Conqueror Bruno...??? About 45 years old?? Details...

[gozagswoohoo]

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I'm glad I found this site, it looks really nice. I'm a beginner, and have been playing on a basic acoustic guitar for about 5 months now. I was speaking with my mother recently, and she told me that my late grandfather was a very good guitar player, and she thought a relative may still have his old guitar. I went and did a little digging, and sure enough, I found this old electric guitar. My mom started crying when she saw it, just because it brought back memories of him playing it for the family.

Here is what I know, and this comes either from something I have read on the guitar, or from a family member.

We think the guitar is late 60's...the neck says "Conqueror" pretty big, and under it in small print, it says "Bruno". It's black and gold in color, and has 3 or 4 volume control (or something along those lines) knobs on the face of the guitar next to the strings. On the back, it says it's made in Japan.



Any idea what it's worth? Also, any general info on the guitar is very much appreciated!

Take care,
Nathan

[gozagswoohoo]

Even a mild guess is greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

[VintAxe]

Hey Nathan,

No one is going to be able to help you with value until the model is identified. Unfortunately, your description fits all electric guitars; I can't even tell if the guitar is a solid body or hollow body from your description.

Conqueror Bruno was a name used by Kaman Music Corporation in the late 1960's. Most of the guitars they imported and badged Conqueror Bruno were Arias.

Let's start by figuring out what you have. If you can't add a picture to you post (instructions under Help and Guidelines) go to my Guitar Gallery and see if your instrument is a 335 copy like my Conqueror.

Here's the link:

[gozagswoohoo]

Oops...sorry, I didn't realize how vague of a description I was giving...

I took some pics, hope this helps. THANKS!








And it seems to be hollow....hope this helps! Thanks again

[VintAxe]

Hey Nathan,

Your guitar was built by Matsumoku, the same company that built Arias. It is a Gibson 335 copy. Judging from the pickups, headstock shape and tailpiece, I would say it was built in the early 1970's rather than the late 1960's.

Japanese built 335 copies from this era are very common. For an insurance value, I would say the guitar is worth around $300. However, since there are so many of these 335's in the market, a patient shopper can probably pick one up for less than $300.

Given the setimental value the instrument has to you and your mother I doubt you want to sell it. I say play it and don't worry if you give it another bump or two.

[gozagswoohoo]

Wow, thanks for all of that Vintaxe! I appreciate it more than you know. And you are exactly right about the sentimental value...I doubt I would have sold it even if you said it was worth $1000 or something. I'm gonna spend a little money to get it restored to as good of a condition as possible, and start playing it for fun. I'm probably going to have it restored and surprise my mom with it or something.

Anyways, thanks again!!!!