1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36
1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36

1967(c.) Crucianelli España EL-36

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$999.00

With origins dating back to the 1880s, Crucianelli was originally an Italian accordion manufacturer. During the 1960s the market for accordions was shrinking—Rock and Roll was all the rage, so the company started making electric guitars. Similar to Italian imports made by Eko, many Crucianelli-made electrics ended up with the "Vox" brand name, but "España" was a brand name used by NYC distributed B&J. 

The España EL-36 looks an awful lot like an ES-335, and that was the idea! Many of these Italian imports were intended to be copies of expensive American-made models. But because of design considerations that kept costs low, the EL-36 captures its own vibe and character. For example, its pickups might look like humbuckers—especially with the 6x6 screws—but they're actually single coils. The vibrato tailpiece is modeled after a Bigsby, but the different design makes the feel totally different. 

This Crucianelli-made Espana EL-36 was likely shipped to the US in 1967 or perhaps as late as '68. It has the smaller inlays and black truss rod cover that aren't found until '67. It plays really nicely, and it has nice semi-hollow tone. Although it resembles a 335, the single coils give it more of a Gretsch-style jangle.

This circa-'67 España EL-36 is in excellent condition and appears to include all of its original parts. The original electronics are a little wonky, but they function 100% as they should. Nevertheless, they would be easy to upgrade if the future owner wanted the control harness up to modern American-made standards. This España includes what appears to be the original case as well as its original chrome bridge cover.

It's hard to imagine there are many of these old Italian axes so well preserved. What a cool guitar!  

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