If you Google this brand, 95% of the info is about acoustic guitars. But here is a very cool example of one of their electrics. Espana was a brand used by Buegeleisen & Jacobson of New York City, who imported guitars from Italy in the 1960’s. It appears these same guitars were imported into UK with the VOX brand.
Vintage 1960’s Espana 335 Electric Guitar
This model was an obvious take on the Gibson 335 from the same era and almost identical to the VOX version. It is an extremely well made guitar (compared to the similar models that were coming from Japan at the time). The components look very similar to most VOX models of that era.
This model was available in 2 pickup configuration, 3-way switch, dual volume and tone controls with a Bigsby style tremolo. Here is a fine example in Sunburst, but it was also available in traditional cherry.
I have one of these in cherry, still in great shape and plays very nicely.
This Espana is exactly the model of electric guitar that Mississippi Fred McDowell played on all of his electric recordings. I spent years trying to figure out what the guitar was, as Fred had covered up the logo on the headstock with some folk art. I have to say, that with a set of 012s on it, my Espana sounds exactly like those old McDowell albums.
Here is Fred playing his:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64T6ugyWXAA
And I play mine in here at 21:20:
http://www.guitarplayer.com/video.aspx?bctid=3028358687001§ion=Gear
What you failed to mention is that this guitar was made by Crucianelli.
Crucianelli made most of the Vox guitars as well.
Check out this website:
http://www.fetishguitars.com/
Click on IN THE ES-335 Style
Oh my gosh, I used to have one of these, they’re incredible
Hi everyone,
I am looking to buy an Espana 335 or equivalent Vox model in either sunburst or Cherry. I would like to restore my Espana for sentimental reasons and need a neck as well as a few odds and ends for the body.
Unfortunately, the neck on mine is warped and I think it would be easier to replace the neck rather than try to have the old one straightened.
Once I tried to have it fixed at long and Mcquade and the tech dismissed it as a cheap guitar because of the warp in the neck. He didn’t realize the decent quality of the guitar or know that it was exposed to high humidity for an extended period of time. Needless to,say, I don’t go back there for any service!
Thanks very much. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Vince
I still have the 12 string Espana 335 I got in 1967 – with the hardshell case!. Plays great, never had to have any work on it. Still using it for gigs and recording.
Hello everyone,
I’m still looking for an España or Vox 335 style from the 1960s. Please post here if you have one for sale.
Thanks!
what’s the value of this guitar?
I did a video for the Ian Thomas Band years ago (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugwDYM13gl4
I bought an Espana at a pawn shop on Church Street in Toronto for $100.00 to use. I had to set the head stock on fire several times… in the end the guitar was fine. I eventually sold the guitar. Last week I bought another one in very nice condition. This one won’t be set on fire.
http://forums.vintageguitarandbass.com/showthread.php?4234-Vox-Super-Lynx-Deluxe
Vincent Enright I have one for sale but it needs work though it is still beautiful. I can send pics. Email me: mrsmisticolon@aol.com
I have one of these – bought at an Austin, TX music shop for a couple hundred bucks – and I love it. Like the great Henry Kaiser (check him out if you aren’t familiar) said, the pickups are super microphonic, so it’s not really suited to super loud stuff unless your main sound is a shrieking squeal. The upside is that the guitar has a very responsive, ‘open’ kind of tone, with lots of vibe and personality. It definitely feels like you are interacting with wood, metal and wire in a very physical way. Run it into a small tube amp and it will reward you with new songs and riffs.
hello. does anyone have one of these pickguards for sale?
i have a cherry 335, it was my first electric, i think i paid $150 for it.
it plays awesome but it didn’t have a pickguard when i bought it.
wbailey@hotmail.ca
I have one of these for sale-Its immaculate. Really cool vintage guitar with the original concert case. Im a Japanese Les Paul copy player so this guitar doesn’t really speak to me. Anyone interested drop me an email
What are these selling for today? thank you
Still selling that Italian Job?
What are you asking ?
K
Looking for 60’s Espana stereo electric. Looks like the 335 but with split pickups like current bass guitars and a stereo 1/4″ cable in with two 1/4″ mono plugs out.
I have one that I’m looking to sell: https://imgur.com/a/gLMWQQw
Contact jbunston [AT] gmail.com if interested.
Only looking for serious inquiries. I acquired this wonderful guitar in Hamilton ON, in 1991 from a music pawn shop downtown. Whoever owned was serious as they had a second red Espana that was offered alongside it that had been used for spare parts.
The frets are filed flat, but the neck is straight as an arrow. The previous owner took great care of it, and I have as well. No replacement parts…I’ve only disassembled the guitar to clean it, flush the electrics of dust and reset the contacts, and looked for stress defects.
The guitar is solid as a rock, but the contacts being original are a little crackly now and could be easily replaced.
So did i
Hello I have a Cherry Red Espana electric I believe its a 1969 great shape but it in 97..i’ve had it tuned and set up just wondering if anyone knows what’s its worth its kind of a shame just sits there…
Anyone that wants to buy one I have a sunburst 335 available email me
Andre.racicot @ gmail.com
I have one you can msg me at andre.racicot@gmail.com
I have a cherry red for sale. No pick guard, small hairline cracks in the finish and something wrong with the electrical in it. Ships from b.c. canada. You pay shipping, make me an offer. Text 12508594735
I have a red 335-style bass but can’t find much about it. Some sources say it’s a Hagstrom, others a Crucianelli. Can anyone add to my limited store of information?