EKO 12 string guitar with a difference. An old favourite from the 1960s, reviewed by Michael
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- Опубликовано: 18 сен 2024
- An example of the old Italian favourite from the 1960s onwards. This one has an electric pickup and internal microphone. These are heavy and solid in construction, yet can produce some interesting sounds. Please subscribe so that we can grow the channel and share our love of guitars. Please take a look at the many other reviews of guitars this channel.
Michael,
I have a 1967 model - very similar to the one you demo-, but I have a pick-up fitted to the bridge inside the guitar. I play through a Marshall Acoustic amp, which has a chorus effect. This makes a wonderful sound for a lot of songs, especially when they date to the same as the guitar - 1960's. It has been a wonderful friend and I hope my grandsons will continue to enjoy it when I'm gone.
@@SimonCorlett-k8r it's good to hear that your old guitar continues to bring pleasure. It was a good investment and one that keeps on giving. Thanks for getting in touch. Kind regards Michael
Thats awesome I used my 12 string on my new song IN CHAINS and on my song 12 strings and on Ancient Ruins Please Enjoy
@@XavierDannyGothicOrchestra Thanks again, The 12 string sounds very resonant. and has really clear bass notes, they're impressive guitars., keep it up. Best wishes, Michael
Oh man, this hurts. I bought the Ranger12 new in Denmark when I was 16 years old, it went in the Army with me and to the USA when I immigrated at 20 years old. It was built like a tank and the neck stayed straight, no cracks or lifting of bridge and still easy to fret, a miracle really. I lost it along with everything else in the 2017 California wildfires. I'll never forget it, kind of like my first girlfriend.
Wow that is a real story. As with girlfriends, it's sometimes possible to find another nice one in time. There are examples for sale still (Eko 12 guitars) . I hope you can find that good feeling again soon 💓 best wishes Michael
@@michaelsguitarreviews Thank you my friend, but first comes replacing our home, it's been 6yrs now, hope it happens soon. Then look for another 12 string.👍
@@ibberman stay safe
I can understand how that would hurt
Hi Malcolm. Really enjoyed the video. I have an EKO 12 string that I understand is a Ranger 1. It is in need of some TLC but it was apparently used by Graham Nash during his early career with The Hollies. I recently contacted Graham through The Mark Spector Company and the provenance I have was considered by Graham who was of the view, “that the guitar would seem to be what has been stated”, and likely to be his old guitar.
Interesting comments thanks. You have a treasure indeed, lucky you. I'm delighted that you have enjoyed my review. Please take a look at some others on my channel and of course pass the word around. Best wishes Michael
Wow, what a neat history to have. Almost envious of you.
Hello Michael, thanks so much for the long video, I,m looking for one of these made in the 70s . Trying to do extensive research on the net. I played one back in the 90s, I confirm it’s the best comfortable 12 string I’ve ever played, the action is almost zero with the fretboard. Insane guitar. A piece of art basically. Hope I get one soon.
They seem to be enjoying a resurgence. I hope you find a good one soon. Thanks for your comments. Regards Michael
Hi, I had 12 string Kay 550 double dove scratch plate dreadnought bought for me in the late '70's and I loved it with a passion. I tell you this because I was led to believe it was based on an EKO guitar . I took it to a guitar repairer as the back of the guitar started to bow out. I trusted him when he said it was better as as firewood.." here buy this one instead, I'll give you a discount!" I knew nothing then and trusted he knew what he was doing. He did, of course, he convinced me it was not repairable...boy would I love to see it again. My loss, his gain...crook . Thx for you review channel x
Hi Kathryn, it might be that your guitar would have been more expensive to repair than its commercial value, however it was priceless to you and that is understandable. There are other really impressive acoustic 12 string guitars, so hopefully you might find a replacement for yours that you can enjoy. Thanks again for getting in touch and I wish you well in your search, Michael
I forgot to mention that the action on my guitar is very good - I have no problems and it is easy to play.
This is a great review thanks Michael. What a great sound from the pick ups. I had one as a teenager mid 1970's and had another in the 1990's. Both we're sold during house moves. however, I bought what I think is a 1969 issue from Ebay auction for around £120 5 years ago.
Has numerous surface cracks, but as you say, the wood is so thick it doesn't affect the sound. I play fingerstyle. I've still got some demos I did in the late 1970's that feature my original guitar.
The only minor problem I find is the two guitar bridge screws can be uncomfortable, digging into the plucking wrist/palm. The tuning stays good for a good while.
My favourite guitar is an electric Yamaha SF500 24 frets and wonderful action. Cheers
Hi Stephen, thanks for your very welcome comments. I'm always pleased to hear from others whose lives have been enriched by guitars; how lucky are we. Glad that you found another to replace your sold Eko. Thanks again, and I trust that you will continue to find pleasure in playing. Best wishes, Michael
Hi Michael,
tha ks a lot for the review. Really professional. One question is left for me: How can I change the angel of the nack that the guitar strings comes closer to the frets?
Hi, thanks for sharing your experiences with these often loved guitars. I hope you continue to get great pleasure from both guitars. Thanks again and best wishes Michael
Hi Michael. I bought my acoustic EKO 12 string back in 1974. Have been told by a local guitar agent that he sold them new and mine should be circa 1962. No serial, so hard to know for sure. The EKO on the head is gold inlay and the circle around the hole is 7 black rings, so quite different from others I have seen in videos. The rest looks the same as your demo one. I had an internal pickup fitted which works well. It eventually suffered from the bridge lift you described, and under the skillful hands of a friend who was a tool maker, it now has a stainless steel plate which anchors the strings and goes right around to the back of the guitar. Sound is amazing with the steel rather than wood anchored strings. Lots of cracks and bumps in the polish now, and needs new frets. Pity we can't post a photo. Enjoyed your very informative video. This viewer from Christchurch New Zealand.
Hello Bruce thanks for sharing. Your guitar sounds very interesting and would likely be of interest to EKO for archives, also for someone writing a book or journal article on earlies. You and your friend sound very creative in resolving the bridge lift. Why not create a video about your guitar for you tube? Thanks again for sharing and for your kind comments. Best wishes Michael
If it's a '62, it's an Eko J56, and it's different in finish than the Ranger, which is called that from '67 onwards. Check google for photos or more info.
@@cobell7267 that's great thank you for sharing, it's good to widen the search. Regards Michael
@@cobell7267 Thanks, that's useful info. It does say Ranger inside so not quite as old as I thought. I just found a video called EKO 12 string guitar Italy. The one he's using looks like mine.
I still have my Eko Ranger 12 bought in 1967 at Jim Marshall's shop in Hanwell. As from new onwards, it was always tuned down 4 semi-tones/ frets from standard. Thus playing the E chord is now C. Over the years it was usually played as a 6 string with standard tuning.
That's a treasure and a good bit of history. I agree they work well tuned down, even seems to improve the 'jangle'. You got value for money and no doubt untold pleasure over the years. Have you considered reviewing it as a shared interest as they have a strong following? Best wishes Michael
@@michaelsguitarreviews Just had another closer look at it again; one of 3 guitars bought at Jim Marshall’s store back then. It was bought August 1967. Label inside says Modello J56. The steel plate with the 4 neck screws has the serial number 338399 stamped on it. Similar to your example bar two bolts hold the bridge and the truss rod cover is mahogany like the neck and scarcely visible it’s there. After hearing it in the shop I thought it sounded great and had to have it. Seems the days of tuning them down 4 semi tones is over and down 2 is the norm now. It needs two new sets of tuners though as a couple of them became unusable during its 56 years. Paul
Thanks again, yes I have tuned them down just one tone and they work well. Ive done the same with a more recent 'Vintage' electro acoustic which I have reviewed and it plays much better and sounds good.@@Wahian1
Hi Malcolm. I have two 12 strings 🎸🎸 acoustic & electric. I use my acoustic for open slide blues ect. Open E, D, buetiful sounds. So y not try it open D is nice. Have fun happy jamming.
Hello Michael keep up the good work 😂
Thanks I'll do my best
Your eko 12 string very enjoyable thank you, have you looked at eko 6 string
I'm glad you like it. I have not reviewed a 6 string version, though many years ago I owned a small body 6 string Eko which was a good basic guitar as I recall. Please take a look at my other reviews, the Vintage 6 string might be of interest to you. Best wishes Michael
Hello Michael.. I have an EKO similar to yours it has a built on pickup on it with a treble and a volume knob. The pickup is in silver hard casing shell. it has no serial number but the EKO badge is a black plastic with a gold EKO writing. It is a 12 string in good condition no scratches or cracks.. I am trying to find out when it was made. Can you help me please?
Thank you very much. Regards Xavier Danny
@@XavierDannyGothicOrchestra hi and thanks for your message. As with most of the guitars I review, they are kindly loaned to me so my understanding tends to focus onto each instrument rather than model variants. In your case it might be worth seeking an enthusiasts forum to ascertain specifics to your guitar. I am aware that some owners fitted pickups after buying them as is the case with the one that I reviewed. I'm sure a forum for enthusiasts will help to discover more. I'm sorry I haven't more information but I wish you well in your search. Do let us know what you find out. Thanks again Michael
@@michaelsguitarreviews Thank you very much Michael
@@michaelsguitarreviews Thank you very much Michael
There's a large EKO guitar group on Facebook
Thanks for the info, I'm sure that will be of interest and helpful to other EKO fans. Best wishes Michael
How much is this guitar
Hi Anthony I will ask the owner, regards Michael
Hi again. I asked the owner who says he wants to keep the guitar. I hope that you find one.
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