I have a Ventura Bruno V-25 Acoustic Guitar?
I've looked all over the web for any information on this guitar. My dad left it for me when he passed away. I can't find anything of use. I want to date the guitar, and maybe get an idea for how common or rare it is. The Serial number is 73977. I will post pictures if need be.
Update:Here are some pictures
Comments
Ventura was a brand name used for Japanese guitars imported by the C. Bruno company of New York. It's not clear who the actual Japanese maker was, and different makers may have been used at different times, for different models. However, many clues point to your Ventura, which incidentally is a Martin Copy, having been made by Takamine Guitars, who have since become well known for their quality. Look in the body from the sound hole, and look towards the neck. Is there a "Takamine Guitars" logo branded into the wood?
Regardless of who actually manufactured this 1970's gem, the V-25 is a very good sounding and playing dreadnought. Despite the lack of history recorded on Ventura guitars, this model continually will fetch 2-3 hundred dollars in very good condition. The actual price you could get would probably be on the lower end, as this guitar was well enjoyed over the years. I, myself, tend to prefer guitars that have character, like yours, but collectors tend to look for more minty specimens. There was no known records kept by the successors to C. Bruno, so accurate dating of this guitar is impossible. The closest I can tell you is this was a popular offering in the mid 70's C. Bruno catalogs, so obviously it dates from this time. If you know any of your dad's friends who knew him in the mid 70's, might help you to more closely date the guitar by when he bought it. One theory is that this is the 977th V-25 built in 1973, but there is no official data on serial numbers.
Ventura/Bruno guitars of this era are not super common. They are increasingly sought after, due to the good quality of the C. Bruno era Ventura's. This guitar is truly a treasure. If you don't already know how to play, you might consider learning, so that you can enjoy it as much as your dad seemingly did.
xx
Ventura Bruno Guitar
Ventura Bruno
RE:
I have a Ventura Bruno V-25 Acoustic Guitar?
I've looked all over the web for any information on this guitar. My dad left it for me when he passed away. I can't find anything of use. I want to date the guitar, and maybe get an idea for how common or rare it is. The Serial number is 73977. I will post pictures if need be.
The serial number above most likely does not refer to 1973. I have a Ventura V6 acoustic guitar from Japan with number 49149. Perhaps the first 7 above refers to 1977? And the first 4 in mine to 1974? Just a guess.
It's a treasure because it came from your dad. Play it and cherish it.
But don't fool yourself into thinking it has any real collector value. There are tons of very good Japanese guitars - some quite rare - but the fact is collectors just don't want them, therefore it'll never be worth more than a few hundred bucks. Collectors want '56 strats and early Les Pauls, etc. Hideously overpriced not-that-great guitars that are bringing 5 or in some cases 6-figures.