Eko Guitars

Subject: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Ian Darby
Date: 28 Apr 02 - 09:56 PM

The first decent guitar I got was an Eko Ranger Six. (I've had it about 33 years.)

Its the only one I've managed to hold on to and would never flog no matter how skint I was.

I've refretted it myself about four times, but the fingerboard is now totally beyond help.

Does anyone please know where I can buy a spare neck until I can afford to have the current one restored by somebody who, unlike me, knows what they're doing?

I know I'm going to get some stick off those of you who play Martin, Gibson, Louden etc, and you'd be right, but this thing is a real sweetheart, and has great sentimental value.

I'm probably opening up a bit too much here, but I swear it smells the same now as the day I bought it. You know, when you sniff the soundhole and get that heady mix of wood and glue....

I'm just glad I didn't start a thread on 'instrument sniffing'.

Thanks, Ian.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 28 Apr 02 - 10:33 PM

One place to ask is Subway Guitars in Berkeley California. They were one of the people who bought out the EKO distributors warehouse about 15 years ago. They sell a fair number of EKO remanufactured guitars. Subway Guitars It's best to phone them if you are in North America, Fatdog doesn't really like e-mail.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 28 Apr 02 - 11:15 PM

Ian, when I was a college student in London in fall of 1975, I decided to buy a guitar in Britain, rather than take the one I had with me. The one I bought was an Eko Ranger 6. I, also, had no complaints about it. Money was tight (I think I paid less than 50 pounds for it), so I practiced three hours a day. I recall going to folk clubs and watching guitar players and going back to my flat and practicing what I saw. I sold the guitar when I flew back to Chicago (had no way to carry it with me, with all the other luggage and school stuff). All in all I found it quite a responsive guitar.

--Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: mooman
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 03:41 AM

Ah yes I remember these fondly. My first "proper acoustic" was also an Eko Ranger 6 which I bought from my odd job money when I was about 12 or 13. It served me very well for a good 10 years until I could afford to buy my first "good" guitar. The bolt on neck should render it possible to find a replacement pending repair of the existing one.

I'm not sure where you are Ian. The Berkeley link above could be useful but, if you're in Europe, I could make some enquiries this side of the pond.

I play Lakewood and Lowden/Flambeau now but wouldn't dream of knocking the affordable and reliable Eko which really got me into blues and folk music at an early age.

Best regards,

mooman

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 04:43 AM

Me too -- first steel string guitar, should never have let it go, etc. But.... a couple of years ago I was looking to buy a travel guitar to take on holidays abroad. I'd tried a Backpacker, but found the shape difficult to hold and not enough body to give it any real acoustic presence. I was in Milton Keynes outdoor market and checked out a stall that sells instruments, where I found a wierd hybrid. An Eko 6-string neck on a round-backed mandolin body. Perfect! Small enough to go in the overhead locker on a plane, but with enough space inside the body to give it a decent acoustic tone --- and it has a pick up. It also cost about half as much as the Martin. Anyway, the guy on the stall told me that he knew the guy who made it, from a load of old Eko stock that he bought when they closed down. Mine was apparently the third one he'd made and the first with electrics. I'll try to get in to the market this week and see if I can get a contact number for the guy with the Eko stock -- he might just have some necks left!

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:03 AM

But they are remarkably heavy creatures to lug about.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: tooligan
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 06:14 AM

I started with an Eko in 1974. It cost me £32 and I bought it from Bruce Millars in George Street, Aberdeen. I sold it about ten years later. Then I was in Sound Control in Kirkcaldy about 5 years ago and saw a second hand Eko ranger 6 for sale. I had my son with me and I was telling him about my one. My one, I said, had a varnish crack just below the scratch board. He pointed out that the one on show also had a crack. Yep it was mine. A happy end to the story? Naw, I never bought it. I play an Ovation Elite now and wouldn't part with it.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 06:59 AM

Likewise one of my first serious guitars was an EKO Ranger 12, which I used as a six string. It had a fabulous neck and action, which, after playing a £5 mongrel "spanish" thing, helped me improve a lot. I bought it back in about 1971 off my old mate John Norton, who taught me to play fingerstyle, and sold it to a guy with long blonde hair who use it as a 12-string to play David Bowie stuff. And, yes, it was heavy!

Pete

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Kernow John
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:18 AM

I wonder how many of these are still around. I think mine was the model before the Ranger.
Sadly it folded in half after many years of ill treatment busking on the streets etc. But my better half still has hers and I swear it's got the best action of any guitar I've played, something to do with that extra fret at the nut?
KJ

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Wesley S
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 11:21 AM

I wouldn't be suprised if one of my arms is longer than the other one because of how heavy my Eko 12 string was. I bought mine in Florida around 1967 or 68. It was a great guitar to get started with. Good luck with your search.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 11:48 AM

I've only recently rediscovered my very first new guitar. I bought an EKO Ranger6 for £35 in 1972 after getting my first booking and gigged with it for a number of years until I traded up. After a chance meeting with an old pal it came to light that he was in possession of it and was prepared to let me have it back. It plays and feels exactly as it did all those years ago. The bracing and steel neck rod makes them virtually indestructable although the tone suffers as a result and it is a seriously heavy guitar. Sorry I can't help re; the neck replacement but I'm right with you on the sentiment.I certainly won't let it go a second time!

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 02:12 PM

If you are in the UK-you could try;

BRANDONI GUITARS. tel:[phone]. Unit 3.6. Wembly commercial centre. East Lane. Wembley. Middlesex. They specialise in old guitar parts, customs and kits etc.

I have 2 12 strings. One used as a six. Heavy, yes, but the necks stay true even after many years of ill use. I found they have very hard frets-so last a long time. My Oldest is a 1968, my other about 1973 (they changed the necks and headstock about then) I prefer the oldest.

There is one for sale in the music room for £100.00! (A later model)

Richard-did you buy yours in Peckham or Brixton? Got mine in Brixton round the corner from the town hall.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 02:30 PM

www.brandoniguitars.co.uk Should be a clicky thing, but I'm thick!

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:31 PM

Try this

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:36 PM

Boy! you've no idea how good that feels! I've actually made my first real clicky thing! There's no stopping me now!

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: mooman
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:39 PM

Eric,

I travelled all the way to Tooting (Tooting Music Centre) for mine (my mum used to work in Tooting so I got to know the shop!

Richard

P.S. For our transatlantic colleagues, indeed there are hamlets with names like Peckham, Dorking and Tooting in the UK!

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:59 PM

Moonman, you make us sound like we're living in an Ealing comedy film! By the way, you didn't mention Chipping- Sodbury!

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: mooman
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 08:02 PM

I didn't mention Middle Wallop either!

Whoops! (8>(

mooman

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Ian Darby
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 08:40 PM

Thanks a lot, it's not just me then!

Rolfboy6, Thanks for the link but I live in England. I'll have a look at the site anyway, and if I can't get sorted out over here I'll get in touch with them.

Also, may I take this opportunity to thank you American types for the 'Down From The Mountain' video. Be proud, be very proud...

Eric the Viking; thank you, I'd seen Brandoni Guitars advertised in guitar mags but had forgotten all about it.

C-Flat; They ARE virtually indestuctible, I dropped mine down the stairs, the body suffered a few cracks and part of the back came away from the sides.

I glued all the undone parts with evo stick, and in the absence of any G Clamps or woodworking stuff to hold everything together, I put a washing machine on the poor thing overnight. Job done. May God forgive me.

Also, when going through our Pub Rock phase I converted the unfortunate instrument to a 'Semi Electric' by fastening a 3 quid electric pickup across the soundhole with two drawing pins. The pickup used to drop into the guitar two or three times over the course of the gig, much to the amusement of the audience. (And Swan.)

Eric the V & Cb, I'm going to try out the blue clicky thing in a minute, Thanks again.

Phil Cooper, Thanks Pal, I improved the sound of mine by nicking one of my Mam's knives out of the cutlery draw, cutting off the handle, and fashioning it into a new bridge piece, it produced a much brighter sound.

mooman; I think I'm on the same side of the pond as you, thanks for your kind offers of assistance, but with any luck I should be able to sort things things out by clicking on the 'Brandoni Guitars' thingy. Will be in touch if I don't.

Bullfrog Jones; An Eko neck on a Mandolin body with a pickup? You have built up a little picture in my mind which will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thanks.(I think.)

Actually, if we could get these manufactured with a Floyd Rose Whammy Bar we could probably sell them to the 'Poodle Rock' chappies. I bet Nigel Tuffnel (at least) would buy one.

Mc Grath: They are heavy, but not as heavy as my brother.

Tooligan; You probably did right....

Pete J; I had an Eko 12 string which I flogged to pay my car tax. It sounded great, but every time I put it on the headstock used to point downwards with such enthusiasm that I was convinced I'd struck oil or water. I never had the bottle to dowse for Ley Lines with the thing.

Kernow John; How many frets did yours have? I stuck an extra couple on mine just for the hell of it.

I would also like to say that if you live/make your living in Cornwall I hate you and everything you stand for, you lucky stiff. Do you ever get to the sessions at the 'Welly' in Boscastle, or the 'Gurnards Head' a bit further down?

Wesley S; I think the same guy designed the Gibson SG (especially the Double neck.)

C-Flat; I don't know how to tell you this, but if you're living in this sceptic isle, you ARE living in an Ealing comedy.

Thanks for all of your replies to this thread.

Ian.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 08:57 PM

Don't know the models but I used to know someone with an Eko 12 string. I seem to remember it being a bit heavy in weight but it played well and had a great sound. Wouldn't have minded owning it...

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: harpmaker
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 10:07 PM

My thanks go to; 1. Erick the viking,-- because I spilt me drink when It read-- "Should be a clicky thing, but I'm thick!"----- And; 2.-C Flat, for This,-- "Boy! you've no idea how good that feels! I've actually made my first real clicky thing! There's no stopping me now!"--Very humerous, - John.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: YOR
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 10:16 PM

Stewart MacDonald is and excellent supply house for anything guitar and instrument related. Parts, kits, pieces, tools, they have everything. www.stewmac.com I think!

I'm with you Ian, I've been woodworking for about 30 years and would not want to try a job like that. I don't think the nerves could take it.

Frank Ford's www.frets.com is also a great site.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Kernow John
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:18 AM

Hate to say this Ian but yes downshifted to Cornwall work 2 days a week with kids and computers.
Been to the Gurnards several times, played a few Friday night gigs there and meet up with Harry Safari on a regular basis.
Have yet to get to the Welli but know Dave Leggat a concertina player from the session there.
Regards
KJ

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Melbert
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:35 AM

I still have my first guitar...an EKO Ranger 12 string which I got from a mail order catalogue in 1966 for the princely sum of £34 (including a hard case). The varnish is badly cracked on the face now, but I still play it occasionally. It's been a faithful old friend and I'd never think of selling. I'd consider having it refinished, though I guess the cost would be prohibitive.....

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:56 AM

I too still have my EKO Ranger 6, 30 years on. Bought
it from Bedford Musical Industries (Mr Music)but can't
remember how much I paid for it.
I bashed it up pretty badly a few years ago and bought
a Seagull to replace it. But I will never let it go
too many good memories.
It always stays in tune, has an action to die for and
a neck that has only ever been adjusted once.

Cheers Gary

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:58 AM

I too still have my EKO Ranger 6, 30 years on. Bought
it from Bedford Musical Industries (Mr Music)but can't
remember how much I paid for it.
I bashed it up pretty badly a few years ago and bought
a Seagull to replace it. But I will never let it go
too many good memories.
It always stays in tune, has an action to die for and
a neck that has only ever been adjusted once.

Cheers Gary

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: GMT
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 07:01 AM

Sorry the guest was me.
Double post and no cookie (just not my day).
Gary

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: songs2play
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 07:11 AM

First decent guitar I bought at 16 years old (that's 33 years ago now) was the Eko Ranger 6, and I've still got it, and it's going strong. It was definitely built to last, as it took some hammer in the early years. bought it in a music shop in Cardiff, but can't remember the name. It's funny how your memory goes as you get older. I wonder when they stopped making them - if they ever did ?

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 07:30 AM

Hey Gary, if you bought yours from Mr. Music, was Sid Worth there at that time. Following his departure from the Music Centre, he now runs Live Sounds in Harpur Street.

You still in the area? (I'm in Bromham).

Pete

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Grab
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 12:03 PM

A friend in Cambridge has just acquired one. He's refretted it and done a good job of it - the action and intonation are really nice. Unfortunately he's got serious hand/wrist problems following surgery so he can only use ultra-light strings on it, which is a shame as it'd sound nicer with heavier strings. Still a decent guitar though, although the neck attachment makes it look less than attractive inside though.

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 02:02 PM

They were made by Rossetti-I believe, stopped in the mid 70's, couldn't compete with the cheaper guitars I think, and also they were stopped as imports. I believe you could still get them in Europe-a bit like Levin's, still made, but not seen in the UK. Made from good woods though.And true-I'd never get rid of mine either.

Harpmaker-you are very welcome, no offence taken, pleased someone sees the funny side of me being less bright than a Mazda sometimes!

cheers all.

Maybe there should be an Eko gathering?

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: harpmaker
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:32 PM

Cheers Eric, Iam shure your very bright for making such a comment! Still laughing!-John.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:39 PM

Ian, if you are near Toronto, I have an Eko with a good neck and a body that is in rough shape

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: Ian Darby
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 07:34 PM

Thanks Paul,

Unfortunately I'm in the UK.

Ian.

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: harpmaker
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 07:55 PM

could'nt you guy's post?

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: 53
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 09:43 PM

Who makes Eko and what does one look like?

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: songs2play
Date: 01 May 02 - 02:49 AM

There's a nice picture on following web page. http://users.utu.fi/siolna/eko.html

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: GMT
Date: 02 May 02 - 04:12 AM

Pete, hi

I can't remember the chaps name, he had curly hair !

He still owned the building when Mr Fish was based
there.

My EKO has given me many years of pleasure even if I
still only have one picking pattern and use cheat
sheets after all this time. I'm only playing to myself
anyway.

Yes I live in Bedford (but I don't brag about it ;).
Cheers Gary (I bet the line breaks don't work)

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 04 May 02 - 09:28 AM

I was interested to discover that EKO were originally accordian manufacturers based in Recanati,Italy, and shifted production to electric guitars with the waning popularity of squeezeboxes. Their first guitars, built in 1961, were similar to Fenders Jazzmaster but were adorned with squeeze-box sparkly moulded plastic and multi-coloured pearl. They also had lots of accordian-style knobs and switches! Presumably the Ranger accoustics followed later!

Subject: RE: BS: Eko Guitars
From:
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 08:44 AM

Where's the bloody PIK's - cheapskate EKO owners ?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 11:48 AM

Well here's a nice picture just for you Mick, submitted at great personal expense, I might add!!
C-flat.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 12:11 PM

I had an EKO Ranger 6 many years ago, but beside the weight (although probably also due to it) I found that I could never get much volume of sound out of it. That great big block of wood where the neck bolts on (just like a solid electric guitar) seemed to take away a lot of the resonance. Isn't the front table plywood - it definitely had a very hard varnish on it. I found it an easy box to play, but unamplified it just wasn't up to acompanying my (not very quiet) voice in pubs etc.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,baillie
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 12:36 PM

I used to play in a band with a guy who had an old EKO and he reckoned he'd used it as a sledge one snowy day! they certainly were well made and good value for money!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 12:47 PM

That's right Dave, plywood top and enough internal bracing to support a motorway fly-over doesn't do a lot for the sound projection but you can beat the crap out of them for thirty years and it will sound and play the same as the day it was made!
I always used mine with a clip on pick-up but the quality of Seventies technology left a lot to be desired and I found I had to tape over a couple of the pick-ups that were too sensitive and add a few extra lashings of tape to keep the thing in place!
It's testament to the manufacturers that so many of them are still in regular use.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 01:07 PM

Great pic's. But mine have a white EKO badge with black lettering One of mine is light stained as in the pic's but the other is a really dark (Is it sunburst?)fading to lighter colour in the centre. My 12 string has two transducers underneath the bridge. Still sounds good!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: weerover
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 01:40 PM

I'm more singer than musician, but my first was an EKO6 and experience was similar to previous posts: good action but low in volume projection. Didn't know about the detachable neck - my playing partner dropped it on stage and the neck came away from the body, maybe it wasn't as wrecked as we thought (never mind, he bought a Yamaha FG180 as a replacement and I still have it 25 years on). I now also have an EKO bouzouki, all black with mother-of-pearl inlay, can't do anything flash with it but it's a beautiful piece of work.

wr

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Lanfranc
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 02:53 PM

Apart from the log holding the neck and body together, the other reason for the weight of Ekos is that some of them (mine at least) had a neck made of what appeared to be solid ebony! I remember having to hold the neck of my Ranger 12 at all times, lest the weight of it cause it to rotate on the strap and do me a mortal injury with the peghead. It could have been worse, they could have used lignum vitae!

I traded mine in for a Gibson B45-12 in the late 60s - a very different animal, but nowhere near as robust.

Thanks for the memories!

Alan

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: fiddler
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 03:01 PM

yer a pile of old softies even if I do know aht you mean - I sueed to play a 12 sting owned by a pal of mine - magic.

A
XX

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 09:13 PM

A gal that plays with the Praise Team in our parish plays an old Eko 12 string. I keep trying to talk her out of it, but it was the first one she ever got and she won't part with it. I guess I will have to mug her for it..............LOL.

Mick

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: songs2play
Date: 28 Mar 03 - 02:44 AM

My Eko is 34 years old on May 27th and she doesn't look a day older than when I got her, apart from a couple of chips and scratches around the edges.

Piccy of her with her friend the Resonator - both about the same weight.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 28 Mar 03 - 04:33 AM

As regulars to this forum know, I know nowt about music and less about instruments. However, I know my Greek guitarist mate Yorgos Glinatsis was playing a beat up Eko acoustic (amplifier fitted but he always plays acoustic in the taverna). He told me he had it from a teenager and it accompanied him throughout his student and National Service days where his playing paid his way, so it must be 30 odd years old now. Then about five years ago he got a Yamaha 12-string and about 3 years a go an Ovation 6-string for playing in the taverna (he also has assorted Fenders, Gibsons and Bouzoukis at home he used when he was a professional playing the clubs). He prefers the 12-string (and his Bill Sables personal guitar strap has pride of place on it)and he manages to make it sound like a bouzouki at times without re-tuning or capos.
The Eko is now only an ornament on the bar, available for any customer who wants to play, but being in the sun has taken its toll on the glue as the top is beginning to come away from the side. Now guests get offered the Ovation to play instead. Me, I stick to the kazoo!

RtS

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GMT
Date: 28 Mar 03 - 10:49 AM

songs2play, that is an early one. It has the diamond motive round the sound hole, rather than the concentric circles of the later ones.

Mine took a beating a year or so back and wouldn't stay in tune, but low and behold it seems to have got over the shock now and stays where she's put. It took a while though and I HAD to get another to replace it ;-)

Cheers Gary

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From:
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:30 PM

Cheers C-C              But where's the sparklie EKO pik's U promised ??????? I had 2 in the early '60's 1 Gold & 1 a Beauty Blue - They were definitly my prize ' Howdee dodee push button' axes - wish I still had 'em - -    Tears etc.

          best wishes an aging Rocker                   Mick

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: songs2play
Date: 02 Apr 03 - 01:53 AM

GMT, Thanks for the information about the diamond pattern around the sound hole, something I never realised. I don't suppose you've got any dates when they used this pattern ?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 02 Apr 03 - 01:37 PM

OK GuestMick, here's
a nice picture of an Eko with buttons on!


And just to prove it isn't only old folkies that play Ekos here's some interesting signature models.

Can't find any good pictures of "sparkly" Ekos though, sorry!:-)

C-flat.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GMT
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 02:48 AM

songs2play, not too sure of the exact vintage but mine has the diamonds and is circa 1971, by the late 70's i'm sure the circles had arrived.

What are these picture of electrics ? are they by the same maker ?

Cheers
Gary

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Fossil
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 10:55 AM

At one time I had both an Eko 6 and a 12-string. Agree with most of what's said above - heavy, not a particularly good tone or action but practically bullet-proof. The 12 I sold on for not a lot of money, but the 6 lived with me for many years until I accidentally killed it - the fingerboard fell off and I unthinkingly used superglue to stick it back on with. This instantly wrecked the tone and volume of sound to the point at which I had to buy another guitar immediately to replace it. I sold the Eko in a garage sale here in Belgium and have never seen it since. Ah me - another memory sparked off by 'cattin'!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 10:57 AM

GMT, Eko made a whole range of instruments including accordians, mandolins, banjos, semi accoustic jazz guitars and solid bodies.
Here's a few more!

C-flat.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GMT
Date: 04 Apr 03 - 03:05 AM

Wow C-flat, that's an eye opener.

I knew about the accordians but didn't realise the range of guitars was so vast. Thanks for the pictures, I particularly like the f-hole.

Cheers
Gary

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: songs2play
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 10:03 AM

There's an Eko for sale on e-bay here, it's worth a look at, for interest's sake.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Gavin
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 08:31 PM

Brings back memories of an Eko 12 string I picked up cheap in Egypt - I only bought it cos it had a hard case which I could then use for my six-string (that's how cheap it was!).

But I quickly became VERY attached to it - great sound and action. Played it for years, in Egypt, Yemen, and England.

Tough and indestructible - until some pillock in Frankfurt Airport drove a fork lift truck into it and smashed the body; I hope the FLT came off worse though.

It took me 10 years to finally accept my 12 string was no more than "road-kill guitar". A sad day when I finally chucked it.

Hope you get your singing again, Ian.

All best

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: songs2play
Date: 12 Aug 03 - 06:58 AM

Another Eko 6 sting Ranger up for sale on ebay here
Looks in good condition.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From:
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 11:53 AM

I just bought this old 12 string and its a eko, it looks like it says Rio Bravo 12 on the sticker inside. I never heard of such an animal and could not believe i found someone on lie whos actually heard of one . yhis one is damaged but it sounds pretty good.i am looking for a replacemewnt neck for it. does any one have one. also i just bought a new takamini an10 acoustic and let me tell you this guitar sounds so beautiful. it puts my martin to shame and costs only 600.00. ill never go back.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 02:42 PM

Did anyone spot the eko ranger in Mike Leigh's film Life is Sweet in Jim Broadbents shed at the bottom of the garden.

I had one nicked nearly 40 years ago. It had Dix written inside it and I still miss it

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: s&r
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 06:28 PM

One of the catalogue firms (Littlewoods?) sold the Eko badged as Shaftesbury. Identical in every respect bar the name

Stu

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Amos
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 07:13 PM

The link to Subway Guitars in Berkeley was mis-spelled. The correct link is: Fat Dog and Subway Guitars.

A

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: songs2play
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 10:33 AM

I noticed an Eko on the front cover of one of my daughter's CDs.

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00014TJWK.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg


Good eh ?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Malachy
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 07:44 PM

Hi songs to play. I have an Eko exactly the same as yours. I'm interested to know how you dated it so accurately. Would like to do the same with mine.
Cheers Mal

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 08:17 PM

The 'Rio Bravo' model was slightly more expensive, and lighter, than the Ranger...

My old Ranger 12 is still upstairs somewhere... 36 Guineas back in 1970, if my memory serves!!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 08:40 PM

I was at a folk club in Spondon near Derby tonigh and the resident was playing an Eko 12. Sounded terrific!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 02:47 AM

Like the guitars themselves, this thread keeps on going!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,alf
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 07:24 AM

Hey Eko enthusiasts, I need to lavish a little love and care on my 12 which still plays a lot better than I ever could. In particular, I need to adjust the set of the neck, which I'm told can be done with the bolt at the machine head end. Can anyone confirm how this works before I literally screw it up?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 04:17 PM

Eric The Viking

The shop "around the corner from the town hall" in Brixton was Cramer's (or Kramer's) in Acre lane I bought my first guitar there by paying weekly installments (from my paper round) for months finally picking it up when The 21 guineas! (That's how they priced them in those days)was paid just before Christmas 1969. It was a Jedson semi acoustic with f holes an' all! In 1971 I swapped it for an EKO jumbo. a couple of years later I purchased a Folk Ranger 6 from Ally's Owl Shop, near Streatham ice rink - it was a part exchange deal involving several mint condition copies of Cream's "Wheels Of Fire" Abums (mono deletions nicked from work at the time) + £10. I don't know what became of those guitars, I was in a lysergic/amphetamine haze back in my foolish wasted youth - but I agree they were great guitars.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Wesley S at Home
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 06:21 PM

I just picked up the newest issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine - the one with the cover story about Taylor guitars.

And there on the back page { the Great Acoustics section } is a picture of the classic Eko 12 string. Along with the story how an Eko inspired Bob Taylor to start building guitars. It seems he wanted an Eko but couldn't afford one so....

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Loochay
Date: 04 May 04 - 01:50 PM

I have an eko I got from my dad. I was wondering if anybody could tell me about it. I'm curious as to what it's worth, for one thing. It's a smaller bodied model P2. Anyone familiar with them?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 04 May 04 - 02:05 PM

I think, if it is the same one, I had one of the smaller Ekos that you are talking about, the size of a parlour guitar.Beautiful colour, scalloped back. Nice little beast.

Woodsie, were you into the folk scene in those days? Where did you live? I remember Ally's near the ice rink.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: woodsie
Date: 04 May 04 - 03:58 PM

I lived in Streatham Hill, the flats next to The Crown & Sceptre - incidently the landlord's son was Glenn Cornick, bass player with Jethro Tull at the time! - Wasn't really into any folk scene as such, but used to make weekly trips to the roundhouse in chalk farm and would catch acts such as Fotheringay, Dando Shaft, Keith Christmas and the like we called it all "progressive" because it was way ahead of the the crap that Tony Blackburn was playing on the radio

Wish I had kept the EKO ranger though.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,kate
Date: 08 May 04 - 06:52 PM

I have an Eko Ranger 6 which I bought 32 years ago for £34 pounds - a fortune for me then! Itwasa bought from Bruce Millars in Aberdeen. Never really liked it because of weight although I do still have it. Anybody interested in buying it???

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: beardedbruce
Date: 09 May 04 - 07:07 PM

I have a couple of EKOs... A six string archtop ( acoustic) and a 12 string (dreadnaught size) The archtop ia a thin body, but no pickups. Very thin neck. I got it at a pawn shop for very little, as it needed work. New brigde and tailpiece, not even close to original. The finish looks like glass- so heavy that where it is cracked, the first layer of plywood is also cracked.

I can bring it to the FSGW Getaway, if anyone wants to play with it!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 09 May 04 - 07:13 PM

How mutch Kate?

Baggsie first!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 04 - 09:08 PM

Im interested in your Eko Ranger 6 string guitar, Pls send me a picture of it and tell me how much are u selling it for.Im in New York, will u ship it for me. My email is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Getting Bigger John
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 03:04 PM

I have a Ranger 12 (bought for £50 from a guy from work) and would like to know a bit more about it. It has took a bit of a kicking, but a top guitar nontheless. There are no real giveaways for age, materials etc. Anybody here give me a bit more info? I know it's Italian!

Cheers

John

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Ramsay mcKinnon
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 03:24 PM

Just bought a Eko NAVAHO acoustic.

Has anyone heard of this model ?

I have been into guitars for almost fifty years and this is the first one I have see.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ramsay.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Sandy Knouse
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 10:42 PM

I have a Ranger 12 that I have owned since about '94. I found it in a pawn shop in Utah. Got it for $50 WITH a Polverini Bros. hard case. I , too, play it like a 6-string. I don't find it heavy, but, I am a bit larger than most I know. Inside you can see the original manufacturer's sticker from EKO. It has a stamp across one end that reads: 59-82# I am assuming the 82 is the year of manufacture. Don't know what the 59 is. I, currently, have a set of Dean Markley medium gauge strings on it. I used to keep Kaman 'Adamas' light gauge on it, but, am unable to find them anymore. It has great action and I always get comments on how narrow the neck is for a 12-string.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: gigix
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 06:26 PM

Eko guitars were widespread here in Italy in 70s. They were decent guitars at an affordable price. I had a Rio Bravo 6, and my young sister bought a Rio Bravo 12 because a famous Italian songwriter used it. She still owns it and it sounds like the first day - that is, not bad at all.
Back then, when you entered the circles of committed guitarists, your Eko was promptly disdained; the minimum allowed was a Yamaha, but your supposed final aim was to put together enough money to buy a Martin. I soon realized, though, that I could travel under any weather with my Eko, play it in front of a campfire, and not worry about. So, even when I got other guitars, it still had its place in my room (and elsewhere), until one day in the 90s I decided to try how does it feel to be an idiot and borrowed it to a guy I never saw again. I hope he takes care of it, now, better than I did.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: 12string growler
Date: 15 Nov 04 - 05:45 PM

I have a 1969 Ranger 6 (Wood head) bought new by my mum from a cigarette coupon catalogue. It's still a wonderful tool. I also had a 1973 Ranger 12 (Black Head) but sold that when the bridge started to pull off. I still use the Ranger 6 for practice, it lives on top of a cupboard and is easy to get at when I can't be bothered to get My Yam FG412B out of it's case. I still dream of the dizzy heights of a "Takamine" never mind a Martin or Taylor.

Chris

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 10:22 AM

Anyone interested in buying an Eko should check Ebay - they're often listed, and you can nail one down for about £100. Good knockabout guitars, built to last (bolt-on necks) and easy to play (unlike many of their cheap-end rivals in the 60's) - they lack a bit of punch but sound great when amplified (especially the 12 strings). Whilst there's never been a better time to buy a new guitar (real quality at less than £300) Eko's still (in my view) represent good value.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: 12string growler
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 03:36 PM

I Always suspected that "Shaftsbury" and "Eros" guitars came out of the same factory as Eko's, the construction methods were too similar to be a coincidence.
EKO also did a nice Acoustic Bass guitar with an oval sound hole. The body is about the same size as a Ranger, but tapers to 135mm at the tailstock (trapeze type). The neck appears to have frets but is in fact fretless, the frets being inlaid flush. The tone is a bit thin, but it does make a good practice guitar.

Chris

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 06:14 PM

My first mandolin was an EKO , with a Plastic bowl back !! OK to learn the basics on , but the neck was too thin for my stubby fingers . I always thought the the Rangers were good protest march guitars - stayed in tune even AFTER you had laid someone out with it !!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: 12string growler
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 02:20 PM

Brill!!!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GRex
Date: 19 Nov 04 - 05:12 AM

I have an Eko Korrall, purchased second-hand(used)in 1981.
This 6 string acoustic, made in Recanati Italy, is sturdy but fairly light in weight, has a great sound and is still in excellent condition. Although the standard Eko logo is on the label inside the box, the logo on the head is a white circle with two horizontal bars cut in on th R.H. side forming a circular E. Has anyone come across the model?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Matt
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 04:45 PM

Help!!
Does anyone know where i can get any replacement machineheads for my old Eko Ranger XII?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Brendy
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 11:51 PM

Hi KRex..

I have one of the Chetro Acoustic Bass prototypes (nylon strung). One of my mates has a 12 string Korrall.
That whole range are excellent instruments...

B.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: C-flat
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 02:35 AM

Guest Matt, one or two of the earliest posts in this thread suggest places to look on both sides of the pond.

C-flat.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Matt
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 06:24 PM

Hi C-flat,
Thanks very much , i will have a look!

Matt (UK)

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From:
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 04:08 PM

Hi,
i put my email address because theres a very strong chance i might not be able to find this site again after leaving it so if anyone wants to reply via email that would be helpful, thanks, anyway, i've found an EKO ranger 6 for sale in apparently perfect condition (on eBay?) for just under 150 pounds, any thougts?
overpriced? appreciate that when you all paid 35 pounds for it, 35 pounds was worth a lot more.
I've been looking for a guitar that has a heavy thick mellow folky sound sort of like nick drake, i'm not worried about the weight but it would be nice if it had that sound and relatively good playability. I was wondering if you could say whether this is a good guitar for what i'm after, and what are my chances of being able to find another excellent condition EKO ranger if I don't get this one,

thanks very much,
Luke

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Sweet Misery
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 09:46 AM

Interestin' to read all these Eko ramblin's... I still have my Ranger 6 that I bought new in the '70's... black headstock, concentric ring rosette... it has a superb action and never goes out of tune ( 10 gauge set, phosphor bronze D'Adario's )
I affectionately call her 'the old clunker' and she sits in the corner of the office and gets picked up a dozen times a day.
The Eko lacks volume in comparison to my big Yamaha acoustic and Tanglewood electro-acoustic... though I always wondered how good it would be if the quarter inch thick laquer was removed so the wood could breath!
I have a matching 12 string body and all the bits, but no neck... anybody got one they wanna sell me?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,randomness
Date: 13 Dec 04 - 04:27 AM

Hello,
         please could you tell me how much the eko acoustic bass is worth. I own one and am looking to sell it and I'm wondering how much I should expect to get for it.
My email address is: [e-mail]

If you can help me I would be very appreciative.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 13 Dec 04 - 07:54 AM

I had an Eko cello bass when I was a lad.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Pistachio
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 07:21 AM

Ramsay - I have a Eko NAVAHO that my Dad bought me for £26 in 1974. I'm sorry I know no more about it. Mine is not over used and has suffered on it's travels but still sounds great to me and I'll be keeping it forever. I also have a Ranger 6 that is in Scotland for a holiday!
H.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,jclmchambers
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 02:07 PM

I have an EKO 12 string (Ranger XII) Was given to me in 1968. Need to know about having repair work done. The piece on the body that holds the strings (meatle piece that wraps over the end of the body) broke

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Rick_in_OZ
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 07:09 AM

I was interested to see a couple of people had Eko Navaho guitars. I picked up a second Navaho 6 from a guitar shop when travelling through Wales around 1976. I brought it back to Australia with me. It has been my constant acoustic companion since buying it. I had to re-glue where the top started separating from the side after my kids banged it into something. Recently I noticed the action getting a bit high. I unbolted the neck, inserted a crushed match-stick to tilt the neck and bolted it back together. The action is now superb, and the old beast still sounds great in spite of its mistreatment.

Eko's are rare in Australia. I have never seen another Navaho (six or twelve), and only once have seen a Ranger 6. I have never seen and electric Eko guitar or bass here either.

Maybe I need to hang with some Italian Australians?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From:
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 03:44 PM

Hey everyone!!!
I've just puchased an EKO Rio Bravo 6 here in Argentina (where I live) for $300. I know I have probably been mugged, but I tried almost 40 different guitars from Takamine (EG, EAN and EF series), Ibanez (PF and AW series), Taylor (100 series), Fenders, here and in South Africa for as much as $1400 and this was the best sounding of them all, by far. It has no electronics and it is in fabulous conditions, which makes me suspect of its year of manufacturing. It must be around the 80's. The only 3 differences I noted from what I could see in the catalog pictures in fetishguitars.com, is:
1)the saddle string pins are arranged in a semi-circle
2)the bridge itself is height-adjustable via two screws
3) the black truss rod cover has the words "reinforced neck" in chrome

I hope we can share our EKO pride and find someone to ask about serial numbers.

Take care!!!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From:
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 10:53 PM

I just picked up this EKO Acoustic Mobello P8 Model #145925 at the local GoodWill. Does anyone have a clue what it's worth? If you got any info on this Mobello could you please email me.The Guitar is even signed.Well hope to hear from you soon. If your interested in buying it, my email is up above.      

          Thanks for your time
                [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: songs2play
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 03:14 AM

I think there is a picture of it here

It may be worth sending the website guy an e-mail. As there are loads of pictures of Eko's there.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 03:18 PM

I have got this Eko Ranger VI which I bought for a few hundred quid at and auction about 5 years ago. Good Condition (just a few small cracks in finish, 1 machine head was changed from original by the guy who owned it before me). Sounds amazing - thick warm sound

hard case included (bit battered - still very strong though)

anyone want to buy it - i got it valued for £520

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Ian Darby (UK)
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 09:43 PM

Just revisited this thread and my Eko Ranger Six is coming out of the loft tomorrow, together with my Eros 12 string.

Just to throw some more fuel on the fire, my first proper electric guitar was an Eko Les Paul. Its the only one I've ever seen and I wish I'd never flogged it. Has anyone else seen one of these?

I bought it when the only other Les Paul copies were made by Avon and Shaftesbury.

Happy days. I had a Coloursound Fuzz/Wah, a Fuzz Face, a Vox AC30 and a Cry Baby Wah Wah Pedal.

I now scour the likes of E bay to try and get hold of the stuff I used to own in the sixties & seventies, like Kansas acoustics, (I paid £6.00 for my first one,) Top Twenty Electrics (£10.00)and my first Rosetti electric semi acoustic bass, which had an action like a Longbow.

Then again there was always the Watkins Rapier, available with two, three or four pickops. IN RED!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 10:35 PM

I do too! You could have the whole guitar if you want for free!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 03:09 PM

Hi All
I have had an EKO Rio Bravo 6 for quite some years that I inherited from my grandpa. Im starting to take up guitar, and trying to find more info on this guitar. Anyone know what the easiest way to figure out what year its from would be?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 04:09 PM

i have a 12 string semi-acoustic ranger, got it for 50 euro (70 dollars).
i was wondering, untill which date were these models manufactured?
i mean i cant believe mine is 30 years old...it cant be cos its in mint condition.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Scorpex
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 01:50 AM

I have an EKO Model P8 given to me by older brother when he bought a flash Yamaha about 35 years ago....I learnt to play on it, and I still have it. Not really very good at all, but retained for sentimental reasons. Serial number is 102494. Located in Australia.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From:
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:22 AM

Hi
I have an old Eko 12 string, the label inside says it's a Rio Grande 12. Serial No 180478 Made in Recanat, Italy.
Nobody has been able to give me any info on this guitar.
One of the machine heads is missing and I would like to replace it, so if any one could help it would be apreciated.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars (Reconditioning)
From:
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 07:14 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have a lovely well looked after and well played EKO Ranger 12. Got it when I was 15 years old - 1975. It has lived in a hard case and been looked after but suddenly last year I opened the case, admittedly after perhaps 2 - 3 years of not being used and was horrified to find all the laquer split and cracked -almost down to the main wood. I was so upset, it was friend to me in my 'folk club' teenage days.

Any sensible advice please as to whether it might be able to be reconditioned. I live in the North West, England and would not send it by post anywhere but only go to a recommended and proven business/professional adept in this work.

Hope you can help,

Have left my email address to help finding again.

Please prefix any message with 'guitar advice'

Thanks

Jan of Cheshire

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars help
From: GUEST,gc
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 05:38 PM

ive got a eko rio grande 6 string apparently was made in the early 60's.
does anyone know what the difference is between this and the ranger? they look the same apart from mines got a normal shaped thick black pickguard where as ranger one looks cowboy ish
label on headstock is black and gold
really good condition and sounds great

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From:
Date: 12 May 05 - 12:36 PM

Hi everyone,

Im looking for some kind of guidence here after my father died we were left with an eko guitar but i know nothing about it its verry old i do know that and it was sent to him from a cousin in Germany.But the sad thing is after he died it sat in our basment for over 20 years and in honor of him i would like to recondition it if it was possable but i would like to fugure out what kind it is first.
I would gladly take pictures of it and send to whom ever can help me figure this out. This is the only thing i have of my father. Please help thanks to all Dimitra.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Ian Darby
Date: 22 May 05 - 07:37 PM

To Mitat

The Rio Grande was the posh model, my ranger six had a mucky brown headstock.

I electrified mine by fixing a £7.50 pickup across the soundhole with two drawing pins, I played it through a Vox AC30 amp.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 04 Nov 05 - 10:53 AM

I picked up a damaged Eko J-54 on e-bay for $68.00 . This is the same as a Ranger VI Electra. It was made in 1969 with the factory fingerboard pickup. I wanted a fixer upper that I could use as a campfire guitar and I spent a few hours over the past couple of weeks repairing it. Yesterday I put the strings on her and got the neck set. (easy with an Eko) I was very surprised at how well she sounded both plugged and unplugged. The heavy thick neck takes some getting used to but I find myself falling in love with her.
                            Sandy

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Pistachio
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 05:26 PM

Nick (13 Jan 05) did you find a buyer for your Ranger VI ?
H.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Chris Weaver
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 01:38 PM

Hey Guys,

I've just sat and read all your posts from over the last few years and I feel in good company. I'm only 19, young to be reminiscing, but I've got my dads old Eko Rio Bravo twelve-string, unfortunately it has a badly cracked neck, and a hole (covered by a twenty pence) in the back of the body and various chips, any idea where I can this either restored, or find a new one

I love this guitar, after all its been through its still playable, and lovely to do so, and Im desperate to find a new one!

please email me at [e-mail]

Cheers guys

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 08:49 PM

The place you want is Brandoni, in Wembley.

Roberto Brandoni bought the entire stock when the Eko factory shut down, and can now build you a brand new 30 year old guitar!!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Scrump
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 05:41 AM

Just read this thread and it brings back plenty of memories - I still have an EKO 6-string I bought in 1969, and like others above, this was my first 'proper' guitar (I can't even remember the make of my previous cheapo one, long gone, bought for me by my parents as a teenager, on which I learnt to play - I sold it to help get back some of the money I paid for the EKO!). It looks exactly like a Ranger 6 (AFAICT), but predates the use of the 'Ranger' name (which appeared soone afterwards) and has a model number inside instead (it might be J-54 as mentioned by Sandy above, but I need to check - it's something like that). I got it from Ivor Mairants Music shop in Rathbone Place, London (still there when I last looked!) and cost around 30 quid, new (that was a lot of money to me then and it seemed like I was spending a fortune at the time!)

It has a lovely tone, which is what made me buy it in the first place, and is (or was - see below!) very playable with a low action, and has an adjustable truss rod (rare on guitars of that price range at the time, I think?), but as others have said, it's very heavy in construction, and is also not as loud as I would like for a guitar of its size.

I still have it, and occasionally pick it up (I keep it standing near my computer at home, and sometimes pick it up if I want to try something out and can't be bothered to fetch one of my other guitars).

Sadly, it got damaged years ago in a fracas (!) in spite of its robust construction, when it was dropped on a hard floor (not by me I hasten to add). This has resulted in a crack where the top joins the side of the body, at the bottom end. The tension of the strings has probably distorted the top slightly, so it is now difficult to tune properly (I can tune it only approximately). I probably should have done something about it at the time, but I've neglected to do anything about it. I guess I should take it to a luthier to get it fixed, but I suspect it might cost more to fix than it's worth :-(

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Bruce Baillie
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 08:27 AM

I knew a few people with Eko Guitars back in the seventies including an old friend who reckoned they were good for sledging on in snowy weather, very good instruments for the price though!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Bernard
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 09:28 AM

Scrump - Brandoni have all the bits necessary to replace any broken parts - the only difference is the bodies and necks they have are unfinished, so don't have the three foot thick layer of polyurethane on them. They will do a finish in any colour you like, within reason - a friend of mine recently bought a Ranger 12 finished entirely in black, and very nice it looks, too.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Scrump
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 11:06 AM

Hi Bernard - thanks for the advice, but the guitar is all there, and there are no missing parts. I even have a strut from the inside that came loose when it was dropped. I did think about a DIY attempt at repair, but I doubt whether I could do it successfully, and it's always low on the list of things to do...

There is just a crack where the top joins the side, at the bottom end (pulled away slightly by the string tension. I guess ideally I should have removed the strings when it happened, but the guitar was still (just) playable at that time and I couldn't afford another then, so I had to make do.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,ROB
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 02:30 PM

Hey I got a few Eko Guitars I love them and play them at folk clubs & Gigs I have two Eko VI Rangers (1967,1973) one Ranger XII(1973)
A Eko E83 all black,197?   a Rio grande, (197?)   
IM looking for a left handed rio bravo or El dorado ?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,christos
Date: 02 Apr 07 - 03:47 AM

i just got an eko es-335 if this is the correct model ,similar to bb's lucille. really cool guitar it blew my head off as its been around fourty years and still sounds really smooth and jazzy.can anyone reckon the price range for this guitar?

thanks

Subject: ibanaz guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 09:17 PM

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: pirandello
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 09:52 AM

A Rio Bravo 6 was my first 'proper' guitar back in 1968 closely followed by a Ranger IX. The Rio Bravo was sold to finance a Yamaha FG 180 which was £40.90 in 1970!

I recently got to play an old Eko and it sounded like shit; the adjustable bridges, bolt-on neck construction, huge neck block and thick finish did nothing to help the tone. I expect mine sounded like shit all those years ago but I was 16; what did I know!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Kenny B (inactive)
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 11:34 AM

I Bought my EKO guitar in Venice in 1963 it cost me £4 import tax (33%)to get it thro customs at Renfrew Airport(Glasow) after flying back in a Lockheed Constellation. My son loaned it to a friend about 20 years ago and I havnt seen it since. Shame.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Utte
Date: 01 May 07 - 12:38 PM

I bought my Ranger XII in Stockholm 1973, and it cost me ca. 250SEK. I resently opened the "softbox" (after 20years) and got a chock! The scratchplate was gone. Probebly it had loosend when I was young, and I didn´t care than. SHAME on me !
I have, a few day´s ago, ordered a new plate from Alan Exley, and I´m wery curius too see how it´s gona fit. The original plate was darkbrown, I think, but this new one is black.
I have never change´d the string´s, it´s original.
Now listen folks... after at least 20 year´s in the canvas, I DIDN´T HAVE TO TUNE IT ! I slam´d a cord, and it sounded fantastic.
Live well,EKO-lovers

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Utte
Date: 01 May 07 - 12:45 PM

http://www.nuovaspesa.it/catalogo.asp?tscat=7&scat=131&cat=210

By the way

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,oilman
Date: 22 Jul 07 - 11:03 AM

anyone got any info on eko model 100? i've had it 30 yrs thanx

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Robert
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 09:25 AM

I have an Eko Dragon, a Semi Acoustic or hollowbody. It's an ugly big thing and from what I can gather from Fetish Guitars, it is a 1967 model. I can't seem to find any other information. Does anyone know where I can find out more?

Cheers

Robert

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Betsy
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 07:10 PM

Never played a good one in my life - but I know people who are sentimental about them - having learned on one 'cos they were cheap. Horrible things really .

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Søren
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 06:11 AM

Is it possible this Ranger VI is from 69?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Søren
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 06:12 AM

Is it possible this Ranger VI is from 69?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180192036937&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Darowyn
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 08:12 AM

It could be. A lot of people played guitars just like this in Folk Clubs in Liverpool in 1968.
Don't forget though that there is a difference between Vintage or Classic and Old.
It was a cheap guitar then, so it ought to be a cheap guitar now.
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 12:28 PM

Possibly one of the quietest guitars ever made - over engineered, that's why they have lasted.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 06:35 PM

Great necks though.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Guest/QuestionMark
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 11:13 PM

I have an EKO 285 from the early '60's. It's a knock off of a Gibson Super 400 kind of...big hollow body electric. I bought it about ten years ago, never really played it much. This past month I finally got around to taking the bolt on neck off and putting a shim at its heel to adjust the action as it should be from the strings to the fretboard. Also, adjusted the pickups to the best height and removed the needless metal casings that held the bridge in (they weren't needed to hold the bridge in place, and counterproductively raised the bridge way to high up...course I kept them for vintage value in case I ever sell the guitar and someone wants to put them back in for posterity.) Bottom line...the guitar plays really well now. Great feel, neck, pickup sound, nice hollow body twang to it. Its red glossy body and huge headstock is without question art deco.

QM

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,paula t
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 04:31 PM

I used to play an eko semi acoustic bass. I couldn't play it all night though - because my back would have broken!It was nearly bigger than me and had a real twangy sound.Those were the days.......

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,robb
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 11:50 AM

wanted left/right handed Eko Eldorado guitar

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,GUEST, Nathan
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 01:02 AM

I own an Eko ElDorado 6 guitar in excellent condition, which was given to me by my uncle. Does anyone know what it is worth?
I've seen one in slightly better condition than mine for $2300 US Dollars.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nathan

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Jim Rylander
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 12:45 PM

There has been some miss info. out there about the infamous Yamaha FG180 Guitar.
The Red Label Nippon Yakki made between late 68-72 is the most desirable of the FG180 guitars.
I called Yamaha Guitar in Buena Vista CA. they told me that as early as 1972 they started
making FG180 in Taiwan. The first ones's were made in 1972 & had a red label (without the
Nippon Yakki ). In 73' on they used creme,green & black labels.
It is possible there was a overlap in the transition between the Japanese & Taiwan made
FG180. I have compared the Red Label Nippon Yakki & Red Label with no Nippon Yakki.
They both have solid tops & the same.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 02:47 PM

Jim,
I don't know how we get to the Yamaha FG180 from Eko guitars but, strangely, I've owned both. I still have the Ranger 12 but the red label 180 I bought in 1971 is no longer. For info the 180's had plywood (laminated) tops not solid.
Ray

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Black Hawk on Works PC
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 02:53 AM

I have an Eko Rio Grande 12 stringer that I am advertising for sale locally - North East England.
The finish has some 'cracking' & the tuners are now 'mix & match' due to a previous owner but she still sounds sweet & has a lovely action.
Any ideas from you experts what I should ask for it? (ball park figure I know)

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: digger9523
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 06:06 PM

I just got an EKO Rio Grande 12 off of Ebay in good condition with original pegs, tuners etc. for £52.55. Of course, the nature of ebay means that i may have just been lucky, people not being at their computers at the end of the auction and so on. I've watched Rangers go for upwards of £150, and there was one for sale at Guitar Junction for well over £200.
If it plays well then somebody will buy it, but to pinpoint a figure would be difficult. Start at £150 and you might get lucky, but be prepared for a haggling sesh!
All the best and let us know if it sells

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 04:35 AM

For info, the Eko Ranger 12 retailed for £35 in 1967 and the Yamaha FG180 cost £37.50 in 1971. That said, I upgraded to a Martin D18 in 1974 which cost me a massive £190.
Ray

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 05:31 AM

With reference to Ray's comment "For info the 180's had plywood (laminated) tops not solid."
I was under the impression that the FG180's with the word YAMAHA at the top of the neck had a solid top. If they had the tuning fork logo they were plywood. Perhaps someone could confirm this or put me right if I have been mistaken for the last thirty odd years?
Ian

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Black Hawk unlogged
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 08:55 AM

digger9523 - sorry to be so long in replying but I lost this thread & forgot about it.
I advertised the guitar for £75 & had no enquiries.
Have been busy but will advertise again - as I said the finish is not great but action & sound is.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,RANGERMAN
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 06:32 PM

IT SEEMS A LOT OF YOU GUYS HAVE HAD MORE MONEY THAN SENSE![WITH THE EXCEPTION OF IAN DARBY..A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART!]MY FIRST GUITAR WAS A ROSETTI "LUCKY SEVEN" ACOUSTIC-A WHITE PLYWOOD BOX WITH A BLACK SCRATCHPLATE,IN 1959..I WAS A YOUNG 15 YEAR OLD COALMINER,IN
THE NORTHUMBERLAND COALFIELD.IT COST £7-10shillings,[£7-50p],AND IT TOOK SIX MONTHS TO PAY FOR,AT A WEEKLY PAYMENT OF FIVE SHILLINGS A WEEK,WHICH WAS ALL OF MY POCKET MONEY![25 PENCE THESE DAYS!!]
I STRUGGLED WITH THE THICKEST NECK EVER FITTED TO A "GUITAR",AND FINALLY TAUGHT MYSELF TO PLAY BY LISTENING TO SLOWED-DOWN SHADOWS TRACKS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTALS.FIFTY YEARS LATER,NEARLY,I STILL HAVE THAT BOX,AND WOULDNT PART WITH IT,BUT MY OLD EKO RANGER 6,LOOKS,AND
SOUNDS GORGEOUS,BY COMPARISON!!
I BOUGHT A RANGER 12 STRING ABOUT 35 YEARS AGO,COULDNT GET MY FINGERS ROUND IT,COS I WAS SERIOUSLY OUT OF PRACTICE,AND SOLD IT..!
HAVE YOU EVER REGRETTED A DECISION IN YOUR LIFE?!!
NOW MY TWO SONS 35YRS,AND 40YRS OLD,ALSO HAVE EKO RANGERS AND RIO GRANDES.
WISH'D I HAD HAD A RANGER IN 1959!!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Black Hawk unlogged
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 08:37 AM

re. my post 04 Jun 08 - 02:53 AM

Sold the Rio Grande last night.

Chap (pensioner) travelled 150 miles for it so I let it go for £60.

I like to think it will be played & cared for :-)

Need the room otherwise it would not have gone!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 10:08 AM

"For info, the Eko Ranger 12 retailed for £35 in 1967 and the Yamaha FG180 cost £37.50 in 1971. That said, I upgraded to a Martin D18 in 1974 which cost me a massive £190."

Just shows how lucky we are now to be able to buy quality guitars for not much money - 35 quid in 1967!!! - equivalent to about 15 hundred quid today; can't imagine paying more than about 60 quid for an Eko today - even if new.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Ageing Guitarperson
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 05:30 PM

Just to add yet another post.   The Ranger 6 I have I bought new in 1977.   I play it almost daily and its still a good chunk of plywood.   It looked like it was suffering from fret wear so I carefully stoned the offending frets back to a good profile this year.   Someone told me that I could only stone frets 3 times... well.. thats another 62 years of fun... it'll take me till I'm 114 so I guess I'll have it refretted then!
I remember some of my student friends who had guitars being very dismissive of my (Then new) EKO but who's laughing now!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: s&r
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 05:34 PM

There was an Eko stand at music live this year

Stu

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Grandpa John
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 08:49 AM

Can anyone tell me about the EKO model 100 electric archtop.
I have seen one in a 'collectible' shop locally and it does not seem to check out with the online pics and catalogues.

1 This one is not a cutaway body although it is the usual 'thin' body with the usual million coats of laquer
2 The pickup is glued onto the body at the base of the neck
3 The volume and tone pots are attached under the scratchplate enclosed in a metal rectangular box type of construction with the turning nobs on the top of the scratchplate.
4 The jackplug inlet is into this metal box and is smaller than the standard guitar jackplug.

It does have the EKO sticker inside the body readable through the f hole and states it is a modello 100 with serial number 109508 and the 'EKO made in recantini' insignia on the body as per catalogue pics.

I'm thinking it might have been an acoustic model and someone has attached a separately bought pickup and tone/volume controls.

Anyone got any ideas as I am thinking of buying it.(After 48 years of playing bass guitar and 48 years of saying I will learn to play a six string someday, someday has arrived !!!)

I play an EKO model 995 semi acoustic violin bass and have done so since 1968 - bought a new Fender Precision in 1973 and rarely play it as it does not have the mellow woody sound or the tonal range of the EKO. Still it should help to boost my superannuation when I finally sell the Fender.

Gratefull for any information

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: rab
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 07:58 AM

what do u whant to know about eko guitars i have played my eko ranchero 6 string for over 40 years i also own eko rio grande 12 string in touch with current owners of eko

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,RickS
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 11:40 AM

Hmm, EKO Texan, folk-size model, my first guitar, bought from local music shop for 15 guineas (!) in 1965 - good to get started on, but only too happy to get shot of it a year later, in favour of a Levin Golieth (cost £28 s/h)..we are sooo lucky today...

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,FrankB
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:05 PM

My mother bought me my first guitar Eko Ranger V1 in 1973, which was an anormous guitar for a 10 year old.

It is almost in the same condition now as the date it was bought and takes pride of place in my living room.

I would not part with it for any amount of money.

Frank

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 03:34 PM

but have you played it?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,JG
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 07:40 AM

I have an Eko Modello P2 Guitar dated 1963, Does any one know anything about this model.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: tritoneman
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 09:58 AM

I bought an Eko Ranger in 1967. Although it didn't have much volume, it's voice was very solid but sweet. It was amazingly playable too. I wish I still had it. I sold it in 1969 after buying a rather elderly Gibson J200 - not the most fashionable of guitars in a Martin or Martin clone dominated world!! I still have the battered blonde J200 and love it !

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 03:38 PM

In 1969 I bought my first Eko Ranger 12 - My first 12-string! Two years later I was off to sea so gave it to my brother - Eight years ago I got it back as it had been in his attic for 12 years with only 5 strings on it - I cleaned it and strung it and..... it played! Just yesterday I took it to Vince Hockey (Martin Repair Genius) to have it some TLC as I'm going to 'gig' it again!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Brian May
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 04:00 PM

My overriding memory of the EKO 12 string I also bought in 1969 was its WEIGHT - it was built like a brick shithouse.

I use to ride my 650cc Triumph Thunderbird with it strapped over my shoulder on the way to gigs. God I was cool . . . (legend in my own lunchtime).

It had a lovely action and I seem to remember the edges of the frets and fingerboard were really smooth and comfortable.

Have fun.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Tedbelly
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 06:03 PM

Got my first playable guitar in around 1965, an Eko Ranger 6. It cost new about £28 including gig bag. I fitted a bar pick-up of dubious quality and went gigging. I've still got the guitar and the only faults are worn out frets and a worn fingerboard, a testimony to it's sturdy construction. I recall that the guitar had a low action without rattles but was lacking in tone and volume.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,EKOdave
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 07:23 PM

Wow! what a thread, it's into years. Thought I'd add my two pennyworth anyway. Bought my Eko Ranger 12 in 1970 or there abouts. I remember seeing it in a dusty old music shop window in the down at heel end of town...(Camberley in Surrey)and started lusting over it immediately. I eventually begged my dear old mum to loan me the £23 to buy it, bless her. I was in ecstasy, that guitar hardly ever left my side and has been with me "somewhere" to this day...

I've had to repair her though. After getting stored in all the wrong places and putting up with years of damp, heat, cold, moves and just about anything else that could be thrown at it the poor old guitar needed some major TLC. There was a major split in the laminated neck, two inner stays had come away inside the guitar, the bridge was lifting from the body and some of the machine heads were seized/rusted etc etc. The usual lacquer cracks are there but they are just cosmetic. Anyway, I repaired the guitar myself and am playing her today. Put a new set of Martin medium strings on and de-tuned to D to relieve the neck a little and WOW...she rings like a bell, absolutely beautiful... I'm in love with her all over again.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 06:11 AM

My local paper, Ascot News, is advertising an "Original" Eko 12-string in the small adds. Asking £200.

RtS

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 12:00 PM

I just saw a Joseph Spence CD at the store today and he was holding an Eko 6 sting on the back cover.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 12:11 PM

".. "Original" Eko 12-string in the small adds. Asking £200."

there'll always be chancers out there fleecing gullible 'collectors'..

only got to look at all the well overpriced ebay listings
for 'rare vintage valuable' aka 'cheap nasty Woolworths & Freemans Catalogue' guitars
from the early 70's..

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Smattering100
Date: 02 Feb 12 - 06:50 PM

I have an EKO Ranger 6 I bought about 1970-72 from a mail order catalogue in England. It cost me about a weeks wages. It has followed me all over the world and it now resides in northern Canada. It has many cracks due to drying out in cold weather but it still sounds amazing. It has cracks each side of the bridge and the pressure of the strings has twisted the bridge so I have the bridge on its lowest setting and its still playable. I have been looking for a replacement that sounds as goo for less than $750 US but its very difficult because it has the deepest richest sound I have ever heard on a reasonably priced acoustic, apart from a Art and Lutherie with a cedar top. My old EKO needs to be repaired but I just can't stand the thought of having anyone cut it to pieces.

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 02 Feb 12 - 07:32 PM

Smattering,
The Eko inverted Gibson style bridge can be easily repaired by an inexpensive and easily installed device called a Bridge Doctor. I put one in mine.
Bridge Doctor

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Tally Ho Man
Date: 03 Feb 12 - 05:41 AM

I still have my Ranger 6 that I bought from a friend for £50 in 1981.
It's still in great nick and sounds lovely. Doubt if I'll ever sell it!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Ruben from Israel.
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 05:22 AM

Hi all,
i'm very surprised to see this thread from 2002!
Anyways, I just won bidding on an EKO Ranger 12 with trapeze tailpeice.
(I'll post pictures soon :) )
Cost me 267 dollars US.
I've chosen this particular make for i've heard that they're pretty heavy in weight and that they're built like tanks.
Plus they're manufactured in Italy and not from korea or chinatown :)
It's my first 12 string. I usually keep my stuff for a long time. Let's hope this one lasts!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Tally Ho Man
Date: 26 Mar 12 - 02:14 PM

I've had my 6 strings Ranger for 35 years or so. You're right, they are built like tanks but sound great!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Wesley S
Date: 26 Mar 12 - 03:24 PM

Here's a photo I found of one butt-ugly guitar owned by the masterful David Lindley. I can only hope that it sounds better than it looks.


David Lindley's electric Eko

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: Tally Ho Man
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 05:03 AM

Not the prettiest thing I've ever seen! Still, it is "retro"!

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,EKO model P8 - s/n 176361
Date: 13 Jan 14 - 02:56 PM

I just picked up a EKO P8 and it needs a replacement bridge. I am in Western Canada and not in a hurry. It is in great shape.
S/N 176361.
Any idea where I can get the original bridge?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,dave in switzerland
Date: 14 Feb 14 - 06:53 PM

a very entertaining read, like all the postings on this mad website.
i chust thought i'd throw in my tuppence ha'penny as well since obscure reminiscing is the order of the day............

i bought an EROS 6 string new in plymouth ,uk about 1970/71. as far as i know these were made by eko. paid i think £33 for it with a few plectrums, nice woven strap (worth a fortune today )and a red tartan soft bag for it.

it survived lots of hitch hiking from the sw to back home glasgow and all sorts of places in the uk and even falling off the back of a motorbike failed to make much impression on it, built like tanks they were indeed.

i eventually sold it to some fellow hotel dishwasher at the end of the season a year or 3 later for £20 or thereabouts, never saw him again.
next guitar i had was a small bodied eko rancho, and my then girfriend had a MELODY 6 string, also italian, probably eko made.

fast forward to the present and i have collected over the years ( among many other guitars) an eko ranger 6 string which my daughter has had for years, a 12 string ranger with 6 strings on it and missing half the machine heads, a modello 100 cutaway small archtop acoustic , an eko cobra strat copie plus one or 2 other real cheapo eko acoustics.

i came across a pretty nice rio bravo a couple years ago but didn't buy it, they didn't accept my half what they were asking offer.........

my email in case any old mates read this: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 17 - 10:18 AM

Is the Eko p2 a nylon or steel?

Subject: RE: Eko Guitars
From: GUEST,Terry webb 62
Date: 26 Apr 18 - 10:50 PM

Bought my first guitar in Guam an echo for my 22nd birthday kept it all these years pristine condition now my granddaughter plays it and loves it great guitar and in response to the hole sniffer mine still smells like that too