I'm trying to get info on this guitar.
Any specialists here?
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/full.jpg
Help would be appreciated.
Any specialists here?
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/full.jpg
Help would be appreciated.
What kind if guitar is this?
- Thread starter Bighand
- Start date
Sonic Misfit
New member
Bighand,
I will need more than one post to answer you question because I will be attaching some jpgs that should help you narrow down your search.
First, what you have looks like a modified Howard Roberts style guitar. The model was first produced by Epiphone, I believe in 1967. In the early 1970's a lot of other companies began ripping off the design, primarily Ibanez, Goya (Hagstrom?), and Electra, as well as some independents.
Gibson filed a lawsuit against Ibanez over the Epiphone model. The jpg attached here is an Epiphone model from 1967.
I will need more than one post to answer you question because I will be attaching some jpgs that should help you narrow down your search.
First, what you have looks like a modified Howard Roberts style guitar. The model was first produced by Epiphone, I believe in 1967. In the early 1970's a lot of other companies began ripping off the design, primarily Ibanez, Goya (Hagstrom?), and Electra, as well as some independents.
Gibson filed a lawsuit against Ibanez over the Epiphone model. The jpg attached here is an Epiphone model from 1967.
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Sonic Misfit
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Sonic Misfit
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Sonic Misfit
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Sonic Misfit
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Sonic Misfit
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Sonic Misfit
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Here is another shot of an Ibanez lawsuit model.
As you can see, your guitar has been modified on the bridge and tailpiece and may even have and additional pickup, but I would guess that it may be one of the Ibanez models that were dumped after the lawsuit since there is no brand name on the headstock.
I hope this helps. I had a lot of fun with this one.
As you can see, your guitar has been modified on the bridge and tailpiece and may even have and additional pickup, but I would guess that it may be one of the Ibanez models that were dumped after the lawsuit since there is no brand name on the headstock.
I hope this helps. I had a lot of fun with this one.
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toyL
Member
hi Bighand...I don't especially consider myself to be a "specialist", but, I do have some experience...I'll assume that it has no particular markings--serial #, manufacturer's ID #, etc...
it's a custom-built one of a kind...looks to be a very nice one at that...
Indications: 1) the inlays on the head-stock and fret-board appear to be custom designs
2) the shape of the sound-hole also appears to be a custom design
3) the unique bridge and tail-piece out-date the style of cut and finish of the top
4) there are no particular markings as to it's origin
Years ago, luthiers and other instrument makers were less likely to place their name on their creations, but, I'm going to guess that it was built fairly recently (because of it's good to excellent condition) by an "older" craftsman...the machine-heads appear to be old Grovers and the tail-piece and bridge also appear to be "quality" old parts--although I haven't a clue as to their manufacturer(s). Just a guess.
it's a custom-built one of a kind...looks to be a very nice one at that...
Indications: 1) the inlays on the head-stock and fret-board appear to be custom designs
2) the shape of the sound-hole also appears to be a custom design
3) the unique bridge and tail-piece out-date the style of cut and finish of the top
4) there are no particular markings as to it's origin
Years ago, luthiers and other instrument makers were less likely to place their name on their creations, but, I'm going to guess that it was built fairly recently (because of it's good to excellent condition) by an "older" craftsman...the machine-heads appear to be old Grovers and the tail-piece and bridge also appear to be "quality" old parts--although I haven't a clue as to their manufacturer(s). Just a guess.
Thanks for the quick responses.
The Ibanez "1970 Howard" looks like the ticket with the flame maple. There are holes where the pick up cover once was.
I have half a dozen other pictures if you need more info including the serial number.
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/body.jpg
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/gear.html
Here's another shot of the body. There is an 8 digit serial number
starting with 1755 I think. I'll have to look tonight as the digital pictures didn't transfer here last night.
Where in the heck did you find those pictures?
The Ibanez "1970 Howard" looks like the ticket with the flame maple. There are holes where the pick up cover once was.
I have half a dozen other pictures if you need more info including the serial number.
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/body.jpg
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/gear.html
Here's another shot of the body. There is an 8 digit serial number
starting with 1755 I think. I'll have to look tonight as the digital pictures didn't transfer here last night.
Where in the heck did you find those pictures?
Sonic Misfit
New member
Bighand said:
I recognized the guitar body shape and did a search for the Howard Roberts guitars. There were some pictures at various sites.
I am not sure on the serial number, but if you were to email Ibanez with the serial number, they might be able to confirm it for you.
I think that you are probably going to find out it is an Ibanez that has been reworked post "lawsuit." This could mean that Ibanez may not have the serial number in their database. You are probably correct that it will come down to headstock shape to narrow it down, but in any case you have a Howard Roberts model which is not an Epiphone.
You may want to do some reading up on Howard Roberts, you will be amazed at how much of his work you have heard including the Peter Gunn Theme and the original James Bond theme. He unfortunately passed away in 1992.
Good Luck in your quest.
Here's the serial# anyway
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/serial.jpg
Headstock
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/head.jpg
Binding
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/bind.jpg
Sonic & co.:
Thanks or the help this is a great start.
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/serial.jpg
Headstock
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/head.jpg
Binding
http://home.pacbell.net/markmars/bind.jpg
Sonic & co.:
Thanks or the help this is a great start.
Treeline
New member
Hmmm. Could we have another shot of the tuning machines, dead on from the rear? Those do NOT look like Grovers to me. You may be able to learn something from them.
Also, I'm a little confused by the post inside the body. Does that look like a later addition? Is there something going on with the instrument to suggest a need for stabilization, say, top deformation, at the upper bout on the bass side? The combination of arched (or pressed) top and oval soundholes can be structurally challenging.
You've got me curious.
Also, I'm a little confused by the post inside the body. Does that look like a later addition? Is there something going on with the instrument to suggest a need for stabilization, say, top deformation, at the upper bout on the bass side? The combination of arched (or pressed) top and oval soundholes can be structurally challenging.
You've got me curious.
Sorry the camera left the building the serial pic is the best I can get right now on the pegs. They have stars on the back.
These posts(no pun intended) inside the body, there are two, one is located on the neck side and I was able to pull it out. Haven't tried the other one. There wasn't any glue residue on it so it may be after market?
I found a vintage ibanez site and cannot find a good picture of their headstocks close up. The serial# is consistant with theirs.
I thought the first digit was a "1" I believe it to be an "I" instead showing it was made in November of 1976 and was the 5,574th guitar made that month. But, no one can confirm this assumption as of yet. The closest I can get is ibanez model # Howard Roberts #2453... But this is my guess so far. Kind of strange no name on it.
These posts(no pun intended) inside the body, there are two, one is located on the neck side and I was able to pull it out. Haven't tried the other one. There wasn't any glue residue on it so it may be after market?
I found a vintage ibanez site and cannot find a good picture of their headstocks close up. The serial# is consistant with theirs.
I thought the first digit was a "1" I believe it to be an "I" instead showing it was made in November of 1976 and was the 5,574th guitar made that month. But, no one can confirm this assumption as of yet. The closest I can get is ibanez model # Howard Roberts #2453... But this is my guess so far. Kind of strange no name on it.
Sonic Misfit
New member
Bighand,
I would be that the reason that there is no manufacturer name on the guitar is that 1976 would be AFTER the lawsuit. By that time, they were probably leaving the name off so that they could clear out their stock. That might have even been part of the settlement with Gibson.
Anyway, what is the URL of the vintage Ibanez site. I would like to take a look at what they have....Thanks
I would be that the reason that there is no manufacturer name on the guitar is that 1976 would be AFTER the lawsuit. By that time, they were probably leaving the name off so that they could clear out their stock. That might have even been part of the settlement with Gibson.
Anyway, what is the URL of the vintage Ibanez site. I would like to take a look at what they have....Thanks
Treeline
New member
Gee, this looks kinda familiar...
http://www.gbase.com/gearlist/guitar_picture.asp?guitar=232318&home=dealer
http://www.gbase.com/gearlist/guitar_picture.asp?guitar=232318&home=dealer
