Extremely rare. Beautiful Bass Guitar. Shown are 3 paint scratches, rest of guitar looks practically new.
1960's Califone Prototype Bass guitar made by Murph Guitar Co..Only 25 total prototypes were made between 6 strings, 12 strings, and basses. I imagine probably fewer basses than guitars. This prototype has slanted pickups and a Gumby-like headstock. Original Samonite case included. Excellent condition. Califones are often compared to Rickenbacker guitars. "Califone guitars were made for Rheem Califone (the record player people) in Los Angeles to complement their range of school PA equipment. In mid 1966 Murphy Music was approached by Califone (also located in San Fernando) to build a range of guitars and amps (this is how the amp side of the business got started) that they could market to schools to compliment the audio stuff they were providing to the education department - a potential BIG money spinner for MURPH! ...BUT, as seemed to happen a lot with them, the luck of the Irish WASN'T with Pat Murphy with this venture either - Califone had a change of heart and called off the deal after 25 or so prototypes were made. They were made up of 6 strings, basses and 12 string guitars."Each phase at the Murph Guitar factory involved many steps, from the woodworking to the painting (10 coats) all the way to the final assembly.
If you are a person that likes to collect guitars that there are only a handful in the world, this might be for you.
1960's Califone Prototype Bass guitar made by Murph Guitar Co..Only 25 total prototypes were made between 6 strings, 12 strings, and basses. I imagine probably fewer basses than guitars. This prototype has slanted pickups and a Gumby-like headstock. Original Samonite case included. Excellent condition. Califones are often compared to Rickenbacker guitars. "Califone guitars were made for Rheem Califone (the record player people) in Los Angeles to complement their range of school PA equipment. In mid 1966 Murphy Music was approached by Califone (also located in San Fernando) to build a range of guitars and amps (this is how the amp side of the business got started) that they could market to schools to compliment the audio stuff they were providing to the education department - a potential BIG money spinner for MURPH! ...BUT, as seemed to happen a lot with them, the luck of the Irish WASN'T with Pat Murphy with this venture either - Califone had a change of heart and called off the deal after 25 or so prototypes were made. They were made up of 6 strings, basses and 12 string guitars."Each phase at the Murph Guitar factory involved many steps, from the woodworking to the painting (10 coats) all the way to the final assembly.
If you are a person that likes to collect guitars that there are only a handful in the world, this might be for you.
