Kawai Hsin Mi - - Electric guitar - Japan - 1969

Here's a strikingly cool and bizarre Kawai Hsin Mi from the late '60s, circa 1969. Very similar to a Teisco Spectrum 3, but more rare and presumably in its original case.

It has recently been inspected and set-up to improve its playability. Check the video I recorded using the guitar: https://youtu.be/WmsM8h-f5ns

The exact country of origin is uncertain, but judging from online sources it might have been made in Japan or Korea by Kawai and was only available in the Netherlands. There's not much info on these guitars and they're hard to come by, which adds to the mystique. All the pickups, knobs & switches work, offering a variety of tones. Old-school sound & feel, great for 60s Rock, Hard Rock, Surf and Garage Rock. Even Indie Rock. The vibrato is pretty wild (for its era).

This guitar is perfect if you'd like to stand out with a unique sounding & looking vintage instrument, or if you collect rare, quirky guitars. It is not perfect, it is around 60 years old, so adjust your expectations accordingly. It will not feel like a brand new instrument (which is why I love it). I’d suggest it to people who have some experience with vintage guitars and are willing to make adjustments down the line, or who can embrace the imperfections in exchange for a special sound and vibe.