Penco J-200

I purchased this Penco in 1975, it ia an A-500 model. I paid $125.00 cash american then, and the store owners father threw in a soft case for it. As best as I can tell its an ALL solid wood guitar. The back and sides are rosewood and the top spruce. Although, I'm guessing that its not top of the line like my Martins.... But you know what? After 30+ years, this guitar sounds great mic'ed. I even use it for gigging (at times)It looks EXACTLY like a Guild D-50... and weighs just as much..LOL

Great. Its pretty much even sound wise accross the board, and the bass gives a good punch when needed.

To be honest. I haven't done crap to it, but play it for 30 years.
The top shows some crackling, and the bridge is lifting a bit, which I'm getting fixed.

But over all, I think I could have used it as a boat paddle and it would still be ok.

I have looked for the company but to no avail. I would love to have the cut sheet on it. I had all the orig. paper work at one time, but 30 years of moving....things get lost. So, if any one has info...post it.

I've been playing for a long time. The Penco was my 2nd guitar.
My first was an Ovation Artist Model (1972/73) and its been Martin ever since. My main Guitar for gigs right now is a 1996 Martin D-18. I have several other Martins that I use mostl for recording in my studio.

I recently pulled my Penco J-200 out of atic/retirement, cleaned her up, fitted her with new strings and honestly couldn't believe how good this guitar sounds. The guitar seemed to suffer no ill effect of being put away for over twenty years. The guitar features a Maple neck, sides and flamed back. The fret board is rosewood. It's a very sharp looking instrument

Like the other reviews on this guitar state it is very hard to justify how this instrament produces the crisp highs and deep base for the price paid. The action is realitively smooth and easy to work with.

I have noticed that the g string will slightly resonate against the first fret if heavy strings are used and the struming is hard. Typically, this guitar responds better with light gibson strings to produce a mellow sound.

I purchased the guitar new when I was a teenager and nearly broke my bank at $270. Doesn't seem like much now as I am in the process of purchasing a Gibson J-200 Cutaway Custom for $4,000. I have to wonder though if the Gisbson will be in this condition when it's 25+ years old. Wear and tear are minimal. Strap buttons are fine, frets are fine, finish is tough and in perfect condition despite heavy use. Would I use it as a backup? Heck it could easily be my primary guitar.

The company made a great product and thats a good thing because they aren't around to fix it any more. It's hard to imagine why this company folded up. Solid product at an outstanding price - they should have been with the big boys by now.

I have played for 35 years with various guitars. It's very rare for me to hold on to a guitar unless I really see some particular value. Typically, there is more value in trading because you get the bennifit of learning the fine details of various instruments over the long run. This Penco I held because I just thought it was one of my best cost to value purchases. Honestly, I also held it because the resale isn't that high. But that said, I feel it is to the bennifit of those who have owned these instruments to smile when others are loving the sound but never heard of the name.

1975 J - 200 made for the Philadelphis Music Co, hence the name Pennco. Maple neck, solid spruce top, maple sides & killer flamed maple back w/ inlaid stripe down the center. Rosewood or ebony fret board.

Sounds very full & with a nice mellow edge.

This thing plays like a Les Paul. I have played several real Gibson 200 at shows & mine plays nicer & sounds almost/even as good. It's no Gibby but at $ 275.00 it kicks solid butt.

It's little worn but still quite presentable for its age.

A great guitar, I am on the lookout for others if anyone knows of something interesting please contact me. Thank you.

I have no idea when my guitar was made but the research I have done shows that Penco guitars were made by the kusaga instrument company in Japan. My guitar has 26 frets on a maple neck and finger board that appears to be mahogany.The headstock is of the classic Gibson style,is black with gold tuners and has penco in script inlaid in it in mother of pearl along with a crown. The body is maple and has a clear transparent finish. The bridge is an ebony bowtie affair and goes well with the look of the guitar.This is a big guitar with a big sound. Booming base and crisp high end when the strings are new.It also delivers enough sustain to be able to play with touch and feeling . No it's not a real Gibson or Martin but for an acoustic guitar the action of the Penco is just as good .More like an electric.I would give it an overall rating of 9 reserving those loafty 10's for the Martin's,Taylors and Gibsons Ilong for but can't afford.For my own playing pleasure the Penco J200 really gets the job done

The company is kaput.

I've been playing for 40 years.