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EKO | RANGER FOLK

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

15 1/4" body flat top acoustic

1973 Eko Ranger Folk - body front

The Eko Ranger was a very well known acoustic guitar, selling in huge numbers under several different brand names from the late 1960s and through the 1970s. There were several variants: six string, and twelve string jumbos, electric-acoustics, and, as seen here, a slightly smaller bodied, all-acoustic, 'folk' model. The body was slightly narrower (15 1/4" vs 16 1/2" for the standard Ranger), but also an inch shallower (3 3/4" vs 4 3/4"). Even without a tape measure, this guitar is easily differentiated from other Ranger variants by it's narrower waist.

Eko guitars were manufactured in Recanati, Italy, but in the United Kingdom, Eko were distributed by Rose Morris, who sold the Ranger Folk as model 1781, with a 1973 price of £29.13. Not an expensive guitar, but neither their cheapest.

This is how the Eko Ranger Folk was described in the 1970 Rose Morris guitar catalog
Spruce faced ply top, mahogany back and sides with black and white bound edges. Polyester finish. Decorative sound hole. Detachable mahogany neck with adjustable double T-bar reinforcing rod. Rosewood fingerboard with bone position dots. Adjustable rosewood bridge. Individual, all-metal machine heads. Simulated tortoiseshell finger plate.
1973 Eko Ranger Folk - body reverse

Whilst the guitar's top is spruce (laminate), the back is mahogany, typically two-piece bookmatched as shown above. As can be seen above, the neck was a bolt-on - perhaps a little unusual for an acoustic, but great for an easy set up and a nice low action. The polyester finish is somewhat prone to cracks (see image below), and the guitar can often look in a worse state than it is. These are pretty durable guitars.

With it's small body size, the Ranger Folk is not a loud guitar, but neither is it unwieldy - in fact it's the perfect guitar for a bit of sofa strumming! These guitars (Eko Ranger series in general) were made in such large numbers that they are readily available on the used market, and can be had for very fair prices. Shop around for an exceptional bargain!

1973 Eko Ranger Folk - the cracks on the front and sides are merely finish deep, and are quite common on these and other vintage Eko guitars

The cracks on the front and sides are merely finish deep, and are quite common on these and other vintage Eko guitars. Note the scratchplate shape - the Ranger Folk has a simpler-shaped scratchplate than the larger Ranger six and twelve strings.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk - rosewood bridge detail
Eko Ranger Folk bridge detail, showing rosewood bridge unit and metal height adjustable saddle.
1973 Eko Ranger Folk - Neck joint detail, showing strap button, neck plate, and three-ply body binding (white / black / white)
Neck joint detail, showing mahogany sides, strap button, neck plate, and three-ply body back binding (white / black / white).
1973 Eko Ranger Folk - headstock detail, showing decal Eko logo, truss rod cover, nut and zero fret
Eko Ranger headstock, showing decal Eko logo, truss rod cover, nut and zero fret.
1973 Eko Ranger Folk - reverse headstock detail
The neck is a five-ply laminate of mahogany and maple. Note the 'made in Italy' decal and uncovered individual Van Ghent tuning keys with metal buttons.
1973 Eko Ranger Folk soundhole label

The soundhole label has a space for model designation, though this is blank in this instance. the text reads (translated from Italian) "Original Eko guitar built in Recanati (Italy) by the best violin makers and with carefully selected tone woods"

1973 Eko Ranger Folk truss rod and nut detail

Eko guitars typically had their truss rod adjustment at the headstock end of the headstock, covered by a bell-shaped cover, held in place with three screws. Note also the nut and zero fret.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk fretboard detail

Rosewood fretboard detail with bone dot inlays.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk neck pocket detail

Laminate maple neck pocket. The neck attaches to the body with four 3 1/4" slot-head bolts, in a trapezoid pattern. Some of the internal bracing can also be seen in this image.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk neck heel detail

The neck has brown finish on much of it, though the five ply mahogany / maple construction can be seen on the heel (and the headstock).

In short, the Eko Ranger series of guitars are nice, affordable vintage guitars; well made, with good availability (especially online). Examples with a couple of missing /replaced parts (so easily fixable) can sell at very low prices indeed. There are certainly bargains to be had!

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Eko Ranger VI EL 1970s - Sunburst Electric Acoustic guitar in Hardshell case

Eko Ranger VI EL 1970's - Sunburst Electric Acoustic guitar in Hardshell case

Harrisonville, Missouri, 647**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$995

Eko Ranger VI EL 1970's - Sunburst Electric Acoustic guitar in Hardshell case






Description
Eko Ranger VI EL 1970's - Sunburst Electric Acoustic guitar in Hardshell case Product DescriptionThis very cool vintage EKO Ranger is just like the one Waylon Jennings used to play . This one is in great condition and everything on it works fine. There is some very slight bellying on the top , but overall this guitar is in great shape. Comes with a nice vintage hardshell... more
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Vintage Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Guitar  /  Missing Pickguard and Truss Rod Cover

Vintage Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Guitar / Missing Pickguard and Truss Rod Cover

Fairfield, Ohio, 450**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

I am selling a 1970's Eko Ranger VI dreadnought acoustic guitar. Made in Italy. This is a nice example of the EKO Ranger VI
This guitar has a bolt on neck, so the neck angle can be adjusted.
Because of its old age, it will be sold "as is " , as pictured, and with any and all flaws I might have missed. No returns
... more
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1960s Eko Ranger 6 string Guitar

1960s Eko Ranger 6 string Guitar

Miami Beach, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

1960s Eko Ranger 6 string Guitar. very good condition showing some use and age. original condition as shown. Rare maple body. Made in Italy. comes as shown.... more
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Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Electric Guitar

Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Electric Guitar

Georgetown, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

This is a cool vintage instrument. We just put fresh strings on it. Sounds and plays so good! Straight neck. Fully functional. Made in Italy. It has electronics. The jack has something a little off in that if you jiggle the cord sometimes the sound will cut in and out. It could be the tip needs pressed in more. Simple fix. Sounds good as an acoustic. This guitar has some dings and scratches over the years giving it character, but nothing major. Someone will love this blast from the past!
... more
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Vintage Late 60s Early 70s Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Guitar Italian Made

Vintage Late 60's Early 70's Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Guitar Italian Made

Rowland Heights, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

This vintage Eko Ranger 6 electric guitar is a true gem for any music enthusiast. Made in Italy in the late 60s or early 70s, this guitar features a solid body with a beautiful brown finish, perfect for any music style. The 6-string configuration and 22 frets make it a versatile instrument for both beginners and experienced players
The Eko Ranger 6 is a classic model that has been sought after by collectors and musicians alike. Its brand, EKO, is known for producing high-quality instruments ... more
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EKO Ranger XII ELEC 12 String AC / ELE Vintage 1967-1968   FREE SHIPPING

EKO Ranger XII ELEC 12 String AC / ELE Vintage 1967-1968 FREE SHIPPING

Neosho, Missouri, 648**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$999

EKO Ranger XII ELEC 12 String AC / ELE Vintage 1967-1968 FREE SHIPPING
From the best that I can tell this is a 1968 Model, but possibly earlier
All Original
The neck is amazing, straight, & with good action
Very hard to believe it's a 57 year old guitar! In very good condition, considering its age!
No wonder Jimmy Page loved this model!
She's definitely solid, you can tell by her weight, (7 64lbs), the majority of that is in the big thick wood block just inside the ... more
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Vintage Eko Modelo Ranger 6 String Acoustic Guitar Made in Italy 361272

Vintage Eko Modelo Ranger 6 String Acoustic Guitar Made in Italy 361272

Crosby, Texas, 775**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

Made in Italy. Still a beautiful piece
Has some damage around the bottom rim and is missing the knob on the bottom
The neck has some cracks
See photos for more details and condition... more
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Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar NECK Made In Italy

Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar NECK Made In Italy

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$325

Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar NECK ?? mahogany construction , bound, Rosewood fingerboard with block inlays, normal light vintage wear has some fine grain cracks and fingerboard frets show normal playwear. No structural issues , Truss rod works. includes original string nut and truss rod cover, Made In Italy. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.
... more
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Early 1967 Eko Ranger XII Acoustic Guitar 12 String Guitar

Early 1967 Eko Ranger XII Acoustic Guitar 12 String Guitar

Rowland Heights, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

This rare Eko Ranger XII acoustic guitar from early 1967 is a true gem for collectors and musicians alike. With its 12 string configuration and full size body, it's perfect for those who want a unique and versatile instrument. The guitar features 21 frets, a brown body color, and is in excellent condition
The Eko brand is known for producing high-quality acoustic guitars, and this model is no exception. Its vintage appeal and distinctive sound make it a must-have for any guitar enthusiast. ... more
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1970s Eko Ranger XII 12-string guitar - surface crack in lacquer, sounds great!

1970s Eko Ranger XII 12-string guitar - surface crack in lacquer, sounds great!

San Francisco, California, 941**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$275

Eko guitars, made in Italy, are the most successful in Europe, with over 100, 000 sold since their introduction in 1959  

The 12-strings, in particular, are built like tanks, very sturdy solid woods, with heavy lacquering  

This one was built in the early 1970s. Solid spruce top, mahogany back & sides. Quite a few surface cracks in lacquer (see photos) as well as in the headstock ?? but the cracks are in the lacquer only, not wood, and are stable  

The ... more
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guitarra acustica EKO Ranger 6

guitarra acustica EKO Ranger 6

Mijas Costa, 29***, SPAIN

€100

guitarra acustica EKO Ranger 6.... more
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EKO Vintage 12 String Ranger 12 Guitar Made in Italy

EKO Vintage 12 String Ranger 12 Guitar Made in Italy

Walton on the Naze, CO14***, UNITED KINGDOM

£195

This is a nice example for its age the body is good no damage apart from light scratches, all the winders are good nothing missing, The back of the neck has some light Hair lines marks in the varnish there does not seem the effect the neck, but may need some attention
Also needs a new set of strings.... more
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Vintage Eko Ranger 12 String Acoustic Guitar Italy For parts / Restoration

Vintage Eko Ranger 12 String Acoustic Guitar Italy For parts / Restoration

Walton on the Naze, CO14***, UNITED KINGDOM

£295

Vintage Eko Ranger 12 string acoustic guitar made in Italy with vintage hard case
Is missing two tuning knobs and has some damage to corner bottom edge of body. Also missing two string pegs
Neck is good and straight. Has some other wear / age related marks so please look very carefully at photos
Comes with a nice vintage hard case (some damage / wear so please look carefully at photos).
... more
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Very Rare Birdseye Maple Early Eko J56 (pre Ranger) c 1965 (ref #13)

Very Rare Birdseye Maple Early Eko J56 (pre Ranger) c 1965 (ref #13)

Macclesfield, SK10***, UNITED KINGDOM

£395

Here we have a truly rare early pre-ranger Eko J56, of the first edition design circa 1965
This stager sports the unusual and rather tasty looking birdseye maple back and sides, contrasted with the gloss black neck, looks amazing!
Made in comparatively low numbers and very rarely seen for re-sale, don't miss!
We left the guitar in unrestored original condition, please note there are prior maintenance repairs and weatherings as follows
There has been a pickup installed at some point ... more
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Eko Ranger XII (V. Rare 1st edition)  c 1966 to 1967 + H / Case (our ref #67C)

Eko Ranger XII (V. Rare 1st edition) c 1966 to 1967 + H / Case (our ref #67C)

Macclesfield, SK10***, UNITED KINGDOM

£895

Welcome,
Here is guitar #67C from our Eko book collection, and features in the book, a limited copy of which will be reserved for the buyer
This is a very very rare version of this popular guitar
A first edition piece with the limited edition butterbean tuners and pin-less bridge with tailpiece, it is the only one we have seen from this year c 1966 with these features, and we believe it was only exported to USA in this style, certainly there are no others here in UK
Condition is ... more
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Eko neck plate + screws to fit Eko ranger vintage acoustic guitar. Italy

Eko neck plate + screws to fit Eko ranger vintage acoustic guitar. Italy

London, Camden , NW0***, UNITED KINGDOM

£24

Eko neck plate + screws to fit Eko ranger vintage acoustic guitar. Made in italy in the 60??s / 70??s
Taken from an Eko Ranger 12
It??s slightly different than the electric guitar neck plates, but it could be adapted.
... more
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Excellent Vintage Eko Ranger XII Acoustic Guitar circa 1968 (our ref #64)

Excellent Vintage Eko Ranger XII Acoustic Guitar circa 1968 (our ref #64)

Macclesfield, SK10***, UNITED KINGDOM

£895

Greetings,
For consideration another top piece from our Eko archive
This is a late 60's Ranger 12 with the white sci-fi 'bubble' logo and scroll label, serial number approximates the guitar to 1968
This is one of the best pieces around with no lacquer cracks or usual issues seen with 99% of these
At nearly 60 its a great piece!
Nice low action and ships with a good quality slightly later premium case with alloy trim
Over to you for the next 60
Enjoy!


... more
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chitarra acustica eko ranger 6

chitarra acustica eko ranger 6

Italia, 80***, ITALY

€65

Chitarra acustica eko ranger 6 per ricambi come in foto. Vista e piaciuta.... more
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1970s EKO RANGER 12 in perfect condition!

1970's EKO RANGER 12 in perfect condition!

Addlestone, KT15***, UNITED KINGDOM

£290

1970's EKO RANGER 12 in perfect condition! These Italian vintage guitars are a real treat for any guitar lover  It has a removable and adjustable neck and bridge saddle,  which are very unusual features on modern guitars They have rich sound and loud projection  Look online for comments and reviews This example has a very beautiful wood grain on back and sides ... more
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1969 Eko Ranger Acoustic Guitar

1969 Eko Ranger Acoustic Guitar

Newark, NG22***, UNITED KINGDOM

£395

Here we have a great condition 1969 eko ranger acoustic guitar
You just don't get guitars like these any more as the trees used to make them are not allowed to be cut down
Only with guitars made of the correct woods and aged and seasoned can you get that wonderful tone
This one in particular is in excellent condition for the age of 55 years, it does have a crack across the bridge (shown in photo) which has not moved or changed in the 18 years that I've owned it
It will come in ... more
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Find more Eko Ranger for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalogHagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner PresidentThe President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.