Zenon ZES560 / Zen-On Victoria
Welcome to the world of Jetson-style japanese guitars of the sixties.
This Zenon ZES560 AKA Zen-On Victoria caught my eye: the swirly pickguard is a thing of beauty.
According to certain sources, Zenon are rebranded Beltone guitars made in Japan in the 1960s. [Source: Blue Book of Electric Guitars entry for Beltone]
Later in the 60’s decade Zenon guitars were marketed under the Morales brand name. [Source: The Guitar Collection ]
Try as I might, I couldn't find a picture of a Beltone with such an exquisite swooshy vibe...
This asian beauty shines through its sheer simplicity, whereas Beltone seemed to err on the side of the Death Star concept with their production:
Is that enough mikes and switches for you? Would you like a large Coke to go with that?
So, this Zenon remains a mistery.
What does is sound like? Here's a video:
More pics here:
https://reverb.com/item/1299410-1960-s-zen-on-victoria-zes-60
And here:
https://shop.gryphonstrings.com/products/c-1966-solid-body-electric-zenon-guitar-victoria-zes-60-53845
I had one of these. It was my first guitar. Bought it from a friend/neighbor. I think it cost me around $12 in the mid seventies.
ReplyDeleteAs I recall, It was a terrible sounding and terrible playing guitar. (Of course playing it through my parents stereo didn't help make it sound any better..) I tried "fixing" it and eventually modifying it the try to improve it. (Something I had no experience or talent for at the time) though I've never had dreams or want to own another one, I'm actually thinking of building one. But one that actually plays and stays in tune. I have a old unnamed neck that is very similar, and I can easily make a new body (out of better, thicker wood) I'll use better electronics, better tuners and and better hardware to build it. I know it's probably a silly idea. But, why not? Right?
It might be a fun project. :)