GUITAR-EKO MANTA '62 Reissue ...another very cool project guitar

EKO MANTA '62 REISSUE

EKO started up in Italy in 1959. At first they only made acoustics but it was very soon followed by Electrics. They did very well in Europe where American guitars were not imported because they were too expensive and made worse by shipping and duties. On the other hand they were affordable and much better than most Japanese imports.

After most American budget brands went under from cheap imports from Japan EKO became popular in America as a well made affordable alternative. They also made guitars for Vox.

Eventually as guitars from Japan became better they were squeezed out of the market. They had branched out even early on into making student violins, viola's etc. which allowed them to be a small but consistent maker of guitars not unlike many small European brands. Unlike most brands they managed to stay competitive without making in Asia but by in 2000 moving to the Czech  Republic where they could still afford skilled labour and oversee quality control. 

Even from the start like all brands they borrowed freely from America.

The cool thing is they have a few guitars from the 50's and 60's that American enough for us all to relate to but different enough to break away from buying just another Fender Knock off.

An original '62 Manta

'62 Manta reissue  ...$200.00 USD used in good condition

CONCLUSION

They are new old but also old new. lol They were reissued in 2000 so a more than a few used ones are always kicking around. The thing is you can easily mod these guitars and for just a bit of money. Sure some hot PU's are a given ...maybe some new electrics ...hell even the best pots are all under $15. Tuners do not help the sound but if you want something better ...fine. Good news the whammy is only retro looking it is recent tech good metal and it holds it's tuning really well. No complaints with the wood ...you get a basswood body, a maple neck and a real rosewood fretboard. 
The finish is very good. 
Because it has basic kind of 50's spec

and with a bolt on neck there isn't any binding or inlays to mess up and give away your secret that is a cheap and cheerful entry level guitar. A guitar that cost a lot more does not have a better neck. It is more because they paid someone to file and dress the frets and hand set and file the nut. A good tech can do this for a hundred bucks.
The good thing about this guitar is it escapes fashion. It can not become dated by next years hot shapes and colors. It is your cool old EKO that 
gets even cooler the older it gets.
Unlike a Squier and other asian made guitars most players tend to see them as cool rather than make jokes about your dumbed down Fender Squier. It is a bit like a Dano ...looked as a guitar that is cool and even Pro but a niche market thing.