Mansfield Guitars??????

Subject: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 10:02 PM

My sweety was given a Mansfield guitar #694. It was payment for a $ 50. (can) debt owed to him. Does anyone know anything about these guitars and did he get his monies worth!! LOL

LL

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: Once Famous
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 10:09 PM

This guitar was made by the Jayne Mansfield Guitar Co. which went out of business when she lost her head over being competitive with Stella.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 08:42 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:10 PM

I wouldn't take this as gospel, but I believe Mansfield Guitars were Asian rim built, likely Japan if my suspicions are true that they were '60s &/or '70s imports. If that is true it is also likely they were copies, maybe even decent ones, of established well known brands of the day. If yours is playable, and sounds okay, you likely weren't ripped off at $50. Is it solid top or laminate? Enjoy.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 10:03 PM

Thanks Mooh.that is very helpful indeed.
LL

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 10:43 PM

My first banjo was a Mansfield. It was a fairly well made Aluminium pot Japanese cheapie. I have seen other Mansfield banjos that are great copies of Gibson Mastertones, some even have ornate engraving and gold plating. I would think that given your investment that you either have a pretty good deal, a very good deal or a great deal.

LL, are you in Canada? I have this theory that Mansfield was a brand name for products bought by a Canadian retailer.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Greg
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 09:23 PM

hey i saw a mansfield copy of a fender telecaster, th guy wants 150 for it, i think he is ripping people off, not only that, it had a busted nut.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,jay
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 06:34 PM

I owned a Mansfield guitar in the late nineties. I bought it off a retired guy in Calgary that quit playing and he told me he had bought it new from a shop in downtown Toronto in the late fifties I believe. I am not %100 positive on that but the guitar was definitely old and the amp I bought at the same time was purchased with the guitar. Anyways the guitar played like a dream, stayed in tune perfectly (I never even took it in to get it set up), and to top it off it was a very nice looking guitar. I have yet to find a guitar that plays as well with such low action and there was zero fret buzz anywhere on the fret board. Unfortunately I sold it so that I had the NAME BRAND EQUIPMENT which was dumb because I have yet to come across another guitar that comes close to its playability except for maybe my Gibson BFG which I grow fonder of everyday. So if I were you and I had one and it played nice and stayed in tune I would keep it. Thats just my opinion though. Cheers from Canada.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Greg Scott
Date: 28 Mar 09 - 12:08 PM

I have a Les Paul Copy that is a Mansfield. There is a few web sites that deal with them. I bought mine for around $350 in 1980 and I have played it ever since. To say I love it is an understatement.I would not trade it for a brand new Les Paul.
Greg Scott

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,~G~
Date: 28 Mar 09 - 12:10 PM

I am glad to see that my post on guitarsite in 2004 went its way... (http://www.guitarsite.com/discussion/messages/79220.shtml)

Since this seems to still have some interest, I would like to add more information to this post about the Mansfield guitars. These discoveries were done after a lot of research on the net, I have found and confirmed at least some of the "mystery" hanging around the Mansfield guitars.

Mansfield was actually an OEM brand from a canadian distributor named Peate's Music store, located on Mansfield street in Montreal. They still have a website with an interesting archive page where you see Martin guitars starting at 24 dollars... Wow! What a bargain! http://www.peate.com/peatearchives.htm

But they no longer have a store, so the 24 dollars Martin deal is off!!!. I think they also operate under a different name and are mainly operating as musical instruments distributors.

I have contacted them in 2004 and they were kind enough to confirm that Mansfield used to have their guitar made by Hoshino-Gakki in the 70's:

"The interesting story behind Mansfield is that years ago, before Ibanez became such a strong guitar line, the manufacturer of Ibanez in Japan used to make OEM guitars for musical distributors throughout the world.

They were approached by Peate Musical Instrument Distributors about 30 years ago to make guitars for them. At that time the Peate warehouse was located in Montreal on Mansfield street. Now you know how the guitars came to be called Mansfield. Subsequently, Peate Music went to other guitar manufacturers for their "Mansfield" guitars up until about 10 years ago. The association with Ibanez manufacturing was discontinued about 25 years ago, so whether your guitar was made by the Ibanez factory in Japan or elsewhere is still an open question."

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,mns owner
Date: 01 Apr 09 - 11:04 PM

very cool to run across this thread. I've owned a mansfield electric since the mid 90s and never really knew where the brand came from. Thanks for clearing it up!

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,kevmc
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 06:20 PM

I have a Mansfield acoustic. I got it from my cousin, I think, years ago. He got it from a relative, too, I think. Looks like an old Ibanez. Says "MADE IN JAPAN" on the back of the headstock. Plays well and sounds good. But it was beat up pretty good. I replaced a missing tuner. And the guitar was splitting in the bottom right. So, not being able to afford $160 to have a luthier fix it, I used a few tuny nails and duct tape. Works fine. It has a nice flat fretboard. Seems to have some slight tuning instability, though. But it has a nice rich tone.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,DMcL
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 06:31 PM

I have a Mansfield acoustic, model F340 that I purchased at Peate's Music in 1967. I used it for a "beater" (parties, etc.) and did not really care a great deal for it as it was a "quiet" guitar and nothing really to look at. But what do you expect for $60.00 bucks or so (I can't remember the original price.) I had it here at home until about 5 years ago and gave it to my granddaughter as a beginner's instrument. I picked up a Yamaha electric/acoustic AP4 in the meantime and found it to be so-so.

Aadvance to just recently. The Mansfield was a bit large for my granddaughter so she really did not play it much. I picked it up to strum while at the house over Thanksgiving and I could not believe my ears! The solid spruce top has aged of course and the sound was something else. It still does not have a "big" sound but it was so balanced and low action that I swapped the smaller Yamaha with her and now have the Mansfield back at home.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Stew
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 07:13 PM

I worked at Peate Musical when they were on Mansfield right next door to a neat old tavern. This was in the 50's. They left downtown and moved up around Decarie and the Metropolitan Blvd around 1968-1970 or thereabouts. A buddy of mine bought a Mansfield acoustic flat top guitar and as I recall it played okay but a wee bit short of Martin and Gibson in tone. I always assumed it was made in Canada, but as this thread points out it was probably made in the east.
Stew

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,DMcL.
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 07:47 AM

Hi Stew:
I have to agree with you re: sound vs. Martin; however, I have had several Gibsons over the years and this Mansfield now sounds better than all of them and comes very close to a Martin or Taylor.

What I really like about the Mansfield (at least with this model) is the adjustable saddle. Great for setting the action. There has never been any work done on the guitar and apart from a few pick scrapes, it still is in very good condition for all it has been through. The intonation is dead on.

My granddaughter can have it back when I expire!

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Eugene
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 11:41 AM

I also have a Mansfield,les Paul copy which I bought new in the early 70s,Its a dream to play and never been set up.its amazing rite up the neck and sounds killer thru a fender pro reverb amp,also early 70s issue.Mine is Ivory in color or thats what they call it but it looks to have a goldish tint at any rate its a great guitar for I think around 300.00 dollar range and that was with a custom case.Iam in N.B. Canada and I also have a few friends around the area that also have mansfield acoustics.Nice to see the other comments on these great old guitars and how they have stood the test of time,which I think tells the tale on construction quality.
                              Best to All. Eugene

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Mark
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 09:11 PM

I bought my son Mansfield dove model #693 off kijiji clasifieds. The guy i got it from said it was purchased at Goldstiens music in Saint John NB in the early 70's. I was in touch with peates music and he verified it that it was one of the 70's mansfields.It looks like a Gibson dove. There are pictures I sent them on there web site.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Dan C.
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 03:30 AM

Ok, I see all this talk of Mansfield guitars, but I have a canary yellow Mansfield BASS that is basically a short-scale Fender tele bass copy. It's VERY light and I can't find any info on it online. Has anyone else ever seen a Mansfield bass?

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 11:09 AM

I once had two Mansfield toilets in my house. True story! They had a pneumatic flushing device that would suck pigeons right off the roof! I never knew they made guitars, though...

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Razz
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 05:58 PM

I have a Mansfield classical guitar that my mother gave me years ago. She told me her grandfather gave her the guitar. Unlike all of you, mine doesn't say anything on the headstock and it doesn't say what country made it or what year it was made. All I know is the sticker says "Mansfield handcrafted guitar model No.0119. Can anyone hepl me out please??

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 07:00 PM

I just bought a $80 Mansfield acoustic Gibson Dove copy model 693 the first 2 digits of the serial number is 74 so I am guessing it could be 1974?? Looks exactly like a gibson and appears to be solid rosewood back and sides, spruce top, mahogany neck? It needs a little adjustment but sounds fantastic. I wish I new more but sounds just as good as a $2000 guitar.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,C
Date: 08 Jun 10 - 10:21 PM

I have one of the Mansfield mastertone style tenor banjos. Picked it up from a used instrument shop in Calgary, payed a decent buck for it was worth it considering what a new tenor of the same quality would have cost me. I seen another one the other day on a gig actually, in Nova Scotia. I'd like to find myself one of the LPs.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,piper
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 12:03 PM

I just bought a Mansfield 6 string banjo from a local pawn shop, it eems like a good instrument, well made, and loud. Cool to get a little unfo on the company. Thanks everyone!

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,David from Montreal
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 08:59 PM

I have a Mansfield acoustic model F360. SN#7509180. My sister bought it at least 30-35 years ago. Don't know if it was new when she bought it. It is in great shape and has a great sound. However I am a very novice guitar player. If any knows about the F360 let me know.
Thanks.
David from MTL

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,David from MTL
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 07:33 PM

Did some research and my Manfield F360 is 'identical' to a Makamine F-360. Is it posible that Makamine was also used to produce Mansfields. My Masnfield is solid spruce top, and solid rosewood base and sides.
Thanks
David from MTL

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: ollaimh
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:02 PM

i've seen several mansfields over the years. a friend of mine had a jumbo that was a poormans guils jumbo--a great beater. i bought a small body guitar, like a guld f 20 or maybe f30 for fifty bucks and busked with it untill i got an old yamaha i liked better then soldthe mansfiekd to a kid on saltspring island. it had a great soud as well.

another friend had a mandfield f5 mandolin copy. it was destroyed in a house fire , unfortunately. again a great beater. i recall him twangingintothe night on wreck beach in vancouver way back when.

so ithink most of the mansfields were superior mid range nstrments, amost equal tothe best yamahas, better than some

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,trevor christensen
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 01:22 PM

paid 20 dollars for my mansfield 1949 wanna no wat its worth ne one no

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,buddaboy
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 06:47 PM

Has any one heard of a Mansfield 12 string acoustic model# 66012Vs, guy whats $ 200 for it what do you think

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 10 - 12:59 AM

i have a mansfield guitar its old and its awsome as far as i know its a company out of new jersey they have a website. i have model g-105 and its pretty good its a classical guitar and its like from the 60s i think, best i know is the company went out of buisness then was bought by this dude in new jersey.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,brian wright
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 11:18 AM

i have a mansfield mw460 made in japan i need anything about this model of guitar ,

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 12:22 PM

"Mansfield used to have their guitar made by Hoshino-Gakki in the 70's"

There is a lot of confusion about guitars that were supposedly made by Hoshino-Gakki or Ibanez. The first thing to know is that Hoshino-Gakki never made guitars *for* Ibanez. Hoshino-Gakki *is* Ibanez, or rather Ibanez is the foremost brand of the musical instrument company Hoshino-Gakki. Also, Hoshino-Gakki never manufactured Ibanez guitars or any other guitars past the mid sixties (only drums such as Tama). They contracted other companies (Japanese initially, later on Korean, Indonesian, and Chinese) to do the manufacturing of their guitars, such as FujiGen.

So when somebody says that such-and-such a guitar was made by Ibanez or Hoshino-Gakki, they are usually mistaken. They may have been supplied by Hoshino-Gakki, but, since Hoshino-Gakki is not really an OEM supplier, it is more likely they were built by one of the companies that Hoshino-Gakki contracted to build Ibanez guitars, which other guitar companies use as well. And even then, how can you really know for sure just who built it?

Which means that the quality of these guitars has nothing to do with Ibanez. They could be awesome, they could be crap, it all depends on what the contract was for (price point, features, wood grades, hardware choices, etc.) For example, Fender has used some of the same companies to make Squier guitars - does that mean Squiers are just as good as Ibanezes?

Mind you - I am not saying Mansfields aren't any good - I've never seen nor played one. I do own a Chinese Ibanez Artcore Custom and think it's quality is outstanding. Just trying to set straight a very common urban legend about 60-70's Japanese guitars being somehow connected with Ibanez and therefore of equal quality.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Nynavic
Date: 21 Oct 10 - 06:46 PM

I recently bought a Mansfield Stratocaster HSS for $70 at a second hand store in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. There are no labels or numbers on the guitar, just the Mansfield logo decal on the headstock. After putting on Fender Bullet strings, lowering the action and adjusting the intonation to perfection it plays even better than the $4000 Gibson Custom Les Paul that I owned. This Mansfield is one of the nicest playing and sounding guitars that I've ever owned. It has a chime quality to the tone which I really enjoy. Whoever made it...did a fantastic job.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,kevin
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 08:24 PM

i have a mansfield f360 i bought it in montreal in 1973, mansfield was a guitar shop that was on mansfield boulavard in montreal, the company was around for a few years and was sold ( not sure to who ) the guitar i have has been through everything possible and abused for years, the guitar has a crack in the neck that has been fixed. i have owned about 20 guitars and have played many martin guitars, i would not trade my mansfield for anything, it is by far the best guitar i have played, now i do understand that they are not considered a top guitar but the woods are the same as martin spruce top and mahogany side and back. if this guitar is set up properly it is a gem.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,yvon
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 01:22 PM

I have a mansfield guitar wich I purchased at a pawn shop,the sticker label inside says it was made in china in 2006,the nodel # md666vs,,,,,,,,,,,,,the guitar has a good sound,good action,and looks great,appears to have solid pine top,rosewood sides and back,,,,would anyone have any inf on this model??????????

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: ollaimh
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 03:22 PM

i have owned a couple of mansfields over the years. they were great beaters. among the best sounding and best build of middle range japanese guitars, but they weren't too common so few know of them. they weren't designed to challenge the high end market but they werer as good as many yamahas and i'm a yamaha fan.

the good thing is they were usually cheap second hand so easy to resell when you'r done with them.

a buddy in vancouver had a mansfield mandolin as well that was very nice, sadly it was lost in a house fire.

so fifty bucks for a mansfield seems good to me

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,bankley
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 11:26 AM

I bought a 'Country Gentleman' copy with small amp for $30 at a flea market a few years ago. Gave it to a buddy and he gave it to his granddaughter who is still playing it... nice looking and playing axe

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: Timberline
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 08:22 PM

Up to the late '60s the entry level flat-top market in N.America was pretty much owned by Harmony. There were a lot of other guitars around, but the early Japanese attempts generally fell short in terms of playability, sound and durability.   When Yamaha came out with their FG-180 model in about '68 it changed the game completely and killed the old ( all solid wood) Harmony Sovereigns dead.

At the time I was working at Coda Music in Vancouver and playing folk clubs like the Bunkhouse at night. The other importers hustled to get their offshore stuff up to snuff, and out of that flurry of activity came the Mansfield line and it's sibling under the 'Yamaki' label.

The two were rather like the GM split of Pontiac and Chev which allowed two 'exclusive' dealership deals in the same area.   One dealer would be opened as a Yamaki franchise and the one at the other end of town would get Mansfields. A similar situation existed at the time with the Aria and Pan lines.

Those two were the first that I can remember to offer solid wood tops on steel string guitars retailing for under about $175. Not all of 'em had solid tops, but they were an option at the time, denoted by a small red 'S' stamped on the label.

The late Bill Lewis, a noted Vancouver luthier and supplier of luthiery tools back then convinced the manufacturers to try western red cedar for those solid tops, and the cedar-topped Yamakis we sold back then were the first steel strings I can remember to sport the cedar, rather than spruce tops.

Bill had done a wonderful job a few years before of selling the whole western red cedar concept to a number of prominent Spanish luthiers for their classicals and flamencos.

Unfortunately, it took a little while for builders and designers of steel strings to come to understand the strengths and weaknesses of cedar as a top material, so there were some spectacular failures of the early ones, particularly when Mansfield and Yamaki tried it on their 12-strings.

As I remember it, Yamahas' first solid-topped steel string offered in this market was the FG-300 with it's Hummingbird-type pickguard and bridge which was adjustable for both string height and intonation. Yamaha stuck to spruce for those.

In those days Peate Music was also the distributor for Martins in Canada, and I can still remember my first D-28 coming from them at the overwhelming price of $660.

KH
Timberline Guitars and Ukes
Rockingham, Ontario

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,migs
Date: 13 Nov 10 - 08:21 PM

hi
what about the Mansfield acoustic MD100?

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 02:06 AM

Mansfield guitars were started by Peate Music Supplies in the late 40's to add an inexpensive line for their store as they were delaers of gretsch and Fender. They later left the retail busines and continued as importers and wholesalers of Musical intruments and equipment. Peate eventually moved to the US but the Mansfield line has since continued to be distributed by another Montreal company , PMI International. The Acoustic guitars have model numbers starting with MD as in Mansfield a 3 or 4 digit number to indicate the model and 1 or 2 letters to indicate the colour.The MD666VS mentionned earlier is a jumbo acoustic in vintage sunburst colour, it was also carried in black and nastural and is still a current model.The MD100 is a standard full size dreadnought model ,the colours are N= natural, BL for blue, RD for red , BK for black, PK for pink sunburst and VS for vintage sunburst. The MD110 are full size but with cutaway , the MD110EL are cutaway with builtin pickup. They also have MD50 as in 50% or half size and MD75 as in 75% or 3/4 size.The electric guitars have models starting with EG or SE depending on which factory makes them. Mansfield has always made entry level to intermediate products, although some of the intermediate products are also used by professional musicians.This is a small Montreal company with limited web presence,but they are still going strong.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars Current Distributor
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 05:57 PM

check this out:
www.pmimusical.com

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Daniels Dad
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 04:20 PM

I have a Mansfield Tele copy. Cream/white
Purchased in 70s. used it until I got a 64 Gibson Melodymaker.
Loaned Mansfield to a chap playing lead (no guitar)
Eventually he mounted Ibanez Super 70 Humbuckers. It sounded great through his Marshall Amp.
Started to strip the white paint only to find that the grain/wood was not suitable for stain and refinishing.
Going to return to Cream white with Toronto Maple Leaf logos.
for 19 yr old son who is a fan. He also is a mean drummer and can play a tuba if needed.
Will try to post pics at a later date.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 01:08 PM

I recently found a Mansfield 240 acoustic in my house and was wondering if it was worth fixing up, it would need some new strings and some new tuners.

I'm currently thinking about buying a Seagul guitar, but if this mansfield is better that would work for me.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Northern BC
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 04:24 PM

I bought a Mansfield Dove model 693, craftman made guitar in 1972-3 or Should I say my parents bought it for me in Vernon BC. I still have it 39 years later. It still plays beautifully, and I would not trade it or sell it for any amount, it has been one of my closest friends. I have no idea where it was made, but it is a well made guitar. Oh yes they paid $150 for it back then, which was alot of money.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jan 11 - 12:05 PM

Want to buy a Mansfield Guitar or know of the whereabouts of a dealer. With narrow neck perferably Acoustic

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,DmcL.
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 10:35 AM

Picked up another Manfield guitar a couple of weeks ago. It is a "hummingbird" model (copy of a Gibson I think) Model # W65H. It sounds brighter than my other Mansfield and the bass response is great. Unfortunately, someone replaced the bridge with a Gibson model and got it slightly off center. This causes the high E string to come very close to the edge of the fingerboard the further up the neck you go. I'm not certain what type of glue was used but from what I can see, it is not hide glue. I think I'll replace the saddle with a narrower one to see if it will bring the string up somewhat. It is still playable the way it is and I use it almost every day but it would be great to have the E string wide gap narrowed a bit.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Don
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 12:54 PM

I have a Mansfield guitar which I bought new about 35 or 40 years ago.It has a great sound and someday hope to pass it on to my grandson!

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 12 Jan 11 - 12:33 AM

I just picked up a mansfield bass someone was throwing away.
It screamed,"save me"! It looked like an early 70's style jazz
bass. it even has real mother of pearl block inlays. Anyway, I had trouble finding a serial #, so I pulled the pickups and found out they were made in 1972.(maxon pickups)I don't know if that helps with
anyones Ibanez theories! Anyone have info on mansfield basses? This thing smokes!

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,snowman
Date: 12 Jan 11 - 05:28 PM

I have a w65d acoustic mansfield does anyone know about the value and age. only a couple of nicks on the blonde face wood,neck is straight and has no signs of wear, the rosewood body is excellent.ser #39004. thanks

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,BigBadBear
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 07:04 PM

Wow... the Mansfield Guitar story never ends...

Some Mansfield guitars have model numbers identical to mid 70 Ibanez guitars... those are identical to Ibanez guitars, built by Hoshino-Gakki... This was confirmed to me by a contact at Hoshino-Gakki, who's mail was given to me by Mr. Peate junior years ago...

For example, the model 693 is a common model. See peate.com website. They added a mansfield guitars section in their archive section after I figured it out and started sharing the mansfield guitars history. You may also look for Ibanez vintage website to match your model number...

There are many Mansfield guitars, and some can be crap... but for sure, the mid-70 models with identical model numbers should have the same specifications than the mid-70 Ibanez...

If you have a Mansfield Guitar, you should take a picture, write the known history of the guitar, and send it to Peate.com for their archive!! They will be pleased.

Have fun with your Mansfield Guitars!

BigBadBear!

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Feb 11 - 05:13 PM

Peate Musical originated the 'Mansfield' trade name in the 1950s, named after
legendary Mansfield Street in downtown Montreal.
The Peate retail store was located on Mansfield and was the gathering place of choice for local and visiting musicians.
The original Mansfield guitars were produced in the best guitar factories in Japan, by makers who later became leading names in the industry.
The instruments were made to top level specifications and were among the finest instruments produced.

In fact, the early Mansfields are now collector's guitars valued for their workmanship, rarity and fine sound characteristics. If you are the owner of an original Mansfield, 
we would be happy to include an image in our developing Mansfield archive.
Let us know.

The original Mansfields may be imitated, but never equaled.
We stopped producing these fine instruments in 1990s.


Pictured at left, Mansfield Model No. 693

* We are often asked to estimate the selling price of vintage Mansfield instruments.
Value is based on particular materials, condition, workmanship, playability, tone, rarity, 
general vintage market etc.. For the best evaluations we would suggest that you contact your nearest musical instrument store.

 

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Marlena Miller
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 04:29 PM

I have a Mansfield Guitar...Craftsman made ... Serial # FJH --3 Is this a $50.00 guitar...just wondering??

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Central B.C.
Date: 17 May 11 - 12:50 AM

The above are some very interesting and informative posts.
I have a Mansfield "Craftsman made" F335 acoustic guitar.
It is a dreadnought, and produces a very nice tone, albeit with some occasional string buzzing (may try to adjust this out by turning the nut at the top of the fret board. It is a very nice looking unit, in what I suppose is called natural colour on the top, with rosewood on the sides, and what I think is mahogany on the back. I have always been curious about the guitars origins, I know it was purchased in Canada around twenty years ago, but that's all.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Barb, Oklahoma City, Ok.
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 10:06 PM

My boyfriend owns a Mansfield Craftsman model # C119. We were wondering if anyone could tell us anything about it like where it was made and what year. Any info about the guitar would be greatly appreciated. He has the original case for it.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Johnny on Quadra .
Date: 04 Sep 11 - 04:34 AM

I just got a Mansfield J-21G acoustic .anyone out there with any info ? cheers :)

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Erik in Las Vegas
Date: 10 Sep 11 - 02:05 PM

I'll join the curiousity seekers and ask info about a C136-J Mansfield as it seems no one in my area seems to know the facts. I picked it up in a estate sale of a music teacher and love both the looks and sound but I have no history of that model. I have no idea of the value while it is in excellent condition. When I took it to a local shop they didn't know the brand therefor unable to give an estimate. I'm not selling it just curious.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Erik

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,walene benoit
Date: 30 Oct 11 - 11:07 AM

hi eugene

what would be the value of this guitar today, i have a chance to buy one 1970, seems to be just like the one you have. Tried to find a value on the internet but no luck.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 06:28 PM

I have a Mansfield acuostic given to me as a keepsake from my sister,s friend a long time ago . It is a Craftsman made F 360 .
Nice full sound .

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,1080
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 08:50 PM

i ve had mine for 30 years my grandfather gave it to me when i was 3 its beat to hell but sounds fantastic

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 08:44 PM

Amazing read on the Mansfield history, like most here i find myself wondering of the guitars as I have been playing my Mansfield accoustic the last 30 yrs with nothing but delight and sheer enjoyment. Mine is a starburts finished Humming Bird with no identification on it anywhere other than the Mansfield name on the head stock. I puchased it from a dear friend who never played it although he bought it brand new when he was in high school, circa 1961 if thats possible. Over the years I have changed the nut & bridge simply due to wear. It has an adjustable bridge and I have fine tunned the action to the point of rivalling most electric set ups, the result is amazing! as for the sound of this instrument, all I can say is it defies understanding..the sound is deep, rich, clear and with sustain that is overwhelming! I don't think I would ever part with this guitar as it has become a real dear friend :) Thanks to all for your wonderfull insight to an amazing history! Have fun and "Play Every Day"

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Mansfield electrics in 80's
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 05:17 PM

What companies were manufacturing the Mansfield Strat and Tele copies in the 1980's? I am going to buy a Strat copy tomorrow for $80 Can. I don't know anything about the guitar. I thought I might start to research here. Thanks for any information.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 12 - 02:49 PM

Like everyone else on this thread I have a mansfield guitar - it is an accoustic - a copy of a Gibson "Dove". it was purchased for me by my dad at Hutton's Music Store in St. John's, Newfoundland in the summer of 1974. I took it to Mt. Allison University with me, where one of the guys in my residence who came from Dalhousie, new Brunswick had a Mansfield "Hummingbird". Another guy from the same part of New Brunswick has an Ibanez bass, and I remember him saying something about a connection between Ibanez and Mansfield, but I never understood until now what he was talking about. My guitar has fairly high action and can be a bit painful to play - after all these years I am finally going to have it properly "set up". Thanks for all the interesting information about these instruments - far more than I had expected to find!

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Christopher Ian King
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 05:47 AM

I picked up an acoustic Mansfield at a local music shop in the Eastern Townships (Roughly an hour outside of Montreal.) This thing was old. Somebody had ordered it to be re-fitted with pickups and re-painted in a sparkly colour (Looks like something Elton John would play if he had an interest in it) and they just never came back to pick it up, for like a couple years in fact, so the owner of the store was forced to sell it.
Thank god for that because I SWEAR this is hands down the best guitar I have ever picked up, period. I've played with a lot of different makes, and they really do not compare. I was so happy with this acoustic, I went out and bought two more Mansfield guitars for 350$ a pop. I could tell that they had the air of the Chinese knock-off, and STILL, these two guitars played so much better than anything I've ever picked up.
I'm going to actually get custom work done on one of them and have it be my signature guitar from now on. I don't know if I'm lucky or what, but these things are priceless, at least in my eyes. I wouldn't ever let one of them out of my sights.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Vinracer
Date: 08 Feb 13 - 09:45 PM

I picked up a nice looking Mansfield model MC255 in brand new condition. Other than what I have read in this post I have no other information. It has a mahogany back, rosewood? sides and a natural coloured top, all solid. Still trying to find out more about this model.
PB

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Nynavic
Date: 11 Feb 13 - 03:09 PM

I now have 2 Mansfield Strats. The first one as I mentioned in a comment above is 'Fiesta Red' and has excellent quality. The second one is 'White', it seems newer and isn't nearly as well made. At first glance they look much the same, but upon close inspection there are differences that seem to indicate they were made by different manufacturers. The first one has the pickguard holes laid out exactly as a Fender Strat, where as the second one doesn't. The first one also has a thinner neck and better volume and tone pots. I paid $70 each for these guitars and have seen others for sale locally of the 'second' type and I won't waste my money on them. If I can find more of the first type, I would definitely consider purchasing it. This link should show the two side by side: Very different Mansfield Strats

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Merv
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 01:51 AM

As others have mentioned in these threads, very interesting to learn the background of these guitars, (and no doubt there are many other makes out there that might have similar stories, when I remember the pawn shop guitars I owned long ago, with names that probably no longer exist). I still own a Mansfield copy of a Gibson SG, with 2 chrome humbuckers. It looks just like the model 2354 in the 1975 catalogue from Peate Music that can be found elsewhere when Googling info about Mansfields, right down to the deep purple finish, except mine is a hardtail, no tremolo/vibrato tail piece. I bought it brand new at a music store in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1972, for about $225 or so if memory serves, which I think was a bit less maybe than the suggested retail price at the time.

As a couple of posts here have said, the quality is generally quite good, mine sounds great under any amplified circumstance, but the only weak point(s) are the tuners - way too much slop and free-play in them. I have never changed anything on it, and was thinking of putting some higher-end tuners into it now that I recently dragged it out of storage, but now having read that they could be worth a little bit to someone collecting, maybe I should leave it as original. Then again, I like it enough that I probably won't part with it anyway, so new tuners might just go on it.

There is only the "Mansfield" name plate on the front head stock, no serial number or anything else, though maybe there is something under the neck plate, or written on the neck itself under there, however I have never disassembled it, so maybe I will do that, and also pull out the pups so see if there is anything elsewhere to help narrow down it's history.........

Anyway, thanks to everyone who contributes to these posts, it's great to have some sources of info and conversation!

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: HiHo_Silver
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 05:44 PM

I have a Mansfield catalogue and probably a price list kicking around somewhere from back when I dealt with Peate Musical Co. I purchased and sold several of the Mansfield Models. Excellent guitars for the money. I do believe Peate Musical Company is still in the wholesale business somewhere in Montreal. Que. Canada

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Roussel
Date: 08 Aug 13 - 10:04 AM

My parents offered me a Mansfield classical guitar C-128 in 1976, they had been advised by a professional classical guitar player. It was purchased in Peate's in Montreal. It was improved by a luthier 10 years ago and I have never heard any Ramirez sounding with as much deepness, richness and nuances. Rich overtones for a classical guitar. Solidity is unbelievable: for three decades I had no idea about how important is moisture degree for any guitar, especially in winter, and I lived in very dry appartments in Montreal. However my Mansfield has no craks, no buzz, it looks as fresh as the first Christmas morning when I saw it. Spruce top (probably sitka); indian rosewood back, side, head and bridge. I own a Taylor 612, a Guild D-55 and a couple of other guitars, but having to pick only one of my guitars with me on a desert island, I would probably choose my humble Mansfield.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,zazou64
Date: 16 Jul 14 - 07:40 PM

Hello all,

I just picked up a Mansfield guitar model no. J-21G. I was hoping that someone could gie me some infomation about this particular guitar. The guitar has the Mansfield name on the top. It also has a circled label inside (J-21G). The guitar is in good condition with the exception of a few digs and scratches. This gives the guitar character. I've searched the net and been through all these post concerning the Mansfield brand. I still haven't found any information about this particular guitar I bought.

So if anyone can help me out, it will gratfully be apprecated.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Dec 14 - 03:34 PM

I just been given a Mansfield guitar model # F303. I am looking for   information about this particular guitar. The guitar has the Mansfield name on the top. It has a label inside F303. The guitar is in good condition

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Guest F
Date: 06 Mar 15 - 06:49 PM

Mansfield acoustic WF-115. Does anyone have info or the Ibanez equivalent.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,John D
Date: 19 Jun 16 - 11:05 PM

I have a Mansfield bass that my dad bought me in 1972, I think.
It looks like a Gibson SG body. Was a good workhorse for me as I played in a country band for a couple of years. All these years I didn't know much about it but I find out that the same company that made Ibanez in Japan made these.
I went to a an Ibanez website that has all their catalogues from the 70s and I look at 1972 and they show 2 models and one of them is exactly the same as my Mansfield. Cool. They are supposed to be a hot item for some collectors but I haven't explored that yet.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Axewizzard
Date: 13 Aug 16 - 09:32 PM

I have a Mansfield Humingbird 245BKL. Some cracking in the finish. Found it at a Pawn shop in Ontario and it looked well played. With a new set of strings it sounds better than anything with a 3000$ price tag.

It's great that so many people have shared thier information. I want to start a Mansfield collection now.

Enjoy all. Don't stop playing.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 16 - 12:15 PM

I have a real nice Mansfield 694 for sale.
If interested let me know
Cam

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,BigBadBear
Date: 08 Mar 17 - 09:57 PM

Years ago, I was searching for information about Mansfield guitars.
Below is the mail exchange I finally had with the distributor and a contact from Hoshino Gakki in 2004 (The names are hidden, but this is the exact mail exchange). I then posted this information and it went a long way amongst the Mansfield guitar fans.

I hope you will find it interesting, and also that you all realize that there is no way to date or value exactly every Mansfield guitars, unless you have an identical model number that Ibanez also produced in the mid 70.

Based on this mail exchange, Mansfield were made by Hoshino from approximately 1974 until approximately 1979. Then Peate had their Mansfield guitars build by other guitar manufacturers.

I recently acquired a vintage Mansfield that has the same unusual tuning pegs as a vintage Sigma DM3 (also difficult to precisely date). So I think my Mansfield may have been produced by another manufacturer who was also making Sigma guitars for Martin.
Still, I am wondering if my Mansfield is a clone of a Yamaha Fxxx, because the model number is similar. Unfortunately, I was not able to find any pictures of a Yamaha Fxxx with the same unusual tuning machines.

This guitar is fabulous considering it is a laminated top! Strangely, it looks like it has solid sides because the wood grain is identical inside and outside (I really doubt that they used to bookmatch the laminated sides...). So it may be a manufacturing mistake recycled into an OEM serie.

Hope you enjoy this information and the mails exchanges below!

Regards,

BigBadBear

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxxx xxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, December 5, 2004 10:57 PM
To: xxxxxxx
Cc: xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Mansfield Guitars

Dear Mr. xxxxxxx,

Thank you for your inquiry.

The only thing we can confirm is Hoshino used to make and sell Mansfield
guitars in 70's as OEM production. Unfortunately we don't have any
record of what kind of guitars we used to make under its name with us
such as pictures, spec charts and photos, so I really can't tell any
further.

But if that guitar was made by us Hoshino, then that guitar should be
exactly same as we made and sold as Ibanez brand name in that era.

Thank you and best regards,

xxxxxxx xxxxxxx
Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.



xxxxxxx wrote:

> Dear M. xxxxxxx,
>
> I have a Mansifled guitar model x-xxx (made in Japan, 6 strings
> Dreadnought acoustic). I have owned it for 22 years and I have been
> told that it was acquired before 1975 by the seller. I recently
> purchased another Mansfield guitar model xxx-x (made in Japan, 6 strings
> Gibson hummingbird copy with Gibson headstock replica) but I can't say
> when this one was originally purchased. Both are great guitars and I
> love them.
>
> I contacted the Mansfield guitar distributor looking for the history of
> Mansfield guitars, and I was told that Mansfield guitars were once
> manufactured by your company (around 30 years ago).
>
> Is there a way to confirm that these models were builded by your
> company?   I have also read that at that time, the Hoshino would build
> Ibanez guitars and also brand them as other brands, but they were all
> the exact same guitars. Is this true? I would be really interested in
> knowing whether my Mandfields are "Hoshino/Ibanez made". If they are,
> then I would be a priviledged and proud owner of 2 rare pieces of
> Hoshino Gakki guitar making history.
>
> Thank you for reading and best regards,
>
> xxxxxx xxxxxx
> Laval, Quebec
> Canada
>
>    ----- Original Message -----
>    From: xxxxxxxx
>    To: xxxxxxxx
>    Cc: xxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxx
>    Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 2:10 PM
>    Subject: Mansfield Guitars
>
>    Dear xxxxxx,
>
>      
>
>    The interesting story behind Mansfield is that years ago, before
>    Ibanez became such a strong guitar line, the manufacturer of Ibanez
>    in Japan used to make OEM guitars for musical distributors
>    throughout the world.
>
>      
>
>    They were approached by Peate Musical Instrument Distributors about
>    30 years ago to make guitars for them. At that time the Peate
>    warehouse was located in Montreal on Mansfield street. Now you know
>    how the guitars came to be called Mansfield. Subsequently, Peate
>    Music went to other guitar manufacturers for their "Mansfield"
>    guitars up until about 10 years ago and the association with Ibanez
>    manufacturing was discontinued about 25 years ago, so whether your
>    guitar was made by the Ibanez factory in Japan or elsewhere is still
>    an open question.
>
>      
>
>    Best regards,
>
>      
>
>    xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx
>
>      
>
>    ----- Original Message -----
>    From: xxxxxxxx
>    To: xxxxxxxx
>    Cc: xxxxxxxx
>    Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 7:46 PM
>    Subject: Quest for mansfiend guitar
>
>    Hi,
>      
>    I saw on the internet that you are a distributor for mansfield
>    guitars.
>      
>    I have an old mansfield guitar and I have been trying to get
>    information about those guitars without success. I own an old
>    x-xxx, probably builded in the mid 70, and I am interested in the
>    history of this guitar and the mansfield guitar company. I have
>    played this guitar for more than 20 years and have never seen
>    another mansfield guitar.
>      
>    Is it possible to get in tough with the manufacturer and contact
>    them to have this kind of information?
>      
>    Thank you and best regards,
>      
>    xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx
>    Laval, Qc.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Kelly
Date: 13 Mar 17 - 10:08 PM

I have a mansfield acoustic guitar. Model number is C114. Has made in Japan sticker and is in mint condition. Can anyone give me some info on this guitar. Hard to find anything on mansfield guitars aside from the lawsuit Era stuff.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Tomas Eduardo
Date: 01 Apr 17 - 10:11 AM

Guitars are worth what people are willing to pay. Any decent vintage electric for 150 isn't a bad deal, unless the guitar is unplayable. A busted nut, as you say, is one of the simplest repairs any guitar would need. If the guy isn't representing it falsely, how in the world can you have the nerve to say he is ripping people off? Did he sell it to numerous people? No. Did he say it was something other than what it is? We don't know, because you didn't cite any ad or article.

Mansfield guitar were decent instruments imported to Canada from Japan in the 60's and 70's.

Know what you are talking about before you spout something like that.

One last thought: Japanese guitars from the 60's were usually pretty crappy eclectic instruments, and didn't sound or play real well. But those are exactly what some artists look for for certain recordings today.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,JR
Date: 10 Jul 17 - 11:20 AM

I have a Mansfield 693 Dove copy, given to me by my mother-n-law...
She bought it in 1975 in Canada and played it for 30 yrs.. she is now
80yrs old..I have owned over 70 guitars since 1962 and the only
guitar that feels, sounds, and plays as well as the Mansfield 693
was my Gibson j45, which i sold in the late 80's..I will own this
Mansfield 693 until i take my very last breath..

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitarsmodel nub k-1
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 17 - 07:37 PM

just looking for price and year made can anyone help phone number 403 7414718 stettler alberta canada ty

Subject: Mansfield Guitars
From: GUEST,Eric
Date: 24 Dec 18 - 03:44 PM

I purchased a used Mansfield Hummingbird in 1976.
I have long thought it to be an Ibanez instrument based on information from various websites. While Ibanez may have supplied many of the Mansfield guitars, I believe my Hummingbird was made by the Kiso Suzuki company in Japan.
My Mansfield appears to be identical to the Suzuki Hummingbird that can be seen on various websites. Note the unique "zero fret" under the nut. This was not used by Ibanez or Gibson (at least I could not find any evidence that it was) and given the similarities of the Suzuki and the Mansfield this is almost certainly a Suzuki Hummingbird.
Notice in the Mansfield 1975 catalogue (search for Mansfield guitars) that there are two Hummingbirds shown - one with the zero fret and one without. The one without the zero fret seems to be a more accurate copy and is probably the Ibanez Hummingbird.

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 19 - 06:53 AM

hey all.. I just purchased a Mansfield acoustic,, the Mansfield logo on the headstock is a square plastic "Mansfield " logo stuck to the top.. no model on the sticker in the sound hole .. looks like rosewood back and sides ...has adjustable bridge.. anyone know the model ? barry in newfoundland Canada -- text 709-682-2560 ...thanks

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 19 - 10:12 PM

I have a vintage Mansfield guitar it's a hummingbird with a Brazilian burst on it it's absolutely flawless plays absolutely perfect and from what I'm able to make on it it is model number W Des 65H and the serial number is 41121 manufactured by Mansfield guitars it's perfect you really need to see this if you're intrested it I'll sell it only because I need the money to get to my family I and plane ticket is costing me a tremendous amount of money that's the only reason why would ever even part with this if you message me back I'll give you my number send your photos and we can talk

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,F301
Date: 13 Jun 20 - 09:07 PM

I picked one up at a flea market. Serial number 708195

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,finger picker on the cape
Date: 29 Jan 21 - 07:41 PM

i play and love my mansfield classical model number tg006.any info would be greatly appreaciated

Subject: RE: Mansfield Guitars??????
From: GUEST,Lane
Date: 15 Jul 23 - 11:49 AM

I’d put my 1970 f360 up against any Martin d28 made from 1969 onward !!!! Never sellin this ! Tone monster