Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $495

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$999

$2500+

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Description

Experience a piece of musical history with the Audition Hollow Body, a quintessential example of vintage Japanese craftsmanship from the 1960s. Originally produced by renowned manufacturers Teisco or Kawai, this guitar was a staple in Woolworth's department stores, offering budding musicians a gateway into the world of electric sound. Revered for its distinctive styling and raw, characterful tone, the Audition Hollow Body has garnered a cult following among vintage guitar enthusiasts.

The guitar's thin, laminated maple body, reminiscent of the classic 335 shape, delivers a resonant and warm sound, perfect for genres ranging from jazz to rock. Its three pickups, each controlled by individual on/off toggle switches, offer a versatile range of tones, allowing musicians to tailor their sound with precision. Additional controls include a master volume and a master tone knob, providing further customization. The guitar also features a simple yet effective adjustable bridge and a functional tremolo tailpiece, enhancing its playability.

Accompanied by an original hardshell case, this instrument is both a collector's piece and a functional tool for the modern musician. While the case shows signs of wear, much like the guitar, it remains a testament to the durability and charm of vintage gear.

Key Features:

  • Vintage 1960s design by Teisco or Kawai
  • Thin, laminated maple body with semi-hollow construction
  • Three pickups with individual on/off toggle switches
  • Master volume and tone controls
  • Adjustable bridge with tremolo tailpiece
  • Original hardshell case included
ChickenboneJohn

ChickenboneJohn

Audition guitar by Teisco / Kawai

Video thumbnail for Audition guitar by Teisco / Kawai by ChickenboneJohn

Audition guitar by Teisco / Kawai

ChickenboneJohn

ChickenboneJohn

Video thumbnail for Vintage Audition Sunburst Electric Guitar Japanese Teisco Demo by Brad

Vintage Audition Sunburst Electric Guitar Japanese Teisco Demo

Brad

Brad

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audition Hollow Body.

Setup and maintenance

  • It's crucial to assess neck relief by holding a string at the first fret and where the neck meets the body; significant bow requires neck removal and potentially a heat press or truss rod repair.

    Source
  • Shimming the neck might be necessary if the saddle height can't be lowered further; paper, cardboard, or even a popsicle stick can be used for shimming.

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  • Ensure the truss rod is not maxed out in the wrong direction; if it rotates without effect, it might be malfunctioning.

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  • For measuring neck bow, fret at the first and neck joint and check the gap at the midpoint; a credit card thickness is a good reference for relief.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of 1960s Hofner copies and similar guitars have found neck shimming to significantly improve playability, often requiring multiple adjustments to get it right.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users have compared issues with the Audition hollow body to older Japanese guitars, noting they often require neck shimming and bridge adjustments.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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dippypepsi123

This was my Dad's guitar.

My Dad gave this guitar to me he got it as a teenager in the 70's my brother played it a few times and his band mate Dan , I've played it a little bit but needs some TLC so I haven't played it in a while, it needs it's action fixed and maybe other things.

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dippypepsi123

dippypepsi123

Gear IQ 590

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