EKO Ranger VI

Made in Italy in the 1960s. Nice. I had this Guitar a few years ago, it was given to me by my Mothers Friends Husband, who had it for years and years and never even played guitar! So I had it and thought it was the worlds biggest wonder. It was beautiful! Its made very well and has a wonderful mellow sound that could blow you away.
Very simple guitar though, no silly bits, just pure acoustic!

I play a whole variety of things... Rock, Ballads, Pop, Metal... but on my Eko, the slow rock and ballads sound amazing. Simple Acoustic Versions of any songs sound lovely. I think this is a very underrated guitar and should be thought of as one of better.

Simply. The Guitar is Solid... Nothing is going to break it at all.
When I had it the back of the head had a crack that had been clued and that makes no difference whatsoever. Perfect Really.

I would definitly gig with this guitar... Definitly.
I took it on Holiday and that was all I could play for 2 weeks, and I never bored of playing it at all. The strap buttons on my Eko are a bit dodgy and one is replaced badly, but that doesnt affect me because I never use them.

Never tried to contact them, Never will need to.

I've been playing for 3 years. This guitar means so much to me, it will stay by me for years to come. If it was stolen I wouldnt by a new one, thats pointless, its not the same. I would try all my life to find it! I love its simplicity, its build quality, its SOUND!
Get one if you can. There quite rare, and valuable now. Go!

this guitar features 21 frets the last few of which are unusable due the electric guitar-like pick up in the sound hole. It sticks out a bit too far so when you play the highest notes on each string the string winds up resting on the metal pick up rather than the fret. Speaking of the pick up, it currently doesnt work but I suspect this is simply a wiring problem. when the pick up did work, not too long ago, it used a very nice tone knob and sounded great except it tended to feed back quite a bit through my Peavey transtube 212.

The guitar was purchased in italy (Udine) by my dad in 1970's and he claims to have toted it around with him everywhere he went. he didn't know how to play though and the thing wound up in the attic (when the original strings!) until a couple of years ago when I took up guitar. the old strings weren't terribly vibrant but when I put some Martin white Bronze strings on it the guitar had the rich tone of an aged guitar combined with the brilliance of the new strings. This thing sounds better than any reasonably priced guitar you can get new and only cost maybe 30 bucks in the 70's. My friends think it sounds great.

the action isnt low but it's still fairly easy to play. My friends Alvarez is much easier to play but the sound just doesn't measure up. you can tell that this was a pretty cheap guitar when it was bought because there's really nothin' too fancy about it. Cheap plastic pick guard is pretty ugly but can easily be removed. It's an old guitar so the finish isn't perfect anymore but considering it's age it is in REMARKABLE condition. I've done almost all the damage in the past year.

This is quite the solid guitar. I dont think I'd want to gig without a back up though because since I replaced the original strings, they've been breaking fairly often. I took a big spill with this thing strapped on when I tripped over a wire and it was fine. I landed guitar first onto a marble window sill. Just a small chip in the finish.

Never tried tried anything. I dont think a guitar like this would get much service (or need much)

Ive been playing for less then two years but have been doing so nonstop and with a passion. i own a Peavey Generation (hate it) and a Fender Mustang '72 (love it). if this thing were stolen I'm not sure If i'd buy another. I know that this one has been taken care of and it was in storage forever so I'd be wary of one thats experienced tougher times.

The ranger was advertised with the slogan "Buy your second guitar first"
Well it was my third.. but I take a while to learn anything. I bought it new in 1977 for #52. It is what they say. A basic but well made box. There are no fancy bindings to the neck, instead it is a bolt on three part laminate and a joy to use. It has a zero fret which gives it a really nice action, which coupled to the adjustable bridge makes it easy to set up. The tuners were not of the best. Functional is probably the best description. I put better ones on without spoiling the look, and have the option of putting the old ones back should i want to sell the thing.

Well, I was laughed at by my student friends for getting the eko... now everyone wants one. Reason. I guess it started out sounding good, and it just gets better and better. It dosent have the greatest sound projection, but it more than makes up for this in quality of sound. Played fingerstyle it has good sustain and detail of note, and you can get good slappy sounds by using a pick. Like all musical instruments it can be affected by the weather, but that makes it feel more alive and less plastic than the competition.

The ranger is a basic instrument in a lot of ways. There may not be a lot there but what is there is well put together. The've used plywood (which was laughed at!) but plywood is stable and predictable. and if it has lasted nearly 30 years they were right to do it. The internal binding of the soundbox is made of properly bent wood, not the laterally sawn stuff in virtually all of the far eastern ones. this pints to care in the build. Only thing i could really fault was the machines.. but theres plenty of ekos working on originals.

The general build of the ranger is such that you could probably use it as a cricket bat in the afternoon, and play it in the evening. The batwing pickguard is made of perspex so thick its probably bullett proof. And I have had the thing from new for 28 years, and its as good as the day i got it.. well no its better, the sound has matured. Play this at the gig at the end of the world... It will still be there afterwards.

Its never let me down, so i have never spoken to eko. I am given to believe they were passionate about what they did, and i gather they are making guitars again

The ranger is more a friend than a guitar. If it were stolen, I would get another whatever the price. But I would want my one back!! It's a good chunk of wood. I remember going through a nuber of guitars at the shop, and the ranger sounded better (not necessarily louder) than any of the others in my price range. I really do like the solidness of it, and for a basic instrument it has a "look" the batwing pickguard, very modern eko logo on the end of the neck, and the chunky rosewood bridge assemly make it sort of distinctive. I think i'd like it to be a family heirloom!

a dreadnought acoustic guitar from 60's or 70's i guess....not many features but what do you want from an acoustic?
this guitar is VERY rugged and durable...has survived 40 years of playing and will easily survive another 40....dunno about the wood...thick laquer protects well...bolt-on neck, easy to set-up, good tuners....no electronics, just pure acoustic greatness....

this has great tone....the low strings really put some sound out but the higher strings hold their own well...giving a well balanced and full sound....i have played this with a slide, works kinda well actually, but predominantly i play the blues....and this guy sings like the best of 'em...

has an easy to adjust bridge...i found it in the loft ('twas my aunts) and set it up with virtually no guitar knowledge....and its playing great today....frets seem to be well positioned and fine, slight niggle is that playing high up on the lower strings isn't in perfect tune, but from the other guitars i have thats just part of most guitars...certainly this is supremely easy to maintain and keep ship-shape...

this is where the eko really comes into its own....they were built with durability in mind i reckon, 'cos theres quite a few around today still....i've scraped, dropped, knocked and generally abused it....sure its got a few superficial marks but its structurally as good as ever...a mate of mine said they were once known as "reindeer bashers" on account of the abuse they can take...this was made before me, and i'm sure they'll be a few around after i am....

apparently eko went out of business sometime in the 70's/80's but now they're back....no acoustics as far as i know...just wacky-design electrics....but no need to deal with customer support - an eko ranger is never going to break down...

been playing for knocking 4years now....started on my ol' eko so its got sentimental value...but for the money this is a serious guitar...i really don't see why someone would shell out 600or700 quid for a new takamine, taylor or gibson when you can pick up a warhorse with history that'll last as long as you, sounds great and for just 50 english pounds....if someone had the audacity to steal this i would hunt them down, explain to them the error of their ways, and possibly cut their curtains down....then i'd take my eko and hit them with it - god knows they'll come off worse...

The EKO Ranger VI (at least the 60's models), in my opinion, was a dreadnought built ahead of its time using some great techniques and innovations. Mine was built in 1969 in Italy. Later models may have been made elsewhere and constructed differently, but examining this version produces some great construction.

The bolt on neck was a manufactuing design coming right out of EKO's success with electric guitars. For this guitar, that translates into longevity and reliability. On the top of the neck, there's an brass extra (starting) fret that helps bridge the guide and lowers the strings (increasing ease playability and creating a versatile instrument beyond the original marketing capabilities of a 'country & western' instrument). The neck is multiple pieces that help prevent any warping. Just pick it up and you realize it's over built. The thing weighs in heavy and is built to last.

The sides and back are Mahogany. I think the top is Spruce with a very nice deep finish? The neck is Rosewood. Tuners are OK and a little cheap looking, but they stay true. For the price and EKO's original target of an affordable, semi-mass produced instrument, I guess they had to cut costs somewhere and the tuners are the biggest negative. There's some great old marketing floating out there on the net that specify many features and stories about this guitar.

For me, I love the rich mellow tones that are produced from this instrument. Coupled with a set of nice light action strings, it produces a very soft resonate tones that blend nicely. I find the sound to be very mellow for such a big body even under heavy strum or picking. That suits me fine and plays to my style, however, others may find the guitar to lack that 'punch' when requested. The bass tones are pronounced and clear but play very soft. Without a pick, it can result in a flat sound without amplification. The Ranger was billed as a 'pickers' guitar and I find that advertising a bit misleading based on other gutars played.

I purchased mine at an antique shop in Indiana after passing it by for several weeks. At first glance, nothing really stood out that made me want to pick it up. After a while, I did and two things jumped out. One, it weight a ton and I knew this deserved some examination. Two, and at the time, it sounded like bees in a hive and the sound was horrible. I found out the pick guard was loose and quickly summized this is why it's being left for dead. For the price they were asking, it needed to be saved.

Once I removed the guard, the sound was impressive and even though it wasn't what I expected, it provides a very versatile sound. I recently played into a mic and realized just how much you can produce from this instrument.

The most noticable flaw of my EKO was the pick guard. It was loose and created a horrible buzzing sound (which is why it was probably left for dead at an antique store). I attempted to have it repaired, however, decided just to remove it. As a result, there's a slight color variation that's just now melding together with the rest of the top. The sound, obviusly improved, and, I think it looks pretty good without the 'cheesy' guard.

I have no varnish chips or noticable cheap finish jobs. There are a few varnish cracks in the body that help show the instrument's age along with the trim that's since turned a pale yellow. For being 35 years old, the Ranger has an amazing staying power that's just getting better over time. I don't think it's met a half-life yet and I'd say the instument's character and sound is improved as a result of its gental aging process.

The action for me is smooth, however, it's got quite a wide neck for my short fingers. It's not the easiest guitar to play, but will certainly make you better. I've owned my Ranger for 8 or 9 years and have never needed to re-work it. I doubt in its 35 years it's changed from the factory settings. That's got to tell ou something.

Amplify it and keep it in a case when not in use. 50 years from now, it will still be around.

Have never attempted to contact the company so it's rather a moot point, however, some interesting history. At some point, in the 70's or 80's, the factory burned and it seemed destin that the company would go out of business (of which they probably did). I have since heard they are back on-line, mainly into electric guitars. Don't know who is running the corporation and if they are affiliated with the original owners? If needed, however, I'm not sure what service you could get. You would be better off going to a master craftsman to have any work done. Never send anything to Italy other than yourself. If it's in a box, you will never see it again.

I've been playing on and off for some 30 years and have found a new appreciation for the craft. I own a small collection of instruments at various price points. Considering the Ranger is almost as old as I am, it has a nolstalgic significance beyond some of my newer better sounding instruments. I've resarched and continue to find information on this guitar and find that people who own it keep comming back. There are some top named artists that started on the Ranger and still pull it off the shelf. It will make you a better player, and, although it does not carry the appeal or overall craftsmanship of a Martin or Gibson, side by side, it can hold it's own. If it were lost, I'd find a replacement. It's like PB&J.

This is a late 60's/early 70's (not sure when?!) Eko ranger 6, six string acoustic which was very kindly given to the family. It has a rosewood fret board which meets the body at the 14th fret.The brige consists of a plastic saddle on a wood plate
This guitar is a bulky dreadnought. THe front is a laquered softwood of some sort me thinks and the back and sides are mahogany. The laquer chips off occassionaly but it takes a pretty big impact to damage the finish.There is also a black and white binding running round the edge of the body and a black plastic 'bat wing'scratchplate.Its a pretty simple, heavy, durable instrument - built to last

The heavy construction allows this guitar to benefit from a bright crunchy sound. It is a beautiful sounding instrument and the big dreadnought body allows for a gutsy sound with plenty of volume. I found that Martin SP 10's give the best sound for my strummy style and allow you hack away with gusto without rattles. There is some occassional vibration on the higher frets but I put that down to over thirty years of wear and tear and it adds a bit of character to the sound. I would say this guitar gives a good, clean sound and most people who here it like it.

The action on this guitar is very low and allows for quick movements up and down the fret board with minimum effort. Even bends aren't too much of a problem and the strings achieve a nice balance between finger ripping tightness and buzzy slackness (if thats a word). I find especially good when playing spanish or classical tunes as the fast action allows for quick pull offs and rapid vibratos.
The fit and finish of this guitar is superb and there are no annoying rattles. In short its absolutely bomb proof! The tuning pegs have a bit of rust on them as well as the gears which can make tunnig hard work but they do the job and I cant imagine them breaking off any time soon.

This is the most dependable guitar I have ever played. It stays in tune for weeks at a time!!!! It is built to last and never falters.The laquer occassionaly chips and scratches but to no great extent. The strap buttons are stron enough to allow it to be hurled around at great force with out fear of taking the crowd out. It seems to sound better in a warm noisy live environment and when its miked up it gives crowd capturing clarity and tone

Never needed to get it repaired which says alot.so I'll give it a middling 5 as they can build a rock solid guitar but whether they can repair it or not is yet to be discovered.

I've been playing seriously for about five years and just used to mess around on it in my younger days. I'm 18 now and this guitar seems to have been in the family all my life and I don't really fancy another acoustic as this meets all the requirements. I also own an Epiphone casino and a marshall 80 watter' which gives a stunning sound. When I combine the Epiphone and the EKO on my 4 track it sounds stunnning as the warm Epiphone compliments the crisp sounding EKO well. If some one stole it I'd hunt them down like a dog. In seriousness I'd be gutted If I lost this guitar and would strive to get hold of another ranger 6. I love its sound, I love the way it looks and I love the way it can withstand a good kicking, or an atomic blast.

marked-ranger 6 .ser no-220783.22 frets that join the body at 14.fret board is dark wood with white dot markings.it has 0 fret.tuning pegs were orig'open with white heads.the bridge is a simple plastic saddle that sits on a dark wood plate .body top ,light wood with heavey laquuer with grain running top to bottom, sides are of a darker wood with the grain running all the way around.back also of dark wood and seems to be in 2 pieces as the grain runs diag'on both sides into the centre. its a very heavy piece of kit and seems to be built to last.oh it also has binding ,back and front of white with 2 black stripes .the neck is bolted on.

yeah it sounds like a doris day film looks ,fuckin' bright.its a jumbo so its loud and with planty of tone?.i play every thing on it and have little experiance on another so to me it suits.

its built like a brick, i've had to change the bridge saddle once and all the machine heads but its structure is sound.to me it looks great simple and efficient. the action is high and the neck thick, but for the extra work needed it give some great gifts, and when i get on to my strat it seems my fingers and hands have just had plaster of paris removed, flash ahhh...ahhhhh

as i've stated, if the titanic was built half as goo as this thing ,leanardo de caprio would have been short one block buster.

never had to go outside of local support

i've been playing at playinf for 20 yaersand i own 2 guitars this and a fender electric. i love the fact it gives me the option of not paying the electricity bill, and if it were stolen id amass the greatest possy in history e.g the a team, knight rider, columbo and angela landsbury? or maybe id have a smoke and contemplate how the fuck i'm gonna get another.

It is a 70s cherry sunburst without a lable to tell its model.It was made in italy as marking shown at the back of the peg head. The neck is a 3 piece type of very nice looking mahogany. 22 frets including a zero fret to perform as the nut.The sides and backs are figured dark red mahogany. It's thick and heavy with a nicely finished solid top(spruce,I think). Simple cream bindings of the body. I bought this lovely jumbo from a friend in around '81.He told me that he had it hung somewhere in the house for years. The first impression was a dirty,dark,dusty ugly old broken unplayable piece of junk asking for 150 Hong Kong dollars. The final deal was HK$100(aboutUS$20).I took it home and tried to clean it up.It took me 5 hours to bring it back to life. To my surprise, It was a brand new guitar with no scratches at all. It looks so good even better than those I had played before.EKO was quite a popular brand in the '60s to the '70 in HK.They were not cheap at all by then.This one comes with an oversized adjustable bridge,open tunners and a gold EKO logo under the thick transparent finish.

It sounds like what an good old jumbo should.... just very good sounding.There are lots of tone may be of the thick and heavy mahogany body.I can say perhaps a little less power but the tonal balance is of superb standard. It rings even better than my 78 Ovation deep bowl.It's not the best sounding guitar but one carries good character of a high standard instrument.To me, it's tight and silky.......I play a lot of finger picking style. This one suit my tast with picks or fingers. The dark wood fret board feels like and electric so fast solo running is light and easy.

I always do the set ups for all my guitars. It comes with quite high action. But after 5 hours of hard work, it plays like magic.The wood was very nicely selected with high standard workmanship. The finish was far too thick as it should be for an acoustic guitar. The tuning pegs are very simple open type but reliable.They stay in tune perfectly.The adjustable bridge is something I like to have for my Ovation also.

It looks like it will last at least a hundred years. The construction is like a tank.The bottom strap button is made of plastic but still very hard to break over years of abuse.I never gig without a backup even though it can last after heavy attack from bin laden.

Never need any service from them. But I must again thank Mr.Stepheno of fetish guitar who gave me immediate reponse about the model name of this EKO.

I've been playing for over 30 years. I have a '82 Fender Telecaster w top loading bridge, an all natural maple Gibson L6S,an Ovation 78 model deep bowl,a '70s Yamaha G90A Classical,an Aria '69 classical,2x'70sIbanez Les Paul copies(one Black,one Gold top),an early '70s Japanese Morris CF type Martin duplicate,a Hofner semi hollow Les Paul copy w 2 wooden Hi FI pickups, a'82 Tokai Love Rock,a SG'68 custom made copy,an Epiphone Fat210 natural alder body,an Epiphone blue Flake Les Paul, a Hofner solid body bass, a Guyatone Jazz Bass replica,an Applause Precision Bass replica and red Strat alder replica.
If the EKO was stolen, I would use my Ovation again because it is a lot lighter.May be I will consider buying a Fisherman equipped solid body for the thinner body reason. I think putting in an acoustic pickup to the EKO will sound nice and healthy judging from its construction and weight. This could be my next project.The EKO RangerVI is a total satisfaction.

The year is unknown to me but it was baught in around 1960's, in Germany. It was made in recanai italy. This is a aucustic guitar with 21 frets and a solid top.

Its a sweet sounding guitar. It can be soft but u can play some rock on it if you know what your doing. The sound is very rich and most poeple found it soothing just to listen to its sound. This is my fathers guitar, hes had it for at least 30 years and its still his i just play with it every day or to if i get a chance. I thik its an amazing instrument and i wish i could buy one of my own.

This guitar is built to last. Ever since my fatehr baught it (again at leats 30 years) there i nothing that went wrong with it. there were no repairs done etc. The neck allways stayed straight and everything works well and it sounds great even after all these years i'd say the factory did a great job at building it.

Never needed it i dont even know how to reach teh company.

Its been played since the 1960's and its great i'm pretty sure its not teh best guitar in teh world but i myslef would go cray if it was stolen and i can only imagine what my father would do...letshope it never happens. I love the sound of this guitar and also teh way it looks it seems by looks and sound to be a great guitar.