Kramer is an American manufactured of electric and bass guitars that started in the mid-1970's. They originally started off making just aluminum necked guitars, but once the heavy metal explosion of the early 80's was beginning, they partnered with Floyd Rose and introduced the Floyd Rose Locking Tremolos. When Eddie Van Halen partnered with them so he could "get a guitar that could stay in tune," sales exploded. By the mid 80's, Kramer was the world's best selling guitar. In 1991, the Kramer company came to an end and was bought out of bankruptcy by the Gibson Guitar Corporation. Some of the most notable guitarists to play Kramer's are Eddie Van Halen, George Lynch, Joe Satriani, Mick Mars, Reb Beach, Richie Sambora, and Vivian Campbell.
The Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co. Ltd, known for manufacturing pianos, keyboards began in 1927. They began building guitars in 1964. In 1967, Kawai purchased Teisco but continued to manufacture guitar lines separately. Kawai also built guitars for Saint Louis music in the 1960s and 1970's under their brand name Apollo.
Find some great deals on some rare, vintage Kawai guitars below!
