Penco A-13

MID 70 S SOLID TOP MADE IN JAPAN 3 PCS ROSEWOOOD BODY WITH MAPLE STRIP
MAHOGANY NECK ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD MARTIN COPY PAID 189.00 USED

GOOD ACTION GOOD SOUND VERY BRIGHT

GUITAR WAS BUILT VERY WELL NO FLAWS VERY NICE TO LOOK AT AND PLAY

SEEMS VERY SOLID AND DURABLE WITH PROPER CARE SHOULD LAST FOREVER

COMPANY WENT OUT OF BUSSINESS YEARS AGO IM TOLD THAT PENCO GUITARS
WERE BUILT BY IBANEZ

BEEN PLAYING FOR YEARS I JUST DONT HAVE TALENT SO MOSTLY I COLLECT
GUITARS GIBSONS FENDERS G+LS RICS FRAMUS AND NOW PENCOS THEY ARE
A VERY GOOD GUITAR AND MOST PEOPLE NEVER HEARD OF THEM SO THEY SELL
CHEAP

Solid and sweet action.

Only 1 kind better and only slighter is a Martin D-28.

Nice sustain

Have had since new. Felt that paying $198 in 1973 rather than $1100 for a Martin allowed me to also purchase a sweet used Rickenbacker bass 4001. I have used the Penco everywhere. Held up excellent.

Never had a problem.

Been playing for 30 years. I have never played a better feeling guitar. Love it.

Guess some rounder came up short and had to let her go. This review is by a novice guitar reviewer.

Manufacture date: Based on what I know of it?s provenance and the forthcoming info, I?m guessing mid 70?s to early 80?s. I got a serial no. and would like to pin that down. Please respond.

Made in Japan. Distributed by PHILADELPHIA MUSIC COMPANY, INC. Limerick, PA. 19468. Have been told Penco "went out of business" 10 to 15 years ago. What?s up with that? Phone book and web search for "Phila. Music co." and variations thereof: nada.

Features of This old Penco A-13:
Finish is transparent gloss.
Body woods are:
Face (light color) maple? with perimeter inlay of two black bands set in 1/8" wide white; string through bridge that is stained black wood.
Back and side: (dark) mahogany? Side has *" black inlay along the perimeter adjacent face and back.
Neck (dark) with darker (stained?) wood mounting (20) frets and (8) mother of pearl inlays. Neck brace (2) pieces; Neck and head are solid. Head has mother of pearl "Penco" in script logo.
The Keys are beefy 90 deg. post style (not slot thru the head) with Silver (chrome?) finish that look substantial with No identifying marks.
Accessories:
The Shapely Case is obviously original to this insterment. The Black faux alligator skin, black Plastic handle with faux stitching fit the yellowed white waxed twine holding it all together. No identifying marks other than the Atco latches and hinges made in Newark NJ.
Neck clamp Gibson logo looks like 70?s 7-up adv.
Tuning fork "A" with makers mark and "Germany" stamps.
Picks (3) Ernie Ball (1) each "H" "M" "T" look original.
Strap is Unobtrusive 2" wide braided cotton twine in the traditional 60-70?s style.

The Original Guitar Case Chord Book" by Peter Pickow. Copyright 1977 and music minus one self teaching booklet that?s missing the companion record.

My Review:
First look was a glance. Opened the case. Held it. Strummed it. Put it back.
I understand the properties of wood and for a (20) year old assembly of materials that are so affected by their environment, I judge that this assembly is in tact. No gaps between seams. No gaps between Frets and inlays and their mountings. No dirt. No cleaning residue. No dust. No nothing.
Case and guitar were extremely clean. In fact "never been used." Hardly been used. I?ll bet the (20) year old pick scratches on the guard are only (1) lesson?s worth. Fret and bridge wear indicate minimal use also.
Sound: Use it or loose it. The saddest thing is that this guitar hasn?t been played.

Me: HS grad 1975; someone that loves music and can look at an object with a mechanical designer?s eye; 15 year background of Mech. Eng. Tech work; Desktop size paper currency counter / dispensers. Some formal schooling, mostly H. K. U. I know how things should fit.
If it is possible, I would like some feedback on the value of this guitar.
Thank You, Dave