Banjo-Guitar EKO 1970's

The guitar-banjo is a hybrid instrument that appeared in the early 20th century, allowing guitarists to benefit from the banjo’s volume and percussive tone without having to learn a new playing technique.

This 1970s EKO Guitar-Banjo is part of the legacy of the renowned Italian brand Eko, founded in Castelfidardo by Oliviero Pigini at a time when the guitar was becoming the emblematic instrument of European popular music.

From the 1960s onwards, EKO experienced spectacular growth and became one of Europe’s largest stringed instrument manufacturers, exporting its creations to more than 60 countries and developing a vast catalogue that included acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, basses, banjos, and folk instruments.

During the 1970s, as folk, country, and bluegrass music gained popularity throughout Europe, EKO further diversified its production by offering guitar-banjos aimed at musicians seeking the distinctive banjo sound combined with the familiar playability of a six-string guitar.

Made in Italy, this EKO guitar-banjo perfectly reflects the brand’s craftsmanship during that era, renowned for the durability of its instruments and its significant contribution to the development of European luthiery throughout the post-war boom years.

Highly appreciated in folk, country, bluegrass, and acoustic singer-songwriter settings, it allows guitarists to explore unique tonal colours while retaining their familiar playing references, making it today a vintage instrument with a truly distinctive sonic personality!

Technical Specifications:

• Head: Remo Banjo head
• Resonator: Mahogany and flamed maple veneer
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut Width: 45 mm
• Radius: 9.5"
• Frets: 20 medium jumbo frets (+1 zero fret)
• Scale Length: 568 mm
• Neck Profile: C
• Hardware: Chrome
• Country of Manufacture: Italy
• Year: 1970s
• Finish: Natural / Sunburst
• Appointments: White dot fingerboard inlays / Resonator back with mahogany and flamed maple marquetry
• Condition Details: Normal signs of wear consistent with age / Dings and finish chips on the resonator / Very good condition / Supplied with its original gig bag featuring a broken zipper

Like all our instruments, this guitar-banjo has been carefully set up.

As a result, it offers excellent playing comfort.

Its bright, lively, and remarkably expressive voice delivers a precise, punchy attack, complemented by rich overtones that immediately add depth and character to every performance.

Each chord benefits from a warm, vibrant, and authentic character, offering that captivating blend of a guitar’s ease of play and the iconic tone of a true banjo.