Darco by Martin ,another Tokai built acoustic?

bluejeannot · Feb 15, 2023

Darco D28 Natural Gloss 2005 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar | eBay

Questa darco D-28 è una chitarra acustica di alta qualità con segni di usura molto poco visibili. La sua costruzione solida e il design elegante la rendono perfetta per i musicisti di tutti i livelli.

www.ebay.co.uk

bluejeannot · Feb 15, 2023

Sigmania · Feb 15, 2023

Very cool! I don't know these guitars.

This one has herringbone binding too.

Darco DR28H

From your link above:

Sigmania · Feb 15, 2023

Here is one with a bound headstock.

Darco DR7

RARE DARCO GUITARS MADE IN JAPAN FOR C.F.MARTIN & CO DR 7 D-28 DREADNOUGHT MIJ | #358903802

Description:

“RARE AS HEN'S TEETH!! I have only seen one other example in the world (and it has a broken neck heel). MINE is nearly MINT!! This is a Darco Guitars Made in Japan for C. F. Martin and Co. acoustic electric 6 string. Made in Japan, MIJ. Model DR 7. Number 01006x stamped into the neck heel inside the guitar. The x number is hard to read. The other owner of this model states that Martin imported a few of these in 1980. This is a Dreadnought size, D-28 style guitar. It has a spruce top and Rosewood back and sides. Mahogany neck. Bound fingerboard. I have installed a set of Martin 10-47 guage SP strings. SOUNDS GREAT!! The guitar is in exceptional condition, no structural damage, no abuse, no repairs. The top of the body is NEAR MINT, light pick marks, no dings. The back and sides are NEAR MINT! The back of the neck is perfectly SMOOOOOOTH. Some very light wear on the the second fret. The rosewood fingerboard looks NEW. Electronics are passive (no battery needed). I cannot explain the oval ornament on the headstock. Probably applied with double stick tape, but I have not messed with it. The only thing I have had to do in the way of service to this instrument, is replace the bridge saddle. I will include the original two piece saddle. I did not get a case for this guitar, but will include a gig bag of some type (not pictured).”

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Sigmania · Feb 15, 2023

https://umgf.com/unusual-japanese-martin-looking-for-history-commen-t83021.html?

"Good Morning,

Thank you for contacting Martin. Not much information on the Darco guitars just that they were experimental and we only had a few protos. The time period was early 80's. I guess you have one of a few.

Best Regards

Customer Service

C.F. Martin & Co., Inc."