars that sound awesome!! Nice collection brother!!
Jack ~'()'~
Canada
love this pls make more videos
I'd have the Kawai Silvertone with the black foil pups.
If you have ever seen a Japanese craftsman at work ... you will understand.
That amp sounds fantastic. Is it for sale?
66 Teisco hands down look and sound.
+ajp33green I'm leaning that way too. thick tone from that one. I like the Silvertone too. Right up there in tone. Those pickups in that one are great. After a few episodes of this, I'm really starting to get a feel for which pickups to look for, although there are MANY I haven't featured yet.
Having just looked through the pickup shootout series, it seems like you don't like hum-bucking pickups. Every single one I've seen has single coils.
The Japanese didn't really make humbuckers in the 1960s.
Is there any specific sources where I could find vintage japanese imports like these?
You're welcome to check my listings. A couple of the ones in this video, I think Istill have: louisville.craigslist.org/search/msa?query=1103
check local Craigslist and Offerups. A great online source in shopgoodwill.com they have a bunch of old japanese guitars
Liked the teisco! Listen to Jimmie Vaughn!
I learned to play on one very similar to this, it was just an earlier model, same pickups and neck. I still have it, its sitting in my dad's closet. The neck is bowed pretty badly from being leaned upon the wall in the closet. I need to take it out and repair it, I loved playing that thing. Watching this brings a sense of nostalgia for it. Wonderful video man!
Have you any guitars where the pickups have been wax potted?
All of the pickups, even on the solids have been microphonic, on a hollow-body guitar they are a disaster looking for somewhere to happen. You couldn't take any of these guitars on stage as they are.
I take it that these were the entry-level guitars of their day and so I can understand the makers not bothering to pot the pickups.
The Mayfair was the most interesting of the bunch with that banjo-like sound.
If you had those pickups waxed would that kill the unusual sound?
The Teisco looks rather odd with the rocker selector switches. Just like they were domestic light switches. Simplifies internal wiring?
Good comment. Yes, potting pickups in these would affect the tone. These are really best in low volume situations or for recording tracks. A hollowbody with microphonic pickups on a loud stage is asking for trouble, you're right.
those all sound great
nice playing too
teisco--winner!!!!!
The mayfair sounds like Banjo.
Hey, he can actually play! xD
Your a fun guy!!!!
huh. microphonic pickups on hollowbody guitars... odd, but interesting
Microphony can be a good thing.
They are microphonic for sure but the lack of a center beam is what really makes it more squealy.
I agree man. just an interesting choice for hollowbodies with no center beam as udo donotron pointed out. interesting but dope guitars
I dunno makes sense if you ask me, considering microphone pickups are used mostly for acoustic guitars
People always say "Tiesco" but it is pronounced "Teh Is Co"
please don't look at the camera and make guitar faces...
Guitars 2-3-4 were microphonic ASS.. Guitar 1 sounded good
There’s something I think I can appreciate about that sound from a hollow body. It adds character to the already pronounced resonance.
I purchased this exact Mayfair from you a good few years ago! It got a fresh set of strings, some new electronics, and a setup recently. It still sounds just as good, and man is it a looker.
Here’s a recording of it, a non-traditional use of the feedback and microphonics:
drive.google.com/file/d/18nG3aea6XXowOOQrWOd58yj9jAtTxsu_/view?usp=drivesdk
I do wish I knew where to find a replacement pick guard/bracket. Reverb perhaps.
Keep an eye on ebay or maybe think about making your own parts. Glad you're still jamming on it!