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15 Jun 99 - 03:49 PM (#86926) Subject: Ever heard of this guitar From: Dan I play a Swedish made classical guitar called a Levin. Picked it up in a junk store in Hong Kong twenty years ago. It seems like a pretty good guitar, heavy, with a real loud tone. Does anybody know anything about this instrument? |
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15 Jun 99 - 10:23 PM (#87019) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: DonMeixner I have seen and played Levin Guitars before and I liked them fine. Unusuall to find in the States. Paddie Bell from the Corrie Folk Trio days played a Levin. My understanding is they were/are a guitar of quality and note(so to speak) Don |
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16 Jun 99 - 02:56 AM (#87059) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Brian Hoskin I've known a number of people who play some great sounding Levin guitars. I didn't realise that they were made in Sweden. I recently noticed that Eric Bibb plays one, and he is, of course, now based in Sweden - it all begins to make sense. Brian |
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16 Jun 99 - 08:47 AM (#87107) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: ted rees I had a quick look at www.harmony-central.com found only 1 review which i have attached - sounds like you got a good one! ===== Levin Goliath Submitted at: 15:04, 4/5/99 Price Paid: US $0 Purchased from: Inherited it from dad Features: 1 None- acoustic guitar. Had pickup once but my dad gave it to a friend. Sound: 10 Brilliant tone- nicest acoustic I've ever heard. With big old strings, it sounds nice and aged, with wee small strings it sounds brand new. Action, Fit, & Finish: 7 There used to be a huge action and it was impossible to barre but I got it lowered. The fingerboard's horrible though- I should really get it seen to- you can't bend strings for love nor money. I't got loads of scraches on its beautiful finish. Reliability/Durability: 8 My wee brother 'nudged it with his foot' and it developed a second soundhole where there souldn't be one, but I got it fixed up good as new. It's got loads of scratches but they're my fault- it is good and strong. Customer Support: N/A I've never heard of Levin so I can't contact them about its history of pickup. Overall Rating: 10 It's the first guitar I got and I'll never want anothe. If I get a pickup fitted and a shiny new fingerboard it'll be the best acoustic in the world ever. If you see one second hand- take it.
Submitted by: Niall Harden |
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16 Jun 99 - 08:52 AM (#87109) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Bev Lawton yep I have to concur - Levin guitars are indeed highly rated. I had a friend who had a 12 string version and it sounded wonderful - much better than my Fender F95-12. Bev Lawton |
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25 Feb 05 - 08:06 AM (#1420535) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Guest - Magnus Hultin Hi, Levins were manufactured in my home town Gothenburg between year 1900 and late 1970s. They built classical (nylon strings), folk guitars, steelstrings, but are most famous for their archtop orchesta guitars. From mid 50s to mid 70s they exported acoustic guitars branded Goya in large volumes to US. Every Goya with "Made in Gothenburg Sweden" on the label has a corresponding sister-version labeled Levin for other markets, so it is likely that the Guitar you found in Hong-Kong is identical to a Goya G10, G13, G15, or even higher. Great guitars! For Goya and Levin info se http://goyaguitars.tripod.com. In early 70s Levin had tough competition by guitars from low cost countrys (japanese and Korean)and were bought up by Martin and dismounted. The production in Gothenburg ended 1979/80 as I recall. For complete list of Levin serial numbers se http://www.gitarren.se/radotips/sernr_levin.html Regards.../Magnus Hultin (Levin and Goya freak) |
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25 Feb 05 - 08:15 AM (#1420549) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Leadfingers I had a Levin L60 jumbo which was a smashing box - Got rid of it when I bought my Martin in 1970 . Hate to think what it would be worth now !! They were all nice guitars ! |
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25 Feb 05 - 08:40 AM (#1420580) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Nick My wife has a Levin guitar which was old when I met her 25 years ago - weird thing that I presume was nylon strung (though the tuners look like steel string ones) and has VERY soft dark wood on the front. Magnus - thanks for the links. I had a look on the site and her guitar looks a little like this but the bit where the tuners are looks completely different. I presume if it has a serial number I can get an idea of age from the other link? |
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25 Feb 05 - 08:42 AM (#1420585) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Mooh Could it be that my Goya Strat with the dragon carved in the top originated from Levin of Sweden? I bought it used circa 1981 and sold it about 1993 or so. Don't know where it is now. Wish I had it back. Peace, Mooh. |
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25 Feb 05 - 09:09 AM (#1420612) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Mooh The link Nick posted revealed a Strat like mine except it has an eagle carved in it, not a dragon. The search continues...Mooh. |
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25 Feb 05 - 09:12 AM (#1420614) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Sttaw Legend Hand-Pulled-Boy has a Levin, when he gets up he will tell you all about it, his Levin will be 10 million years old this year. |
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28 Feb 05 - 12:13 PM (#1423001) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Nick Magnus - Thanks again for the link. I now know that the Levin we have was made in 1952! |
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07 Mar 05 - 04:36 PM (#1429133) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST I have recently been offered a 12 string Levin guitar made in 1964. Looks pretty good and sounds great. The owner wants around £600.00. Is this a rip off or a good investment? I would be glad to hear your comments. Peter |
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07 Mar 05 - 05:10 PM (#1429172) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Richard Bridge Levin Goliaths are very very sought after, one of the legends of the business. My wife's first husband alas last saw his floating down the Ganges. But there was a Levin Goliath 12 string on ebay recently for quite a bit less than that. I suspect it's about market rate but that a 6 would go higher. Depends on condition of course. |
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03 Jul 05 - 03:17 PM (#1514583) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,tony [liverpool] I HAVE A 1960 LEVIN ACOUSTIC BOUGHT FOR 20 QUID IT HAS AGREAT SOUND IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT BLUES GUITAR LEVIN SHUT UP SHOP AFTER BEING BOUGHT BY MARTIN THEY ARE REALLY WELL MADEAND SOUND GOOD I HAVE SEEN A PHOTO OF PETE TOWNSEND PLAYING ALEVIN SIMILAR TO MINE BEFORE THE WHO WERE CALLED THE WHO NOT SURE OF EARLY NAME NUFF SAID KEEP TWANGLIN!! |
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03 Jul 05 - 06:01 PM (#1514701) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Hand-Pulled Boy I put a review of my Levin LT18 (Goliath)on Harmony Central sometime ago. It's 40 years old this year and cost me 35 quid in 1970. I would never part with it unless I make a huge profit. |
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03 Jul 05 - 06:49 PM (#1514736) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Leadfingers Wandering round Denmark St the other week i noticed that Sndy's had a NEW Levin for sale - made some enquiries and it seems that they are being marketted agin - Martin is still listed as the 'Owner' of the name ! Proabably being made on the cheap in the Far east , but the one I tried ( Semi Acoustic) Played well and would be nice through a decent sound system ! |
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01 Oct 05 - 08:00 AM (#1573301) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST Regarding Levin 12 strings, it is hard to advice on value, it depends heavily on the shape of the guitar. However, I recently bought a 1964 Goya TS4 12 string (identical to Levin LTS4)for just over 100 bucks on ebay. There are currently 2 Goya TS4 and one TS5 (yes, same as Levin LTS5) on auction at ebay. I have seen them TS4:s go for 200 - 500 bucks, and TS5:s for up to 800 or more. So, 600 quid sounds a bit on the high end for the TS4 but just about right for the more exclusive TS5.... Hope this helps..../Magnus |
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02 Oct 05 - 05:51 AM (#1573968) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: C-flat A good friend of mine plays a Levin Goliath. He bought it years ago for £30 and I have played it many times. Nice big sound and a very understated, unadorned look all adds to the honesty of the guitar. They're superb instruments and very sought after. I hate to think of guitars as "investments", it sounds like it wants wrapping up and storing rather than playing, but I'm sure that they're only going to go up and up in price. C-flat |
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02 Oct 05 - 08:37 AM (#1574011) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: PennyBlack As Leadfingers points out.. The Levin guitar name is once again back on the guitar (and other instruments) hangers, and although these instruments are O.K. they should not be confused with the originals which although were quite cheap at the time are far more desirable for use and collecting. PB |
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02 Oct 05 - 09:54 PM (#1574424) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Guy Wolff This was a great find for me Thank all > ! My brother had a Goya in the late 50.s through college and he loved it dearly . Sadly he lost the guitar to the late sixtys . (Youd have to live through them to know what I mean! ) |
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03 Oct 05 - 12:54 PM (#1574720) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Kpferret Levin not only made excellent guitars but also flat backed mandolins. I bought one secondhand in 1972 for fifteen quid.......I don't remember if I ended up giving him the money as he gave me it on trial, but I've still got it to this day! |
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16 Oct 05 - 12:06 PM (#1584165) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,danny wilson |
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16 Oct 05 - 10:10 PM (#1584365) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,G. Bisseker, New Zealand I have a levin 335 M2 (M2 for two pickup, this model came with none, 1 or 2 pikcups. It is an Acoustic Archtop, sunburst. All original apart from now having grovner tuners (the original tuners were the only rubbish thing on the instrument i.e they were plastic. It was mnaufactured in 1961, so fits the grade to be regarded as a classsic guitar. Its serial number is on the top edge of the headstock. I paid NZ$250.00 for it, however after having it valued, it is insured for NZ$3,500.00. Levin guitars were quality manufactured by a firm that was challenging Martin guitars for market space. This guitar gets close appreciation whenever it is played in public, bu people who appreciate quality (looks and sound). |
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17 Oct 05 - 06:24 AM (#1584514) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Hand-Pulled Boy Levin produced excellent instruments in Sweden, using high grade woods. Martin aquired the company in the early 1970's and inherited those materials. A good move on their part. |
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14 Jun 06 - 05:51 AM (#1759559) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST I managed to pick up a beautiful Levin for 100 GBP back in the late 70's from a friend who got it in Sweden in the late 60's. I think its a Goliath .. Thanks to a google search I now have access to the production dates and I will be able to date it properly and with this thread I also have access to info about the company itself. I have always thought it was amongst the best sounding acoustics I have heard. It is fantastically melodic on the high end and has a good punchy base tone. The only thing I find a problem with it is the very narrow neck ... personnally i like a bit more space especially when I fingerpick. I am currently playing an Ovation Elite Special which also has a beatiful sound but something about the Levin sound and quality finish makes it a really special instrument. I constantly go back to it and would never part with it .....:-) |
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14 Jun 06 - 06:22 AM (#1759570) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Rasener Hey Hand Pulled Boy, we could have an auction for your guitar when you come to Market Rasen Folk Club. You never know, you might make a fortune :-) |
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14 Jun 06 - 08:06 AM (#1759636) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,cookie I have a friend who has a mid sixties steel-strung Levin, which I would love to see cleaned and properly set up. It's very easy-playing, though a bit quiet these days - it doesn't get played much - but would record really well. I've another friend who has a short-scale classical Levin. To be honest it's nothing to rave about, but it has sentimental value. Re. history. From my understanding, Martin had two motives in buying Levin. It was partly for their wood stock, but mainly to close them down - they were worried about the penetration of the Goya brand in the US, in terms of price and quality in comparison to their own instruments, so did what US manufacturers (cf. cars, beer etc.) usually do in these circumstances. Cookie |
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14 Jun 06 - 12:05 PM (#1759873) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,chris I had a Levin about 28/30 years ago. great sound which many admired but no one but me liked playing it. It had an odd bridge set up comprising 6 individual bridge units which screwed in or out of the main part of the bridge. It was an interesting idea as it meant that you could set the height of individual strings. It was let down by the fact that the screw-in bridge units were made of some type of nylon and were to soft too take too much use of the little gubbins that they supplied for the task of adjusting said units. I have never seen another like that Levin or anyone else using that type of bridge |
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14 Jun 06 - 12:30 PM (#1759897) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jim I bought my first guitar, a Goya (made by Levin in Gothenburg, Sweden) Goliath with a sunburst finish and maple back & sides,second hand for $75 Cdn in 1961. This guitar was a dreadnought with X bracing and a bolt on neck similar to Taylors. Unfortunately, it started to develop high action and I sold it in about 1964. I always regretted it, but about four years ago I found another 1958 Goya Goliath which I bought for $375 Cdn. Although I own a 1962 D-21, I enjoy playing the Goya just as much as the Martin, which is appraised at about 10 times as much as the Goya. My friend Jude from Peterborough owns a Levin Goliath which is the exact same guitar with a different name on the headstock. His father bought it in England. apparently the Levin company branded their Guitars Levin in Europe and Goya in North America. My Goya says Levin on the truss rod cover. |
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15 Jun 06 - 11:59 AM (#1760719) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Greycap My 21st birthday present from my dear old dead Dad was a Levin Sunburst Goliath (1963). It cost £29-6-6d. Looking back, the machine heads were crap but the rest of the guitar was fine. |
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21 Jun 06 - 09:05 AM (#1765462) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,mzukor@hotmail.com RE: Levin guitars Robin Williamson of The Increible String Band used a Levin (although Im not sure of the model). He used it on some albums that are rightly regarded as the finest music ever recorded. Listen to Witches Hat for a taste of the depth of tone he got. Its on The Hangmans Beautiful daughter album by the way. Apparently he played it professionally for a long time (20 years) before it needed replacing - I think for a high end Gibson (that sounds nice too!) Happy picking Martin |
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22 Jun 06 - 01:10 PM (#1766710) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,russ |
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22 Jun 06 - 03:02 PM (#1766823) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Maurice I have a Levin LT16 from about 1965 which needs a neck reset but sounds great, I got it (used) for £22 about 1968. At that time I think a new Goliath (including hard case) sold here in Ireland for about £55 when the cheapest Martin you could get was about £200. In terms of workmanship and materials Levins were remarkable value, maybe the fact that they were underpriced might have got them in trouble even before the Martin buyout. Don't know if it's true but I read somewhere that the reason they were renamed Goya for the US market was because the distributers thought that Levin sounded Jewish. |
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23 Jun 06 - 12:19 AM (#1767207) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Bob Bolton G'day Maurice, Well ... I guess that the new name sounded a lot more Goy(a)ish ... Regrd(les)s, Bob |
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23 Jun 06 - 10:30 AM (#1767507) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jim Maurice, I took my 1958 Goya in for a neck reset and was quoted a price almost half what I paid for the guitar. I really wanted it so I said,"Go ahead." When I picked up the guitar, the luthier said,"Good news. The Goya has a bolt on neck. The reset was a breeze." It ended up costing me half the quote. |
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23 Jun 06 - 07:57 PM (#1767761) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Troll I have a Levin sunburst circa 1970 that was given to me by the widow of an old friend. I am unsure of the mod.# but it's a great guitar. He bought it new and played it right up until his death in 1999. I was told at a session on the Isle of Man that in the folk boom of the '60's, the three guitars to own in the UK were Martin, Gibson, and Levin. Having played several I can see why. troll |
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24 Jun 06 - 03:46 AM (#1767895) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Russ I have recently come into possession of an acoustic 6 string levin guitar serial no. 415865. It is in is original hard case and in very good condition. I understand it has been left unplayed and untrung since its previous owners unforutnate demise in the 1970's. I beleive the serial number indicates it is a 1961 model and would appreciate any further information regarding its history and possible value. |
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05 Aug 06 - 06:45 PM (#1802379) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Ian I've got some great Levin mandolin's as well as a couple of lovely Goya's but being a lefty I've had to convert them over the left handed instruments after I've bought them. Does anyone know if Levin ever made left handed instruments? |
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29 Aug 06 - 12:45 PM (#1821785) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jim Goya/Levin is the earliest guitar maker I've heard of who used a bolt on neck for acoustic guitars. Anyone know of an earlier maker? |
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02 Jan 07 - 07:38 PM (#1925217) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Paul I got a Levin LS-18 made in Sweden in 1966.Bought it from a pawn shop for a brass telescope and £20 in 1967. It's brilliant..plays beautifully although the action is a bit high.It's in the original case and I still have the neck bolt spanner! The only thing I've had to replace is the machine heads as one winder snapped off! |
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03 Jan 07 - 02:59 PM (#1925831) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jim Russ and Ian, check out www.goyaguitars.tripod.com |
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03 Jan 07 - 04:17 PM (#1925882) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: kendall One doesn't think of Sweden in connection with guitars, but I had a Carlo Robelli, made in Sweden. It was beautiful. |
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03 Jan 07 - 06:01 PM (#1925938) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Willie-O I never heard of Levin, but Goya guitars....did Martin keep the brand name and move the manufacturing (and design/quality)? I've seen plenty in Canada, mostly seemed to be entry-to-mid level and nothing to write home about. As for Swedish guitars, the Hagstrom Swede comes to mind immediately! I never had a Swede, but my first decent electric guitar was a (quite rare) Hagstrom Impala with push-button tone controls instead of knobs. A bit odd but worked well, nice neck to play on it too. W-O |
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03 Jan 07 - 06:25 PM (#1925959) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: DADGBE My first 'real' guitar was a Goya G-10 which my dad got for me in 1956. It had maple back and sides, a solid spruce top and sounded great for the $65 it cost new. In 1961 or so, I found a Goya prototype for their G-60 series with a Brazilian rosewood and spruce body. It was a fine instrument which I eventually replaced with a Jose Ramirez A-1 in the 1970s. Those Goyas were great instruments for the money! |
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03 Jan 07 - 06:53 PM (#1925986) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST Tolstoy speaks generally well of Levin in Anna Karenina. |
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03 Jan 07 - 07:17 PM (#1926011) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Ned Ludd Martin didn't immediately close down levin. I had a 1970's 'Levin by Martin' which was a nicely made guitar- never thought it had the power of a Martin but it had a lovely mellow tone. |
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30 Jan 07 - 11:19 AM (#1952478) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Dan Bought my Levin Goliath from my chum 40 years ago for £20. Face began to lift at the bridge last year so started to bid my farewells to an old friend but a luthier in London rescued her. She's alive and well and still sounds and plays beautifully, what a gem, want to buried with it when I'm dead. |
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30 Jan 07 - 01:55 PM (#1952694) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: McGrath of Harlow Face began to lift at the bridge last year Well Dan's got that fixed - but for anyone else with the same problem, visit this thread for an inexpensive solution that can sort that one out. |
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30 Jan 07 - 06:09 PM (#1952937) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: rodentred I have yet to meet a Levin player that does not love their guitar so would recommend them unreservedly. They are a bit dubious as an investment - I remember asking a vintage guitar company about mine a few years ago and they were snooty about the marque but there is no doubt about the warm rich sound of every one I have played. The action can get a bit high (just get it fixed) and those individual string bridges were an interesting experiment that just didn't work. Better to get them removed and a decent bridge put in. As many are getting on a bit the sound seems to mellow even more with age. I even erred about buying a classical model in a shop some years ago. It was old, and at the limit of my budget, but sounded fantastic. Went back the next day and it had been sold - Oh flip I said to myself. |
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30 Jan 07 - 08:30 PM (#1953039) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: McGrath of Harlow want to be buried with it when I'm dead. Don't do that, Dan - let it live on and keep making music. |
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02 Feb 07 - 07:10 PM (#1956100) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Eric in Derby I have a 1970 sunburst Levin Goliath, which I have owned since 1972. It has a maple back and sides. It is a lovely guitar, although the tuners have never been brilliant. I should have a set of Grovers fitted, and a proper bridge put on instead of the screw in plastic individual saddles. But it is a bit of a wrench to alter a guitar which is so original. There is a site which gives dates for all Levin guitars if you know the serial number. |
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22 Feb 07 - 05:26 PM (#1976361) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus in Gothenburg Eric in Derby, My guess is that Yours would be a model 163. I have a Goya model 163 Goliath, which I think is a 1969. This was the Year the model 163 replaced model LN-26. I also have two Goya model 174, which was the replacer of LT-18. They all are amazingly nice guitars. The sunburst version of the Goliath, which I believe is the original Goliath, is actually available as a replica by Moon guitars. They make a Goliath clone, based on the original Goliath once owned by the late Thomas Fraser, a fisherman/trubadour /guitarist from Shetland. Check out the news link at http://www.moonguitars.co.uk/moonhome.html /Magnus |
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25 Feb 07 - 01:04 PM (#1978965) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Hans Aili 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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25 Feb 07 - 01:08 PM (#1978970) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Spikey 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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26 Feb 07 - 04:50 PM (#1980193) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus H 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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15 May 07 - 11:32 PM (#2053084) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,scampee32 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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16 May 07 - 10:03 AM (#2053531) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Warwick Slade 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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20 Nov 07 - 05:21 PM (#2198691) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Hamer, Ken 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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20 Nov 07 - 08:04 PM (#2198826) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Big Al Whittle 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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01 Jan 08 - 04:30 PM (#2226351) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,mike dillon does anyone know the value of my levin lt 18 1968 |
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27 Jan 08 - 08:47 PM (#2246651) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Shane 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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28 Jan 08 - 09:06 AM (#2246936) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: English Jon 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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31 Jan 08 - 11:10 AM (#2249588) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jim 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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31 Jan 08 - 03:54 PM (#2249838) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego 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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08 Feb 08 - 11:25 AM (#2256842) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jim 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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14 Feb 08 - 10:05 PM (#2262780) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,CA 70's GAL 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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04 Mar 08 - 06:46 PM (#2279705) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus H 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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05 Mar 08 - 06:40 AM (#2280002) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Rusty Dobro 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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15 Mar 08 - 09:00 AM (#2288998) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,MB 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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21 Mar 08 - 07:13 PM (#2294833) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Nick 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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25 Mar 08 - 03:03 AM (#2297034) Subject: RE: Information on Levin Guitar about 56 yrs old From: GUEST,Ivy T. 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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27 Mar 08 - 12:46 AM (#2298514) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,John Dornelles. Brazil 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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16 May 08 - 05:53 PM (#2342425) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus H, Gothenburg Sweden 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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24 Jun 08 - 02:44 AM (#2373026) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook 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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19 Aug 08 - 05:59 PM (#2418077) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST 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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20 Aug 08 - 02:38 PM (#2418801) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Warwick Slade 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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21 Aug 08 - 04:50 PM (#2419711) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Magnus H 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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02 Sep 08 - 06:07 PM (#2429244) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook 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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10 Oct 08 - 10:21 AM (#2462106) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Brian Smith 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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09 Nov 08 - 02:41 AM (#2488859) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Jeremy 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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04 Dec 08 - 04:29 PM (#2507974) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,linda 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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05 Dec 08 - 04:04 PM (#2508925) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego 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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27 Feb 09 - 08:51 PM (#2577566) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,strummer 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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08 Apr 09 - 07:57 AM (#2607215) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,kevin fletcher 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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28 May 09 - 09:23 AM (#2642702) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,guitarress 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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29 May 09 - 02:56 AM (#2643387) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Gerard Weber 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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12 Oct 09 - 12:42 PM (#2744220) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Art 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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12 Oct 09 - 01:59 PM (#2744279) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: BADJELLY 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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13 Jan 10 - 06:12 AM (#2810758) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,dek scotland 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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19 Aug 10 - 06:40 PM (#2968934) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,from Sweden 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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14 Nov 10 - 04:41 AM (#3031641) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,NormanD Does anyone know which Levin Julie Andrews plays in "the Sound Of Music"? |
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13 Aug 11 - 12:50 PM (#3207319) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,linda tynan 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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13 Aug 11 - 01:26 PM (#3207337) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,999 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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18 Aug 15 - 11:54 AM (#3731174) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,Felipa 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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18 Aug 15 - 02:00 PM (#3731211) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Don Firth 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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18 Aug 15 - 06:33 PM (#3731257) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: Felipa 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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19 Aug 15 - 05:31 AM (#3731383) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,DTM 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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19 Aug 15 - 05:43 AM (#3731390) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST,DTM (continued from above post) Just checked serial number. 1966 model. |
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19 Aug 15 - 09:13 PM (#3731639) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: PHJim 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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19 Aug 15 - 09:13 PM (#3731640) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: PHJim 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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19 Aug 15 - 11:25 PM (#3731654) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: PHJim 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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04 Apr 16 - 05:49 PM (#3783425) Subject: RE: Ever heard of this guitar From: GUEST 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. |