Know anything about this Decca guitar?

[Riotonsunset]

I got this at my local music store.I traded them 3 plastic ukuleles and $50 for it.Well,they gave me a new Kaces gigbag too.It had a professional setup so it plays wells and and the electronic work fine.

I like the chunky LP style neck.And those pickups are pretty wild.What kinda wood do you think it is made of?Plywood?Do you think it is worth more than $50?

Why does this japanese guitar have a Decca logo(TM) on the headstock?Was Decca trying to get into the guitar business(like CBS) or were they made as premiums for joining the Decca Record Club?

Sorry the photos are bad,the pickguard is chrome but it looks black in the photo.Is this made by Teisco?The pickups look like Teisco pickups.

I have seen a photo of the same guitar(only in a greenish sunburst) with the name "Knox" on the headstock.

[Spud1950]

[Riotonsunset]

Ok,thanks Spud!

[VintAxe]

Hey Riotonsunset, I can probably add a bit more information to what Spud1950 has told you.

Like a lot of companies, MCA through Decca Records was looking to capitalize on the success of the Beatles in the mid 1960's and decided to diversify into musical instruments. I find this somewhat ironic since Decca had passed on signing the Beatles back in 1962.

Your guitar model is the DMI-299 and was produced near the end of Decca's involvement in importing guitars. A DMI-199 (the single pup version) is pictured in my 1968 Decca literature and your guitar was likely produced around the same time.

Earlier Deccas were literally rebranded Teiscos but by 68 both Kawai and Zen-On guitars were being badged Decca. Yours is a Kawai/Teisco.

I can assure you the body is plywood. The good news is your guitar has the gold foil pickups that are associated with Ry Cooder and considered very desirable. I've seen the pups alone sell for $75 apiece so I'd say you made a nice deal.

[Spud1950]

Right. I forgot about the Teisco Gold Foil pickup craze, although in the past few months from what I've seen on eBay,it seems to be slowing down. Looks like they're not getting grabbed up at those high prices like they used to.