Ventura / V-1400 Barney Kessel / 1969 / Sunburst / Guitar
The Ventura V-1400 is a faithful recreation of the Gibson Barney Kessel Custom, made in Japan's famed Matsumoku factory. This was Ventura's top of the line offering in the 1960’s and the quality and craftsmanship really shows! Commonly referred to as a "lawsuit" Japanese guitar, these particular Venturas were never the centre of any controversy, although they do borrow generously from their Gibson cousins. It features a full 17" body with laminate maple top, back and sides, finished in a vivid cherry sunburst. The three-piece maple neck has a slim C profile with a 1 9/16" nut width (again closely matching its Gibson counterpart) and feels very comfortable with easy playing action. Tonally it’s very versatile - when strung with flatwound strings, it's easy to get a variety of warm, complex jazz tones, and if strung with roundwounds, you can push these humbuckers to get very rocky. Overall, this guitar is a great example of Japanese craftsmanship in the later 1960s and one of the more ornate "lawsuit" guitars offered over the decades. The guitar comes in a non original hard case.
Glenns Guitars, UK
Welcome to Glenn's Guitars here on Vintage & Rare. After many years in the industry, and having been fortunate enough to have worked in Hanks and The Acoustic Centre - probably London's two foremost acoustic guitar shops - I decided to do my own thing.
I have a passion for used and vintage acoustic guitars; nearly new second hand guitars because they can represent a bargain compared to the price of a new guitar, older and vintage guitars because they tend to have more character and can often become an investment.
You will notice when viewing my stock list my taste in guitars, as I only sell guitars that I genuinely like - and there are certain brands noticeable by their absence. I am a huge fan of older Gibson, Martin and Guild acoustics, but also more boutique brands such as Lowden and Collings.
I will consider part exchange if it makes your desired guitar a little easier to afford. I also offer a guitar finding service, if there's something specific you're looking for.
If you are happy to buy over the internet, I will send you as many high resolution photos and as much information about the guitar you're interested in as I can. If you can get to me - I'm based in Enfield, only 30 minutes from London Liverpool Street Station - you can always make an appointment with me and come and try some of the guitars out first.
I accept payment by Paypal, bank transfer, cheque and of course cash.