Description
What makes this guitar special: One of only 22 made, this USA made Govox is an extremely rare piece. Considered by many to be one of the earliest versions of a “Guitorgan”, these were manufactured prior to the introduction of the actual Guitorgan, by a separate entity. A quick online search will yield video of Chuck Hess playing one of the first off the line.
These were built for usage with a very specific Govox amplifier, capable of producing all the on-board sounds including organ, bass, and several different drum patterns. Unfortunately, the accompanying amp is not included with this guitar. As such, we have no way to verify whether or not the extra electronics are functional and cannot guarantee their functionality.
The DeArmond humbuckers do work, and they sound terrific. The semi-hollow construction is nice and resonant, while the ebony fingerboard is comfortable with great action for hours of easy playability. A previous owner even had the guitar signed by Tommy Emmanuel and Henry Paul of the Outlaws, though there is no provenance to the signatures.
Cosmetic condition: This one was definitely played, and shows plenty of wear throughout. There are various scratches, dents, dings, nicks, chips, and scuffs present, with finish checking throughout. The finish has worn away in a few places with time, and the finish on much of the back of the neck has reacted in a very unorthodox way, likely due to heat or possibly a chemical reaction (see photos). Much of the hardware showcases oxidation, and there is a single strip of binding missing on the bass side of the neck.
Body: Double bound semi-hollow body in sunburst finish. Multiple black-based electronic panels with switching for organ, bass, and drums. Tune-O-Matic style bridge and trapeze tailpiece.
Weight: 8 lb, 14.9 oz
Neck: D-shaped maple neck with black side dots and pearl block inlays. Bound ebony fingerboard is in great shape, and sensor-implanted frets show only light wear. Split first fret with half tone. Pearl Govox logo on the headstock and chrome sealed tuners in good working condition. Neck is straight and truss rod is functional.
Electronics: Dual DeArmond humbuckers (Neck-5.88k ohms, Bridge-5.82k ohms), with 3-way pickup selector switch and black witch-hat knobs. Humbuckers do not have on-board adjustable tone. Electronics array with built in drum loops, organ, and bass sounds. Various knobs control the tempo and volume of individual instrument sounds.
Note: This guitar requires an original Govox amplifier to function as intended. In the event that one can be found, we DO NOT guarantee the functionality of the electronics array. Please purchase under the assumption that they do not work properly.
Case: Unoriginal triangle shaped hard shell case included.
