AKAI Professional (Discontinued)
Akai Professional Nineteen Ninety-seven (1997) Guitar and Bass
As you know, Akai was very famous Hi-Fi system company before. Just like
Nakamichi, Sansui and Denon. These companies were very famous in 1960-90
times.
Very regretfully, these companies are all not existing now, they had all
finical troubles since the collapse of the asset-inflated economy.
Akai was taken over by Mitsubishi. Akai professional was one of division
of Akai to cover the electric musical instruments section. They became
independent company in 1999.
Well, Akai Nineteen Ninety-seven guitars were formally started in 1998.
However, due to the re-organization of Akai, the guitars were suddenly
discontinued in 1999. It was only 1 year sales.
This guitar was conducted by Mr. H. Shiino of Vestax Corporation. Vestax
and Akai have the business relations for DJ equipments. Akai management
expected to open the new business with Akai Professional Brand.
Therefore, the outlook of 1997 guitar is very similar with Vestax GV series.I
felt that this 1997 was made with many people’s passion.Probably, 1997
guitars and basses were the top quality high end products about 15 years
ago.
Guitars Line up
CG112CL 3X3 head Arched Top --- Made in USA body & neck
CG112 3X3 head Arched Top --- Made in Japan Body & Neck
6SG112CL 6L head --- Made in USA body & neck
SG112 6L head --- Made in Japan Body & Neck
Bass Guitars Line Up
SB411 4 String Bass --- Made in Japan Body & Neck
SB511 5 Strings --- Made in Japan Body & Neck
There are 6 kinds guitars and Basses. CL means USA made body.
Other models were all made in Japan. All assembling and painting works were done by Vestax, Japan.
It is very seldom t see 1997 guitars and basses, even these are quite good quality.
Most of reasons, well, the production was suddenly stopped because of Akai
organization trouble.
Therefore, the number of 1997 series are very limited. I saw a few 1997
guitars on the market. It is very few we can see them even second hand
market.
Akai didn't make any endorsement with musicians for this sears. Maybe,
they could not make it under their organization trouble. However, we can
see Akai 1997 guitar on very famous DVD now. Mr.Tommy Organ played Akai
1997 on the DVD "This is it" (Michael Jackson s DVD). Ms. Orianthi
Panagaris became very famous by this DVD with Paul Reed Smith guitar. But,
Tommy's guitar back up her lead guitar with very good rhythm.
If anyone knows Akai 1997 player, please let them know these are really good instruments.
The 1997 guitars were built very good quality. The PUs are in use both active and passive.
It is very good quality guitars with clean tone. The PUs balance are also good.
I have some of 1997 now from Vestax factory.These are all brand new condition.
Click the below chart model. If you are interested in any other colors,
please contact us. We will check it!
