Magazine Articles and Reviews
The following items are digital scans from our archive of original documents
Frets (March1980)
Page 10 of the March 1980 issue of Frets magazine. A one page review entitled “Daion’s “The 78” Guitar.” The article goes into great detail on the design and construction of the model.
Includes specifications, retail price, and subjective rating.
Music Life (July 1981)
In a section called “Players Square” on page 236, there is a roundup of new musical equipment. THE ‘81 Gazelle is featured at ¥80,000.
“An electric-acoustic with a lively design, just like the name GAZELLE. A high output pickup is mounted under the saddle, with sliding volume and tone controls. It is epoch-making that the bottom is wedged so that the jack does not get in the way.”
Music Life (December 1981)
In a two page spread called “Made In Japan,” page 233 features the Daion Mark-XX at ¥120,000.
Roughly translated, “An original model with orthodox yet high-quality content. A beautiful double-cutaway body is machined from ash and maple, and the combination of a 9-piece through neck is well drawn out. An original guitar that shines with technical certainty and design.”
Sonics Yearbook (1981)
We know that Central Musical Instruments PTY LTD was established by 1981 as they are listed on page 196 of this publication as a distributor. There address at this time is listed as 41 Leeds, St., Footscray 3011. So by 1981 we think it is safe to assume they had not yet picked up the Daion brand. To that point, Daion is absent from the Yearbook roundup of guitar brands that starts on page 105.
This magazine does have a wonderful article on the Washburn A20 Stage Series (see PDF) starting on page 66. What may be surprising is that Central Musical Instruments was not the distributor of Washburn (remember Daion was the distributor for Washburn in Japan), but rather Warehouse Sound Company.
Electronics & Music Maker (February 1982)
This article unfortunately has misinformation, but is still worth highlighting. On page 57 there is an article that shows Japanese guitar factories on a map. The brand “Daion” is listed as being in a factory called “Daion” located in Osaka. The consensus today is that Daion was a brand (marketed through various distributors through the world - MCI in the United States, Great West Imports in Canada, Rosetti and later Peavey in Europe, etc.) and not a manufacturer. When Daion was produced in Japan it is generally believed to be manufactured by Yamaki in the late 70s and early 80s, and finally by Cushin before manufacturing moved to Korea in the mid to late 80s.
Sonics (April/June 1982)
There is a three page in-depth review of the POWER SERIES MARK XX guitar, with the last page having technical specifications. The review is a bit harsh, criticizing the pickups as being “microphonic” and the neck being '"quite thick.”
The conclusion reads “I think Daion would have an excellent ‘value for money’ guitar if they modified both neck and pickup design, and certainly then the Mark XX could be favorably considered a second guitar, or even a ‘main-axe.”
Player (September 1982)
Page 216 starts a section in this Japanese publication called “New Products.” The Headhunter-555HS is featured on page 217. The guitar is listed at ¥80,000 and features a maple body “with a 10-piece sound groove. The neck is mahogany. The pickup is a ‘power pulse’ humbucker X 2. It also has a mini toggle switch that allows you to switch between single and humbucking.”
Available finishes are HS (Honey Sunburest), TS (Tobacco Sunburst), BU (Burgandy), BR (Brown), and G (Gold).
Sonics (Oct/Dec 1982)
Who wants to win a HEADHUNTER 555? Sonics ran a two page spread starting on page 22 for a chance to win a HEADHUNTER 555 (first prize) or a Daion Mugen Mark I acoustic (second prize).
To win you have to complete a crossword puzzle based on the specifications of the HEADHUNTER 555 and mail in your entry by November 5, 1982.
Sonics Yearbook (1982)
As you can see in some of the Sonics magazines above also from 1982, Daion has hit Australia! This publication has a two page color ad spread on pages 22 and 23 featuring the LEGACY SERIES and the ‘81 YEAR SERIES.
Daion is listed in the Yearbook roundup of guitars on page 119. The models highlighted are the Power Mark XX Lead at $598 AUD, Power Mark XX Bass at $638 AUD, Savage Lead at $398 AUD, and Savage Bass at $438 AUD. “Daion also manufacture a wide range of acoustic and electric-acoustic guitars.”
Central Musical Instruments PTY LTD (CMI) is listed as a Distributor on page 211, but now with an address of 570B Chapel St., Sth Yarra, Vic 3141. CMI represented many brands at this time. Not only do they have ads for Daion in this publication, but also “Power Soak” (amplifier accessory) on page 48, “The Rhodie” (a tone control kit forRhodes stage piano) on page 103, Ashley on page 115 (guitar preamps and keyboard mixers), Seymour Duncan pickups on page 140 and 171, and Stuidomaster mixers on page 195.
Electronics & Music Maker (January1983)
Electronics & Music Maker (E&MM) had a regular running column called “America” that highlighted new gear from the United States. In this issue on page 76 Daion is mentioned, specifically the Savage SV-3 Barbarian with a suggested retail price of $475 USD. “It features a separate three-position mini toggle switch for each of the pickups, a master volume control and middle and neck tone controls.” Other features include “a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, through-body stringing, side lock bridge with adjustable brass saddles, rotomatic-style tuners and a slim, solid maple bolt-on neck.” On page 77 MCI’s mailing address is listed in Waco Texas.
Electronics & Music Maker (May 1983)
This issue of E&MM features a multi-page “Guitar Buyers Guide.” On page 54 Daion products are mentioned starting with “Electrics”: Headhunter in Honey Sunburst at £299.00; Power X in Natural Ash at £250.00; Power XX in Natural Ash at £355; Fretless “To Special Order” (which must be a typo as it makes no sense for a guitar!). In the section “Basses” we have: Power X B-1 in Natural Ash at £257.50; Power XX B-2 “Twin pu” at £275.00, and lastly Fretless “To Special Order” and no price listed.
Also to note the distributor listed is Peavey UK with an address in Sussex. This helps us date when Peavey took over of UK distribution.
International Musician and Recording World (April 1983)
This three page review of the Power Mark XX and Headhunter 555 by Dave Burrluck starts on page 98 of the April 1983 edition of International Musician and Recording World. Pricing is listed as £555 and (RRP?) is listed as £333.45 and £299.
The article starts by saying Daion was initially distributed by Rosetti in the UK, but at the time of publishing, Daion was being distributed by Peavey Electronics (interesting!).
The instruments are rated across 5 dimensions: Appearance and Finish, Tonal Quality and Variety, Playability, Value for Money, Construction and Design. Each dimension has 20 points available. The Power Mark XX received 81 points and the Headhunter 555 86 points.
The article ends saying though the Power Mark XX was available in multiple colors, the Headhunter was only available in honey sunburst.
Sonics Yearbook (1983)
Daion has a wonderful full page color ad on page 32 featuring the Headhunter HH-555 HS (Honey Sunburst). On page 102 there is a black and white full page add featuring John Dallimore with a Power Mark XX and Jean Stafford with a ‘81 Gazelle.
On page 106 as part of the Yearbook guitar roundup, Daion lists the following models: Power Mark XX Lead at $695 AUD, Power Mark XX Bass at $745 AUD (price for fretless is listed separately but as the same prices as fretted), Savage Lead at $398 AUD, Savage Bass at $438 AUD, Berserker Lead $420 AUD, Veteran Lead $450 AUD, Berserker Bass $455 AUD, Savage MFL (Marked Lined Fretless) at $495 AUD. “Daion also manufacture a wide range of acoustic and electric-acoustic guitars.” Did you notice the price increase versus the 1982 Yearbook above?
Other Central Musical Instrument (CMI) ads in this publication include Ashley guitar preamps and keyboard mixers on page 36, and Seymour Duncan pickups on page 53.
Music Life (January 1984)
In a section called “What’s a Headphone Amplifier,” there is a two-page spread roundup of walkman sized amplifiers (think Tom Scholz Rockman).
Daion’s CA-800 is listed at ¥8,800 and is described as “A very compact and low-priced model. That said, it has ample performance, with a focus on the minimum necessary functions. As the name suggests, it is a headphone amp with a new concept that can be hooked to a belt and used as an amplifier or as a distortion effector for a large amp.”
Sonics Yearbook (1985)
By 1985, Daion was finished as a brand in Japan, but in Australia Daion carries on under CMI!
Daion is featured in the Yearbook roundup on page 11 - “Daion manufacturers a wide range of acoustic and electric-acoustic guitars in 6 and 12 string models, and some left handed versions.” There is a single Daion guitar pictured but it has no caption. It’s a Performer DPF-999, though that model is not listed in the roundup. There is a generic listing of “Electric Acoustics” so perhaps it'‘s the Performer Series, but more likely it’s for the ‘81 Caribou and Gazelle.
Models listed are (all prices in AUD): Mugen Mark Series (from $199-$498 USD), BIT Series (2 models at $279 and $299), Legacy Series at $455, Year Series from $469 to $598, Electric-Acoustics from $530 to $625, Headhunter Semi-Acoustic at $645.
The “Performer” Electric Guitars and Basses are then introduced with quite a bit of detailed specifications. For guitars we have the D. Strat at $325, the D. Tele at $325, the D. ST460 at $475, the D. ST550 at $475. Basses include the D. P. Bass at $338, D. JP Bass at $358, D. J Bass at $358.
Lastly we have the Power Series guitars and basses: D. MKXXL (the “L” for Lead) at $695, the D. MKXB at $595, the D. MKXXB at $745, the D. MXXBFL fretless at $745, and D. MXXBLH left handed bass at $845
Finally we have the Snake Transducer DST100 for $52.50, The Rat DR1 MapleTransducer at $21.50, and the The Rat DR2 at $29.50.
CMI’s advertising in this issue is limited to Seymour Duncan pickups on page 8 and Dean Markley strings on page 61.
Sonics (Sept/Oct 1985)
It’s the 8th Australian Music Exhibition (8AME) from the Australian Trades Association (AMTA)!
On page 92 Central Musical Instruments is listed in stand 19 representing Dean Markley strings, amps and accessories; Daion acoustic guitars and accessories; Hondo instruments and percussion; Seymour Duncan guitar pickups and amps; Rickenbacker; Shure products, Kahler tremolo systems; No 1 straps; E-bow strings driver; Pro-line cables; Gorilla amps.
New products - Fernandes electric guitars and basses; range of Arion effects pedals and tuners; Gotoh machine heads.
Sonics Yearbook (1986)
Compared to the huge model lineup presented in the 1985 Sonic Yearbook (above), the 1986 listing on page 9 is sparse. “Daion manufacturers a wide range of acoustic and electric-acoustic guitars in 6 and 12 string models, and some left handed versions.”
Only the Mugen Mark Series from $338 to $479 AUD and the Year Series from $378 to $775 AUD are listed.
There is a single ad from Central Musical Instruments (CMI) - Seymour Duncan pickups on page 16.
Sonics Yearbook (1987)
The Daion lineup expands again in 1987 with the introduction of the Daion Rockson line! The model listings have quite a bit of specifications.
All prices are in AUD. Rockson electrics listed are DST-1 Strat-style at $218, the DST-2 Strat-style at $245, the DPB-1 P-bass style at $250, the DJB-1 J-bass style at $265.
Rockson acoustics listed are DRC-2 Classic at $69, DRC-8 Classic at $79, DRC-9 Classic at $96, DRW-16 Western at $99.95 and DRW-17 Western (no price given).
Mark Series Acoustics listed are D-MK3 Mark 3 at $435, D-MK5 Mark 5 at $465, D-B55ETSB Designer at $375, D-B58ETSB Acoustic Electric at $499, D-85ATB Acoustic Electric at $699.
Based on descriptions in the listings, there is a photo of a Rockson DST-2.
There are two ads from Central Musical Instruments (CMI) - Seymour Duncan pickups on page 6 and Dean Markey strings on page 8,.
Sonics (May/June 1987)
On page 65 starts the “Guitar Feature” section with an article entitled “Budget Buys,” for “guitarists chasing a new electric for less than $1000.” On page 96 in a breakout entitled “Where To Get Them,” Daion is listed as available from Central Musical instruments (as well as representing Fernandes) located at 570B Chapel St. South Yarra, VIC 3141, phone (03) 240 0242.
Guitar Player (May 1987)
An article called “Brent Rowan’s Nashville Notebook” has a Daion “shout out” on page 76. Brent mentions that he used a Daion acoustic for an overdub while recording song demos with Buck Jones and Tom Shapiro. The song was called “I Always Cry At Weddings” and was recorded on Monday, December 8, 1986 at Tree Studios.
Sonics (May 1991)
Starting on page 10 is a feature called “Which guitar… and why?” The subheading is “So you want an electric guitar, but which one for the job at hand?”
Page 11 mentions Daion: “In a larger pub gig you can get away with a Stratocaster, Tele or a good copy. Try a second-hand Profile; Daion has some quality guitars at around $400 that are frequently overlooked…”
In a breakout section on page 14 listing distributors, CMI is listed for Daion with the phone number (03) 315 224. Interestingly, CMI is also listed as the distributor for Charvel, Fernandes, and Rickenbacker.
Vintage Guitar (May 2004)
This article entitled “Daion Guitars - At the Sign of the Caribou” from May 2004 spans three pages - 56, 58, 60. The author is Michael Wright, who also penned the other two Vintage Guitar articles (see below).
The story is one of the most comprehensive on the Daion brand that we have found. Models pictured are THE ‘81 Caribou, Savage electric guitar, Headhunter 555 guitar, ‘78 Heritage acoustic, POWERMARK XX guitar and XXB bass, Mark X guitar and X-2 bass, Barbarian guitar, and Savage bass, and THE ‘82 jumbo acoustic. Also there are photos of literature and advertising.
The story mentions the Japanese brand ending around 1983/1984. “According to one former Daion dealer, who was not clear on dates, Daion shifted production to Korea and changed the brand name to Anea.”
Lastly the article mentions a handful of Daion artists according to MCI: Chris O’Connell and Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, Paul Yandell, Tim Weston (with Diana Ross), Janie Fricke Band, Shelley West and David Frizzel, Steve Wariner, Jon Kurnick, Ronnie Prophet, Jeanie Seelky Band, and the Freddie Hart Band.
Guitar Buyer (March 2006)
From March 2006, this article by Paul Alcantara is titled “Dai Another Day” and spans four pages - 128, 128, 131, 132, and 134. The story features the six string The Year Series ‘80 acoustic, and the rare W80 version - a doubleneck 6/12 string acoustic. The owner of the two guitars featured is Richard Ecclestone. Other models are mentioned in the article, but the photos are of The ‘80 and W80.
The article goes into a history lesson of the brand, some commentary on The Year Series, then focuses on the construction and design elements of the two models aforementioned.
I love the sentence that reads “…the name Yamaki, which delightfully translates as ‘happy trees on the mountain.’ What a remarkably compact language!”
Vintage Guitar (July 2009)
From July of 2009, this article by Michael Wright entitled “The Daion Headhunter HH-555” starts on page 46 in full color, and then the story continues on page 108. The article contains background on the brand, and mentions that Daion in Japanese means “Big Sound” and Yamaki “Happy trees on a mountain.” Further in the story it mentions Great West as the Canadian distributor and MCI as the distributor for the United States.
The article goes on to say that the honey sunburst finish was the most popular for the Headhunter 555, and that “a metallic gold was available and is probably quire rare.”
The article ends with “Daions have a small but fairly rabid fan base, with good reason. While there were more innovative designs made at the time, these were fine guitars indeed.”
Vintage Guitar (August 2015)
Page 30 of the August 2015 issue of Vintage Guitar magazine. A two and a half page review entitled “The Daion ‘81 Caribou” by Michael Wright.