Looking for info on Maya Resonator

slajeune · #1 08-02-2010, 06:56 AM

So, this is a mystery to me. I bought this guitar in the late 80s or early 90s. It is a dobro style guitar with a pickup (very weak pickup at that!). The only indication that I have found is the logo Maya on the headstock. No other inscription anywhere else.

Here are a few pictures:

Does anybody know anything about Maya guitars? Any info is greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Stephane.

Archbacker · #2 08-02-2010, 08:57 AM

Stephane,

I've never seen a Maya before, but I have seen identical resonator guitars with the brand name Conrad on them. It is a Made in Japan guitar inspired by the Brazilian Del Vecchio Dinamico, which was made (sort of) popular in the U.S. by Chet Atkins. Del Vechhios, unlike most American resonators, are designed to be used with fairly light guage silk-and-steel strings, so you might try those on your Maya. Looks like a nice guitar!

-Arch

Antonio Salieri · #3 08-02-2010, 10:00 AM

Plus one for made in Japan. I've seen a few Maya electrics on eBay, & they're mentioned on Japanaxe forum. If you dig deep enough you might be able to find out which Japanese manufactorer made it.

slajeune · #4 08-03-2010, 05:34 AM

Arch and Antonio,

thanks for the info! I haven't played it in years! Might string it up this weekend and see how it sounds.

Arch, you are right, it does look like a Conrad. Mine has the same body as the Conrad but doesn't have the slotted headstock as the Conrad.

If anybody has any more info, please post!

Cheers,
Stephane.

Archbacker · #5 08-03-2010, 08:02 AM

Stephane,

Jackpot! It's a rebadged Takamine DB180E. See item #3 on this page:

http://www.melmusic.com.au/articles/resonators.html

They were also marketed under the Shaftesbury brand. Here's on old thread on them with a link to a photo of one with a solid headstock like yours has.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=133331

Let us know how it sounds!

-Arch

slajeune · #6 08-03-2010, 01:09 PM

Hi Arch,

great finds! Thanks for the info. It does seem like a copy of the takamine!

Thanks!
Stephane.

Archbacker · #7 08-03-2010, 01:32 PM

Stephane,

I don't think it's a copy of the Takamine - I think it is the Takamine with a different name on the headstock.

-Arch

d1denny · #8 12-19-2011, 04:56 PM

I have a Conrad reso-electric that looks exactly like your Maya. The pickup on mine is a Maxon dated 11 Jan 1971.