Vintage 1960’s Conrad 12-String Electric Guitar
As much as I would like to, I can’t really shed a lot of light on this brand. What we do know, is they were from Japan, mid 60’s to early 70’s. All the typical copy-era models that you would see from Teisco and a handful of other brands. Slightly better than average quality, similar to the Domino guitars. So, likely an American importer that found a niche and filled it for as long as he/she could. Rather than ramble on about it, I’ll simply offer up a bunch of photos so you can let your imagination run wild!
Conrad was a brand name for products distributed by David Wexler wholesalers in Chicago. They also used Whitehall on some of their products.
The similarities of the violin guitar strongly suggests that its may be the same company that made my Aria Diamond Guitar & Bass. The pickguard material, shape & style of the pickups and the knobs appear to be virtually the same. The binding appears to be similar. Can’t remember the models but mine are both double cutaway models. The bass is short scale with lighter strings.
The offset strat (a model 1802T) and Bison-style baritone solidbodies were Matsumoku products. The former was imported under almost a dozen different brand names, including Aria, Conrad, Domino (as the Olympic), Electra (as the Sustainer), Epiphone (as the 1802T early, and later on as the ET-270 – both with a 3+3 headstock), Eros, Granada, Lyle, Tempo, and Toledo. There may even be more (Raven, possibly), but those are the brands confirmed.
I saw the picture of the twelve string Conrad (violin shaped), and wondered if you have seen any 6-strings like it. I learned to play on one in around 1970-71. I gave it way and wish I still had it.
I just listed my Conrad 6 string Violin guitar on E Bay. $700 obo. Will 949 903 2103
I have a Conrad guitar with a Dove emblem pick guard on it. Mod. # 0242. Can anyone tell me something about it? Thanks,…Bo Bomar
I have a Conrad resonator (delVeccio dobro copy) and would like to get info dates of manufacture etc. Thanks, Ed Huey
I also have the conrad peace dove copy I purchased new in about 1975…If any information comes up ..I’m cirious.
This is picture of my Conrad 12 srtrings. Photo with nude model – be careful 🙂
http://www.maxmodels.pl/fotograf-jafotograf/akt-zdjecie-5305927.html#
I’ve had this old Conrad Bass since I was a kid… It has a bodystyle that resembles a vitage Gibson SG bass. It has a maroon/purplish color to it, Black pick plate, and it appears that it once had a dummy pickup between the neck and bridge pickups??? I’ve been trying to date this groovy old thing, but there’s no serial no. on the neck plate. If anyone has any info….
I have one of these Conrads, the 40080 Model and it is in great shape. It seems to be a good quality and well made guitar .Hard to believe its 35 or 40 yrs old. I need a case for mine .
I’m repairing a Conrad violin base for a friend. I didn’t know anything about it or even what it was until I saw the unique body shape and sort of scroll headstock. The name plate had been lost before I ever saw it. It’s similar to so many copy brands of the era, I was guessing Tiesco or Kay. I’m so surprised the electronics are still working. This particular piece was rebuilt by someone without a clue, a death sentence for so many of these guitars. Fortunately I can save this one. If anyone has a name plate I would be interested at a fair price.
I have a Conrad Model 40080 I purchased new in the late 1960’s. Haven’t played it in years. It’s in good shape. Where can I find electronic parts for it. There seems to be a short in the jack plate.
I have a Conrad electric guitar serial number 2148760 found on the neckplate, a violin body, with two trapezoid style single coil pickups- Can you tell me anything about the value
My first new electric was the 1802T model (offset strat shape). I had it plugged into my new Silvertone Model 1484 Twin Twelve amp. I was rocking the 60’s baby! My next guitar was a Ricky 360 fireglow. Pretty but not for soloing. Thanks to this site for identifying my Conrad. Great memories.
Hi
Can anyone shed light on what company, perhaps Japanese, assembled the Conrad classical guitars?
I’m looking at one in great shape to buy and just wondering about history
Any references to old brochures etc will be helpful
Very little information on trusty internet
Thank you
Hello to all, this message is for Dave Wiseman. i just bought a 40080 model with 2 P90 pickup and the bridge one is defect and looking for another one, not easy to find! i am trying to determine the year. serial number on the label inside the body is: 170179 and the one on the neck plate is: 0150995 can we compare our numbers so it might help a bit, thanks
I have conrad elec fiddle shape bass from matsumoku japan I’m aski gng 400 is this good price
I actually just picked this exact guitar, its been a nightmare finding replacement parts or any information for it. It is a beautiful guitar in any case .