VICTOR SG-12 1964-66 JAPAN w/OHSC *RARE*

VICTOR SG-12 1960s JAPAN *RARE* ALL-ORIGINAL 'MUSIC MESSENGER' - w/OHSC

Nipper is back!

This is the Victor SG-12 'Music Messenger' from 1964-66 with its original hard case. Complete with the legendary HMV terrier bending an ear.

Victor's (sometimes labelled Nivico) involvement in guitar production was very brief. They made only two models, this and the bigger brother, SG-18. (See this also in our other listings). Production ran only for two years and that was it.

Understandably, these are now pretty rare.

Pitched as the entry level version of the more expensive SG-18, the SG-12 nonetheless shares many of the qualities that make these short-lived 1960s Japanese guitars unique.

For both models, bodies and necks were made at the celebrated Matsumoku plant where JVC's (Japan Victor Corporation) super pickups, electrics and chrome ware were added.

Condition-wise...

Good/Very Good.

Cosmetically, very clean all round. Minor bumps & fine scratches to the back.

The chrome is shiny and all the original hardware and electrics are fully intact and function beautifully.

The only issue is some renovation to the fretboard edges where the original finish must have flaked. Condition would be Excellent if not for this. This said, it feels comfortably smooth on both edges and doesn't impact playability at all. (See photos).

The open in-line tuners, vibrato unit with arm, chrome scratch plate & rod cover, bridge and controls are all-original.

Frets have minimal wear.

In Action...

Playing action is fine.

The original bridge offers only global height adjustment, but intonation is also pretty good - largely thanks to these Matsumoku necks being up there with some of the finest.

JVC is of course known for electronics. The SG-12 has two Victor-designed covered single coil pickups which produce a fantastic tone. Clear and dynamic.

These have On/Off rocker switches plus a Master Volume and Master Tone.

In Summary...

These short-lived Victors really are something a little different from the mid-1960s.

Added to their rarity and intriguing back story, they just look so damn cool. With a great sound to match and complete with the original case.

NOTE: We are also offering the deluxe companion model Victor SG-18. Get in touch for a special price if you are interested in buying both together.

Specs:

• VICTOR SG-12 1960s JAPAN 'MUSIC MESSENGER' *RARE* - w/OHSC
• Solid body dbl cutaway in original finish
• Slim mahogany neck w/rosewood fretboard & pearloid dot markers
• Nut: 43mm
• All-original hardware, vibrato + arm & electrics
• 2 x On/Off rocker switches; 1 x V; 1 x T
• Original JVC single coil covered pickups
• Weight: 3.3kg / 7 1/4lbs
• Comes with the Original fitted Victor hard case (pictured)
  

*** WORLDWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE ***

Australia, Germany, Spain & Denmark Buyers:

Unfortunately the post office in these countries now limits package sizes so our regular EMS (Japan Post Office) shipping rates do not apply. (Unless we ship it disassembled)

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Almost everything for sale here is coming from a 40+years personal collection. As the shop name suggests these are predominantly Vintage, Eclectic or Japanese - so if you are looking for something specific, please get in touch. Maybe we have got something you've been searching for. VEJ

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A Note On Shipping:

We want you to be fully satisfied with everything - from the item itself (naturally!) through the shipping, packaging, communication etc.

Of course there is nothing we can do about customs duty, local taxes etc at your end. But we can keep the overall price as competitive as is decently possible.

The Japan post office service (EMS) is reliable and efficient but shipping costs from Japan to Europe or the states are unavoidably expensive.

For this reason none of the shipping costs we quote reflect the actual price we have to pay. We are more than willing to take a hit on that to make things as attractive for you as possible.

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Vintage Instruments & Equipment

Shipping by air plus climatic changes can affect how a guitar is set up - no matter how well it is packed. Consequently there is no guarantee that an instrument arrives with exactly the same set up as stated. After a period of acclimatisation, you may still need to make any adjustments at your own expense.