Conference napalm::guitar

1865.0. "Strange Guitar" by ESSB::NWARNER (I Pink, Therefore I Ham) Wed Jun 13 1990 05:15

    	I was recently in my local music shop buying some strings
    	and noticed an unusual shaped acoustic guitar leaning against the back
    	of the counter. On inquiry I learned it was in for evaluation
    	as a trade in, to cut a long story short I bought it and now
    	I am wondering what it is I have bought.

    	Firstly it is an Echo made in Italy with a model name of Gaucho
    	serial number 393, it has a fairly narrow slightly curved fretboard
    	and a sound hole like a Macaferie/Selmer (sp?) a la Django with a 
    	classical head. I understand from the retailer that it sold for 
    	about 260/300 pounds six to eight years ago, I got it in reasonable
    	but used nick for 125. This seems reasonable to me, it is well made
    	with bordering strips in the sides, not too banged around with a 
    	little fretboard wear in the first position. It has obviously been
    	played a lot, the first position D chord and the barred G were 
    	quite clearly favored and from the fact I bought it in Galway 
    	town would seem to have owned by a troubadour of sorts.

    	When I got it home I cleaned it up and put on new strings and am 
    	quite happy with it for the use I intend to put it which is for 
    	practice/scales it having nylon strings and gentle on the fingers.
    	And therein lies the question.

    	I am not sure, classical head notwithstanding, if it is supposed to
    	have nylon strings. From the wear patterns on the bridge it has had
    	them for some time but several points would seem to lead to the
        view that it is either optional or steel strung.

    	Firstly there is the truss rod, it has one, stainless steel if I am
    	not mistaken leading into a massive heel. Secondly there is the
        shape. Apart from the sound hole, oval, it has a large jumbo size
    	body and fan bracing, as far as I can tell, behind the sound board.
    	Thirdly at the bridge where the strings are tied on there is a
        groove at the back of the wooden, inlaid, strip through which 
    	the strings are passed to be tied in classical fashion. Said groove
    	makes it difficult to secure the strings and would seem just the
    	right size to hide the barrel on the end of a steel string.

        If it was not for the head I would be convinced that it should
    	be strung with steel strings, the sound with nylon is strangely
    	quite OK, not sharp but  with good depth and sustain.

    	Does anyone have any info on this model or has anyone ever seen
    	one strung with steel ?

    	Nigel
    	
    	

    
    I think you mean EKO is the brand name.  I saw an acoustic *bass*
    guitar from them a few years back that looked similar to what you are
    describing.
    
    There is no danger placing nylon strings on a guitar braced for steel
    strings, however, most experts feel that the heavier bracing interferes
    with the sound.  If you like it, then who cares.
    
    							Brian

    Fan bracing is the standard for classical, i.e. nylon string, guitars. 
    Steel string guitars will probably have a variation of "X" bracing.  If
    it really is a classical, I wouldn't put steel strings on it.  You'll
    be fine with nylon.
    
    Will

    I picked up an EKO guitar as well at a garage sale about 3 weeks ago. 
    It's a 12 string model that had been sitting under someones bed for the
    last 5 years.  Before that it was owned by a Merchant Marine who picked
    it up in Italy about 15 years before that. 
    
    The guitar definately shows signs of wear as well as some slight
    damage.  The bridge could definately use to be replaced but I think
    it'll hold for the time being.  The fretboard is screaming out for some
    lemon oil which I just recently got more of and will proceed to douse
    the neck.  
    
    Other than that the guitar seems very solid.  The neck has four bolts
    on it where it meets the body of the guitar.  I'm not really sure what
    that indicates but I know it indicates something.  I'll oil and
    restring then drop a note on how it's holding out.  For the $35.00 paid
    I don't think it can be beat.  Something to take to the beach... 
    
    Ben.  

    Look inside at the bracing pattern , like was written. That's the sure
    way of seeing if it's made for nylon only.

    
    I too used to have an EKO 12 string. They used to be VERY popular over
    here in the UK. Much used professionally as well (saw many on TV). 
    This used to suprise me as I was never THAT impressed with the sound
    (my Ibanez 12 string I replaced it with left it standing). However, the
    sound was probably 'deadened' a bit as the EKO was extremely heavily
    built and probably very robust, ideal for the road. My Ibanez was
    flimsy by comparison. Also, I've often wondered whether the EKO came
    into its own when amplified, hence its popularity on stage.
    
    I thought EKO had gone bust. But recently I saw brand new EKOs in a
    shop over here.
    
    Richard
    Basingstoke, UK