Aspen & Prototype Acoustic Questions

[Sigmania]

So this Aspen was likely produced at the "Terashima factory".

 

[Sigmania]

I created a thread to sort this breakdown out as we go along.

Lots of assumptions of course at this point, but an interesting breakdown.

Terashima and Terwaki Cat's Eyes Production

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

Possibly, yes. I think it's possible that there are overlaps though, that both factories were able to make guitars with certain specs to fulfill export orders etc. Man I wish I had a time machine to make a trip to Hamamatsu (and Nagano prefecture) around 1979!

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

Interesting observation that the "inspected by" labels only appear on the lower spec'd models (that makes sense, the "masterbuilt" (F-lingo, sorry) guitars don't need extra inspection). Why I'm writing this here is that "K.Saigo" inspected guitars is what links some Aspen labeled guitars with Tokai (and it's the reason why I looked into "Aspen" guitars a while ago).

Edit: Example here Aspen Guitar Ad-35 Acoustic Guitar (Ao2088259) • $249.99

 

[Sigmania]

Very cool.... So Aspens were made in the different divisions as well?

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

Seems obvious, yes - the CE-800 without label, the "AD-35" (whatever the Tokai equivalent model would've been) (I linked to one above) with inspection label. Edit: better example here:

https://reverb.com/item/20300242-vi...-guitar-d-28-japan-12-string-vintage-70s-rare

 

[Sigmania]

I don't see the "inspected by" label on that one. I must be missing something.

And lower end Cat's Eyes models in 1975 had TRCs.

ASPEN GUITAR AD-35 ACOUSTIC GUITAR (AO2088259) | eBay

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

Another 12-string inspected by K.Saigo: Aspen D29 '70s 12 String Guitar | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

Gotcha. I found this one.

Vintage MIJ Aspen AD35-G Acoustic Guitar K. Saigo D35 | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

And this one.

Aspen AD35 Acoustic Guitar Vintage 1970's Japan K. Saigo Natural & Rosewood D35 | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

And this one misrepresented as made by K Saigo

Aspen AD35-G Acoustic Guitar Made in Japan K. Saigo Martin D35 For Sale

Aspen AD35-G Acoustic Guitar Made in Japan K. Saigo Martin D35 Copy​

This is a well built copy of a Martin D35. Inspected and crafted in Japan by K. Saigo The sound and resonance are excellent. This guitar was Aspen's high end model and it features high quality construction and materials. . Gold Grover tuners, X Bracing, 3 Piece back, gorgeous neck and headstock inlays. This guitar has some wear but is in very good condition with excellent intonation. A high quality, great sounding and playing Martin D35 copy for a very inexpensive cost. This is a high quality guitar with a voice to match. Quality woods, 3-piece back, factory Grover tuners, nice action and smooth play.

 

[RBY]

Preserving pics of that 1975 Aspen CE800.

Cat's Eyes CE-800 Aspen Branded Acoustic Guitar 1975 prototype Tokai MIJ, D 35 Martin Copy New Video | Reverb

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Not

Preserving pics of that 1975 Aspen CE800.

Cat's Eyes CE-800 Aspen Branded Acoustic Guitar 1975 prototype Tokai MIJ, D 35 Martin Copy New Video | Reverb

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Not a prototype ! At least 29 were made. I know, because I have Aspen CE800, serial # 172975-identical to 170175 !

 

[RBY]

Btw, I don't see this Aspen as a prototype of a Cat's Eyes. The first Cat's Eyes I see are from 1975, and one may surface that is earlier since the catalog came out in 1975.

This Apsen seems more like another example of Tokai building guitars for folks with their labels. Similar to Sigmas for Martin, etc.

It may be a prototype for future Aspens though... made by subsequent builders.

It's not a prototype. At least 29 were made. I hve exact same Aspen CE800-serial # 172975 !

 

[RBY]

Btw, I don't see this Aspen as a prototype of a Cat's Eyes. The first Cat's Eyes I see are from 1975, and one may surface that is earlier since the catalog came out in 1975.

This Apsen seems more like another example of Tokai building guitars for folks with their labels. Similar to Sigmas for Martin, etc.

It may be a prototype for future Aspens though... made by subsequent builders.

At least 29 were made. I have Aspen CE800 #172975. It's identical to #170175

 

[RBY]

p.s. It's got some 'presence" ! I call it "Boomer" !

 

[Sigmania]

Good info. The OP was wondering re: how many were made.

 

[DocMan]

At least 29 were made. I have Aspen CE800 #172975. It's identical to #170175

Mind sharing some photos?

 

[Sigmania]

Here is another Aspen and the seller is claiming it was Tokai built, but not giving us any internal pictures or support for that claim.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2763263408..._vTl8uRJe&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAIL