1975 Ibanez Howard Roberts Model 2453 Archtop (SOLD)

Hailing from about 1975, here's an Ibanez Howard Roberts, more properly an Ibanez Model 2543. It is based very closely on the Gibson Howard Roberts model, a single-cutaway compact archtop with an oval soundhole and one neck-mounted pickup.

This is what's referred to as a 'Lawsuit' model. Elger Guitars, a US Distributor, contracted with Hoshino Gakki to produce copies of popular American guitars, and in 1971 Hoshino bought Elger. Eventually, Gibson's parent company sued Hoshino for infringing the shape of the headstock - the 'Open Book' design - but by the time they settled, Hoshino had changed the headstock shape, closer to one often used by Guild.

This Ibanez Howard Roberts, in a transparent burgundy, was built in late 1974 or early 1975. It has no serial number, which helps date it - serial numbers started to appear in later 1975, and this model was introduced in 1974. It is in good playing condition with light to moderate fret wear; it has some scuffing and a few small finish dents. It plays well and cleanly. The pickup is an Ibanez Super 70, identified with a label on the back of the headstock. The original case is included.