Description

Eko Ranger 12 twelve string acoustic guitar, made in Italy, sunburst finish. This iconic Guitar probably dates from the 1970s. It does have some superficial lacquer cracks but for a guitar that’s nearly 50 years old it’s in good shape. There’s plenty of life in the frets and it is set up with a low action. It plays great. It comes complete with a gig bag

It can be played/viewed in Preston Lancashire, or delivered to any UK mainland address for £23

The most successful European guitar ever. At least 100,000 were made, including six- and twelve-string configurations, but the actual figure could be closer to 200,000. Under various names and versions, it was a mainstay of the Eko range for over twenty years.

It started its carrier with a glued-in neck in late 1964 under the name J-52, soon substituted by the J-54 with a bolt-on neck and complemented by the twelve-string version J-56. Little modified versions were built for Vox under the names Country-Western and Folk Twelve in the years 1965 through 1968. Meanwhile, in early 1967, the J-54 and 56 were renamed Ranger VI and Ranger XII.

Acoustic guitars only played a subordinate part in the Eko range in the 60’s. But following the end of shipments to Vox in 1968 and to LoDuca in 1971 as well as the growing Japanese competition in the middle-priced electric guitar market, Eko had to redeploy onto Europe and to focus on acoustics, so that the Ranger Series emerged as the very centre of the company’s business in the 70’s.

There has been two main generations, the watershed year being about 1973. They are visually distinguished at first glance by the stenciled rosette, less ornate after 1973. While the older ones have more vintage appeal, the post-1973 Rangers are technically improved instruments with their thinner and more consistent polyester finish and improved bracing. In short, all Rangers are equally desirable.

They are famous for being heavy and built like tanks. Action is easy to set up due to the bolt-on neck and the adjustable aluminium bridge saddle. They are known as great players. They are not as loud as modern high end guitars with solid spruce top and a set-neck, but they sound amazingly good, even though the Rangers were all made of laminated woods (yes!).

Many people say that compared to an expensive Martin, Gibson, Guild or Taylor, an Eko Ranger delivers 90% of the sound for less than 20% of the price. It is still the best possible bargain on the vintage market.

The company’s popular line of Ranger acoustics came out in the 1970s, and artists such as Gerry Rafferty, Roger Daltry, Jimmy Page, and Mike Rutherford were all seen playing Eko guitars. Eko continued to produce guitars until 1985, and, remarkably, all in Italy up to that point.

We are a VAT registered family business run by musicians for musicians. All our pre-owned stock has been carefully sourced and thoroughly checked prior to dispatch. We endeavour accurately describe our guitars, but if you require further details/information do not hesitate to contact us

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prelovedguitars.co.uk – Sustainability

All of our guitars, basses and equipment are pre-loved and pre-enjoyed
All of our packaging materials are recycled (in fact we often re-cycle cycle boxes!)
Our guitar studio is a recycled shipping container!
We limit our travel by having our business premises within our own grounds
We keep our grounds bio-diverse and promote animal, wildlife, butterfly & bee welfare
We are pescatarians and shop sustainably supporting local businesses
Our cottage is 400 years old and has housed many occupants
As a band (BlokesandaBird) all of our material is recycled!! 🙂