Zenon ZES560 / Zen-On Victoria

March 03, 2019

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: