Kent guitars are a brand of acoustic and electric guitars manufactured by the German company Eko Guitars. Kent guitars first appeared on the market in the 1960s and have since gained popularity among musicians and collectors alike.
History:
Kent guitars trace their roots back to Castelnuovo di Porto, a small town near Rome, Italy, where Eko Guitars was established in 1959 by Oliviero Pigini. During the 1960s, Eko began producing guitars under the Kent brand, primarily for export to other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and other parts of Europe.
Models:
Kent guitars encompass various models, each with distinct characteristics. Some of the popular Kent guitar models include:
1. Kent Supreme: This model features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard. It offers a traditional acoustic guitar sound with excellent projection and sustain.
2. Kent Electrica: An electric guitar model known for its unique design, featuring an offset double-cutaway body shape. The Kent Electrica typically comes equipped with two single-coil pickups and offers versatile tones suitable for various genres.
3. Kent Lawsuit Les Paul: A model that closely resembles the iconic Gibson Les Paul guitar. The Kent Lawsuit Les Paul features a mahogany body, a maple top, and dual humbucking pickups, providing warm, rich tones often sought after by guitar enthusiasts.
4. Kent Apollo: A vintage-inspired hollow-body electric guitar with a classic aesthetic and a distinctive sound. The Kent Apollo features a semi-hollow body construction with a spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, offering warm, resonant tones.
Quality:
Kent guitars are generally regarded as high-quality instruments, considering their affordable price range. While they may not match the craftsmanship and exclusivity of high-end brands, Kent guitars offer dependable construction, good playability, and satisfying tones.
Popularity:
Kent guitars have gained popularity due to their affordability, diverse range of models, and versatile sounds. They have been used and endorsed by various notable musicians over the years, including Marc Bolan of T. Rex and Pete Townshend of The Who.
Overall, Kent guitars represent an accessible option for musicians seeking quality and affordability in acoustic and electric guitars. Their diverse lineup caters to different musical styles and preferences, making them a worthy consideration for guitarists of various skill levels.