My Guitar: Unique Axe or P.O.S. Beater?

[mangold]

Okay so heres the deal:

The guitar I own right now, my main guitar (I also have an Alvarez 12 string) is a model called a Penco A-160. I got it from my uncle when I first started to get serious about playing guitar. All I know about it is that it was made in Japan, it was distributed by the philadelphia music company, and my uncle tells me that he got it when he was young and began guitar which was 30 yrs ago (according to him) I would ask him for more info, but he and my aunt got divorced last year and we don't speak with him anymore.

Ok, its got electronics, a soundboard transducer I believe, with no eq. It works sometimes, but on many days it will just randomly not work. When it does work it sounds pretty crappy. From looking at and playing it, I have come to the conclusion that I'm pretty sure it has a solid top. I have removed the pickguard which was peeling up and added a strap button on the heel. There are quite a few knicks and dents on it, but nothing major. It works and plays beautifully and sounds better than most guitars out there imo. The best sample you can hear of it is in my cannonball cover you can listen to here: http://www.fnsweetjams.com/ (all recordings on that site are mic'd not the shitty pickup)

Basically I want your guys opinion. I have been playing for a few years now, and I love guitar I'm commited for life. I would like to become a lightly gigging musician on the side in college and I was wondering if you think my guitar could cut it. I would of course replace the electronics. Do you think I should invest in a "better" guitar, or stick with this one?

I know in the end it is my decision, but I would like to hear some other opinions.

Here are some pics.

[Kahn]

Looks good, get a new pickguard and electronics, it should cut it.

[Andre_GT7]

Looks good, get a new pickguard and electronics, it should cut it.

agreed

[mangold]

I like the no pickguard! I think its friggon sweet

[bassman462]

I like the no pickguard! I think its friggon sweet

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ya especially since it looks like there's a pickguard but there isn't, kind of gives it a different effect.

[mangold]

I like the no pickguard! I think its friggon sweet

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ya especially since it looks like there's a pickguard but there isn't, kind of gives it a different effect.

i think it makes it unique, special and different from everybody elses [/anchormanquote]

[Kahn]

I like the no pickguard! I think its friggon sweet

Honestly, it looks laughable. On an old guitar where sun has yellowed the top, you can't afford to do that. Get a nice tortoise shell pickguard so people don't laugh at you on stage.

[hcole]

i listened to the clips and it sounds fine for gigging. Most places you play won't have top notch sound equipment if any at all and unless you want to drop a bunch of cash on amps and such you can't tell a whole lot of difference between acoustics once you're amplified. Also unless you're playing straight instrumentals most people could give a rat's ass about how great the guitar sounds as long as it's reasonable sounding.

[Festivus]

THe guitar looks fine. The reality is that 98% of the people watching you play won't even notice the pickguard, make, quality of sound, etc. You should try playing an open-mic at 15 North. I played once there on a TUesady night baout 4 years ago. A good place to start. Plus, college crowds ar eususally pretty cool for open mics.

[mattinbeloit]

Since you know it was made in japan and it has a rosewood back and some sort of spruce top, it's most likley a copy of a Martin D-28 from what they called the law suit period. Basically a bunch of people were copying a lot of Martin's instruments preatty much to the penny and Martin was finding those companies and sueing them. If you can, take some pictures of the inside and get some pictures of what the bracing looks like. It looks like a good guitar and I bet it sound just like an aged Martin D-28.

[mangold]

Since you know it was made in japan and it has a rosewood back and some sort of spruce top, it's most likley a copy of a Martin D-28 from what they called the law suit period. Basically a bunch of people were copying a lot of Martin's instruments preatty much to the penny and Martin was finding those companies and sueing them. If you can, take some pictures of the inside and get some pictures of what the bracing looks like. It looks like a good guitar and I bet it sound just like an aged Martin D-28.

Well Ive played an aged D28 and its not quite that nice. I assumed it was from this period, but I still figured I'd be able to find some info on it.

[mangold]

THe guitar looks fine. The reality is that 98% of the people watching you play won't even notice the pickguard, make, quality of sound, etc. You should try playing an open-mic at 15 North. I played once there on a TUesady night baout 4 years ago. A good place to start. Plus, college crowds ar eususally pretty cool for open mics.

Where is 15 north, I'd love to start doing more open mics. Im working on my voice everyday.

[Festivus]

It's right in West Chester. It may actually be on North Street. A little bit off the beaten path, but still walkable. Look it up in the phone book, and give them a call and they can fill you in on the details.

[mangold]

in west chester? thanks man ive been looking for open mics in the area

[Festivus]

Yeah, that's where you're from right? I ggogled it and it looks like 15 North (15 North Walnut St) has them on Monday nights, and Rex's has them too.