Goya Guitars on eBay

Fans of vintage guitars love to find deals on Goya guitars on eBay.

The Goya originated in the early 1950s as an acoustic classical guitar made in Sweden by the Levin Company, and it was distributed by Hershmann Musical Instrument Company of New York City.

Inspired by the flamenco guitarist paintings of Francisco Jose de Goya, this guitar embodied the grace and flow of the music it produced. Made from fine, solid woods such as walnut, maple and mahogany, the line quickly became a favorite.

As the brand changed companies, the model line expanded. Another Swedish company, Hagstrom, assumed the Goya brand in the late 1950s to make solid-body electric guitars and basses, and changed its name to the Goya Musical Instrument Corporation in 1963. Jimi Hendrix played the electric Goya Rangemaster.

By the late 1960s, Kustom Electronics owned the brand, followed by Dude. The name and company changed hands frequently in the 1970s, with purchases made by Avnet and Martin. Manufacturing also changed with some models made in Japan, Italy and Taiwan during this decade. Production ceased in the mid-1990s, but Martin still owns the Goya trademark.

You can review a catalog of years and models from 1958 through 1970 on the website of Goya guitar collector Jack Walsh.

If you want to verify the Goya guitars on eBay are what you hoped for, keep the following in mind.

• For the iconic acoustic Levin model from the 1950s, look for a label that reads, "Made by A.B. Herman Carlson Levin, Gothenburg, Sweden" and a serial number with a date. The serial number should follow the sequence by the Locksley serial number list. All three of these factors must be on the label to authenticate a model from that era. Here is a list of Locksley serial numbers.

• The acoustic models from the Levin era should also have a paper label inside the body featuring the Goya logo in a cursive text. Both the label and the neck block will have the serial number and model designation.

• You can verify other models by what time period Hershmann distributed them. Goyas made in the late 1950s through the early 1960s will probably have a zoning code, such as “New York 10 N.Y.”. Other models made after 1962 will probably have a five-digit zip code from the New York City area.

• Once Levin stopped crafting Goyas, serial numbering changed. Since production continued for roughly another 30 years, analyze the decade by the manufacturer. Martin, for example, usually uses an eight-digit serial number, so you’ll find that on guitars made in the late 1970s and beyond.

You’ll find all styles and years of Goya guitars on eBay, but you do have to be vigilant and watch out for stolen instruments. If you find a model you like on the auction site, crosscheck it on Screaming Stone Stolen Instrument Recovery Project before placing a bid.

There are a number of reputable sellers who feature Goya guitars. Acoustic models from the late 1950s through the late 1970s are the most common. Most sellers should detail the condition of the guitar as a responsible player would, describing the body, neck, bridge and so on, as well as how it plays. There should also be a decent assortment of pictures. Many collectors can accept a few scratches and dings, but watch out for body warping or splits in the seam, and let those factors guide your bid accordingly.

Purchased directly, you’ll probably spend $250-$500 for an acoustic model that rates eight or above on the play scale. Bidding varies, but don’t expect to walk away with it for under $150.00 depending on condition. Most sellers only want to ship within the U.S., and that will add another $35.00-$50.00 to the price.

Electric Goya guitars on eBay are featured less frequently, and you’ll pay a lot more for popular models. At press time, a seller placed a Goya Rangemaster (like the one Hendrix played) up for direct purchase. Even with a number of cracks, the asking price was $1,500.00 with an immediate payment request.

There are other Goya items on eBay, too, including ads, catalogues, a bass or two and other accessories. Keep an eye out for the best deal. You'll find more tips for wise shopping by visiting the LoveToKnow Buyers Guide.

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