Catalogs, Brochures,Price Lists, Sales Slicks
The following items are digital scans from our archive of original documents
Daion & Yamaki
This introduction is not intended to be a complete history of Daion, but rather an explanation as to why you see so many brands listed on this page. Daion originally was a distributor in Japan of various musical brands. Its roots as a stand alone guitar brand starts with Yamaki. Yamaki manufactured its own brand of guitars, as well as models for JooDee, Canyon, Kizan, Folks, Gold Hawk, Tomson, Marchis, Folex, Washburn (early wing series), Daion, and possibly others. As you look at the Yamaki catalogs below, starting around 1978, you will see many acoustic models branded as both Daion and Yamaki (e.g. MUGEN Series and THE YEAR Series). Whether the model was branded as a Daion depended on the market. Eventually, around 1979/1980, Daion started marketing unique models not shared with any other brands. It is generally believed that Yamaki continued as the manufacture for Daion up through 1983.
Yamaki Petit Series - Folk & Western Guitar
The front page is full color and the back page is a single color. The headline on the second page reads “Big Sound, Small Body.” The back page lists construction and pricing for the different models. There is an illustration of the top bracing. Features highlighted are “Small sized body that is easy to play,” “Rich sound body with a special strength wood brace structure,” “Stately red sunburst BP model",” “Comfortable 14th fret joint position.”
Models listed:
BP = Buffalo Head: BP-30 S, BP-50 S (pictured)
FP = Martin Head: FP-20, FP-30, FP-50 (pictured)
Yamaki Folk Guitar
This four page brochure in Japanese lists different models with their construction materials and pricing.
Folk Guitars: F-13, F-15, F-18, F-20, F-25, F-30, F-35, F-40, F-50
Six String Jumbos: F-118, F-120, F-122, F-125, F-130, F-132, F-135, F-140, F-145, F-150, F-160, F-170, F-180, F-1100, F-1150, F-1200
Twelve String Jumbos: F-220, F-225, F-230, F-235, F-240, F-245, F-250, F-260, F-270, F-280, F-2100, F-2150, F-2200
Models pictured in color on the front and back cover: F-125, F-140, F-13, F-250, F-180, F-150
Models pictured on the inside in black and white: F-15, F-20, F-118, F-130, F-160, F-250
Yamaki - Guitars Selected For Tone And Beauty
This catalog (in English) shares the same cover photo as the “Great West Imports - Yamaki Sings” catalog (near the bottom of this page), but the content inside is different.
Models featured are Dreadnoughts: F115, F120, F125, F130, F135, F140, F150, F160, F180, F185, F1100, F1150, F1200
The catalog has pictures of the front and back of the guitar (very helpful) as well as listing construction materials and type of machine heads. No pricing listed.
Meloway Inc - Yamaki Price List (1974)
This is a tri-fold 8 1/2” by 11” brochure form Meloway Inc. in Minneapolis Minnesota USA. The back side has a very helpful chart showing the construction and features of the different models along with prices.
Standard Size Yamaki Folk Guitar: F-12, F-15, F-18, F-20, F-25, F-30; Dreadnaught Size Yamaki Folk Guitar: F-115, F-118, F-120, F-125, F-130, F-135, F-140, F-150, F-160, F-170, F-180; Yamaki 12 String Guitars: F215, F-220, F-225, F-230, F-235, F-240, F-250, F-260, F-280; Yamaki Classics: GS80, GS90, GS100, GS130, GS150, GS200, GS300, GS400, GS500
Grando Canyon (Grand Canyon) - Finest Handmade Folk Guitars
When opened, this tri-fold brochure measures ~ 8.25” X 17.5”. It is our understanding that Canyon guitars were a mail order brand and were produced by different manufactures. We’re including this in our roundup of catalogs as Yamaki was known to be one of the manufactures.
Models featured iside: W-60, W-55, W-50, W-40
Model featured on back: W-70
Daion Electric Guitars - Yamaki (1978)
I love the tagline at the bottom “Why don’t we play them?” This catalog covers the electric guitars and basses built by Yamaki. The Performer series by Yamaki (also sometimes branded as Daion or JooDee) are top quality “lawsuit” copies of Fender and Gibson guitars. Models include Stratocaster style YST, Jazz Bass style YJB, Precision style YPB, and Les Paul style YLP, The catalog covers the innovative ERS System (Epochal Rod System). The back page covers the T and Joodee Gem-A and Gem-B arch tops (not built by Yamaki). Though not the one scanned here, there are copies of this catalog with MCI’s contact information stamped on the back.
Yamaki Performer Price List (1978)
This five-page pdf is very helpful when researching Yamaki Performer guitars: Stratocaster (YST), Les Paul (YLP), Percision Bass (YPB), and Jazz Bass (YJB). Frequently under the pickups you’ll find the model number that you can use to reference this price list. Distributed by Daion, with a date from June 1, 1978. Also listed is pricing for T.&Joodee Acoustic Electric GEM-A and GEM-B guitars.
Yamaki/Daion MUGEN Series Sales Slick
A two-page sales slick cobranded Yamaki/Daion. It has the odd tagline “Mugen - Feelings To Mugen - People…” The front shows the Mugen line (Mark I, II, III, IV, V). The Mark III shown in the picture is from the “maple series.” The pictures at the bottom of the front page highlight the unique fretboard markers and bridge designs on the Mark IV and Mark V. The back of the sales slick covers pricing not only of the MUGEN Series, but also the YF, YW, YM, MAX, YD, YB, and THE YEAR series (‘78 and ‘79 variants).
Yamaki Folk Guitars
A one-page color sales slick showing THE ‘78 and THE ‘79/T from THE YEAR series, The Mark V and Mark IV from the MUGEN series, and finally the YW-50M and YW-40/12 from the MAX series. Pricing for the six and twelve string models are listed at the bottom in Japanese Yen. Daion symbol and Daion Co. LTD in the bottom right corner.
Yamaki Folk Guitars
This eight-page color catalog covers dreadnaught designs in the MAX Series (YW-30M, YW-30M-12, YW-40M, YW-40M-12, YW-50M, YW-50M-12); WOODCRAFT Series (Y-40 D, Y-50 D, Y-60 D, Y-60 D-12, Y-70 D, Y-70 D-12). Back page has specs and pricing (in Japanese) for YF, YW, YM, YB, MAX, WOODCRAFT, MUGEN, and THE YEAR Series.
Yamaki Folk Guitars (1980)
Eight-page color catalog in Japanese featuring Yamaki acoustic guitars. Models and pricing covered: MAX Series (YW-30M, YW-40M, YW-50M, YW-60M, YW-80M, YW-100M, YW-150M, YW-200M, YW-30M-12, YW-50M-12, YW-50M-12, YW-60M-12, YW-100M-12); THE YEAR Series (THE ‘78C Century, THE ‘78H Heritage, THE ‘80, THE ‘79, THE ‘78H-12 Heritage, THE ‘78H-12, THE ‘79-12, THE ‘80-12); MUGEN Series (Mark I, II, III, IV, V, I-12, II-12, III-12, IV-12, V-12) YW Series (YW-20, YW-25, YW-30H, YW-35W); YF Series (YF-20, YF-30M, YF-40, YF-50M, YF-60M, YF-80M); YB Series (YB-300, YB-400, YB-500, YB-400-12); Yamaki Guitar Accessories (Strings, Straps, Picks, Machine Heads).
Yamaki - Get In Folk
The “Get In Folk” is the opposite of JooDee’s slogan “Get in Rock” (Yamaki produced the instruments for the JooDee brand). This is a eight page fold out brochure featuring:
YM Series: YM-400, YM-500, YM-600, YM-800, YM-1000, YM-1200, YM-1500, YM-2000
YM-12 Series (12 Strings): YM1000-12, YM1500-12, YM2000-12
YW Series: YW-15, YW-18, YW-20, YW-25, YW-25H (Hummingbird), YW-35H (Hummingbird), YW-30W (Maple), YW-50W (Maple), YW-30, YW-35, YW40, YW-50, YW-60, YW-80
YW-12 Series (12 Strings): YW20-12, YW25-12, YW30-12, YW40-12, YW50-12, YW80-12
YF Series: YF-15, YF-20, YW-25, YF-30, YF-50
YB Series (Buffalo Head): YB-30, YB-50, YB-300, YB-500
Daion Folk Guitars
A six-page color catalog in English. Though the cover says Daion, the models illustrated are Yamaki. Lots of specs and construction information (series name / model / top / back & sides / neck / fingerboard / bridge / scale length). Covers YW Series (YW-15, YW-18, YW-20, YW-25, YW-25H, YW-35H, YW-30W, YW-50W, YW-30, YW-35, YW-40, YW-50, YW-51, YW-60, YW-80, YW20-12, YW25-12, YW30-12, YW40-12, YW50-12, YW60-12, YW80-12); YM Series (YM-400, YM-500, YM-600, YM-800, YM-1000, YM-1200, YM-1500, YM-2000, YM1000-12, YM1500-12, YM2000-12), YD Series (YD-35, YD-50, YD-70, YD-100), YF Grand-Concert (YF-15, YF-20, YF-25, YW-30, YF-50), YB Series Buffalo Head (YB-300, YB-400, YB-500), and “Custom Order Project” Series (Y-016NY/A, Y-016NY/B, Y-0021/A, Y-0021/B, Y-00045/A, Y-00045/B, Y-D45/A, Y-D45/B, Y-D28S/A, Y-D28S/B, Y-D12-28/A, Y-D12-28/B, Y-D12-45/A, Y-D12-45/B. MCI’s mailing address is stamped on the back of the catalog.
Yamaki Folk Guitars
Similar content to the “Daion Folk Guitars” catalog above - though there are differences.
A eight-page color catalog in Japanese. Covers YW Series (YW-15, YW-18, YW-20, YW-25, YW-25H, YW-35H, YW-30W, YW-50W, YW-30, YW-35, YW-40, YW-50, YW-60, YW-80, YW20-12, YW25-12, YW30-12, YW40-12, YW50-12, YW60-12, YW80-12); YM Series (YM-400, YM-500, YM-600, YM-800, YM-1000, YM-1200, YM-1500, YM-2000, YM1000-12, YM1500-12, YM2000-12), YD Series (YD-35, YD-50, YD-70, YD-100), YF Grand-Concert (YF-15, YF-20, YF-25, YW-30, YF-50), YB Series Buffalo Head (YB-300, YB-400, YB-500, YB-30, YB-50).
Yamaki Strings a advertised on the back cover.
Daion Heritage Series (1979)
A two-page sales slick featuring the The ‘78 Heritage and The ‘79 Heritage. The taglines are “Natural Beauty,” and “Daion… a sound as natural as all outdoors.” The outdoors theme caries through in the photography of the front page.
What is interesting is that the '‘79 is not listed as a “Heritage” in other literature. The back lists only three models the ‘78 Heritage six string, the ‘78/12 Heritage twelve string, and the ‘79 six string.
This brochure is from MCI, the United States distributor of Daion.
Daion Mark Series (1979)
Another slick in the “Natural Beauty” theme from MCI. The front is full color, and the back is monochrome featuring the following Mark Series models: Mark I, Mark II and Mark II/12, Mark III and Mark III/12, Mark V and Mark V/12
You have to love some of the copywriting on the back: “While most other guitar manufacturers rely on reputation, Daion is forging a new dimension in acoustic steel string guitars.” “But words and pictures cannot tell the whole story. Only by playing and seeing these fine instruments can you realize their quality and value.”
Daion YD & YW Series (1979)
Another “Natural Beauty” two-page slick from MCI featuring the YD & YW Series.
The back lists the following models: YW 10, YW 12, YF 30, YW 25/12, YD 35, YW 40 M, YW 50 M. Details of the YW 50 M are photographed on the back, stating it “has unusual three-piece rosewood and maple back.”
“We believe that Daion Guitars are unsurpassed in quality; that our materials are the finest, and our sound is rich and balanced.”
Daion MCI Price List / Order Form(1979)
Dated November 15, 1979, this is one of the oldest Price Lists for Daion in the United States. This Order Form / Price lists only lists “Folk and Western Guitars,” as the electrics had yet to arrive.
Models listed are: YF-10, YF-30, YW-10, YW-12, YW-12/12, YW-14, YW-25, YW-25/12, YD-35, YW-40M, YW-50M, The ‘78, The ‘78/12, The ‘79, The ‘79/T, Mark I, Mark I/12, Mark II, Mark II/12, Mark III, Mark III/12, Mark IIIS (Solid Spruce Top), Mark V, Mark V/12, as well as pricing for a hard case for a Dreadnought and a 12 String.
What is interesting is that it states “NOT AVAILABLE” next to the YW-12/12, YW-14, YW-25, YW-25/12 (and no pricing). There is also no explanation for the “/T” on The ‘79 (should be for a transducer pickup installed).
Daion Hand Crafted Guitars (1981)
In Japanese, this eight-page catalog covers models and pricing for THE YEAR series (Carabou: THE ‘81C/BR, THE ‘81C/TAN, THE ‘81C/WR, THE ‘81C/WR-12; Gazelle: THE ‘81G; THE ‘80E, THE ‘79E, THE ‘78E, THE ‘78E-12); LEGACY Series (L-9E, L-99E, L-999E); BIT Series (B-54E/WR, B-55E/N, B-55E/TS, B-54E/SB); MAX Series (YW-18, YW-20, YW-25, YW-30H, YW-30M, YW-40W, YW-40M, YW-50M, YW-60M, YW-80M, YW-100M, YW-150M, YW-200M, YW-30M-12,
YW-40M-12, YW-50M-12, YW-60M-12, YW-80M-12, YW-100M-12, YW-150M-12, YW-200M-12); Cedar Series (YW-30C, YW-40C, YW-50C).
Daion Electric Guitars (1981)
This four-page color catalog is in Japanese with pricing in Japanese Yen. It covers the POWER Series showing the Mark XX electric guitars and Mark XX-b basses in BR (Brown), GR (Green), WR (Wine Red), and TAN (Tan Tint). Back page covers the SAVSAGE Series guitars and basses in WH (White), B (Black), YE (Yellow), Blue (BL), and Red (R). Pricing is in Japanese Yen.
Daion - Craftsmanship is our Design
This sixteen-page color catalog (in German) has a few models not seen in other catalogs. Notably, THE’ 80 W (a six and twelve string double-neck acoustic guitar) and a black Savage bass with a “half and half” fretboard (special order half fretless and half fretted).
Other models featured: MUGEN SERIES (Mark I, II, III, IV, V); LEGACY (L-9, L-99, L-999); YEAR SERIES (THE ‘78, THE ‘79, THE ‘80, THE' ‘82); ELECTRIC-ACOUSTIC SERIES (i.e. THE ‘81 Caribou and Gazelle); POWER SERIES (Mark X and XX guitars and basses); and SAVAGE SERIES (guitars and basses). The SAVAGE SERIES page also mentions other variations - the Berserker, Barbarian, and Veteran / V.
Daion Handcrafted Guitars (1982)
This is a 12-page color catalog is in English contains no pricing. MCI’s contact information is printed on the inside back page (the US distributor for Daion). Models covered: The LEGACY Series (L-9, L-99, L-999); THE YEAR Series (‘78 Century, ‘78 Heritage, ‘78 Heritage/12, ‘79 Brown, ‘79 Black, ‘80, ‘80/12); MARK Series (I, I/12, II, II/12, III, IV, V, V/12), The ‘81 Series (‘81 Caribou, ‘81 Caribou/12, ‘81 Gazelle, ‘81 Gazelle/12).
Daion Price List (1982)
This Daion price list published May 1, 1982 corresponds to the Daion Catalog above also from 1982. Someone wrote “$239” next to the Mark I 12 String priced at $349. Only thing I can think of was that “$239” was dealer cost, which would be a 31.5% mark up? Price list covers cases, available colors or finishes, acoustics, Acoustic Electrics (Caribou, Gazelle), Mark Series (I, II, III, IV, V), Year Series, (‘78, ‘79, ‘80), Legacy Series (L9, L99, L999), Jumbo Acoustics (‘82), Power Series (Mark X, XX), Savage Series (Savage, Barbarian), Semi-Acoustics (Headhunter). Savage Bass was available fretted, fretless, and marked fretless. Marx XX bass was available fretted of fretless. Headhunter HH-555 was available in gold top finish as an option.
Model HH-555 (Headhunter) Two Page Sales Slick
First page discusses the center block feature for additional sustain as well as available colors. The second page is the advertising we’ve seen in magazines covering features like negative bottom for better balance and strength, string through body, bridge side-lock brass saddles, flame maple top, triple screw anti-tile pickups, coil-split switches, high output power pulse pickups, and “inductive-reactor tone circuitry for smother tone variation.”
Power Series Two Page Sales Slick
Front cover shows a Mark XX-B (bass) in green (rare color by the way), a Mark XX in tan and green (though it looks like black in the photo). All the Mark XXs show rosewood knobs which were only available on very early models (‘79-81). This sales slick came with a bunch of material from 1982, so based on that dating, I doubt these knobs were still available. Also pictured on the front is a Mark X in brown and Mark X-B2 (bass) in wine red. The back page covers the specifications. Mark X series had 3-piece neck through construction while Mark XX had 9-piece. All models had brass nuts and saddles. The Mark X bass was listed as a “B2” or “Bass 2” because it has two pickups. Some markets outside of the United States had access to a single pickup (split single-coil) version. All Mark XX basses were had two pickups (split single-coil and eight pole single-coil). Both Mark X and XX basses have 24 fret / two-octave necks.
Savage Series Two Page Sales Slick
Front cover leads with the three-pickup Barbarian in blue, Savage guitar in red, and Savage bass in white. Back side covers the specifications for the three aforementioned models. Barbarian highlights three humbucker pickups with anti-tilt triple screw system, three mini-toggle switches “for a variety of settings including single or double coil settings.” Savage has “2 mini-toggle switches for series or parallel coil settings.” Common features (including bass): 22 frets, “heavy duty brass saddles with side lock screws” (note: bass does not in reality), string through body, heavy duty chrome machine heads,
The ‘82 Series Two Page Sales Slick
Color photos on the front and specifications on the back. Features include wine red stain and brass details (nut, saddle, fret markers, headstock logo), solid cedar top, rosewood family back and sides, rosewood bridge pins and headpiece, gold plated machine heads, and mahogany neck with diamond cut.
MCI Music Products Catalog (1984)
This 24 page catalog (including front and back cover) from US distributor MCI is extremely rare. It is generally believed to be the last printed catalog before Daion went out of business in 1984. It has the only known marketing photo of the Power Series Power X-BD (double neck bass). Other Daion models featured: Power X guitar, Power XX guitar and XXB bass, Headhunter HH-555, Legacy L-999, The Heritage 78, The 79 Series, The Model 80-S, The 81 Series, The Model 82, Mark Series I, II, III, V (note the IV is missing from the line up).
Plastic knobs and switch tips are now seen on Power Series Mark XX guitars and basses, and the Headhunter HH-555. Bridge plates across all electrics now have the Daion script logo.
Though more colors are listed in the 1984 price list below, in this catalog the colors for the Power Series (X and XX) are limited to just tan, wine red, and brown and on the HH-555 there are just two colors - Honey Sunburst and Burgundy.
The catalog also features other brands and models distributed by MCI: Brazos Classical Guitars (BC-100, BC-101, GB-152, GB-153, GB-154); Brazos Flat Top Acoustics (BF-200, BF-201, BF-202, BF-TW30); Brazos Banjos (Model 252, Model 254, Model 256, Model 258); Brazos Mandolins (M-35-0, M-35-F, M-78); MCI Steel Pedal Guitar (150-0001); Medley Feedbucker Pre-Amps (Model 60 and 110); Medley Transducers (Model 10, 20, 30, and 40)
MCI Music Products Price List (1984)
This is the corresponding price list to the catalog above. It contains Daion models not seen in any other literature, such as the Mark X-B2 Double Neck Bass, the Mark XXV, and Mark XXX.
A few acoustics (The Legacy 999 and 78 Heritage) are listed as a “Recording Acoustic.” Most likely these have a transducer factory installed and are not new models. The “/T” option for the Mark Series acoustics is for a Transducer, though the increase in price is much less than the “Recording Acoustic” option. In the Mark Series acoustics, the Mark Jr is now available and the Mark IV has disappeared. Twelve string models are now limited to the Mark I and II.
Also notable is that Gold on the HH-555 is no longer a $50 special order color, and Green is no longer available on Mark XX Guitars and basses. New finishes are Black and Ivory for the Mark XXV and XXX, and Metallic (Red, Gold, Blue, Silver, Green) for the Mark XXV.
The price list also has listed the MCI Steel Pedal model 150-0001; Brazos Classical Guitars (GB-152, GB-153, GB-154, BC-100, BC-101); Brazos Flat Top Guitars (BF-200, BF-201, BF-202, BF-TW-30); Brazos Mandolins (M-35-0, M-35-F, M-78); Brazos Banjos (Model 250, 252, 254, 256, 258); Brazos Electric Guitars (266E, 845, 840, 900, 762 SX, 700 SXV, 704 SXE, 704 SXBE, 720 SFX).
Great West Imports, Ltd.
Great West Imports was the Canadian distributor of Daion, Yamaki, and many other guitar brands (e.g. Canora, Suzuki, Raven, Mann).
Great West Imports - Yamaki Sings
Great West Imports was the Yamaki / Daion distributor in Canada (as apposed to MCI, the distributor in the United States). On the back it lists locations in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal. Notice that the models numbers are completely different than other markets and start with a “"AY.” Solid Tops AY232S, AY331S, AY333S, AY335S, AY337S, AY339S, AY314S, AY343S, AY351S, AY353S, AY355S; 12 String Solid Tops AY431S, AY433S, AY435S, AY439S; Jumbo Westerns AY361, AY363, AY365 (buffalo headstock); Buffalo Series AY331W, AY333W, AY335W.
Great West Imports - Yamaki Sings (Acoustic & Electric)
Many of the models repeat from the catalog above. Two acoustic models have the Daion “Y” logo on the headstock along with “Yamaki”: AY378S, AY390S. Solid Tops: AY270S, AY370S, AY372S, AY374S, AY376S, AY378S, AY390S (3-piece back), AY396S, AY392S; 12 String Solid Tops: AY470S, AY472S, AY474S, AY476S; Jumbo Westerns: AY382, AY384, AY396 (buffalo head); Buffalo Series: AY370W, AY372W; AY374W.
Some of the headstock photos have been edited on the electric guitars and basses (I believe they were JooDee models). Yamaki electrics include Custom Series guitars: Fender Stratocaster style AY3691, Gibson Les Paul style AY694, AY695; Artist Series guitars Fender Telecaster body AY682; Gibson Les Paul style AY684, AY685; Custom Series basses Fender Jazz style AY992, Fender Precision style AY991, Rickenbacker style AY993.
MCI, Inc.
MCI, Inc., as we have mentioned before, was the United States distributor of Daion. Below is a collection of other musical products distributed by MCI, Inc.
Medley Feedbucker Pre-Amp & Programmable Box
A two-page black and white sales slick covering the 60 Feedbucker Pre-amp, the 110 Feedbucker Pre-amp, and the Medley 200 Programable Box. The Pre-amps can be used with transducer pickups. the 110 Feedbucker Pre-amp has adjustment controls, The Programable Box has multiple EQ pre-sets.
Medley Transducers for Guitar
Two-page black and white sales slick covering the following models of transducers: Medley 10, Medley 20, Medley 30, Medley 40, Medley 150 (with external volume control).
Medley Price List (1982)
What is very interesting about this price list from May 1, 1982 is that it shows pricing to have transducers installed in Daion guitars! It would be interesting to know if these transducers were installed at the factory in Japan or by MCI in the United States. Models covered: SP-10, SP-20, SP-30 (installed in a Daion guitar for $92.50), SP-40, SP-60, SP-110, SP-150 (installed in a Daion guitar for $219.00), and SP-200.
Sanox Sound Creations
Full color two page sales slick covers the following effect pedals: 15SX Octaver, 95SX Six-channel Mixer (BX-1), 90SC Analog Delay, 71SX Percussion Synthesizer, 87SX Pre-amplifier for Acoustic Guitar, 72SX Percussion Synthesizer, 55SX Six-band Graphic Equalizer, 100SX Jet Flanger and Gilter Matrix, 98SX pedal Driver Powe Supply, 14SX Super Phase, 70SX Pocket Amplifier, 84SX Chorus, 85SX Flanger. Items not pictured: 96SX AB Switching Box, 22SX Distortion II, 32SX Crossover II, 12SX Phaser II.
MCI Price List - Brazos, Sanox (1982)
Price list from March 18, 1982, covers Brazos Classic guitar models M-20, M-30, M-30-R, M-40, M-40-AR, M-100, BC-100, BC101, Flat-Top guitar models BF-200, BF-201 (12 string), BF-202, BF-TW-30, Mandolins M-33-0, M-78, Banjos, model 259, 256, 254, 252, and 250.
Sanox sound effect models 105SX, 100SX, 98SC, 96SX, 95SX, 97SX, 85SX, 84SX, 70SX, 55SX, 32SX, 22SX, 15SX, 14SX, 12SX; percussion synthesizers models 71SX, 72SX; and accessories (i.e. cables).
CCD - Computer Counting Device
A two page sales slick. This is more than a metronome. It can be programed with “up to forty-eight individual note and rest time vales.” Describes as a “counting teacher.” Tempos from 30 to 300 beats per minute. Can be programmed with whole, half, quarter, eight, sixteenth, and thirty second notes; quarter triplets, eight triplets, and sixteenth triplets. Programable time signatures as well.
Daion CO., LTD.
In addition to having its own line of musical instruments, in many markets Daion CO., LTD. was a distributor of other musical brands. Below are some examples.
JooDee Electric Guitars - Return to Original
Six page catalog from the 1970s. Distributed by Daion Co., LTD. Features Fender Statocaster style guitar (models JST-60N, JST-60NM, JST-60N/R, JST-60NM/R, JST-55B, JST-55YS, JST-55YS/R, JST-55B/R, JST-55 WH/R, JST-55 I/R, JST-55 BL/R, JST-55 I, JST-55WH, JST-55BL, JST-45YS, JST-45B, JST-45BL, JST-45 I, JST-45 WH, JST-36YS, JST-36B, JST-36WH, JST-36 I); Fender Telecaster syle guitar (models JTE-45N, JTE-45N/R, JTE-45BL, JTE-45BL/R, JTE-50TN, JTE-50N, JTE-50N, JTE-50B, JTE-50N/R, JTE-50B/R); Gibson Les Paul style (models JLP-60B, JLP-60CR, JLP-55CS, JLP-55TB, JLP-55B, JLP—45YS, JLP-45TB, JLP-45B, JLP-45CS, JLP-36CS, JLP-36B, JLP-36TB, JLP-36YS); Gibson Jr style guitar (model JTV-50W); Gibson SG style guitar (models JSG-45WR, JSB-45WN); Gibson Les Paul Jr style guitar (model JTV-50W); Fender Precision style bass (models JPB-60N, JPB-60N/R, JPB-55B, JPB-55YS, JPB-55 I, JPB-55 YS/R, JPB-55B/R, JPB-55 I/R; JPB-36YS, JPB-36B, JPB-36WH); Fender Jazz style bass (models JJB-60YS, JJB-60B, JJB-65N, JJB-60B/R, JJB-60YS/R, JJB-65N/R); Rickenbacker style bass (models JRB-55B, JRB-65N, JRB-65CS)
JooDee - Return to Original ARTIST SERIES Poster
This is a fold out poster that starts out at ~ 7.25” by 10.25” and unfolds to ~ 14.25” by 20.25”. The entire backside is a blueprint drawing with dimensions for a JST-60N Stratocaster guitar with the tagline “Return to Original. “
The front highlights Fender Statocaster style guitar (models JST-60N, JST-55YS, JST-55B); Fender Telecaster style guitars (models JTE-45I, JTE-50N); Gibson Les Paul style guitar (models JLP-60B, JLP-55CS, JLP-55TB); Gibson SG style guitar (models JSG-45W); Gibson Les Paul Jr style guitar (model JTV-50W); Fender Precision style bass (models JPB-55YS,B); Rickenbacker style bass (models JRB-50B)
JooDee - Get In Rock
This is a two page sales slick that features JooDee guitars and basses on the front, and on the back Hillwood keyboards and Teisco amps (also distributed by Daion).
The front features pictures of the the following models: JST-60N, JST-55YS, JTE 50N, JLB-55YS, JLP-55CS, JJB-60YS, and JRB-50B.
It document goes on to list the following models with prices. NOTE: there are some interesting models in there!
Fender Statocaster: JST-60N, JST-60N/R, JST-55YS, JST-55YS/R, JST-55B, JST-55B/R, JST-55I, JST-55I/R, JST-80YS, JST-80YS/R; Fender Telecaster: JTE-45BL, JTE-45BL/R, JTE-50N, JTE-50N/R, JTE-50TN, JTE-60YS, JTE-60YS/R; Fender Precision bass: JPB-60N, JPB-60N/R, JPB-55YS, JPB-55 YS/R; Fender Precision bass (fretless): JPB-80YS, JPB-80YS/R, JPB-85N, JPB-85N/R; Fender Jazz bass: JJB-60YS, JJB-60YS/R, JJB-60B, JJB-60B/R
Gibson Les Paul: JLP-60B, JLP-55CS, JLP-55TB; Gibson Les Paul Standard: JLP-80RS, JLP-80TB; Gibson Les Paul Custom: JLP-100RS; Gibson Les Paul Jr: JTV-50W; Gibson SG: JSG-45W; Gibson L6-S: JL-60N, JL-60B; Gibson ES335TD: JES-55R, JES-55W, JES-80YS; Gibson Ripper bass: JR-70N; Gibson EB bass: JEB-55W
Rickenbacker bass: JRB-50B
Daion Electric Guitars - Founder (1978)
An interesting catalog that I would date around 1978. This four-page color catalog lists models by Founder that are copies of Fender (Stratocaster style DST-35, Telecaster style DTE-30, Jazz Bass style DJB-33, Precision Bass style DPB-35); Gibson (SG style DSG-3, Les Paul style DLP 32, DLP 35, ES style DES-35 and DES-50); and Rickenbacker (4001/3 style bass DRB-52). What is interesting is that the contact information for MCI (the US distributor of Daion) is stamped to the back page of the catalog. At the bottom left corner of the back of the catalog says “Logotype on the peghead will be DAION (Not shown in the pictures).” Some of the earliest Daion branded instruments found in the United States are actually rebranded Founders.
Daion Electric Guitars - Founder Price List (1978)
This thee page price list corresponds to the catalog above and is dated July 28, 1978. A few interesting observations. There are models not pictured in the catalog. For example, DNP-10, DNP-20, DNP-25 are described as an “Original shape practice electric guitar” and DEB-10 and DEB-20 an “Original shape practice bass guitar.” Also not pictured - Mustang model DMS-20, SB bass model DSB-20, and Violin bass model DVB-30.
The price list has specs on Les Paul models DLP-10, DLP-15, DLP-20, DLP-32, DLP-35; Stratocaster models DST-20, DST-35; Telecaster model DTE-30; SG models DSG-10, DSG-15, DSG-20, DSG-30, Jazz bass models DJB-20, DJB-33; Precision bass models DPB-20, DPB-33, Rickenbacker model DRB-52, ES-335 model DES-35; and ES-175 model DES-50.
Inagaki (1978)
A four-page color catalog from Daion Co. LTD. This catalog illustrates Daion as a distributor. The models listed in the catalog correspond to the Price List below for Hamox Guitars. Models illustrated: Mandolin MD-540; Les Paul style EL-300B, EL-350, EL-300S; Stratocaster style SE-30B, SE-30H, SE-30TV; Telecaster style TE-350, TE-350B; Gibson SG style SG-2T; Jazz Bass style JB-30; and unknown style EG-2 guitar and EB-2 bass. Back cover has acoustics guitars: Classical GO-45, GO-70, and GO-90; Western FM-32 and FM-32S; and Folk F-35, F-45, and F-70.
Hamox Guitar Price List (1978)
This three page price list corresponds to the models shown in Inagaki catalog above. Price list is from “Daion Co, LTD, Trading Department.”
Washburn - Price List (1980?)
Daion was the distributor for Washburn in Japan up until 1984. What is interesting in this price list (which has a few pictures), are some models that look to be unique to the Japanese market. There is an A-20 listed with a “Rosewood top” and the SB-50 “Condor Bass.”
Peavey - Product Line Up 1983
Daion was the distributor of Peavey in Japan, thus the Daion branded product catalog you see here.
Peavey - Price List 1983
Daion was the distributor of Peavey in Japan, thus the Daion branded price list you see here.