For Sale: REALLY nice vintage instrument... Guitar is not marked except for a sticker on back of the headstock that says "S-204". Am confident it was made in Japan by Terada who made almost identical versions and other guitars under their own name and for National, Cortez, Aria, Ibanez, Gretsch, Orville, Sigma, etc. etc.
Appears to be all original. Action is nice and low and there is no fret buzz all the way up the neck which looks very straight to me. Real abalone or similar shell type neck inlays. Neck binding has some yellowing and age related surface cracks in places but it's not loose at all and doesn't cause any problems. Tuners am sure are original as is the adjustable bridge and bone saddle. Nut is probably original. Internally has extensive bracing which has kept the top and back very flat for the past 50 or so years. As you can see in the photos at least some of the internal bracing was put in on an angle for unknown reason which might make this a one of the kind guitar.
Great tone. Very playable and easy on the fingers. This guitar lets you play sweet sounding bar cords all the way up the neck easier than any guitar I've ever owned. Don't think it needs anything except maybe a new set of strings but since it probably hasn't been played much or set up in the last 40 years would be a good idea to have your guitar guy go over it, maybe adjust things.
Amazing condition, near mint. Super clean. Beautiful blonde wood. Assuming the top is spruce and the back and sides are blond maple. Probably rosewood fret board. Neck might be maple, interesting two tone construction at the neck joint.
Includes inexpensive chipboard case with replaced cord handle, decent shape, probably original with a Chet's Music Center, 186 Scotch Road, Trenton music store label. Apparently never traveled far once it came over to the US in the 70's.
Higher resolution photos available on request.
Email for a shipping quote - should be between $12.99 and $32.99 if you in the USA. (Nov. 2024).
