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Thread: Looking for information about a no name tenor guitar

  1. #1

    Default Looking for information about a no name tenor guitar

    I'm looking at a tenor guitar that has "Howard" stamped on it. I'm guessing it's just a rebranded Korean import but if anyone can date the instrument or provide additional insight, I would appreciate it.

    https://static-mercariapp-com.akamai...jpg?1513006135

    https://static-mercariapp-com.akamai...jpg?1513006135

    https://static-mercariapp-com.akamai...jpg?1513006135

  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for information about a no name tenor guitar

    Here's a bit of research into "Howard" branded instruments. The most exciting possibility is Epiphone, but also the least likely; Howard-branded Epiphone guitars are apparently rarer than rare, and appear to be up-scale models. Howard instruments made in Japan are generally labeled "1960's," so that might be an approximate date. There also were Howard guitars sold through the Wurlitzer chain of music stores, earlier in the last century.

    Yours looks Gibson-esque, definitely not upscale, but also -- in its plainness -- suggestive of a budget-line American instrument rather than an Asian import. Any provenance (history) that you know of?
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  4. #3

    Default Re: Looking for information about a no name tenor guitar

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    Here's a bit of research into "Howard" branded instruments. The most exciting possibility is Epiphone, but also the least likely; Howard-branded Epiphone guitars are apparently rarer than rare, and appear to be up-scale models. Howard instruments made in Japan are generally labeled "1960's," so that might be an approximate date. There also were Howard guitars sold through the Wurlitzer chain of music stores, earlier in the last century.

    Yours looks Gibson-esque, definitely not upscale, but also -- in its plainness -- suggestive of a budget-line American instrument rather than an Asian import. Any provenance (history) that you know of?
    I don't know anything about this guitar except that it looks like a Gibson clone. The previous owner knows nothing about it except that it may be associated with Wurlitzer. I'm not sure this is based on actual instrument knowledge or just by googling. Once I receive it, I'll see if there are any other markings which can nail it down. I bought it for $80 shipped. I'd be happy if it's playable. Any actual tone or intonation would be a bonus. I expect I'll at least have to have it setup professionally.

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  6. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for information about a no name tenor guitar

    Only one company I know of used that bridge. $80.00 shipped is a good price. I believe it was made in Chicago but I'm trying to do some more research. The truss rod cover has me confused.
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