Fender Telecaster

 
The Fender Telecaster was developed by Leo Fender Fullerton, Ca. in 1949.  In the period roughly  between 1932–1949, several craftsmen and companies experimented with solid-body electric guitars, but none had made a significant impact on the market. Leo Fender's Telecaster was the design that finally put the solid-body guitar on the map.  The initial single-pickup production model appeared in 1950, and was called the Esquire. Fewer than fifty guitars were originally produced under that name, and most were replaced under warranty because of early manufacturing problems. In particular, the Esquire necks had no truss rod and many were replaced due to bent necks. Later in 1950, this single-pickup model was discontinued, and a two-pickup model was renamed the Broadcaster. From this point onwards all Fender necks incorporated truss rods. The Gretsch company, itself a manufacturer of hollowbody electric guitars (and now owned by Fender), claimed that "Broadcaster" violated the trademark for its Broadkaster line of drums, and as a newcomer to the industry, Fender decided to bend and changed the name to Telecaster, after the newly popular medium of television. (The guitars manufactured in the interim bore no name, and are now popularly called 'Nocasters.') The Esquire was reintroduced as a one-pickup Telecaster, at a lower price.

Cort Guitars

Cort Guitars is a South Korea-based manufacturer of acoustic, electric and bass guitars.   Cort has no particular signature guitar, instead opting to manufacture many different types--some of which bear a striking resemblance in both quality and looks to those built by more well known companies such as Fender and Gibson. This has brought Cort some legal trouble over the years, but the company remains one of the world's largest manufacturers of guitars.  Cort was founded in 1973 by Yung H. Park, along with Jack Westheimer, a prominent business figure behind the importation of musical instruments from Japan. Westheimer has been involved in bringing Silvertone guitars and Pearl drums to the United States since the early 1960s. Cort also manufactures a line of high-quality guitars under the Parkwood moniker.  Cort makes many acoustic and electric guitars made to fit different budgets and playing styles. Their most popular electric guitar models include the EVL, G and VX series. Popular acoustic guitar models include the Earth, Limited Edition and Classical series. According to rumor on guitar.com, Cort was threatened with legal action by Gibson guitars after the company produced a guitar that Gibson officials thought was too similar to its very popular Flying V.  In recent years, Cort has shifted its focus from making guitars under its own name to manufacturing instruments for other large companies on a contract basis. The Schecter and G&L guitar companies have been very successful in selling guitars made by Cort under their own brand names. Though most consumers do not know that these guitars are made by Cort, this still has helped Cort's stock to rise among guitar players and collectors.

This fine Cort guitar is one of the originals designed by the famous Jim Triggs and built in Korea. I had one in 2005-06 and was the best hollow body guitar that I ever played(and I wish I had it back).  It came fitted with a Benedetto pick up and has a very nice action.  A great compact jazz guitar that sounds good acoustically or plugged in.

The Axl trademark was tntroduce in 2001 as a line of electric and acoustic guitars as well a line of amplifiers.  These instruments are procuced with modern equipment and the best available material to create a quality at affordable prices.  Electric models are mainly based on popular American designs (Stratocaster, Telecaster).  Instrements currently built overseas.  Distributed by the Music Link
These are real nice guitars for the price.  I repaired (had a stickey pot) one a few months ago and was real impressed with the quality,  I may have to get one for myself.
David

Ever thought that a guitar might be a more reliable investment than the stock market?  Vintage guitars are becoming a hot item in the collectibles market.  While a few months' savings might have bought a guitar in the 1960s, some of those instruments are selling for big bucks today.    The guitar was perfected between the 1930s and the 1960s, depending on the model, and instruments from this period are highly regarded.  Some people think that in fifty to a hundred years, guitars from the mid 20th century will be thought of in the same way as violins and cellos from the 17th and 18th century. The appeal of any guitar grows over time, and there hasn't yet been a period when the market sank.  That makes a vintage guitar a great investment choice, as well as a visually and emotionally rewarding collectible.  Recent stock market unpredictability has meant that people are more interested in guitar collecting as an investment.   For collectors who want to cover all the bases, consider a varied collection of acoustic, electric, exotic, antique, vintage, contemporary and even custom guitars.  The American brands that stand out when it comes to collecting vintage guitars as an investment (and also as a great guitar) are Guild, Martin, Gibson, Gretsch, and Fender.  Each of these manufacturers also has an era that collectors agree upon as having been the best.  Of course, make isn't the only way you decide how much a guitar is worth.  The rarity and condition of the guitar are important.  If you want a great investment that's also a piece of the past, look into vintage guitars.  Collecting them can be rewarding in many ways, and it's a lot more stable than playing the stock market!

Guitars For Vets

This is really a great service.  Guitars For Vets provides six lessons and a acoustic guitar to veterans at VA Medical & community based centers.  Veterans are referred by the Veteran's Administration Team and the program is integrated with a specific treatment regimen.  If you are a vet and would like to have more information on this program contact you local Va or contact Guitars For Vets.  Please check out their website and donate your time and/or guitar or maybe a little cash.  So please check out their website for more information
http://guitars4vets.org/

Whether Your looking for a guitar for an investment or a player there are a few definitions that you need to know

Mint Condition: The condition the instrument was in when left the factory.  No signs of play wear,      and still has the factory case. Very rare in older instruments.

Excellent Condition: Very clean, may have some minor finish and or play wear but, still has all the original parts and finish.

Very Good Condition:  Instrument is in solid playing condition, but may have significant wear, non-original or missing parts.

Good Condition:  Still playable, but may have modifications and or extensive playing wear.

Poor Condition:  May have major problems and or heavily modified, may or may not be playable.