”It seems incredible that a Les Paul copy could be one of the rarest guitars and yet in the case of Eko's C22 it is just like that.
Lorenzo
It seems incredible that a Les Paul copy could be one of the rarest guitars and yet in the case of Eko’s C22 it is just like that.
This guitar, extremely comfortable, light and compact, was unfortunately built in an extremely very limited number, unlike the C11 (SG copy) which are quite easily found. Really strange for a Les Paul copy.
But it is a very special instrument, whose body is entirely made of a very unusual oriental wood called Jelutong which contributes with its yellow color to give that fascinating amber-orange that makes the C22 immediately recognizable to enthusiasts.
The neck, bolt-on or set-in, is typically late 70/early 80, a maple/mahogany/maple sandwich with rosewood fingerboard.
The C22 was born in 1978 as the C11 and has the same neck. The pickups, as was typical of that period, were offered to choose between a pair of excellent Eko HP and HD from the parent company and a pair of Di Marzio Paf and Dual Sounds of the C22/S version.
The controls are the typical 2 volumes and 2 tones with a 3-position selector but in addition, we find a switch to split the coils of the Dual Sound pickup.
A great solid steel bridge with brass saddles tops it all off, adding sustain to this beautiful instrument.
This C22/S is part of the collection of our friend Roberto Coccia Ascoli who, after extensive research, bought it many years ago from the previous owner, after much insistence and paying a good amount, given its rarity.
This reminds me of an episode from almost 20 years ago and which at times still causes me restless nights: I was about to grab a splendid C22 for 100 euros, but…
A heartfelt thanks to the legendary Remo Serrangeli, Eko director of the golden times, for his always kind advice.
