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Ever heard of this guitar
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST Date: 04 Apr 16 - 05:49 PM Please could someone tell me about the Levin W36CE. I can not seem to find anything on the internet at all which is very puzzling? Not even one review! Where are they being made now? Is it worth purchasing for a beginner.If not, please could someone tell me an alternative make they would recommend on the lower end price scale but not cheap. Thank you. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: PHJim Date: 19 Aug 15 - 11:25 PM This is my 1958 Goya M-26. At the time I took the photo,I was teaching one of my son's Dobro students while he was on tour and, since I had no Dobro, I put an extended nut on the Goya. It stayed that way for about three weeks. It has a flame maple back and sides and a Brazilian rosewood board and bridge. It is one of the few guitars I've seen with a lacquered bridge. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: PHJim Date: 19 Aug 15 - 09:13 PM The Julie Andrews Maria guitar was a folk model. It had a slotted peg head, wide fingerboard with no position markers but it had a pin bridge. It had nylon strings in the movie, but was supposed to be able to take "compound" or "folk" strings, now called silk & steel. They were supposed to remove the "Goya" stencil from the headstock, but neglected to do so, so Maria was playing a guitar made for the North American market. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: PHJim Date: 19 Aug 15 - 09:13 PM The Julie Andrews Maria guitar was a folk model. It had a slotted peg head, wide fingerboard with no position markers but it had a pin bridge. It had nylon strings in the movie, but was supposed to be able to take "compound" or "folk" strings, now called silk & steel. They were supposed to remove the "Goya" stencil from the headstock, but neglected to do so, so Maria was playing a guitar made for the North American market. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,DTM Date: 19 Aug 15 - 05:43 AM (continued from above post) Just checked serial number. 1966 model. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,DTM Date: 19 Aug 15 - 05:31 AM Many thanks for that link, "Guest from Sweden" I have a battered old Levin up the attic (not a Goliath). I'll have to dig it out and check the serial no. It will be interesting to know what vintage it is. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Felipa Date: 18 Aug 15 - 06:33 PM in 2010 Norman D asked which model Julie Andrews played in the Sound of Music -- it's been auctioned - in California, 2011! "Julie Andrews 'Maria' acoustic guitar, autographed by Andrews, from The Sound of Music. (TCF, 1965) Goya acoustic guitar serial number 1 70025. Autographed by Julie Andrews. Case is velvet lined and once owned by Stan Freberg. Used by Julie Andrews as Maria in Sound of Music." https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9298115_julie-andrews-signed-guitar-from-the-sound-of-music now, anyone have any advice re prolonging the life of tuner knobs? |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Don Firth Date: 18 Aug 15 - 02:00 PM Back in the 1950s, a big music store here in Seattle started importing Goya classics. I checked out a lot of models and lusted after one. Nice instruments! Then a friend of mine in the Seattle Classic Guitar Society, who made yearly trips to Spain, set me up with a young luthier in Madrid (Arcangel Fernandez) who made me a flamenco guitar. Outrageously good instrument. $120 at the time—now been appraised at $18,000!! But I wouldn't part with it! So I let the Goyas go. But they were very nice instruments, and I had a couple of students who had them. Nancy Quensé, a long-time friend, walked into one of Seattle's coffeehouses in 1960 with a Goya G-20 classic and she's still using it. Still singing folk songs, and also sings in the Medieval Women's Choir. Nice, well made instrument and Nancy seems pretty contented with it. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Felipa Date: 18 Aug 15 - 11:54 AM I have a Swedish made Goya g-10 and it is nearly 50 years old now. It's in decent condition albeit there are lots of small cracks in the lacquer on the top of the guitar. There are also some tiny cracks on the pegs. What can I lubricate them with to help them last longer. I've read a lot of diverging opinions on how to treat machine heads, but no one mentions the plastic (called buttons or knobs I think) at the outer end. by the way, I read of someone replacing the plastic saddle of an old Goya with bone who found s/he actually preferred the original. My guitar wouldn't command a high market price at present, but it's a pleasant instrument to play. so any advice re the tuner knobs? |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,999 Date: 13 Aug 11 - 01:26 PM http://www.guitarbyggeren.dk Linda, please go to that site--click on the blue link. I don't know for sure, but this guitar maker in Denmark may have been the fellow who made it. ?? Have a look at his site. It might be worth a follow-up e-mail to ask the question directly. Couldn't find anything else that might be iot. (You posted something similar on Dec. 4, 2008, and oddly enough as I came out of that thread I saw the new thread you posted to--this one. Strange. In fact, strange enough that Arne might be it. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,linda tynan Date: 13 Aug 11 - 12:50 PM I have an Arne, Model - classic c-22, serial number: 61072 Made in sweden...I had a thread up on your board somewhere around feb/march of this year. I am a computor idiot and 62 years old. if you can help me out please let me know how to do this and my phone number is 615-596-0737...PLEASE, call me...thank you soooo very much, Linda Rae Tynan |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,NormanD Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:41 AM Does anyone know which Levin Julie Andrews plays in "the Sound Of Music"? |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,from Sweden Date: 19 Aug 10 - 06:40 PM Hi, Found this site with all info you would need re. Levin guitars: http://www.vintage-guitars.se/Levin_info.htm ...and it's in english! |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,dek scotland Date: 13 Jan 10 - 06:12 AM levin goliath ln26 1968 superb deep rich bass tones.lots of wear and tear in 42 years will never sell.see thomas fraser for more info and music. a pleasure to listen to. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: BADJELLY Date: 12 Oct 09 - 01:59 PM My husband bought a Levin at Warwick Folk Festival, about 15 years ago for £30 - it was in a bad way, falling apart, but a friend put it together again and it sounds fabulous and is his pride and joy now. None of the other guitars get a look in! |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Art Date: 12 Oct 09 - 12:42 PM My name is Art and live in Nashville. I too have an arne classic c-22 guitar s/n 61170. My parents purchased in Chicago for Christmas in '64 or '65. That's all I know about it and was wondering if you have bee able to learn more. Thanks, Art |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Gerard Weber Date: 29 May 09 - 02:56 AM I have a 1970 Classic No 3 Levin guitar that I purchased in 1975. I cannot find any information about this model in any catalogue. Is there anybody that knows more about this model? It looks a lot like the LG 17 but the latter is made of mahogany, whereas mine is made of Brasilian rosewood. Any information will be welcome. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,guitarress Date: 28 May 09 - 09:23 AM I have a Levin circa 1954 a sunburst dreadnought that holds it's own against any Martin ............ except the action. It badly needs a reset. One day I'll get around to it. Herman Carlsson Levin learned to make guitars in USA and returned to Sweden to begin making his instruments there. The early guitars were arch tops and were prize winners in their day beating Gibson Epiphone D'Angelica in trade shows around the world.Levin were put out of business by the failure of the US Goya guitar company who had placed an order for 20,000 instruments. The order was never fulfilled since Goya went to the wall. Levin did not survive and were bought by Martin, basically for their excellent stocks of spruce. Levin made Martins for a time until they were closed down around 1970 I believe. It was Levin who perfected the bolt on neck system that Taylor use today. The early guitars are some of the world's finest instruments. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,kevin fletcher Date: 08 Apr 09 - 07:57 AM Just came across this thread while browsing. I have a Levin LS18 from 1964 which I bought about 15 years ago from a lady in her 90's. It is all still original and although looking its age has a beautiful sound. I mainly keep it strung with 13's and use it for playing in open tuning and for playing bottleneck as it has such a big sound. If my memory serves me right these Levins were often bought in the 6o's as Martins were either unavailable in the UK or too expensive for the average player. Although I say it is showing its age, the wood and the grain look wonderful. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,strummer Date: 27 Feb 09 - 08:51 PM In 1966 I was given a Goya G-10. I've had it ever since, and would never consider parting with it. It looks and sounds beautiful -- I was surprised to learn that it was a relatively inexpensive instrument. The first time I picked it up it seemed to flow into my arms -- and if it sounds like I'm in love with it, you're not far off the mark. The balance, the weight, and the proportions were perfect. I could have spent weeks trying dozens of other guitars without finding one like this. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 05 Dec 08 - 04:04 PM If any of you are familiar with the work of Bud & Travis, from the late 1950's and early 1960's, they used a pair of classical guitars, backed by a guitarron, in many of their songs. Travis used a Goya (by Levin), the model of which I am not certain. If you listen to the quality of sound in his guitar work, it must have been a very fine instrument. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,linda Date: 04 Dec 08 - 04:29 PM does anyone know anything about my guitar. it is an arne, world's finest guitar,custom-crafted classic model,nylon strings, model number classic c-22, serial number 61072,made in sweden. i have everyone in murfreesboro and nashville, tennessee, looking for any kind of info on this guitar.no one has been able to help as of yet. please let me know if anyone has any info for me. thanks witchiewoman59@yahoo.com |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jeremy Date: 09 Nov 08 - 02:41 AM Hey Howard - do you still have that classical guitar with a truss rod?.. but this is just an excuse to catch up again (40+ years). I started that same Fleet Folk Club. Get in touch! Jeremy Lovelock Brisbane Australia |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Brian Smith Date: 10 Oct 08 - 10:21 AM Mine is a sunburst Levin Goliath serial number 409498. (No mention anywhere of Goya). I bought it second hand in 1966 so I'm not quite sure when it was made. I think they were a bit prized then. I've had the action etc re set-up a little while ago and it plays beautifully and sounds very sweet indeed particularly for recording. It sings to me. It's my favourite acoustic. It's in the sort of nick you'd expect. Been looked after but has got crazed varnish etc. But I love it. It would go with me to my desert island as my luxury. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook Date: 02 Sep 08 - 06:07 PM I must stand corrected, I always believed that Mr levin had worked for the Martin company. My 'Dreadnaught' certainly has got the metal truss rod cover with '1900' on it. (I used to own a 70's Goliath with just a plain plastic cover.) My late friend, who left me the guitar in his will, had the varnish removed (and the pick guard)from the front but I do remember it originally having a sunburst finish. The model type has faded from the label but the serial no, from the head-stock, is 398826. It is quite light in weight when compared to other makes of Dreadnaught style guitars and it is extremely loud. I simply love this instrument! |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus H Date: 21 Aug 08 - 04:50 PM Warwick, I had this story confirmed by Goran Levin, the last Levin to be president of the company. I was told that it was a recomendation from Hershman Music to abandon the Levin name for the reason You mention. This was in the early 50:s and US was a slightly differrent place than today, especially in the central and southern states. The name Goya was suggested by the father of the Hershman brothers, who had seen a painting of the Spannish painter Goya, who often had guitar players in his paintings. According to Mr. Levin they were told later that "Goy" meant "non-jewish" in jiddish. I had to Wikipedia the word Gentile and found: Today, the primary meaning of gentile is "non-Jew"... BTW, The Levin family is not jewish, the founder was born "Herman Carlsson", and took the middle name Levin as middle when finishing his Apprenticeship to become a Carpenter. /Magnus - Sweden |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Warwick Slade Date: 20 Aug 08 - 02:38 PM Interesting that when Levins were imported into New York by Hershman they requested a name change to Goya, as Levin was 'too Jewish'. Tongue in cheek perhaps as 'Goy' is Hebrew for Gentile. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST Date: 19 Aug 08 - 05:59 PM Howard, I know for a fact that Herman Carlson Levin never did work for Martin during his N.Y. years in the late 1800:s. For a period he worked as a polisher in a guitart factory but it was not Martin. In the late 1880:s he started his own operation on Manhattan with an american companion, but after a visit in Sweden he found a market for stringed instruments in his home country, and went home and started the Levin company in the year 1900. For a period around 1960 the year 1900 was added on the brass plate covering the trussrod, but this was only on archtops and flattops. I think it was to highlight the 60th aniversary. I have a 1961 archtop, an there is no 1900 marking on this. If Your Levin is a Goliath size sunburst, it is the original "Goliath" with model name LM-26. If it has blond spruce top it is likely the LS-18, back then called "the Super Goliath".
Thanks. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook Date: 24 Jun 08 - 02:44 AM I own a 1958 Levin 'Goliath' and I love it. I first saw this very instrument when a soldier played and sang at the Farnborough Folk Club back in the mid 60's. It had a hole in the front where an ice axe had accidently been thrown at it! It eventually was bought by the club organiser and he kept it right up to his untimely death in 2001. I was very moved when I found out that he had left me the guitar. It's pretty battered though the hole has long been repaired. The pick-guard is missing as is the original varnish on the front. It sounds amazing and is very loud! I play it in preference to my Guild D40. The ironic thing about Levin guitars is the Mr Levin and his son both learned their craft by working for Martin guitars ( Levin Snr at the end of the 19th century)and both Levin and Martin carried the year of company foundation on the headstock. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus H, Gothenburg Sweden Date: 16 May 08 - 05:53 PM Nick, Your "Goya Goliath 163. Serial number of 55479", is most likely from the period when Dude Inc. of Chanute, Kansas, owned the distribution rights. This Period was 1972 to 1976, but I do beleive that what they sold was a remaining stock of instruments produced prior to 1972. It is definately made in Levins factory in Gothenburg. I have one like that myself, but from 1969. /Magnus |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,John Dornelles. Brazil Date: 27 Mar 08 - 12:46 AM Hello. I'm brazilian and last week I bought a original Levin guitar. It's a swedish Levin W 20 CE - Black. I've never heard even a comment about those guitars in my country, but they actually are amazing instruments. Check the original website from Göteborg, Sweden: http://cruises2caribbean.com/sv-se/home/ Sorry about my poor english. Strong hugs. See you later dudes. |
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Subject: RE: Information on Levin Guitar about 56 yrs old From: GUEST,Ivy T. Date: 25 Mar 08 - 03:03 AM I own a Swedish made Levin serial number 269898 - 27. I have owned this guitar for about 56 years. The guitar is in excellent condition. I was wondering what it is worth, can some one help me? |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Nick Date: 21 Mar 08 - 07:13 PM Goya Goliath 163. Serial number of 55479 (?). Was this made in Sweden or by Martin somewhere else. Anyone any idea? I heard that the guitars made after Martin took over were of inferior quality to those made in Sweden - is this so? |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,MB Date: 15 Mar 08 - 09:00 AM Hi .. I saw this website researching sales/purchases - and I am selling my 1970 Goya classical guitar [MINT condition, vaneer base, nylon strings and case. Any interest? Let me know. Many thanks. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Rusty Dobro Date: 05 Mar 08 - 06:40 AM A chap called Arnie plays a lovely old Levin dreadnought around the pubs of the Ipswich area. I haven't played it, but it has a big voice, and mixes easily with the Martins and the like. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus H Date: 04 Mar 08 - 06:46 PM Shane, About Your girlfriends moms LT-18. Most likely You will find a serial number stamped into the end wood on top of the headstock. In teh seventies they put the number on a paper sticker on top of the paper label in the soundhole, and sometime this sticker fell off. But the LT-18 was replaced in 1969, so they should have it stamped. /Magnus |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,CA 70's GAL Date: 14 Feb 08 - 10:05 PM I own a Goya G-10. My parents bought it for me around 1973 from our local music store so I could take classical lessons there. I was in high school then and had time for practice. My instructor always liked to take a few moments at the beginning of a lesson to play it himself. He said it had a wonderful rich mellow sound for a small inexpensive guitar. It is very plain to look at. I have taken care of it and still keep it near, although I haven't played it in years. Now that I am a middle aged wife and mother I will be taking it out now and then. My son has shown great interest in music - piano, trumpet, acoustic guitar, and now electric bass - thanks to the encouragement of his school band instructor. He restringing and cleaning my Goya for me. It will be great to get back to playing my favorite classical pieces. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jim Date: 08 Feb 08 - 11:25 AM I still have a 1958 Goya M-26 (Dreadnought, or, as Levin called it, Goliath)and I love it. I don't know who was the first to put bolt on necks on acoustic guitars, like Taylor and several other companies do now, but Levin must have been in there near the beginning. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 31 Jan 08 - 03:54 PM I still miss the Goya I bought in 1958-59 and used until it was lost in a fire in 1964. Goyas had some popularity among my coffee friends at the time. It had a pretty blonde finish and a great sound, especially for something fairly affordable at the time. I have heard that several who were able to hang on to those earlier models still love them. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jim Date: 31 Jan 08 - 11:10 AM Here's a quote from George Gruhn: Goya was a trade name used on guitars the Levin Company of Sweden exported to the USA in relatively large quantities. The Levin Company dates back to the turn of the century. It made high-quality acoustic flattop steel-string and classical guitars as well as archtop jazz guitars and mandolins. The instruments were sold in Europe under the Levin brand name. During the 1960s some Goya-brand electric guitars were made by Eko in Italy. Many of these had bodies covered in brightly colored plastic imitation pearl (pearloid). The Levin Company was acquired by the C.F. Martin company during the early 1970s. After a short period of time, Martin closed the facility. Martin retained the Goya brand name and used it on a line of guitars it imported from Korea until the end of 1996. Martin still owns the Goya name but as of January 1, 1997, Goya guitars, mandolins, and banjos are no longer being offered. The Levin-made Goya guitars are of good quality, although in my opinion they are not on a par with the finer American instruments made by Martin and Gibson. Today, they tend to sell for prices that reflect their utilitarian value rather than any collectors' item appeal. --George Gruhn |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: English Jon Date: 28 Jan 08 - 09:06 AM My Dad's got a Levin Goliath - Had it for 40 years! - Recently had it set up by Tony Taffinder and it's beautiful. Great guitars. Saw another one just like it a month or so back and that was stunning too. Cheers, Jon |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Shane Date: 27 Jan 08 - 08:47 PM I picked up my girlfriends mums guitar which is also a levin LT18. Unsure of the year of manufacture, im also a bi disappointed at the fact it doesnt have a seriel number. Does this mean its a fake??? |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,mike dillon Date: 01 Jan 08 - 04:30 PM does anyone know the value of my levin lt 18 1968 |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Big Al Whittle Date: 20 Nov 07 - 08:04 PM The fabulous Kelvin Henderson (English singer of Americana) used to play a Levin for quite a while. Anyone know what Kelvin henderson is up to these days? |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Hamer, Ken Date: 20 Nov 07 - 05:21 PM I bought my Levin T18 new in 1968 for £65 from Bells Music stores who converted it to be left handed for me. It cost more than I intended to pay (about a month's wages at the time) but I couldn't resist the sound. 40 years later it sounds even better. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Warwick Slade Date: 16 May 07 - 10:03 AM I bought a Levin Goliath around 1963 and it was a great guitar but lost a little tone when someone put their foot through it in stage. Oh the joy a live gigs. I replaced it with a 1938 Martin 00018 |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,scampee32 Date: 15 May 07 - 11:32 PM I have and play a 1965 Levin LN-26 acoustic steel string guitar and I would'nt play anything else. It has a real sweet tone to it, and a light action for an acoustic with 13 guage strings. I love these guitars. |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus H Date: 26 Feb 07 - 04:50 PM This may be the belief of many, but I do not think it is entirely correct... The idea that Martin purchased the Levin company for the stock of woods is commonly spread. The fact is however that the purchase was in the early 70:s (1973/74) and the stock of wood was still significant when the company (Levin)was terminated ten years later. The Wood was sold on auction and Marting didn´t even place any bids thamselves, as I heard it they were adviced against it by their solicitors. I actually think I read that in a bulletin board posting by Chris Martin himself (!). I think it was sold in portions to several buyers. And I don´t really think it is accurate to say that Levin was no threat, or at least disturbance to Martin. In the sixties Levin exported high quality guitars under the Goya brand in significant volumes. The best years as much as 16000 per year. Perhaps no competition for the most exclusive Martin models, but well compareable with the low to medium models, D-18 as example. In 1976 Martin bought the rights also to the Goya brand, which was owned by the US distributor (Dude inc.), and started importing cheap guitars from Japan and Korea. This has resulted in the bad reputation of Goya guitars today. Levin produced more that 800000 instruments between year 1900 and 1979, Goyas included. Martin produced their 500000th instrument in 1990 as comparision. There is extremely little documentation on the Levin company (plenty of instrument catalogs though...), but I have spoken with some people with background in the company. The picture I have been given is that Martin was looking for a capable manufacturer and distributor in Europe, for Martin guitars. In fact som 200 D-18:s were manufactured in Gothenburg, labeled Martin LD-18 (I have acually seen some). However the competition from primarily Japanese manufacturers hit both Europe and US in the mid to late 70:s and also Martin was damaged by local union strikes. To save money production of Levin was moved to Finland and Japan. There are Levins made in Japan almost identical to Sigmas. Not to jeapardize the US operation cutdowns were made in Europe, and Levin was finally dropped... Maybe they did what they had to do, but they shure sunk the Levin company effectively in the end. /Magnus |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Spikey Date: 25 Feb 07 - 01:08 PM Its thought buy a lot of geetar enthusiasts that the main reason Martin bought up the company was to give them access to virtually unlimited supplies of spruce for its soundboards, after all, the company did not represent any kind of commercial threat to Martin |
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Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Hans Aili Date: 25 Feb 07 - 01:04 PM Herman Carlson Levin was a manufacturer of musical instruments, mainly guitars, banjos and mandolins, of Gothenburg, Sweden. I own a Levin LT-16, a steel string model, rather hard on the strings but with a very nice tone, that I bought back in 1968. Levin made school instruments of decent quality and a range of very good instruments for professional musicians. There is a homepage run by an enthusiast. The language is Swedish with a few notes in English. http://www.johaneliasson.com/under_sidor/levin.htm |
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