(SOLD) Eston Ranger Dreadnought Acoustic c1970
Eston Ranger, made in Italy 1970 approx. The Eston brand was a project of Melbourne based instrument importers and wholesales Lamberti Bros. They had family connections in Italy, so they commissioned renowned 60s Italian makers Eko to make guitars under their own brand. It is very quirky: the rosette, headstock, guard and binding have a certain spaghetti-western aesthetic, plus the neck is attached via a bolt inside the body, a method not popularised until recent times. It's got a lovely warm, balanced tone with a very even dynamic response; it sounds great. The neck is a comfy moderate D-shape, and the neck joint allows for a very stable and straight neck with a super low action, so this is a breeze to play. All in all: this has got swagger, for sure.
Model: Eston Ranger
Made: 1970 approx, Italy (serial 1333)
Finish: natural
Body: traditional dreadnought shape, laminate cedar top, laminate sycamore (not verified) back and sides
Neck: mahogany (not verified), rosewood fingerboard, bolt-on joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.290kg
Mods: tuners replaced
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some checking lines, scuffs and dimples, as well as extra holes from since-removed tuners. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some widespread light scuffs and surface scratches, no major marks though. The sides have a few scuffs and dimples around the body, no major marks. The top is pretty clean; minor dimples around the body and some play scratches on the guard and top horn only. The bridge has a minor crack, which doesn't affect functionality at all. Overall: 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. Frets are in reasonable shape, normal wear but no major buzz issues, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 13/56 Moonshiners strings.