Ventura V-15

I got this 12 string guitar (serial number 730057) in 1980 as a gift from a guitar student who didn't want it anymore. It is has a dark brown finish all over, has 20 frets, simple dot inlays, a brass nut, bridge saddle and string pegs on the bridge, inadequate open back inline tuners, a wide neck and little other ornamentation.

... but it sounds incredible! No matter the situation, this guitar always sound like a million bucks and has caught the ear of many a player of instuments costong ten times whatever this may have sold for new. I play it as a six string guitar to reduce pull on the neck and have come to love the extra width and comfort in the string seperation this creates. I play a variety of styles and use flat picking and finger picking to great effect with this guitar. The only buzz I have is at the 12th fret on the 1st strings and I really should just get the frets buffed to get rid of that.

The action is factory set and quite good. I have found it to play in tune in all positions and balanced in tonal response. It may be a little warm sounding for some players who like the cardboard box sound of some hybrid mini-depth acoustics, but for anyone who likes deep and rich response... well this little instruments sure has it.
The finish could be a little spiffier and some mother of pearl inlays would be a nice touch, but part of the charm of this Ventura is looking like nothing too special and knocking your socks off when it gets to the music.

I have had it 25 years and it may have been a few years old when I got it. Aside from restringing it, I have never needed to do anything to it. I feel comfortable with it in live situations as well a recording. I hope never to be without it.

No idea if this company exists

I have been playing for 40 years and primarily love rock 'n' roll and power pop music (which suits this guitar well), but play lots of styles. I also own a 1968 Rickenbacker 345S.