Penco A-12

Penco A-12 acoustic.A guitar I bought in 1975 for $135.00 new.I lent it to my nephew to learn,it probably has about 20 frets I'm guessing.Spruce top,mahoghany sides,rosewood fingerboard,gloss finish,dreadnought,no cut.No electronics-I installed a Fishman myself under the saddle.No name on the tuners-exposed gears.Case included.

A booming bass sound.Enough volume unamplified.My next acoustic had a smaller body,fit under my arm more comfortably.This A-12 guitar was never good for standing and playing.Sound lacked clarity sometimes on lead,great for rhythm.

The neck has remained straight and playable always.The body intact.Action is set up for rhythm.Frets remain tight.

This was a workhorse for 20 years-serious playing for sometimes hours at a time.The tuners need replacing,they've gotten sloppy.They're inexpensive tuners.Solid bridge.Heavy strumming affected the tuning after several years.

Had the first 5 frets replaced about 1995 by an independent repairman.Warranty was about 1 year, I'm guessing.

Played since 1970.I like the way this guitar has aged and is surprisingly sound,still playable.The fingerboard is worn in and comfortable.The wood has cured and it's more resonant.

Not sure what year it was made. I assume it was close to the time I bought it in the early 80's. It has 20 frets. The lable inside says the serial #15858 and model # A-12. It was the only imported guitar brought in to Tony's Rhode Island Music (closed). He would recondition them. I think he stoned the frets and put new hardware. It has been in my living room for over 20 years and has bben played almost every day. It has been treated with respect, if not care, but the sound is now and always has been terrific. The neck has remained perfectly straight and the action is as good as when I got it. Don't know if I got the best deal or not. I traded in a Fender precision bass and an Ampeg SVT Amp for the Penco and $250.

The sound is full bodied with mellow lows and crisp highs. I used round wound Dadario's.

As noted, I didn't see the factory settings, but the retooled condition was superb. 25 years ago there were no flaws in either finish or performance.

This guitar has endured over 20 years of continuous playing, jamming and at gigs. I wouldn't hesitate to take it out again (if I were a younger man). All hardware is as I bought it except strings, of course.

Never did deal with the company and old Tony has long since passed away. But, the fact that this is the only guitar that he said he would import says quality all the way. It has never needed repair.

I have a few guitars in my home (flying v, fender 12 string), but this is the one me and my boys fight to get to first.