Colombia CSG-691 Baritone Black 1965
Colombia CSG-691 baritone, black finish, made in Japan 1964-66. Colombia guitars were made for Colombia Nippon group, who were involved with the Japanese end of Colombia records. The guitars were only made from 1964-6 at the well regarded Matsumoku factory. There's not a lot of baritone models from the 1960s-MIJ universe, so this 27" scale example is a super cool piece. It's got a pretty sturdy offset style vibrato tailpiece and decent tuners, and at 3.6kg it's pretty lightweight. The pickups are great: somewhere in the P-90 ballpark, although they're closer in output to a goldfoil or staple style. The tone is clear, sparkly and fat, and translates the low frequencies with gusto. The chances that you get another shot at one of these anytime soon is slim, so hey: let's go?
Model: Colombia CSG-691
Made: Japan, 1975 approx, Matsumoku factory
Serial: none
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: agathis (unverified)
Neck: asgathis (unverified), rosewood fretboard, 27" scale, 44mm nut, chunky C shape
Weight: 3.620kg
Mods: none
Pickups: soapbar single coil x3
Accessories: none; no case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs and dimples on the end and edges and some scuffs on the back and front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples, rub wear and some checking lines on the back only. The back has minor scuffs and dimples all over. The sides have a chip on the top horn and some dents near the jack, as well as scuffs around the whole body. The front has dimples along the bottom edge, a dent on the top horn and some scuffs around the whole body.
Overall: very good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings and tuned to B standard.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only