EKO 12 String Guitar Italy

EKO Ranger 12 String made in Italy 1960's . Just how I got it used old strings. 1st video.
Song - By 12Radius

[@doxierottenbreath5773]

I had that exact model, it got stolen in 1987 - If never found one that plays the same, I loved that guitar...thanks, good to see (and hear).

[@12Radius]

I got this guitar used $150 US later traded for a Stella 6 string acoustic. Both cool guitars 👋

[@MacPakinga-gl8bu]

I have 2 🎸🎸 1 acoustic & 1 electric . I use ether 1 for open slide blues ect 👍🏼 buetiful sound. Love them both ❤🎸🎸. From new Zealand 🌏.

[@davidbarbour2368]

I bought one of these in England in 1967. This video makes me very nostalgic. Your song really shows off the guitar's sound well. I remember that it had a huge block of wood that the neck was bolted to. I think this accounts for the weight.

[@12Radius]

David Barbour Thanks for the nice story.The are cool guitars for sure.

[@EddieZep]

Iconic guitar… Amazing

[@12Radius]

Yes right Page played one back in the day✌️

[@EddieZep]

​@@12Radius Jimmy is my inspiration Yes he used a 12 strings eko ranger… i have a 1974 model

[@12Radius]

@@EddieZep I just checked out your channel hopping to see a 12string 😀✌️

[@EddieZep]

@@12Radius Unfortunately I don't post videos… but sooner or later I'll have to start posting them

[@12Radius]

@@EddieZep zeppelin lll man acoustic is great. All the albums are great 👍

[@MacPakinga-gl8bu]

Sounds nice when you play some pink Floyd. I have two 12 strings 🎸🎸 acoustic & electric. I use the acoustic for open slide blues ect. Open D,E,C, ect try it you'll love it. Wish you where here 😂

[@12Radius]

Thanks!👋

[@robertwelsh6249]

That is a really cool 12-string jam, and the EKO sounds great!

[@12Radius]

Yes these are really cool ..this I think is a 1969.thanks

[@jhankri]

This is the first time I've heard an EKO 12 string. That's an amazing unique sound and I absolutely love the song.

[@SalmonFume]

I have this guitar from my uncle, he wanted me to repair it. I'm looking forward to the result. Interesting how you can tilt the neck. It has massive hight action. The bridge needs serious attention, it's cracked and lifting. But this thing is built like a tank! And it looks like something from an era where people cared about their craft. I'll probably upload my proceedings on my channel one day. Peace.

[@12Radius]

It’s a bolt on neck that’s all I know. I think they would have to remove the neck and do a shim. The bolt-on neck is easier to reset. Yes I know they are built like a tank. Mine might be a 1969 from Italy.

[@12Radius]

Let me know if you upload some videos of your Eko

[@SalmonFume]

@@12Radius Mine is a bolt on neck, it has a 4 screw backplate. So yeah, I'll probably shim it. The bridge is terrible though, has some cracks and is lifting at some places. I might reglue it. It was also lacking any moisture (it's pretty dried out after all this time, but still). It's made in Italy indeed. My uncle has the most crazy stuff laying around. I'm planning on making a blog on repairing and guitar stuff since I'm always working on something. It's a heavy guitar, love the knobs and the pickguard. Beautiful patina on the tuners as well. I'll upload a video on how it looks now (that will be my first video ever). When it's fixed I think I'm gonna upload some John Butler covers playing it. Well, wish me luck.

[@12Radius]

@@SalmonFume Hope you getting playing nice. I do blues mostly on my 12-strings.. keeping it tuned down lower. Good luck!

[@SalmonFume]

@@12Radius Yeah, I think it's better for the top to not tune it up to 440 standard. I'm probably gonna go for half step down for some Dylan songs and then Open C with a capo on the 4th (That's the tuning Butler plays Ocean in). Nice playing. Your guitar looks in really good shape. Is it playable beyond the first 5 frets or quite high action?

[@stephensmith799]

These are great guitars built quite solidly which means they are especially sparkling in the treble register. Love em.

[@johnlaccohee-joslin4477]

I have owned an Eko 12 string for half a century now. Played in bands solo al sorts, and the end product is a really lovely sound. The one thing I found was that it was best to slightly detune the top strings to get the ring from them. I played lead guitar on a twielve string Wem, before I had the Eko and This proved to be the trick that got me ahead so fast, it took a lot of practice as during playing this way you can actually choose to play the single string or both, but you have to be very procice. I now have had to put this lovely instrument in its case getting it out once in a while to bring back memories. I had an acident with a circular saw that took my fingers off my left hand, they managed to put three of them back on ut the second finger is minus down to the top knuckle and gherefore does not bent enough to use to play, the others ar by no means a flexible as they were so it really did mess up badly. I moved on te playing keyboard but I am still not as good that I would go out to do gigs and this is the bit I miss very much. The bit that gets me is just how well the Eko holds its tune even for months!!! That is even according to a good tuner , i dont think I would ever part with it, its part of me a nd very much an old friend, it taught me a lot. It is nice to hear one played again as it seems they all have a sound of their own from one guitar to another, nice video.

[@Z4Zander]

@@johnlaccohee-joslin4477 John,don't know if it is any help but read the story of Tony Iommi re finger prosthetics.

[@Z4Zander]

The term brick outhouse comes to mind.I like the fact that it can stand out when playing with other acoustics.

[@tonyhoodlass1846]

I collect Guitars, 12 EKO in an hour or so from local music shop. I've chosen a black one (Johhny Cash) Great for the money

[@SalmonFume]

@@johnlaccohee-joslin4477 Thanks for sharing your story. I have this guitar from my uncle, he wanted me to repair it. I'm looking forward to the result. Interesting how you can tilt the neck. It has massive hight action. The bridge needs serious attention, it's cracked and lifting. But this thing is built like a tank! And it looks like something from an era where people cared about their craft. I'll probably upload my proceedings on my channel one day. Peace.

[@FraJa1980]

Cool! I have a 1971 Hofner 490e 12 string that i play in either open C or C# standard, these are so cool tuned down low and get that old bar room piano sound. About time i strung the old Girl up again, your making me miss her voice!

[@brucejoslen2021]

I have one that looks just like this one. I had an internal pickup fitted which works well. It eventually suffered from bridge lift, and under the skillful hands of a friend who was a tool maker, it now has a stainless steel plate which anchors the strings and goes right around to the back of the guitar. Sound is amazing with the steel rather than wood anchored strings. Pity we can't post a photo.

[@12Radius]

Cool guitar these EKO 12 strings. Nice story. Rock on !

[@melitosse]

I got one for nearly nothing at a flea market 7 months ago. Each time I play it I'm as exited as the first day I picked it. 12 strings are so bright and space-filling. You sound good ! I'm fed up with people who do blues or country stuff, it's a pleasure to hear you play that way.

[@Legendary2003]

I have an EKO guitar, given to me by a friend 20 + years ago. Dated 1960-something. The truss rod is broke, so it needs some work. Might as well replace the frets while I'm at it, but need to find a good local luthier. Maybe Deetz here in Lincoln, NE.

[@12Radius]

They are cool guitars. Mine was in good shape.. I got lucky. Good luck on yer repairs. ✌️

[@jelsonic1114]

That was an enjoyable listen - thanks!

[@12Radius]

jelsonic Thanks ✌️

[@12Radius]

jelsonic Thanks ✌️

[@guitarstella1]

sounds lovely,i see a wonderfull sunny day while i listen

[@12Radius]

Thanks for the comment.

[@guitarstella1]

ive been looking at buying a 12 string i looked at you too here the sound and your vid was a lovely surprice i play a fantasy lead style and this was perfect i just had to stop playing too it and lay back well mate

[@12Radius]

Thanks-good luck on 12 string find

[@shyamrasaily9816]

Imasedm

[@tommaso1savoia]

what a sound? It seems to be a guitar quartet. And what a beauty!

[@12Radius]

lol- thanks

[@tommaso1savoia]

@@12Radius Hi I'm from Italy and 63 yo, so, in my youth, EKO guitars where very usual to find in my friend's houses (I owned a classic guitar). One of them had a 12 strings and we made a duo for sometime playing at schoolmates parties, same songs I'm playing now, 45 years later (Dylan, Neil Young etc)

[@12Radius]

@@tommaso1savoia Nice story. Sounds like fun times. I also got together and jammed with friends. Of course they are young Bob Dylan. Keep jamming. Thank you✌️

[@restyles1]

Good sound from that Eko 12 string. They are really great to play too. I have one the same which I bought new in Norway in 1973. I would never part with it. Nice playing too.

[@melitosse]

@12Radius I got one from 1967, it has a little cowboy ranger drawn on the pick-guard.

[@blue4u2008]

Brilliant sounds well good and the guitar looks in good condition

[@Disco_Eterno]

The first 12-string guitar I ever played in my life. I had no idea he had in his hands. Beautiful instrument.

[@rexterrocks]

You make that sound great. I thought that was brilliant. I own one too that I was given by a friends dad who had owned it from 67. It has this big slab of plastic countersunk on the headstock with the name in it. The lacquer has crazed but it looks cool but its the wood on the back that amazes everyone. I don't know what type it is. I have replaced the tuners as they were worn out. I am glad to see they have brought them out again. They are great guitars. Great video.

[@montelatici]

I have one too with the original case! Nice playing by the way. Also have two of the electric sparkle models from the mid 60s a red sparkle 820 3 V and a gold sparkle 500 4V.

[@12Radius]

Thanks for the comment.This had something I got out that day some kind of flow.I will work out a new tune like it. Check back.

[@12Radius]

Thank you for the comment. These are D'Addario 10-47 .

[@12Radius]

Thanks. It most likely came out from hearing that record.I am a big fan of there music.

[@4runner39]

Great sounding guitar 12R ! Nice demo / playing

[@12Radius]

Matt Ferrucci Thanks man. ✌️

[@amcleod3d]

lovely tone.

[@poorter3847]

Sounds great! 👍

[@mozzrich]

EKO 12 - 5/6/2016 I bought an EKO 12 string with my first pay packet back in about 1970. I was 18 at the time. It didn't get played much. I think I only changed the strings twice - the last time in about 1990. I just joined "Journey Bound" and decided to repurpose my old EKO 12. I added a $9.95 ALDI passive bridge pick up , combined it with a cheep passive volume and tone controller sourced from China and put on some fresh strings. It plays like a dream and rings on like a bell. I debuted it at a gig last night. It was as sweet as...

[@12Radius]

Nice story .Thanks! yes very cool guitars.action stayed pretty good also. They are like a tank!!

[@johnnybx3254]

Thanks 👍 wonderful sound 😃

[@12Radius]

Thanks. I traded this 12 string for a old Stella. Love the Stella ..this was a cool guitar also.

[@bencampbell876]

Beautiful sounding guitar , love the tone

[@12Radius]

Thank you

[@bencampbell876]

Just curious , how old is that guitar ? I was researching these this morning cuz I'm looking for a new 12 string and these are very reasonably priced . It reminds me a lot of my old Epiphone FT 165

[@12Radius]

Ben Campbell This is about 1969 early 70’s

[@bencampbell876]

12Radius Your guitar is beautiful and you're a really good player , thanks for sharing ur video

[@12Radius]

Ben Campbell You welcome. More to come ✌️

[@callumlfc69]

I keep coming back to this video because of how fucking mind blowing the sound is. Seriously man if you had lyrics with this that were as trippy as the sound is (so floydy) you could have something here. Please post more.

[@hagst27]

An Eko with the famous golden label, the best of all versions. Made in the years 1975-1980.

[@seclusive]

Sounds terrific, congrats. Nice song, too!

[@eriklamar8101]

Great Sound, Sir!

[@12Radius]

+Madest Morale Thanks!

[@12Radius]

I hope you do a video with your EKO. love to see and hear it . Thanks for the comments.

[@andreasboose5611]

Next to the Gibson B45-12, the best 12 - string Guitar ever build !@

[@12Radius]

Built like a tank

[@rolatau]

A perfect guitar which rivals any Martin, Takamine or Taylor. Have the same and also the EKO Navajo 12string which has a very different sound. Nice playing too which matches very well with the character of this guitar.

[@AlessioCampili]

This song remember me "Welcome to the machine" written by Pink Floyd. Good sound!

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

Was thinking exactly the same!

[@12Radius]

Thanks for the comment. It's a cool guitar.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

This 12 String Guitar has a neck very similar in width to a 6 String neck which makes it feel buttery.

[@dickloocks1436]

hi 12radius iam dave from the Netherlands ia have the eko 12 strig same like you have already for 40 fears and ia love him whit al my hart thanks begood in live gr

[@12Radius]

Thanks.Yes nice guitars eko well built also.

[@12Radius]

Thanks . do a video please ? they are very cool guitars

[@12Radius]

Thanks for the comment.I think this is a 1969 about.I got it used very nice 12 string. Hope you do a video so i can see it and hear.

[@theo54au]

This can not be a 60' model as I had bought 2 of those. My first one in 1969-1971. That had a different top of neck with a white EKO logo. I sold it in 1975 and bought a new one like yours. That has a black/gold logo on the neck. The real 60" looks like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYmpiYSgfLalnNU

[@12Radius]

@AndySkandalo This is standard tuning in this video. but on some of my other tunes its lower maybe D.

[@12Radius]

Thanks ,EKO guitar's are just cool

[@sail1948]

Just restrung my 12 string EKO. Bought it in 1969. Lovely sound, tuned to open D at the moment.

[@12Radius]

Nice.what strings do you use ?

[@sail1948]

12Radius Daddarios 11. Not really me to get sentimental over a guitar,but I spent years in the merchant navy and that heavy old beast travelled the world with me.

[@12Radius]

Nice story. It has a place in your heart.

[@12Radius]

@seclusive Thank you. It's cool ,This EKO guitar was made in Italy .

[@travisniles6800]

That guitar is incredible. I feel like i'm hearing bagpipes or something accompanying it. What kind of wood is that? Is it a cedar top?

[@12Radius]

+Travis Niles Thanks yeah this thing got some sound. far as i know spruce top/mahogany back.

[@tniles408]

+12 radius Nice. Things got character for sure.

[@ROY-COLLEY]

Well got a 12 now the same as yours very lucky picked it up locally for £60 love it

[@12Radius]

+Roy Colley Congrats ! do some videos i would like to see new eko.

[@12Radius]

+Roy Colley Is your Eko a 1969 do you know?

[@ROY-COLLEY]

Yes I believe it is exactly like yours there in every way .

[@threelegsoman]

Nice. I have the same guitar which I use frequently. My 6-string is an EKO Ranger.

[@oldjohn62]

i got my eko 12 string in 1978 still goin strong i use martin 80/20 bronze extra light strings and use drop d tuning sounds great !!

[@AndySkandalo]

I've bought an EKO Ranger 12 strings Vintage, but some say to use an "E" tuning , others to use a "D" tuning... I like your guitar sound! Which tuning are you using on this video?

[@tonygeorge9022]

Just bought a 60s one today the bridge has cme off at one point and been glued back on, im hoping it won't sound too bad, I only paid £30 for it so worth a punt

[@12Radius]

Ah yeah not bad..after repair should be fine . congrats . build like a tank Eko are.

[@tonygeorge9022]

Thnx, my mate builds and fixes them hopefully won't cost too much it sounds awful at the moment, neck is perfect, I bet this would have been a really nice guitar brand new

[@MrSHADOWxROGUE]

i cant find anyone with the same Eko i have, its a 12 sting exactly like this but it has a different pick guard and the label inside is in Italian written in bold medieval letters. Sadly its in ruff shape but it was given to me as it was going to be skipped, hopefully i can put it back in action. Anyway could you shed any light on it's origin?

[@12Radius]

@maxbass72 Yes they are very well built ! Cheers

[@12Radius]

Thanks. EKO are very cool guitars . built like a tank.

[@ansgarness]

yours is one of the true ekos, made in recanati, italy. honest and consistent guitars. new eko guitars are some sad and poor things made in china.

[@suleymanulutas8443]

I just bought from the fleemarket one for ammazing 10€ Need just 12 new Springs 😍 Such a beautyfull guitar

[@12Radius]

Congrats on your new Eko!

[@suleymanulutas8443]

I love your videos 😍😍😍 please continue

[@robertwelsh6249]

Tuned down low? I tune my 12-string down one step, DGCFAD. Little bit of a Pink Floyd vibe going on here, I like it . . .

[@12Radius]

Yes P.Floyd vibe .I was not trying to even..I heard the records for years..seems to come out in the playing now.Thanks. Mine is about a step tuned down here.

[@12Radius]

@melitosse Thanks. What year EKO did you get? I got my used also.

[@MrSHADOWxROGUE]

Also the frets are marked with white dots not mother of pearl inlays.

[@wbwillie]

awesome song, do you have a studio recording of that?

[@Stooperify]

This sounds just like my Dad's Ranger 12. Sadly, his one isn't in such good condition. Needs a good clean and the electronics are shot. Nice video, man. =)

[@BringinOnlyGoodVibes]

I have a question, how much would that go for? How much did you get yours for? & how much do you think the retail price would be? I have a buddy who has the EXACT same guitar I'm thinkin of offering him around $300 do you think that would be kind of a rip off on his behalf. It's in excellent condition,

[@12Radius]

Cool story. Do a video love to see it!

[@vibetorpedo]

great playing and great sound, I looked this guitar up and I saw they're still making them, do you know if the new one's sound as good as the old ones?, because they're cheap as hell so I'd like to get one

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

No no no no. New ones are nowhere near old ones. Old Ekos are incredibly cheap anyway, why not get a real thing that have seen lots of life?

[@tozguitar]

Very Roy harper sounding....wonder if he used one?

[@12Radius]

Maybe a guild 12string. Thanks

[@bobseaman3184]

I have just purchased a 12.string which is not like the one above a dreadnought but a jumbo shaped,/ sized one but cannot see model number on the label.I have restrung it up and I am disappointed with the sound.It has a metal nut zero fret and a tailpiece.The sound is like an electric 12 string unplugged very quiet metallic not warm and woody.The intonation appears out too but there no way of altering string length.The strings I put on were not a well known brand and when I got the strings in tension so you could let go they tuned up to full pitch within a couple turns.The G plain octave string usually feels like it's going to snap it is so taught a 0.12 though not a normal 0.09.I wonder if I put on some better strings D"Addarrio the sound would improve . Any advice Eko players and particularly the 12 string guys ? Ryan Adams Eko and the one above sound great with tone and sustain.Just a recent purchase on Ebay so it might be a goner if the sound cannot be improved

[@12Radius]

You could go a little fatter on some of the strings ..and try about all i can think of. and the strings are new so a bright now ..but they may calm down for that woody sound. good luck!

[@wbwillie]

let me know when you start doing one, i'd love to lay down a bass track on it

[@EbroBeatlesFan]

Ciao, volevo comprare la mia prima 12 corde,mi chiedevo se le EKO Vintage, pur non essendo come questa, siano "decenti". Mai provata un'eko degli ultimi anni? Grazie

[@12Radius]

@threelegsoman They are very cool guitars & well built also.

[@ddddfffss124]

Hmm, never seen this brand before. It has an extremely full sound. Nice guitar

[@12Radius]

This one is made in Italy..around 1969.

[@Bluesman76]

great guitar

[@12Radius]

@stratbreizh29 Thanks. It's a fun guitar.

[@jackledger5317]

I have the body of a Ranger 12 string but unfortunately the neck broke and I need to acquire a new neck. Anyone have any idea as to how I might go about this?

[@abiscaccianti]

+Jack Ledger www.brandoniguitars.co.uk/

[@davidfield8122]

Hi @12Radius how would you say the bottom end bass notes compare to say that of a Martin or Taylor 12-string? I have the Martin D12X1AE which has a phenomenal tonal range, particularly deep bass notes.... but as it's the affordable $600 version, its back/sides are made of HPL and kinda looks cheap. I like the more trebly sound of the 60s, but wouldn't want a thin sounding guitar. There really aren't any videos online where people used proper microphones to record their EKO 12, so it's hard to say. And I'm looking at buying one from overseas...

[@12Radius]

David Field Pretty fine bass notes on these guitars. And very fun to play also. Made in Italy this one. 😀

[@12Radius]

David Field bolt on necks on the older ones like this one.

[@davidfield8122]

Yes the one I'm looking at is identical to yours. Same year, made in Italy, Mahogany back/sides, spruce top...same strings even. Have you compared it to any other 12-strings? I also wonder how the bolt-on neck effects the overall sustain.

[@12Radius]

David Field Never compared to skip charge any other 12 strings. The bolt on makes it easier to reset the neck which will give you better action if it needs it. But I think you’ll like them they’re good guitars for a good price. Built like a tank.

[@12Radius]

David Field sorry I was talk text. Never compared it to any other 12 string

[@12Radius]

@blue4u2008 Yes , good sound and good condition. =FUN

[@cristiangasparri4971]

hi pls tell me something abuot the "action" of this guitar. ty!

[@12Radius]

It's in the playable range for a 12 string. Lot of saddle left. could be lower more.

[@cristiangasparri4971]

thanks a lot!

[@12Radius]

Thanks. I need to do one for this song. This is all for now.

[@12Radius]

@TheSpearsProductions Cool I got this used and it got that something mojo or ? it's cool .

[@12Radius]

@EbroBeatlesFan I think any EKO guitar would be a good one. play it 1st if you can . if not i think you would love it. good luck man.

[@sheriffdu38]

Beautiful guitars ) even broken !

[@12Radius]

What year is yours ? 6 or 12 string ?

[@12Radius]

@ddddfffss124 Thanks. It's a cool 12string and pretty good sound .

[@12Radius]

Not sure about that one. Maybe it's very old . You should do a video and show it maybe some one ca spot it and tell you . good luck !

[@repercussionistmartinh.sam1529]

1971, I owned an Eko Ranger 12-string in London... my now ex-girlfriend threw it down the stairs and broke the neck off while shouting at me, "You love your music more than me!"

[@12Radius]

My wife loves my guitars and I got some. Sorry to hear about your bad bad days. Someone else is out there to help and love your music?!…

[@12Radius]

Two EKO guitars ?

[@imadikatchloe3889]

omg we have the same guitar and i made it to 6 strings cuz ist hard for me if its 12 string

[@12Radius]

Thanks. It's a little p.floyd sound for sure.we had the record back in the day.

[@12Radius]

What kind ? bone ?

[@12Radius]

This one is good shape . no cracks .

[@ROY-COLLEY]

never tried a 12 string, how difficult are they to play ?

[@12Radius]

More strings for your fingers to push down on.Got to have good action on these. Big sound on the 12 strings very full sound.

[@AlanSturgess]

Medium lights or light strings are worth trying - although the lighter you go, the less rich the sound .... but also less stress on the neck. A 12 string tuned to DADGAD sounds unbelievable .... also less tension on the neck if you use medium gauge strings. I used to have one of the original Eko Ranger 12's ... a heavy but VERY stable guitar. Built solid as a house. I now have a Crafter 12 and a JHS Vintage 12 strung with medium lights. I may try lights on the Crafter in the near future.

[@12Radius]

Built like a tank these are. med. light are nice.I think my eko is a 1969.

[@12Radius]

+Roy Colley This one is easy ...some are very hard to play

[@paulocoutinho9133]

What's the tuning on this piece you showed us?

[@12Radius]

Tuned down some from standard.

[@12Radius]

Thanks for the info.It's a cool guitar.

[@ivonnemartinez5364]

I have the exact same one there really rare to find nice one you got I do believe mine is the same kind but it actually says on the inside made in Italy with a serial number and a signature It may be made from the actual person who made it signature ...any ways great sound I love my EKo its one of my favorites nothing like a 12 string Italian made guitar ...Happy Days ahead for you enjoy I know I do ...Peace be with you Brother

[@12Radius]

+Ivonne Martinez Nice to hear this story.fun guitars!

[@andrew19vato]

i need that guitar!!

[@BringinOnlyGoodVibes]

how much would that go for I have a buddy who has the EXACT same guitar I'm thinkin of offering him around $300 do you think that would be kind of a rip off on his behalf. It's in excellent condition, But he doesnt know anything about guitars & he needs money so he said he would sell it to me, apparently it belonged to his uncle, his uncle is still alive dead BTW

[@12Radius]

I think my Eko is a 1969. And i like those strings also.

[@sheriffdu38]

Just got two of them ) don't know why. but I feel happy !