Ventura Model V-1589

[JOEYKELLY]

My made in Japan Ventura six string, Model V-1589 has no serial number on label inside the guitar. I'm guessing it must be one of the early models. Any information about this guitar and why I can't find reference to  a model V-1589 would be appreciated. Thank You

[garthman]

Hello

A very nice looking MIJ classical in seemingly very good condition.

Ventura was a US company formed by a guy named C Bruno. The guitars were made in Japan from the late 60's to the late 70's and could have been made in any one of the several guitar workshops operating in Japan at the time: Matsumoku, Kasuga, Fuju Gen-Gakki, Suzuki, etc. These companies also made for other US and UK wholesalers such as Aria, Conrad, Univox, FCN, etc.

These manufacturers, when making for other companies, often did not use a serial number (but often, like Suzuki, for example, did so if they made guitars under their own name). If there is a serial number on your guitar it is likely to be on the neck block inside the guitar - the first two numbers are usually the year and the others are usually sequential build numbers.

I have two MIJ classical guitars: an own-label 1975 Suzuki (serial number 750805 so the 805th guitar made in 1975) and an early 70's "Kimbara" (brand name of guitars made for FCN, London) which has no serial number. I love both of these guitars and would never part with them.

Some info here:

https://web.archive.org/web/20130524045042/http://www.catoosatrading.com/ventura_guitar.html

And you may find more info if you type "ventura guitars" into a browser.

Enjoy that guitar - you are lucky to own it.

 

 

Edited November 28, 2022 by garthman

[daddymack]

googling....

found this so far: Japanese Ventura Bruno model V-1589 which was the top of the line Ventura classical back in the early 70s, and they're very rare. It has a cedar top with laminated RW B&S.

My research indicates that the V-1589 was not the 'top of the line', that honor went to the Royal Artist V-1600. However, there are few references to that model number, so it must have been pretty rare. V-1588 is easily found...but what the difference is?

C. Bruno and Sons was bought out by Kaman [yes, the Ovation/Applause folks] in 1971 [per wikipedia], and the brand was discontinued in the early 80s.

and this: https://www.guitar-list.com/brands/ventura

[garthman]

3 hours ago, daddymack said:

googling....

found this so far: Japanese Ventura Bruno model V-1589 which was the top of the line Ventura classical back in the early 70s, and they're very rare. It has a cedar top with laminated RW B&S.

 

daddymack.

Yes I found that article too but, looking at the OP's photo, I don't think his guitar top is cedar - looks much more like spruce to me. The link I posted mentions that the V-1600 has a solid top (as you say, it seems to be the top of the line) but I think the lower number models were laminate. However I still think it's probably a very good guitar - the higher 1500 series - 1588, etc. - were selling for $80 - $90 back in 1970 - that's $600 - $700 in today's money.

[daddymack]

Sadly, no...but perhaps value versus price, they are gems. Obviously, because there are likely thousands of similar guitars from the same factory with different logos, the collector's market isn't jumping on these like they did Teisco.

https://reverb.com/item/11173440-rare-vintage-ventura-v-1588-classical-guitar-1974-rosewood-clear-gloss

The  Royal Artists fared a bit better...but anything lower seems to have remained 'bargain basement'.

https://reverb.com/item/60553644-ventura-royal-artist-model-1975-wood-tan

[garthman]

On 11/29/2022 at 11:49 PM, daddymack said:

Sadly, no...but perhaps value versus price, they are gems. Obviously, because there are likely thousands of similar guitars from the same factory with different logos, the collector's market isn't jumping on these like they did Teisco.

https://reverb.com/item/11173440-rare-vintage-ventura-v-1588-classical-guitar-1974-rosewood-clear-gloss

The  Royal Artists fared a bit better...but anything lower seems to have remained 'bargain basement'.

https://reverb.com/item/60553644-ventura-royal-artist-model-1975-wood-tan

 

I agree about many of them being gems. But although I'm sure that, as you say, thousands were made under one label or another I suspect that many of the older ones are no longer with us: dead, skipped or adorning walls as decorations, alas. Both of my old MIJ classicals are in quite good condition for their age but both needed some work doing to make them play well: I re-fretted one and removed the bridge of the other for conversion to a 12 hole one to get a good action and break angle. I am a reasonable DIY tech and can do a lot of repairs / maintenance myself but I think most people would just not fork out money for a tech to do that amount of work.

Of the two links you posted, I am almost certain that the V-1588 was made by Suzuki. I don't know about the V-1600 but it is a very sweet looking guitar, eh?

[JOEYKELLY]

Thank You Kindy for your comments. I think I'll take it to the guitar store and see if they can tell me more. You're appreciated and thanks for the links.

 

[daddymack]

17 hours ago, JOEYKELLY said:

Thank You Kindy for your comments. I think I'll take it to the guitar store and see if they can tell me more. You're appreciated and thanks for the links.

 

Good luck Joey...if they do have more info, please post it here...we are,after all, guitar geeks, and live for the trivia!