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| DescriptionALAMO
Guitars
Made in San Antonio, TX
Rare, Collectible and so “TEXAS”*
*and for those who don’t know- Y’all, Norwegians Use the Word “Texas” as Slang to Mean “Crazy” –
Another “LITE Collection To Go” (“lite” is Norwegian for small) from my large collection of vintage guitars. Once again, I will describe this as another “AMERICANA Collection” since these guitars were Made In America in the 1960’s.
COLLECTIONS TO GO. FROM MINE TO YOURS.
In 1999 I began collecting guitars. I focused on buying guitars that I liked but also on those brands that were no longer around, especially those that were Made In The USA. I have named them “Americana” brands.
At the same time, I believe that vintage, and some custom handmade, guitars are still among the best investments anyone can make. Especially “niche” guitars like many of mine. I cannot give investment advice, nor am I attempting to persuade anyone to buy guitars as investments, but can tell you that my guitar collection has increased in value many times over my real estate, stock, and other investments.
But more than that, I think for those of us who love guitars and like to have our own little “stash”, yet do not want to blow the grocery and rent budgets, it makes sense to look at these former Made In The USA brands as well as some high quality Made In Japan brands.
To make that easier for beginning, and seasoned, collectors I have decided to begin offering small packages of my guitars for sale as a group that represents the variety of products offered by a manufacturer.
“Guitar Collections To Go”
I have done the work for you: I have found the best examples of a Brand in the marketplace that were available when I was buying them, or as I say, “I only sell the best guitars because I only bought the best guitars”. I had my luthier check them out, repair them if necessary, clean them up, and set them up. I found all of the information I could about them to include copies of catalogs, magazine reviews, and forum remarks. And now I have gathered them in affordable variety collections that are ready to go to your guitar room.
WHY COLLECT ALAMO GUITARS?
Once more, a true story of American entrepreneurship in the music industry—the story of ALAMO Guitars and Amplifiers is one that demonstrates the influence that the electric guitar and amplifier has had on popular culture and music history in the world but MADE IN THE USA brands like Alamo show how the popularity of the burgeoning rock and roll music phenomena carried over to the general population of Americans who wanted to make their own music.
For those wishing to begin his/her own guitar collection, this is a great place to start. These guitars are true pieces of Americana musical history and are very representative of instruments made in the USA. Many brands of this time period, National, Silvertone, Kay, etc. sourced many of their guitars from outside the USA but not Alamo. That makes collecting a lot easier. Also, this is a comprehensive package that is representative of the brand “Alamo” but along a single model line. By isolating on this single model grouping, you are able to make a more definitive statement with your collection. This is a cross section of the Alamo “Fiesta” model line showing different examples of the same broad model group.
Current collectors will find this “Lite” collection to be a perfect addition to his/her collection. It fits a great niche for a true “Americana” brand guitar that is extremely appealing in appearance but also rare. Uniqueness and limited supply also go to make a “collectible” more collectible.
THIS ALAMO COLLECTION.
I am offering five (5) examples of the “Fiesta” model series and one (1) “Fury”. Each is different providing an excellent cross section of the history of this brand’s models. They are listed in the order they appear in the first group photo and are identified from left to right, A-F. “FURY TREMOLO” (our inv# 1800). Year: 1967. Model#: 2584T-SB. SN: 112729. Finish: Sun Burst. Body: Hollow-core body. Headstock: 6 inline tuners with lower rounded hump. Tremolo: Yes. Pickups: 1. Frets: 19. Condition: Good. All original parts. Has usual dings, scrapes, dents, and scratches found on used guitar. Looks like ferrules have been replaced. Case: Original Hard Case (trapezoid shape). Weight: 4.88 lbs. Notes: Rare Fury Model. Toward end of guitar building at Alamo. “FIESTA” (our inv# 1692). Year: 1965. Model#: 2584R. SN: 122974. Finish: Red (Cherry tone). Body: Hollow-core body. Headstock: 6 inline tuners with sharp cut lower hump. Tremolo: No. Pickups: 1. Frets: 19. Condition: Good. All original parts. Has usual dings, scrapes, dents, and scratches found on used guitar. Some finish fading. Case: Not Original. Weight: 4.72 lbs. Notes: Later Fiesta Model. Straight cut down on bottom bout. “FIESTA”, Mark 1 (our inv# 1665). Year: 1964. Model#: 2584R. SN: 90564. Finish: Red (Bright firetruck red tone). Body: Solid body. Headstock: Has 3x3 tuner setup with wide headstock and hump in middle. Headstock is painted same color as body. Tremolo: No. Pickups: 1 Frets: 20. Condition: Fair. All original parts. Has lots of the usual dings, scrapes, dents, and scratches found on used guitar. Some finish fading. VERY RARE. This is a very early “Fiesta”. Shape is double-cutaway but with almost flat top and bottom horns. Pickguard is upward, very close to neck. Case: Not Original. Weight: 5.12 lbs. Notes: VERY RARE EARLY Fiesta Model. EXTREMELY RARE. “Fiesta” on truss rod cover. “FIESTA” (our inv# 1664). Year: 1965. Model#: 2584W. SN: 54125. Finish: White. Extremely rare color. Black pickguard & truss-rod cover. Body: Hollow-core body. Headstock: 6 inline tuners with sharp cut lower hump. Tremolo: No. Pickups: 1. Frets: 19. Condition: Very Good. All original parts. Has usual dings, scrapes, dents, and scratches found on used guitar. Case: Not Original. Weight: 4.28 lbs. Notes: Later Fiesta Model. Straight cut down on bottom bout. “FIESTA” (our inv# 1693). Year: 1966. Model#: 2587SB. SN: 110866. Finish: Sun Burst. Body: Hollow-core body. Headstock: 6 inline tuners with rounded cut lower hump. Tremolo: No. Pickups: 3. Frets: 19. Condition: Fair. Has lots of dings, scrapes, dents, and scratches found on well used guitar. One non original knob. Case: Not Original. Weight: 4.61 lbs. Notes: Later Fiesta Model. Straight cut down on bottom bout. “FIESTA”, Mark 1 (our inv# 1695). Year: 1964. Model#: 2584R. SN: 2856. Finish: Red (Almost orange red tone). Body: Hollow-core body. Headstock: Has 3x3 tuner setup with wide headstock and hump in middle (higher than No. C). Headstock is painted same color as body. Tremolo: No. Pickups: 1. Frets: 19. Condition: Good. All original parts. Has the usual dings, scrapes, dents, and scratches found on used guitar. Some finish fading. VERY RARE. This is a very early “Fiesta” but different from No. C. Shape is double-cutaway but with deeper top and bottom cutaways. Pickguard is down the body not close to neck. Pickguard has been broken but glued back together. Large scraps on back of neck toward headstock. Case: Not Original. Weight: 4.85 lbs. Notes: VERY RARE EARLY Fiesta Model. EXTREMELY RARE. “Fiesta” on truss rod cover.
PRICE OF THIS COLLECTION.
$6,495.00 for the entire collection of six rare guitars.
This is 25% off of the sum of individual asking prices ($9,370.00)
ABOUT ALAMO GUITARS.
As is many times usual, success in business comes from the imagination, drive, and hard work of a single person. Same is true for Alamo.
Charles Eilenberg is “Mr. Alamo”. Born in Newark, NJ. Worked in radio, went into the Navy during WWII where he worked as a communications engineer. In 1946 he moved to San Antonio, TX to work for Southern Music, a music publishing and manufacturing company. Opened the Alamo Electronics manufacturing business in San Antonio soon thereafter building small consumer electronic equipment (record players and radios). Next step was to start building instrument cases and from there they began in 1949 to build lap steel guitars and guitar amplifiers. That was the beginning of ALAMO amps and guitars. In 1960, Alamo began building “electric Spanish guitars”.
There is an excellent chapter about ALAMO Electronics in Michael Wright’s fantastic book, GUITAR STORIES, The History of Cool Guitars, Volume II. All collectors should own this book and its predecessor, Volume I. You can also find information online by looking for Michael’s article in Vintage Guitar Magazine about “Alamo Guitars”. Alamo guitars were completely built in San Antonio, Texas. They are true MADE IN THE USA “Americana” guitars. All components, including the pickups were made by Alamo in San Antonio. In the late 1960’s (1967), tremolo systems of their own design were built for them in Japan but installed on the guitars in San Antonio.
TIMELINE OF ALAMO GUITAR PRODUCTION.
Alamo Electronics was more of an amplifier manufacturing business than guitars but their guitars are their “really cool” products. Here is a brief timeline of the production of guitars:
1. 1946. Charles Eilenberg joins with Milton Fink, owner of Southern Music in San Antonio, TX, to start a manufacturing business there.
2. 1947. Alamo Electronics begins operation in a 2,000 sq ft building making radios and record players.
3. 1948. Alamo Electronics begins building cases for musical instruments sold by the distribution arm of Southern Music.
4. 1949-1950. Alamo starting producing guitar amplifiers and lap steel guitars at this facility.
5. 1953. Thanks to the success of its new instrument and amplifier business, Alamo expanded to a new larger space of 6,000 sq ft, triple in size of the original.
6. 1950’s. Alamo continued to grow and began producing OEM instruments and amps for other companies, e.g. ALOHA, National, etc.
7. 1960. Success now required more space for the Alamo manufacturing business and was accomplished by moving into a new 25,500 sq ft factory, quadruple the size of the previous factory.
8. 1960: In its new factory, Alamo began building its new line of “electric Spanish guitars” The first model built was named the “Texan” (Model #2590). It was reminiscent of the LP Jr. with two matched cutaways. Had “Alamo” decal on French cut headstock which had 3 x 3 tuners. These are VERY RARE. It lasted until 1962.
9. Next in 1962 came the “Futuramic” (Model #2587) electric Spanish guitar. Another double cutaway like the Texan but upper horn was wider than lower. Had “Alamo” decal on French cut headstock which had 3 x 3 tuners. 2o frets on Rosewood fingerboard. These are VERY RARE. This was the first time the new “Alamo Acra-Tune” custom tailpiece/bridge system was used. It is similar to the Danelectro bridge system but much better made.
10. *NOTE: Confusion is the earmark of Alamo guitars. Like here, the “Texan” came first but had model# 2590 whereas the next model, the “Futuramic” was given the #2587. And the Model #2590 was also used on the later Titan series. Keep this in mind because it happens from now on with Alamo guitars.
11. Also in 1962 came the “Fiesta” electric Spanish solid body guitar. It featured a single cutaway body style resembling the popular Tele shape. This was the first of several variations of the “Fiesta” model guitar.
12. In 1963, the “Futuramic” was dropped but the “Fiesta” remained. Added to the guitar product line was the “Titan Series”. These were hollow core bodied guitars.* Two models were offered, the Mark I #2589 (one pickuip) and II #2590* (two pickups). Pickups had metal covers with a ridge in the middle. Bot on necks, 20 frets, Rosewood fingerboards, with “Acra-Tune”.
13. * NOTE: For the hollow core bodies, Alamo used Swedish plywood because of its flexibility.
14. Taken from Michael Wright’s online article published in Vintage Guitar magazine: “Dazed and Confusion: At this point things get a little confusing. While these undated catalogs provide an excellent view of early Alamo instruments, there are a number of pieces missing or which don’t conveniently fit classification. One reason for this becomes clear when you trace this saga and note how often Alamo transferred names from one instrument to another. Also, in terms of guitars, one suspects that the name Fiesta went on just about everything! This perception may persist because of the holes in our knowledge. But remember, Alamo was not producing high-end professional gear. They were making cheap beginner instruments, so quality and consistency were not the most important ingredients. Which is prefatory to discussing a few guitars that show up fairly frequently, but which are not in the catalogs we have on hand. These bear both the Titan and Fiesta names and carry a number of features that seem to mark a transition from the early ’60s sightings and mid and late-’60s models, so we can deduce they date from about 1963-’64.”
15. During this time, 1963-64, the “Fiesta” model label was attached to a variety of styles. One was the appearance of the double cutaway in different shapes (like the ones listed here for sale). Most notable about these variations was the “center humped headstock” and the long curving truss rod cover. Colors were red or white.
16. * NOTE: Again from Wright article online: “This began a long period (1963-64) of name and design shuffling, including the introduction of the hollow-core Titan, in 1963. Throughout the history of Alamo, the hollow-core and solidbodies would weave in and out of the story. Early Alamo guitars sported a variety of three-and-three/two-and-two headstocks.”
17. 1965 was the year things really went crazy with the design style of Alamo guitars. And the “Fiesta” came in several variations. Again, from the Vintage Guitar article: Finally, the ?5 line offered three Fiestas, with hollow-core bodies and an even more radically squashed Strat/Jazzmaster body. Sort of Strat road kill. These each had slightly different pickguard shapes depending on how many pickups, each without the Oriental ?? but with a cutout Fiesta just below the strings. The 19-fret Rosewood fingerboards were dot-inlaid. The six-in-line heads had small Alamo truss rod covers. These had uncovered Acra-Tune bridge/tailpiece assemblies, with no Bigsby option. The one-pickup Fiesta had the pickup near the bridge, with volume and tone. The Model 2584R ($64.95) came in red, the Model 2584W in white, the Model 2584S in sunburst, and Model 2584C in cherry sunburst. The 2-pickup Fiesta had volume and tone with a 3-way toggle near the lower horn. The Model 2586R ($84.95) came in red, the Model 2586W in white, the Model 2586S in sunburst, and the Model 2586C in cherry sunburst. The three-pickup Fiesta featured the pickups in parallel, with one volume and two tones, and three small plastic sliding on/off switches near the lower horn. The Model 2587R ($109.95) came in red, the Model 2587W in white.
18. 1965 was the year the “Fiesta” model guitars ended-at least in that name-but came back as the “Fury” series.
19. * NOTE: Again from Wright article online: The “Fury” series in 1967, included both hollow-core and solid body guitars, all called “Fury”. The logo was engraved in script on the pickguard under the strings. These all had the shorter, more rounded Strat-style heads, with the by now typical elongated truss rod cover. Fingerboards were all Rosewood with dots. The pickguards were identical to the previous, now defunct, “Fiesta” guitars. These were, for Alamo, fairly normal looking, aping fairly closely a Fender Jazzmaster shape. Some had Vibrato systems made for Alamo in Japan.
20. 1966 saw the return of some of the original “Fiesta” model guitars that appeared to have been left over from 1965. These are collectible in the sense that they are unusual. No catalog or promotional material could be found that showed the “Fiesta” as being a line card item in 1966. (Note-photos from Michael Wright’s books were used as reference for dating my guitars).
21. 1967 most likely was the year guitars were pretty much dropped from the Alamo line due to competition from Japan and from other US builders.
22. 1970 is the year most commonly cited as the end of Alamo Electronics and the demise of the extremely cool “Alamo guitars and amps”.
DATING ALAMO GUITAR MODELS.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Alamo guitars is now to date them. I have used catalogs and other written historical data and articles to date mine. Headstock design, headstock logo, body style, and pickguard design are most likely the best way to identify models most quickly-but remembering that accuracy and attention to detail were not attributes readily employed by the company in its production of guitars. Yes, these guitars do have serial numbers-put on back of headstock with those original embossed labels made popular during the 1960’s.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Please ask all questions before bidding or buying this vintage guitar.
ALL TRADES WILL BE CONSIDERED.
NOTE: I am not a DEALER. This guitar comes directly from my PERSONAL COLLECTION consisting of 1,600+ pieces. Thank you for viewing this auction and please look at the other items I have for sale on ebay and Reverb at this time.
NOTE: The following terms and conditions apply to the entire six-piece collection as a single lot so all references to a single guitar applies to the entire lot. Individual returns will not be allowed, i.e., if you are not happy with one of the guitars, then the entire collection must be returned. In the case of repairs being needed, then those can be dealt with individually.
Understanding the normal hesitation of buying a guitar without first playing it, I want to make sure this guitar makes you happy. To accomplish that, I want you to try it for 72 hours (three days). Play it, hold it, walk around with it on your back, sleep with it-whatever it takes for you to make sure it is the one for you. During that time, you can return it for a full refund of your payment price (but of course it needs to be treated well while you have as I expect you will) less shipping cost and you must pay the cost to ship it back to us.
If it arrives damaged, please let me know immediately by email. Be sure to hold onto all packing material and the box. I will contact the shipper for an inspection. Remember that this can take up to a couple of weeks but I will rush it along.
Minor problems. If there is a problem with the guitar when it arrives, e.g., loose wires etc. then I will work with you to get it repaired by someone in your area. A. Payment Policy: PAYMENT DUE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PURCHASE.
B. Shipping Policy: I will ship to the continental USA ONLY.
C. Return Policy: (applies to all pieces as a single lot).
1. Returnable within 3 days of delivery. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs.
2. Returns of undamaged and unmodified instruments may allowed, with permission of Seller, for a period of up to 14 days following delivering but will be subject to a 20% restocking fee. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs.
D. Refunds: Buyer receives a full refund in their original payment method less any shipping charges and restocking fees if appropriate.
E. The guarantee:
1. The guitar is in the cosmetic condition as described in this ad. Used guitars will all have signs of use to include dings, dents, scratches, smudges, etc.
2, The guitar is in fully operational condition.
3. Buyer has 72 hrs. to inspect the guitar or have it inspected. Any defects, damage, misrepresentations or other problems must be reported within that time period in writing to the Seller.
4. In the case of damage during shipment, Buyer shall immediately inform seller of such damage and will maintain all original packing materials and box for inspection by the transportation company.
5. If other problems are discovered, Seller will either arrange for repair etc. at a location near the Buyer or request that the Buyer return the guitar to the Seller. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs.
Seller will correct indicated problems and ship the guitar back to the Buyer within 7-10 days of receiving it.
6. Refund Procedure.
a. In the event that the guitar cannot be repaired or replaced with a similar item from Seller’s inventory, the Seller will provide a full refund in their original payment method less any shipping charges and restocking fees if appropriate.
b. During this 72-hour evaluation period, the Buyer may return the guitar for any reason by notifying Seller and receiving a Return Authorization number. Guitar must be in the same condition as received by the Buyer. Buyer pays cost of shipping guitar back to Seller.
c. Returns may be allowed, with permission of Seller and issuance of RA#, after the 72 hour evaluation period for up to 14 days total but a standard 20% Restocking Fee will be charged for the return. Guitar must be in the same condition as received by the Buyer. Buyer pays cost of shipping guitar back to Seller.
NOTE: I want each Buyer of a guitar from my collection to be pleased and happy with his/her purchase so let me know immediately of any problems with your purchase so that we can work it out. Thanks.Thank you for looking at this incredible VINTAGE guitar collection from my collection.
Buyers outside of the continental USA should contact us for a shipping quote before buying this guitar. Thanks.
Shipping SHIPPING CHARGES. The charges listed in this ad are for the continental US only. Shipment outside that area is at actual cost and Buyer must pay all tariffs, duties, and other charges that may be levied on the item when it is imported into its final destination. And for foreign buyers, please request a quote for shipping cost before you bid. No surprises are always good. And please do not ask that we use a lower value for an export shipment. NOTE: WE WILL NOT SHIP TO ANY THIRD PARTY AND WE WILL NOT DO SHIP TO ANY FIRM, SUCH AS Shop Airlines America or sekaimon WHO RESHIPS THE ITEM OUTSIDE THE USA. SHIPPING DAMAGE. Any external, or internal, shipping damage MUST BE REPORTED to Seller and to Carrier within 24 hours of receipt of delivery. IT IS THE BUYER?S RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY SELLER IMMEDIATELY IF THE INSTRUMENT HAS INCURRED ANY DAMAGE DURING SHIPMENT. IN THE EVENT OF SUCH DAMAGE, PLEASE RETAIN ALL SHIPPING MATERIALS FOR INSPECTION.NO EXCEPTION.
Terms of Sale 1. Payment must be received within five days of the end of the auction. 2. NO REFUNDS. Please ask your questions before you bid. As noted under "Shipping", we will repair any defective item. This does not apply to shipping damage or to damage after receipt. Please note that every guitar we sell has been fully audited, tested, set up,inspected, and photograph prior to shipment.
About Us ABOUT TUNEYOURSOUND. Tune Your Sound Sound Your Tune Guitars make Sounds ! Guitar players make Tunes. But which guitar makes your Tune best?The beginning point in making a tune is You. The music in your head goes to your hands which form chords and notes. The end point is the Tune heard by those listening created by the Sounds of the instruments in between. Our job at TuneYourSound.com (TYS) is to fill in the middle. Or, in other words, "complete the chain". We are guitar players and collectors at TuneYourSound.com. Collectively we have personally owned and played over 1800 guitars. And we have seen guitar players play-from Jimi using his teeth to Jimmy using his bow. And now, we want to tell you what we have learned over the years and under the stages. First: There should be two primary guitars in your life. The one you start with (by choice or coincidence) and the one you finish with (once you find it, you'll know it and keep it). But of course, humans are acquisitive by nature, so we are prone to own more than we need-but a guitar player must have what he really needs. Two: Sometimes it's better for a guitar to be heard than seen and other times it's better for a guitar to be seen than heard. So, play it both ways. Buy a guitar that does both. Three: Avoid the hype. Especially now with the Internet overloading us with data. Buy a guitar that you trust from someone you trust. Four: Make it personal. Establish a relationship with your seller. That way you will never be disappointed-nor abandoned. After all, it is still about money-your money. And you deserve to get more than you give. At TuneYourSound.com, we have the answer!
Please contact us directly at ebay email system.
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