Up for auction is a vintage JVC Nivico Balladeer Electric Guitar (model #SG-16) which appears to originally be intended only for Japanese distribution but has mysteriously been re-branded for US sales. Information on this guitar is conspicuously absent from the internet (a feat in itself) but in-depth research has shown that these guitars, along with a related deluxe model and electric amplifiers, were marketed alongside Japanese "eleki" beat groups (http://www.geocities.jp/a104gs/jvc.nivico.html). This, along side its extreme rarity, support the idea that this guitar was either not intended for distribution outside of Japan or is part of a very early attempt to market Japanese guitars in America. Despite the intial similarities one might find between this guitar and the dirge of Japanese guitars that were soon to flood the US market, such as a surplus of chrome and an overall amoeba-like shape, this guitar has appointments that one does not find on any other Japanese import. Not to mention it plays better than any other Japanese guitar from this era that I have ever laid hands on, weighs twice as much, and has an attention to detail that surpass as well. The guitar's finish is an amazing translucent cherry red with hints of orange on the back of the mahogany neck. Also this guitar was purchased at the famed Hollywood Fife & Nichols Music Store. This store was the "go to" place for such famous musicians as Johnny Cash, Neil Young, And Stephen Stills, so who knows what this guitar's history could possibly be. The guitar is pre-owned, and is over 45 years old so it does show some minor signs of use, such as a few of minor finish chips and paint rubs, non-original tuners, and a missing tremolo bar, but overall this guitar is in great shape for its age and shows little actual playing wear. Includes the guitar and custom-fitted Fife & ichols hard case.