Not to be confused with the recently re-issued California Rebel by Eastwood Guitars, the Domino Californian came out a few years earlier. Imported to New York by Maurice Lipsky Music Co., these Japanese guitars were part of a series of models branded “Domino” throughout the 1960’s.
Vintage 1960’s Domino Californian Electric Guitar (Redburst)
This model was an obvious take on the VOX Phantom from the same era. VOX initially made guitars in England then transferred production to Italy. Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones popularized the Phantom and the Teardrop models, so Lipsky was quick to jump on the opportunity with the Domino brand.
The California was available in 2 or 3 pickup configuration. Main colors were White or Redburst as shown below, but have also been spotted in canary yellow and sonic blue. They all sported the rather unique woodgrain pickguard which looked like a 1950’s kitchen table top. It was also available in a Bass version.
I had a Domino version Bass ,and will like to see how I can find one to buy. It was and fine instrument
I had the Teisco version. I’ve seen two different types of neck…solid maple with rosewood fingerboard and laminated maple (front to back) with rosewood fingerboard. The solid maple ones often warped. The laminated never did.
I also had a Domino bass but mine was a violin shaped bass, obviously patterned after the Hofner. It was black with white body binding (with F-holes) and two single coil pickups. It was my first new guitar, I had had others that had been very used. Anyway, the Domino was a decent beginner bass.
As for whacky guitars this is one of my favorites !!! The shape screams PSYCHEDELIC Rock !!!!
I love the pickguard as well …
It is a shame that this body style and teardrop have been hijacked … But that’s another story !!!!
KEEP UP RHE GREAT WORK Michael !!!! and as a lefty player thank you for being one of only a handful to offer lefties great funky guitars !!!!
I had a Teisco model as well, sold it about 10 years ago and STILL kicking myself! C’mon, Mike, get this one back in production as well as the Teardrop model and the Kustom K200A we discussed a year or so ago!
Just bought the Domino Californian Phantom Redburst at a flea market. He wanted
$350, I paid $200. He said he had no idea if it worked which usually means it doesn’t.
I plugged it in as soon as I got it home and was surprised that everything worked.
Pots and switches were noisy but can deal with that. The guitar plays and sounds
great. Missing whammy bar, just ordered one from Phantom Guitar Works.
jimmy b.
I too,love the looks of the Phantom and the tear drop and yes shape affects the vibration of the strings and tonal charactaristics.
I have a Domino Calif in white that I want to move.
I had a white California back in the mid-late 60’s. What are you looking to get for it?
Does anyone have a schematic for the Californian? I’m having some wiring issues and I can’t find a diagram anywhere. Maybe just some detailed pics of the inside? Thanks!
Love the shape – both body and headstock – and the size (looks both comfortable to play and lightweight for a solidbody), but the colors don’t work for me. Both the redburst and the blonde are ugly. Something bright and metallic (white or clear pickguard) or black with white pickguard would be better.
I believe I have a Domino californian electric guitar. It looks identical to the six string. Its the white version with the wood looking finger guard. It has three pickups and is a 12-string. I have had this since the early 70’s but never learned how to play. Willing to sell it if anyone is interested.
I had the Californian when I was about 14 don’t remember what happened to it would like to have it today.
I have this same guitar right now that I just took out of the cellar after 45 years from when I was a kid. lol I used it with a Silvertone 1391 amp when I started taking guitar lessons. I wasn’t putting the time in because I was more interested in sports, so mom said to choose and I chose football and glad I did. lol I guess I should sell them to someone who will use and appreciate it since I don’t ever use it anymore, never did finish the lessons. LOL
I have a DOMINO ROYAL guitar Japanese Model 70 but I have no information about it. I would like to know if it a good guitar, market value. I am taking my first lessons online.
I too had a Domino Electric bass. It was the black hollow body violin style. Pretty sure it had 2 pickups.