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EKO | RANGER FOLK

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

15 1/4" body flat top acoustic

1973 Eko Ranger Folk - body front

The Eko Ranger was a very well known acoustic guitar, selling in huge numbers under several different brand names from the late 1960s and through the 1970s. There were several variants: six string, and twelve string jumbos, electric-acoustics, and, as seen here, a slightly smaller bodied, all-acoustic, 'folk' model. The body was slightly narrower (15 1/4" vs 16 1/2" for the standard Ranger), but also an inch shallower (3 3/4" vs 4 3/4"). Even without a tape measure, this guitar is easily differentiated from other Ranger variants by it's narrower waist.

Eko guitars were manufactured in Recanati, Italy, but in the United Kingdom, Eko were distributed by Rose Morris, who sold the Ranger Folk as model 1781, with a 1973 price of £29.13. Not an expensive guitar, but neither their cheapest.

This is how the Eko Ranger Folk was described in the 1970 Rose Morris guitar catalog
Spruce faced ply top, mahogany back and sides with black and white bound edges. Polyester finish. Decorative sound hole. Detachable mahogany neck with adjustable double T-bar reinforcing rod. Rosewood fingerboard with bone position dots. Adjustable rosewood bridge. Individual, all-metal machine heads. Simulated tortoiseshell finger plate.
1973 Eko Ranger Folk - body reverse

Whilst the guitar's top is spruce (laminate), the back is mahogany, typically two-piece bookmatched as shown above. As can be seen above, the neck was a bolt-on - perhaps a little unusual for an acoustic, but great for an easy set up and a nice low action. The polyester finish is somewhat prone to cracks (see image below), and the guitar can often look in a worse state than it is. These are pretty durable guitars.

With it's small body size, the Ranger Folk is not a loud guitar, but neither is it unwieldy - in fact it's the perfect guitar for a bit of sofa strumming! These guitars (Eko Ranger series in general) were made in such large numbers that they are readily available on the used market, and can be had for very fair prices. Shop around for an exceptional bargain!

1973 Eko Ranger Folk - the cracks on the front and sides are merely finish deep, and are quite common on these and other vintage Eko guitars

The cracks on the front and sides are merely finish deep, and are quite common on these and other vintage Eko guitars. Note the scratchplate shape - the Ranger Folk has a simpler-shaped scratchplate than the larger Ranger six and twelve strings.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk - rosewood bridge detail
Eko Ranger Folk bridge detail, showing rosewood bridge unit and metal height adjustable saddle.
1973 Eko Ranger Folk - Neck joint detail, showing strap button, neck plate, and three-ply body binding (white / black / white)
Neck joint detail, showing mahogany sides, strap button, neck plate, and three-ply body back binding (white / black / white).
1973 Eko Ranger Folk - headstock detail, showing decal Eko logo, truss rod cover, nut and zero fret
Eko Ranger headstock, showing decal Eko logo, truss rod cover, nut and zero fret.
1973 Eko Ranger Folk - reverse headstock detail
The neck is a five-ply laminate of mahogany and maple. Note the 'made in Italy' decal and uncovered individual Van Ghent tuning keys with metal buttons.
1973 Eko Ranger Folk soundhole label

The soundhole label has a space for model designation, though this is blank in this instance. the text reads (translated from Italian) "Original Eko guitar built in Recanati (Italy) by the best violin makers and with carefully selected tone woods"

1973 Eko Ranger Folk truss rod and nut detail

Eko guitars typically had their truss rod adjustment at the headstock end of the headstock, covered by a bell-shaped cover, held in place with three screws. Note also the nut and zero fret.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk fretboard detail

Rosewood fretboard detail with bone dot inlays.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk neck pocket detail

Laminate maple neck pocket. The neck attaches to the body with four 3 1/4" slot-head bolts, in a trapezoid pattern. Some of the internal bracing can also be seen in this image.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk neck heel detail

The neck has brown finish on much of it, though the five ply mahogany / maple construction can be seen on the heel (and the headstock).

In short, the Eko Ranger series of guitars are nice, affordable vintage guitars; well made, with good availability (especially online). Examples with a couple of missing /replaced parts (so easily fixable) can sell at very low prices indeed. There are certainly bargains to be had!

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Eko Ranger VI EL 1970s - Sunburst Electric Acoustic guitar in Hardshell case

Eko Ranger VI EL 1970's - Sunburst Electric Acoustic guitar in Hardshell case

Harrisonville, Missouri, 647**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$995

Eko Ranger VI EL 1970's - Sunburst Electric Acoustic guitar in Hardshell case






Description
Eko Ranger VI EL 1970's - Sunburst Electric Acoustic guitar in Hardshell case Product DescriptionThis very cool vintage EKO Ranger is just like the one Waylon Jennings used to play . This one is in great condition and everything on it works fine. There is some very slight bellying on the top , but overall this guitar is in great shape. Comes with a nice vintage hardshell... more
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Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Electric Guitar

Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Electric Guitar

Georgetown, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

This is a cool vintage instrument. We just put fresh strings on it. Sounds and plays so good! Straight neck. Fully functional. Made in Italy. It has electronics. The jack has something a little off in that if you jiggle the cord sometimes the sound will cut in and out. It could be the tip needs pressed in more. Simple fix. Sounds good as an acoustic. This guitar has some dings and scratches over the years giving it character, but nothing major. Someone will love this blast from the past!
... more
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Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar - Made In Italy

Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar - Made In Italy

Jerseyville, Illinois, 620**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$695

Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar with the trapeze tailpiece - Made In Italy. The guitar is built like a tank and in nice condition with the typical ??cracks?? in the nitrocellulose finish of these old guitars (see pics).

From the interweb it appears Genesis, Jimmy Page and other musicians used a Ranger XII guitar. This model is popular enough that it has been reissued - get yourself the real deal!

Comes as pictured

Shipping will be $50 ... more
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Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar NECK Made In Italy

Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar NECK Made In Italy

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$325

Vintage 1960s EKO Ranger XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar NECK ?? mahogany construction , bound, Rosewood fingerboard with block inlays, normal light vintage wear has some fine grain cracks and fingerboard frets show normal playwear. No structural issues , Truss rod works. includes original string nut and truss rod cover, Made In Italy. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.
... more
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Eko Ranger XII 12 String Vintage Acoustic Guitar

Eko Ranger XII 12 String Vintage Acoustic Guitar

Holland, Michigan, 494**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This Eko Ranger XII 12 String Vintage Acoustic Guitar, made in Italy is a rare gem for any music enthusiast. With its classic design and superior sound quality, this guitar is sure to impress. The 12 string configuration provides a unique and rich sound that is perfect for any genre of music.

Crafted by the renowned brand EKO, this vintage guitar is part of a series that is highly sought after. Its attributes include a vintage design, superior sound quality, and a unique 12 string ... more
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Vintage Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Guitar

Vintage Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic Guitar

Fairfield, Ohio, 450**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

I am selling my old Eko Ranger 6 for a luthier repair project. This guitar has a bolt on neck. It is missing parts as noted above. No case, no strings included. Selling guitar only
Sold as is, as found, as pictured, and with any and all flaws I might have missed. No returns.... more
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EKO Ranger - 1960S XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar - Made In Italy   SOLD AS IS

EKO Ranger - 1960'S XII 12 String Acoustic Guitar - Made In Italy SOLD AS IS

Hialeah, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$145

PLEASE LOOK AT THE PICTURES - I AM NOT SURE IF IT WORKS, AND IT'S DAMAGE ON THE BACK OF THE GUITAR- HOWEVER, THE RIGHT PERSON COULD FIX IT OR USE IT FOR PARTS. -----------------------SOLD AS IS -----------------------
AS IS COMMOM WITH PRE-OWNED AND VINTAGE ITEMS THEY COULD HAVE LITTLE MARKS THAT ARENOT SO EASILY DETECTABLE. THE PICTURES ARE ALSO PART OF THE DESCRIPTION I AM VERY PICKY AND CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE THE DETAILS ARE AS CLEAR AS I CAN DESCRIBE THEM.
IF YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH ... more
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EKO RANGER VI Used Spruce Body Mahogany Neck Lubana fingerboard EX CONDIT & CASE

EKO RANGER VI Used Spruce Body Mahogany Neck Lubana fingerboard EX CONDIT & CASE

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

This EKO RANGER VI guitar is a great choice for any acoustic guitar enthusiast. The natural spruce body and mahogany neck provide a rich and warm sound. The Lubana fingerboard adds a unique touch to this guitar, making it perfect for any player. With its 6-string configuration and unknown country / region of manufacture, this guitar is a true gem. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the EKO RANGER VI is sure to impress AS IS IN PICTURES WILL BE INSURED AND SIGNED SIGNATURE ... more
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EKO RANGER 6 ACOUSTIC GUITAR

EKO RANGER 6 ACOUSTIC GUITAR

Manchester, M20***, UNITED KINGDOM

£200

EKO RANGER 6 ACOUSTIC GUITAR.
Plays like a dream
... more
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 wunderschöne top erhaltene Akustische Gitarre EKO Ranger 6 mit gitarrenkasten

 wunderschöne top erhaltene Akustische Gitarre EKO Ranger 6 mit gitarrenkasten

Elztal, 74***, GERMANY

€599

wunderschöne, top erhaltene Akustische Gitarre EKO Ranger 6, sie hat einen super klang, mit gitarrenkasten, .und makramee gurt, ,,siehe fotos .privat verkauf ,, ,keine ,garantie, keine gewähr ,keine rückgabe NUR AN SELBST ABHOLER
... more
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Eko Ranger 6 Chitarra Acustica - Brown Sunburst (06216250)

Eko Ranger 6 Chitarra Acustica - Brown Sunburst (06216250)

Capriolo, 25***, ITALY

€100

vendo per inutilizzo, la chitarra è praticamente pari al nuovo.... more
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Vintage Eko Ranger 12 String Acoustic Guitar Italy For parts / Restoration

Vintage Eko Ranger 12 String Acoustic Guitar Italy For parts / Restoration

Walton on the Naze, CO14***, UNITED KINGDOM

£295

Vintage Eko Ranger 12 string acoustic guitar made in Italy with vintage hard case
Is missing two tuning knobs and has some damage to corner bottom edge of body. Also missing two string pegs
Neck is good and straight. Has some other wear / age related marks so please look very carefully at photos
Comes with a nice vintage hard case (some damage / wear so please look carefully at photos).
... more
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Chitarra acustica nera Eko Ranger 6, senza corde

Chitarra acustica nera Eko Ranger 6, senza corde

Paderno D'Adda, 20***, ITALY

€60

Chitarraacustica nera Eko Ranger 6, senza corde, qualche segno di usura sul fondo esulla ??parte bassa??, batteria 9 volt con regolazione volume e bassiPrezzo trattabile
Possibileritiro a Paderno d'Adda, Carate Brianza o Bovisio Masciago
Eventualisconti su acquisti multipli personalizzati
Opzioni dispedizione personalizzabili (e relativi costi) compatibilmente con ledisponibilità di zona e caratteristiche del prodotto
... more
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Eko Ranger Xll VR EQ 12 String Acoustic Guitar Natural

Eko Ranger Xll VR EQ 12 String Acoustic Guitar Natural

Liverpool, L18***, UNITED KINGDOM

£250

RANGER Xll VR EQ NATURAL TOP STAINED BY EKO GUITARS
Comes with original box. No case
Recently set up with new strings and nice low action. Great intonation!
Eq and pick up works as should
The Damage to the shell has been repaired but has left a mark. It doesn't change the sound or playability
Feel free to get in touch if you're interested or have any questions
Collection from Liverpool area or local delivery is an option for a small extra charge. Rather not post at the ... more
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Eko Ranger Folk

Eko Ranger Folk

rotherham, S66***, UNITED KINGDOM

£175

Hi, up for sale is my Eko Ranger Folk, lovely small bodied guitar. Easy to play, considering it's around 50 years old it's in good condition, unfortunately there's a couple of holes where I think a pick up may have been fitted and a little scratch at the side of the plate. I think these a quite rare guitars as I can't find many of these for sale. Collection would be from Rotherham although I can deliver locally
... more
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Eko Ranger 12 FL Guitar

Eko Ranger 12 FL Guitar

Braintree , CM7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£220

Eko Ranger 12 FL.
12 string acoustic guitar
Pre owned and in good working order and condition
Available at out Braintree store
Collection only
... more
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Eko Ranger 12 String Guitar

Eko Ranger 12 String Guitar

Bristol, BS3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£225

this is a vintage Eko Ranger 12 string guitar from the 70s, unsure of specific year, fitted with sound hole pickup and volume and tone knobs

acoustically its Very loud and jangly due to its big body and plugged in you can get some nice warm tones too

the action can be adjusted by screws on the bridge and at the moment is set up nice and low which makes the guitar very playable

as you can see the guitar is missing the original pick guard
... more
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Eko Ranger 12 String Guitar

Eko Ranger 12 String Guitar

Cockermouth, CA13***, UNITED KINGDOM

£240

Eko Ranger 12. Gold label in sound hole. Gold headstock decal. Brilliant sound and set up is very playable
I have recently learnt that this is actually one of the rarer models made from 1979-1981 that were only made in Recanti, Italy. It can be determined by  the currved pin arrangemment on the bridge and Red Cedar wood top   These are rare and are becoming  collectable  I did think it was one of the earlier models either late 60s or early 70s due to the gold label ... more
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Eko Ranger Vintage Pins

Eko Ranger Vintage Pins

Campi Salentina, 73***, ITALY

€40

Eko Ranger Vintage Pins
Set di 6 piroli
... more
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Eko Ranger 6  1969 / 70 Acoustic Guitar

Eko Ranger 6 1969 / 70 Acoustic Guitar

Chesterfield, S41***, UNITED KINGDOM

£200

In good used condition.

Has some scratches on the back .

Will require a new string

Please refer to pic for condition and what is included

I have other vintage items on other listings

Thank you for looking.
... more
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Find more Eko Ranger for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalogHagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner PresidentThe President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.