EKO was an Italian manufacturer located in Recanati, Italy. Their products include classical guitars, 12-string guitars, arch top guitars, electric guitars and acoustic bass guitars. EKO guitars gained high popularity during the rock’n’roll craze of 1960s, becoming the largest guitar exporter in Europe. Their electric models were often highly ornamented with pearl, featured 3 or 4 pickups and recognizable “rocker” switches for pickup selection. The acoustic models were popular in country and folk rock bands of the late ’60s.
These guitars were imported into the United States during the 1960’s by Milwaukee import company, Deluca Brothers Music. This particular model – The Cobra Series – was a “student” entry level guitar. They were available in single and double pickup 6 string version, mainly in Black, Sunburst or Red. Also in a 12 string version in Sunburst or Red and a 30″ scale Bass in Sunburst. Surprisingly nice necks on these guitars even 50 years later, the body material is extremely lightweight and the guitars are fun to play.
EKO Cobra 6-String Electric Guitar
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 6-String Electric Guitar (Red)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 6-String Electric Guitar (Red)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 6-String Electric Guitar (Red)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 6-String Electric Guitar (Red)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 6-String Electric Guitar (Red)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 6-String Electric Guitar (Red)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 6-String Electric Guitar (Red)
EKO Cobra 12-String Electric Guitar
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 12-String Electric Guitar (Sunburst)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 12-String Electric Guitar (Sunburst)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 12-String Electric Guitar (Sunburst)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 12-String Electric Guitar (Sunburst)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 12-String Electric Guitar (Sunburst)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 12-String Electric Guitar (Sunburst)
Vintage 1960's EKO Cobra 12-String Electric Guitar (Sunburst)
The distributor was actually the LoDuca Brothers. They were still there in the mid 90’s but by that time the Ekos left were the dregs. I was given a package of Eko picks, by Vince, one of the brothers, for stopping by. Very friendly and gracious people.
I had stopped in the LoDuca building in the mid 90’s and there was a lot of stuff left but as Howard says, it wasn’t the best stuff.
I do see LoDuca accordions for sale in the Milwaukee area often also.
Nice looking guitras. Do you know how these were positioned price-wise compared to the Vox instruments they were also producing for the US market?
I have 2 vintage Eko guitars. I have a 1967 p290 Barracuda. I bought it from a music store regrettibly the label inside that looks like A European Regal Rolled up on both sides got wet/damaged on both guitars. The other guitar i can’t tell which it is?(El Dorado 6, Ranger 6,Rio Bravo 6? It looks like the one shown on fetishguitars.com except for the back line/coloring. The Label inside is also Regal-Rolled but Damaged where the Modelo/Serial # lays. If you look at my Facebook, i have the guitar and in the pictures, maybe you can tell me. I’ve tried numerous e mails to fetishguitars and no reply. I’ve also written to Eko in Italy and also no reply. I’m trying to get those 2 labels and to see which acousic Eko this is. Any questions (407)480-8348
I have an Eko sunburst 12-string with serial # 311082. Once contacted the current Eko company for information but they just put me on a list for emails in Italian. Trying to find any info on it, especially what year it is, potential value, etc. The bottom switch changes the tone in an attempt to make it sound like an acoustic 12-string. Any info or recommendations are appreciated. Thanks! ~SC
Hiya, reference the two above fantastic guitars. The red one was built after 1965 when EKO adopted the adusting nut on the body end of the neck.
The sunburst 12 string was built after 1970 when EKO stopped using rocker or twist pickup switches and started to use 3 or 5 position toggle switches.
I have just finished reserching my EKO and it turns out to be a 1971-1972 sunburst 6 string with twin pick ups, Vox open tuners and tremilo tail piece, I have owned it since 1975.