Guyatone Guitars

Overview

Guyatone is a guitar brand originating from Japan in 1933, initially producing lap steel guitars, amplifiers, and later electric guitars. It gained recognition in the 1950s-1960s for models distributed in the US under brands like Kent, Saturn, and others. Since partnering with DeMont Guitars in 2013, it manufactures new products and remanufactured vintage parts in both the US and Japan.¹²³

History

Guyatone was founded in 1933 by Mitsuo Matsuki, a cabinet maker's apprentice, as Matsuki Denki Onkyo Kenkyujo, starting with lap steel guitars and amplifiers in Japan.¹³ The Guyatone name appeared on instruments from 1951, with international expansion in the 1950s-1960s via US distributors like Buegeleisen and Jacobson.¹² The company faced bankruptcy in the late 1960s due to declining sales but was revived by Matsuki in the 1970s; in 2013, it partnered with DeMont Guitars in the US.¹³

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in both Japan and the US following the 2013 partnership with DeMont Guitars.¹ Earlier production from 1933-1980s was based in Japan, with some components from firms like Matsumoku.¹⁴

Notable Products

• LG-127T - 1969 electric guitar model distributed in the US, known for its playability after restoration.
• LG-350T Sharp 5 - Late-1960s model designed for Japanese surf group the Sharp Five, featuring unique aesthetics and tone.
• LG-60 - Late-1950s electric with Bigsby tremolo, alternate headstock, and single-coil pickups resembling humbuckers.
• Kent (Guyatone rebrand) - US-market electric guitars from the 1950s-1960s under Buegeleisen and Jacobson.

Reputation

Guyatone is valued by vintage enthusiasts for its innovative early Japanese designs and quirky 1960s models like the LG series, often praised for unique tones and playability.⁵⁶ Professionals note initial cold US reception in the 1960s due to market biases against Japanese imports, but current reissues and parts receive positive feedback for quality.²⁶ Criticisms focus on historical quality variability during mass production eras.