Saturday 29 December 2012

1957 Ibanez Hi-Tone early Japanese solid body


This 1957 Ibanez Hi-Tone is a collector's dream (if its eBay seller is right about it - I couldn't find any other information source). One of the first Ibanez ever built, it also has an original though very simple design, and quite special hardware with a compensated bridge and a stoptail that I'm surprised didn't become a standard (must have a flaw, though I cannot guess what) -  and it has a maple body.

Thanks to David for sending a link to this guitar! 

Bertram D

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12 comments:

  1. Beautiful Design. Simple and elegant.

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  2. I have seen this model branded as "Guyatone". It's funny how it looks almost prehistoric compared with American guitars from the same era.

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  3. ok, I love that tailpiece. MUST. COPY. IMMEDIATELY. Where's Bertram?

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    Replies
    1. well, I could do something like this by hand with a piece of aluminium and a roundheaded hammer... :-)

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  4. Anonymous11:57 am

    The "flaw" would probably be that if you're a bit of a butterfingers like me, it would be hard to keep the ball ends of the strings in place while you restring it. I've got a similar tailpiece on my Kay and it drives me up the wall. Awesome guitar though, I particularly like the chunky bridge!

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  5. Looks like the bridge isn't in the right position, so set up definitely. Price doesn't seem outrageous (yet). Includes OHSC, which is pretty unusual.

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  6. I actually have one its a special peice and it plays wellall i did was clean the volume and tone pods, and put new quality wireing.Its really cool i took the pickgaurd off and the finish was bright as the sun this guitar is fully functional if you're interested
    guitarguru@gmail.com

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  7. Yes its a gem and I'd be willing to bet there's not very many out there. I happen to be a proud owner of one of these gems myself I found it in a garage a friend of mine lived in he said he found it in a dumpster in Beaverton Oregon I wondered about four and a half years maybe five and a half when I first got it I couldn't find any information on it what a find I paid less than $100 for it I can tell by looking at the woodwork that it was worth well more than that wow any offers

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  8. I have a 1957 Ibanez High tone in excellent shape I can't believe I scored this thing I bought it Dirt Cheap the guy didn't know what he had neither did I I need to find out if there's people interested in this and I also need to find out how to get it authenticated or appraised if you can help me email me at lds232367@gmail.com

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  9. I've got one and everything is there
    Haven't done anything to it,other than put a 3/4 jack and
    On it rewired it because it was so bad and scratchy you couldn't play
    The thing otherwise I wiped it down with a wet rag and looking for the right offer thanks

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  10. This is not Ibanez. It's made BY Guyatone.
    Ibanez products say Ibanez on them.

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  11. This is a Guyatone LG-40. Nothing to do with Ibanez ;)

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