"Yamaki was successfully sued by another guitar manufacturer. The result was that Yamaki sold their designs, parts and factory to Daion who went on to build a similar acoustic guitar."

source: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/ Data4/Yamaki/Various-01.html

"... Looking for any and all info on the Daion guitar company, formerly located in Garland Texas in the 1970's. Any website locations offering any information to ..."

message: www.guitarsite.com/discussion/messages/22239.shtml

"For those of you who know what a Daion is, consider yourselves lucky and "enlightened"... for those of you who do not, consider yourselves very lucky to have stumbled upon this rare and amazing instrument! Daion was a guitar company based in Texas in the late 70's / early 80's. They built extremely high-quality instruments with top-end components at very modest prices. Because their instruments were manufactured in a foreign country (Japan), they were past of by most consumers as a cheap import... so the company fell under. Today, some players dream of getting their hands on a Daion". 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=908344070

Features: 
2 humbuckers, 2 volume knobs, 2 tone knobs. 3 way pickup selector. Fixed bridge. It has inlays on the fretboard like the actual Gibson SG. 

Features: 
White solid Body, Rosewood neck, 2 single coil and one Humbuck Pickups

Daion Performer Flying V

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Daion/Performer-Flying-V-01.html 

Daion Performer Telecaster

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Daion/Performer-Telecaster-01.html

Daion Performer Stratocaster

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Daion/Performer-Stratocaster-01.html

Daion Performer Les Paul

Yeah, I have one of the strangest guitars in the business. I picked it up in a pawn shop in Hudson, Fla in about 1986 or 87. It had rusted strings that were 3/4" off the pickups so it couldn't be tried out. I did recognize it had PAF pickups with single/double toggles with the std Les Paul config. The body is laminated with a red wood with natural maple or something and has a minimum of 12 laminates for the body and a laminated neck that runs the entire length. Gold hardware. I figured it was worth something just because of the workmanship it had in it. The guy sold it to me for $250.00, and when I got it home I put new pots in the volume and tones. This guitar displaced my vintage Les Paul because it did everything the L.P. did, plus had the single/doub. option, and it weighed 4 lbs. less. Haven't heard much about the company but with this kind of workmanship it had to go bankrupt or sell them for thousands. No, I won't take $500 for it...

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Daion/Performer-Les-Paul-01.html-

photos: http://www.digitalvideo.com/guitars/images/daion3.jpg

Hey there, I too have one of these rare birds. It's a Power Mark II with neck-through construction, several exotic woods and an active EMG pickup system arranged in the classic Les Paul configuration. From a distance, it looks somewhat like a PRS, save for the more rounded headstock. A friend of mine just sort of gave it to me a while ago and truthfully, as long as I keep fresh nine volts in it, the beast truely rocks and no one has ever seen one, let alone heard of 'em which is what brings me here. If I ever run across another one of these, there's no doubt I'll find some way to get my grubby fingers on it.

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/ Data4/Daion/Mark-XX-01.html 

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Daion/Power-Mark-XX-01.html

review:  www.harmony-central.com/Bass/Data4/ Daion/Power-Mark-XX-Bass-01.html

"You're long search for this sought after instrument is over! This is the highest end instrument that Daion made... it features EMG pickups (active, I believe), a selected ash body with rosewood lamination, 9-piece maple/rosewood neck-thru-body construction, ebony fingerboard with brass dot positions, brass nut and saddle, ivory celluloid binding, and Rotomatic type tuners. this bass has it's share of scratches and dings, but it plays like the day it was made and sounds like a beast! This awesome retro bass has a wine red finish and comes in it's original hardshell case."

(eBay ad)

The Bottom Line #201
... Daion used to make a bass with only the first seven frets. ... About a week ago I was at the grand opening of the new Guitar Center and spoke to a couple of Ampeg ...

source: oyt.oulu.fi/tbl/archive/VOL1999/200-299/bl201.html

 have a Daion Guitar & Bass too. They came through the same little guitar shop in my home town so I bought them both. I know jack-crap about them other than they're the best playing guitars I've ever owned. I'm not sure the model number because they're so blurred. The body design is nothing I've ever seen... It's got two lobes at the bottom and two horn like things at the top. if you'd like I'm sure I could get them scanned and send you a picture and maybe see that we have the same guitar ?? An idea that might help you out. at any rate I'm trying to find some stuff about mine as well...

Daion Caribou
" It has often happened, that after a gig a guitar player in the audience has come up to chat about the Daion." 

review:  www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/ Data4/Daion/Caribou-01.html

'... another flattop (a Daion Caribou) with no pickguard I usually play live, and it has withstood every kind of abuse I can ever dream of inflicting on a guitar..."

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Lowden-Guitars/S7-01.html 

(eBay ad)

(bulletin board message)

DAION 555 Headhunter Like 335 Nice Cond
This is a hard guitar to come by these days. A very poplular alternative to a Gibson 335. This one is in great overall shape. It has a few small scuffs but no major damage and no repairs. The largest 2 scuffs can be seen in photos #4 and #5. They are very minor but are there. The guitar sounds great and when you play it you suddenly realize why guitarists like these as much as their 335's from the same time era (Late 70's early 80's). They sound as good, play as good and don't cost as much as the Gibsons. It has two Dimarzio humbuckers which I do not think came originally with the guitar but are great sounding pickups. Includes a nice hardshell case. 

Daion Headhunter 555
"... Overall Rating: 10 If you are in the market for a 335-type guitar and come across a Daion Headhunter 555 in good condition then buy it! ..."

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Daion/Headhunter-555-01.html 

This is a hard guitar to come by these days. A very poplular alternative to a Gibson 335. This one is in great overall shape. It has a few small scuffs but no major damage and no repairs. The largest 2 scuffs can be seen in photos #4 and #5. They are very minor but are there. The guitar sounds great and when you play it you suddenly realize why guitarists like these as much as their 335's from the same time era (Late 70's early 80's). They sound as good, play as good and don't cost as much as the Gibsons. It has two Dimarzio humbuckers which I do not think came originally with the guitar but are great sounding pickups. Includes a nice hardshell. 

eBay ad? 

Hi there. I too have a Daion guitar, a 12 string. My wife and I love it. We got it about 18 years ago, and since then we have only seen 1 like it. We have seen 2 6 string modeels though. Like you; I would like to find out more info on the breed. I met a man at one of the jamborees we frequent, who claims to have a book on Daion guitars, but I didn't get to ask him if I could see it sometime, or borrow it. The next time I see him I will certainly make a point of asking him, and then I can get back to you.

I purchased one in the early 80's for $300. It has the brass nut and bridge and inlays. I heard they were made from late 70's to mid 80's.Actual value to a music store is not much, but, the people that own them know that the deep tone is as good as it gets. It is a hard guitar to find. Most dealers and guitar shops have never heard of them. They might be an item someday, I'll never part with mine.
 

Pros:
It is a pretty guitar. The binding and rosette are inlaid maple which contrasts nicely with the dark stained cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The nut and saddle are brass instead of bone or plastic which gives the guitar a very bright sound. There is no plastic used. Everything is either inlaid wood or brass.

Cons:
Even though it has scalloped bracing, it does not project very well. It is rather quiet compared to other dreadnoughts that I have played. The brass saddle and nut which give it its sustain and brightness also make it very difficult to adjust them to compensate for changes that have occurred over the years.

Price Paid: $300.00

From: Guitarist.net
Submitted: Kenneth Mitchell on 12/15/01

Daion 78 Heritage
"Rating: 8 I've been playing for nearly 30 years and it was my first 'proper' guitar ... me by once) A Martin or Gibson would be great and compared to these the Daion ..."

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Daion/78-Heritage-01.html 

Daion 78 Heritage
-------------------------------------------------------
 Have a Daion 78 Heritage for sale. It is a dreadnaught body and has a solid top. Dark reddish-brown in color (I believe the body is maple) with rosewood fingerboard. Gold colored tuners and brass nut and saddle. This guitar has excellent volume and tone! It comes with a hardshell case. I have three guitars and just don't have time for all of them! $400 is the price. Am prepared to send a photo to anyone interested.

Bulletin Board Message
prodbaby
Unregistered User
(10/4/01 11:57:29 am)
Reply  Daion 78 Heritage
-------------------------------------------------------

Daion Heritage
... is has four scratches through the body. The name Daion stands on the back of the head. This guitar has an hard case with it which exactly fits with the guitar. 

review: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/ Data4/Daion/Heritage-01.html

In Reply to: 78 Daion Heritage posted byGreg English on September 07, 2001 at 14:07:26:

: Hi Brent,Do You use the Daion much anymore? I have the 78 heritage and Love it .They seem to be rare.I play other acoustics, but the Daion is more of a Martinish kinda sound.When Your doing sessions (acoustically) what is the mike of choice? I really like the akg c414, Lex verb and urei limiter.Also as well as Your setup,do You know Larry Byrom's acoustic gear/setup? Thanks Greg English gregguitar@aol.com

hi greg--i rarely use the daion much anymore-it's a great guitar, but i find myself liking to change some, and i love the dillon guitar i did the record with as well as some martins-hd-28 and 000-28 and a couple of gibsons-j-45, j-200 that i rely on as well. as far as mics--that's more of an engineer choice--i've had great luck with several--414, 67, 87, etc.--it's more of a case of who's at the controls--engineer wise. thanks, brent

Posted By: brent@rowest.com on September 10, 2001 at 08:26:40:

source: http://www.brentrowan.com/wwwboard/messages/228.html

MARK II/12 12-STRING 

MARK II/T 

MARK III/12 12-STRING 

MARK III/T 

MARK V/12 12-STRING 

MS-100/12 MAPLEWOOD 12-STRING 

MS-100S/12 MAPLEWOOD 12-STRING 

MS-101/12 MAPLEWOOD 12-STRING 

MS-101S/12 MAPLEWOOD 12-STRING 

THE 82/12 12 STRING

source: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/ Data4/Daion/The--82-01.html 

LEGACY L- 99

LEGACY L- 999 

source: www.guitarsite.com/discussion/messages/9924.shtml

source: www.byronhillmusic.com/open_mic_archive_1.htm

Back in 1990, when I wasn't playing, I saw a beautiful, unusual Jap guitar in a shop in Chichester. When I went back and the guitar and the shop had gone. That guitar haunted me. Three years later I decided to search for it. I rang a hundred shops - no luck. Then I rang a guitar maker friend of Mike Carne's in Northampton. "Ever heard of a Daion Legacy? " I asked. A strange sound erupted as Martin Cole choked on his coffee. "I'll be damned - I've just opened up a letter from one of my customers -with a photo of him holding one. Don't suppose he wants to sell - but you could ring him". I did - " How did you know that I wanted to sell it - I only decided last night !!" He lived in Bedford. I had to go there for photographic business the next week-end - a deal was struck. I love that guitar - my old friend and guitar magician Andrew Dickinson re-built it for me. Some time later Andy put me in touch with a chap who had a matching twelve string. We did a deal.

source: http://www.arunet.co.uk/andrewperry/pages/guitars.htm

Daion Mandolin 
which is a great little instrument.
I too would like to know a little about Daion but have been so far been unsuccessful finding
anything on the net.

Daion 12-String Dreadnought
... sound.laminated top,back and sides,14 frets to the neck,no inlays on fret board.daion ... though
i am not sure.any ideas?i would like to know more about this guitar ...
source: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ Daion/12-String-Dreadnought-01.html

Daion Unknown
... The neck is a dark wood with metallic inlays on the back of the guitar
head there are little Daion logos on the tuning knobs. At ...
source: www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/ Data4/Daion/Unknown-01.html

I have a six string with the same name as your twelve did you ever get any results as to who made the guitar? If so please E-mail me at.........sweetlove_70122@yahoo.com
thank you: Shauna

Daion 6+12 doubleneck acoustic. I bought this in Europe. It had a huge tone!!! I wish I'd held on to this one.

These guitars are similar enough to Daions to have been manufactured by them.  I am still trying to find out more about these, and another brand called "Chaser".

I own a GJ Gould 6 string acoustic, model D300. Twenty years ago,I taught myself how to play with this guitar It has been everywhere with me. However, I know nothing about the guitar's history or company. If anyone has information about GJ Gould Guitars I would appreciate hearing from you. I love this guitar. Thanks Ray

In Reply to: Re: G.J. Gould 6 string posted by Sara on May 02, 2002 at 14:47:42:

: I have a G.J.Gould 6 string guitar (classic, I think; it's just plain wooden. Model number D-350. This guitar was purchased at a pawn shop about 25 or 30 years ago. Does anyone know what year this guitar was made?

I hace a 12 String G.J.Gould Guitar which was handcrafted for G.J.Gould &Sons Designers of fine handcrafted instruments. The model number is T-600. I would like to know the builder, approximate age, and about what the instrument is worth. It is a beautiful instrument and plays wonderfully. Ant hepl THANKS AND THANKS AGAIN

There is clearly a link between Yamaki and Daion.  Does anybody know more about these guitars? 

Spruce top withMaple back and sides.                                                          

Note that the Daion folk guitar designations are the same used for Yamaki (above).

My Daion Model '80 has "made by Yamaki Guitar Co." stamped inside

This was stripped from the following site:
source: http://www.geocities.com/rixdollar/terada.htm#History
 
 
 

Terada

This Terada page is for people who owns a Terada guitar & who are interested.

This page is dedicated to Terada Guitars. You can find a small history of the company, address, links to Terada guitar pictures & Owners & Specs (from owners with their guitars & their history). 

Thanks to the Terada Musical Instrument Co. LTD, Mr. K. Nakagawa where I got the information from. Nowadays I can't get any contact with the Terada Musical Instrument Co. LTD, it's strange but true. Do you speak Japanese?? There is a rumour that Terada Musical Instrument Co. LTD is nowadays working for Gretsch. If you know the whole story, please mail me.
 

2002 NEWS

Terada builds Epiphones which are still made in Japan, although most are now made by Samick in Korea. The Terada factory is now building Epiphone and Thumb brand guitars. 

From the day that this Terada page exists I have had many e-mails with questions about their guitars. Unfortunately I cannot supply anybody with any info on the specs. I can only tell you that everybody who owns a Terada is happy with it. Terada was one of the best imitators of famous guitars like Fender, Gibson & Martin. 

Some ask me if it's worth keeping a Terada. I can tell you this, it is very much so. As I mentioned they made very good replications of todays collectors items. Listen to your guitar & if you like the sound keep it. A Terada guitar can be worth nowadays $ 2000 at the most. OK you don't have the famous Martin acoustic but you have a great guitar which sounds almost like the real one & is also a collectors item nowadays. Keep it = my Advice.

If you have information or pictures of your guitar please feel free to email me & I will add it on this page. This Terada page is for people who owns a Terada guitar.
 

History

Terada was established in 1912, at the beginning Terada was making Violins for Toy purposes, after World War II, around 1955 Terada started to make in earnest ‘Strings Instruments’. In the 1970’s they had three plants near Nagoya area and produced more than 10,000 guitars per month for Domestic market and also for Overseas market, but now 1/8 quantities is of our heyday.
 

TERADA MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CO., LTD.
Mr. K. Nakagawa
Kani-cho Aichi-pref. 497-0032
Japan

Tel : +81 5679 5 3158
Fax: +81 5679 5 8686