EKO Navajo 12

made in Italy in the time when the Italians made guitars by the thousands. This is a 19 fret acoustic of laminated woods. The body style is not your typical dreadnought, but more like a Martin OM, neck joins at 14th fret. Strings pass over the bridge to a tailpiece, quite different form the more common Ranger-model. Finished in plastic looking superhard and shiny paint, that is known to kill tone. All in all a very cheap, but cheerfull guitar, ideal for by the campfire

These Eko's can be found in abundance in Europe, and can still be had for a decent price - for how long? The body construction is very sturdy, laminated top and back with very heavy bracing. They are virtually indestructable. Mine was in an accident, that gave it an extra soundhole in the rim. But it's still going strong. Of course, the acoustic sound suffers from this tank-like construction. It lacks depth, low range and a bit of volume. The sound is however not too bad, it has a nice 60's jangle.
Bets thing about this guitar, and many other Eko's I have played, is the neck. Excellent in all respects! it's a three piece neck, wood seems to be mahogany on the outsides and a darker wood in the middle -maybe walnut or a darker variety of mahogany. It feels very good, is pretty wide and carries an excellent fretjob. It is absolutely fine after all these ( 30+) years. And since the neck is bolted on, the bridge is hight adjustable and there is that tailpiece, the guitar can be set for a very comfortable low action. a twelve string that causes no pain.

How well was the guitar set-up at the factory? who knows? I got it as an unplayable, wrecked instrument. However, setting it up was easy and quick. Th e quality of the woods in the neck seem to be very good, the sustain is very nice and even. There's no telling what they used for the body, just some nice veneers on front and back. Nut and bridge ara metal and seem very well-machined. tuners are low budget, but evrything works well. No complaints.

This was made to last, and last it will. it's been in some terrible accident, but that did not kill it. Nothing will. who needs a backup at a campfire-singalong? if the guitar lets you down, it goes in the fire - but that will never happen.

there is no companyin sunny Italy. this guitar carries it's own lifetime guarantee. it will outlive me and pass on to the next generation.

I have lots of guitars, including some fine acoustics. This is not a high end guitar and it does not have a high end sound. But it is fun to play and plays very well. Eko's like this have a certain something, and I regard them as classics in their own way. Like old dano's or harmony's, they have that 'cheap but cheerful' aura all over them. Lofine! They are definetely different from American flattops, but have a thing all of their own.