ES 175 Copy 1964

[marty tuff]

Trying to identify this ES175D copy from 1964. My Dad bought it for £150 in Edinburgh in 1964 and was told it was Japanese and that the copy was so close to the Gibson that there were no markings or serial numbers on it. I have had a good look inside the body & at the pickups but can find nothing whatsoever. I would really like to id the guitar as I am in the process of selling it on evil bay would like some idea of its true value. I will be taking some more (better) pictures in daylight which will no doubt help. Any thoughts would be most welcome.

Marty

http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/67194564

[cheepaxes]

Boy, ya got me. The wooden plaque on the tailpiece reminds me of someting I've seen on Matsumoku-made instruments (Aria, Epiphone, Univox) from the '70s. Those tuning peg covers are strange. I don't think I've seen those on anything before.

Good luck finding more info.

-Scott

[VintAxe]

Hi Marty,

I've done some investigation and at the moment I think your guitar was made by Honey. This was a company that was formed after the 1967 Teisco-Kawai merger by former employees of Teisco.

If I'm right, your 1964 date is off a few years. If you're certain beyond any doubt on the 1964 date then I must be wrong since Honey didn't produce guitars until 1967.

Unfortunately, this is the best picture I have of the ES175 copy made by Honey:

[marty tuff]

I have to admit the picture of the 'Honey' 175 does look pretty close. The position of the pickup selector is the only one I have seen like it & the hardware looks very similar. I think the year of purchase is probably pretty accurate. Is it possible that the guitar was a prototype to test the water? Funny that it should end up in Edinburgh. Still no idea on its value but assuming it was a 'Honey' would you be able to venture a guess??

Thanks so much for your efforts & interest.

Marty

[VintAxe]

Hey Marty,

I really have no objective way of valuing you guitar since these noname Japanese guitars are not listed in price guides.

My "feeling" is that this guitar should bring $350 USD at the bottom and possibly $550 USD at the top. If it were mine, I wouldn't sell it for less than $350.

There is a guitar similar to yours built by Kasuga in another thread. He's having difficulty determining value as well.

[marty tuff]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have put some more photos on photobox. I think you are probably about right on the value. I will let you know how I get on.

Best wishes,

Marty

[MErlenmeyer]

Here's a Jedson that is very similar. Probably made by the same Japanese manufacturer. I can't confirm that Teisco made these. Jedsons were sold between 1969 and 1974 if that helps.

I have been calling the Jedson a L4-CES copy, not an ES-175.




More pics at: