Infos on an Eagle double neck

[Richie Banez]

Hi,
I've purchased this one, a few weeks ago
It's a wonderful instrument I can only find a few infos
It's, probably, a Japan made for a little french importator, late '70

If someone know more, I thank you

[VintAxe]

Hi Richie.

Based on build characteristics and the headstock inlay, I would guess your guitar was built by Matsumoku in the mid-1970's. That flower inlay is identical to the inlay used on Aria guitars and is also pretty similar to the inlay used on Ibanez guitars.

I don't have a picture of an Aria double neck from this time period to compare to your guitar.

Here is a picture of an Ibanez double neck from 1976. Although obviously different body style, pick ups etc., it does look like it could possibly be related to your guitar.

[Richie Banez]

thanks Vintaxe for your quick answer
I know that, because I have a 2402 ! lol



but the headstock of the 12 str is not the double of a 6 strings
Is there an association with Terada or Nanyo Boeki ?
I cannot find more than fragments of informations !

thanx once more

[Richie Banez]

You're absolutely right about the logo :
I took a picture, we can see the proof !lol





Eagle = Ibanez but different in the catalog

[VintAxe]

Hey Richie.

Here is the same inlay being used on a 1973 Aria hollowbody. It was this similarity that made me think Matsumotu might be the source of your Eagle. I've heard rumor that Matsumotu did some contract building for Ibanez but I'm not sure if or when. Anyway, I bet your Eagle is either Fujigen or Matsumotu.



According to Ibanez: The Untold Story, early Hoshino guitars were made by Tokyo Sound Co. Once this relationship dissolved, Hoshino used the Fujigen Gakki of Matsumoto factory. I don't think Hoshino sold Terada built instruments until the mid 1980's.

Edit: After digging a bit more, it appears that there is scant evidence that Matsumoku built guitars for Ibanez.

[Richie Banez]

thanks

I cannot have a definitve opinion now, but when you look at the Aria headstock, you can see the "flower" is exactly at the same position than the Eagle - that is not the case for the Ibanez that,IMO , the inlay is in the middle of the headstock (considering the length)

Sorry, my English is bad, I have difficulties to say exactly what I want !

the flower-inlay is between the "middle-mechanics" on the Ibz
and exactly like the Aria on the Eagle.

and...so what ?
It is not a clue, just a look at !

I think that "exactly" is the word of the day!

I'm sure that small details are missing to solve the mystery

[VintAxe]

You may want to do a comparison of the pots used on your Eagle and Ibanez. If they come from the same supplier it will be additional evidence that the two guitars came from the same factory.

[Richie Banez]

I can only know that the pots are japanese
Because buttons/covers (please tell me) are US and were forced on the
pots to fit

[VintAxe]

The "knobs" as in Volume knob or Tone knob.

I was thinking you could unscrew the control cavity cover and look at the stamp on the pot cover. This may be more trouble than it is worth.

Can you post a clearer picture of the neck plate? This could be the key to identification. From what I can see in the current pictures it looks like the neck plate is stamped "Steel Adjustable Neck" which would be consistent with Matsumoku production. How do the neck plates compare between the two guitars?

[Richie Banez]

thanks for "knobs"

the best pic I can do now :



I'll show you the electronic cavity tomorrow, if you want
but have a look at the pickups
One is a DM PAF PRO (zebra) I think the 3 others are originals, just stamped/carved "S"

[VintAxe]

Hi Richie.

The picture is good. After getting a better view of the neck plate, I'm convinced your guitar was made by Matsumoku rather than Fujigen.

Matsumoku neck plates were generally stamped "Matsumoku" or "Steel Adjustable Neck". I wish I had my 1970's Aria handy to compare neck plates but it is buried in one of many possible piles of guitars.

Hopefully our Matsumoku expert Jon will stop by and offer his assessment.

[Richie Banez]

Is he Jon AKA Bassassin ?

[VintAxe]

That's the man. I think he is pretty active on the Guitar Gallery forum. Now that we have reasonable evidence it is a Matsumoku built guitar you may want to post some pictures on the Guitar Gallery forum to see what they think. There are several knowledgeable members on that forum, it would be useful to get their opinions.

[Richie Banez]

as requested, I took a pic of the pots, but it seems they are
not originals




Can we learn something though ?