Mike Robinson (MyRareGuitars.com)

Thanks for dropping in. My name is Michael Robinson.

I’ve been collecting vintage oddball guitars for most of my life. Perhaps the high prices of “non-oddball” guitars – 1958 Gibson Les Paul or a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster – kept me focused on the weird stuff, but after many years of buying/selling and restoring these babies, I decided to put together a webpage where people like me can gather to learn more about them. That is why www.myrareguitars.com is here. I’ve assembled hundreds of photographs under the Guitar Pics and Stories heading. Need to figure out what kind of guitar you have? Check out the pictures. Need a walk down memory lane to see that first guitar you ever owned? Check out the pictures!

Recently I’ve begun collecting NEW oddball stuff from outside USA. Why? Many of my old favorites from the 1960’s have begun re-issuing their guitars. Four years I re-discovered EKO of Italy, 3 years ago Burns from London. Two years ago I discovered DiPinto Guitars>. Wow! Then the Italias came on line. I am constantly on the lookout for more guitars that fit into this vein. As I find them, I negotiate with the manufacturer to make these guitars available in the USA and Canada. I handle all the importing issues so you can buy them here at www.myrareguitars.com.

A couple of years ago I decided it was time to start my own brand to re-create some of my favorites like Mosrite, VOX, Airline, UNIVOX Hi-Flyers, Coral Hornets, etc. That was the start of EASTWOOD Guitars. In our first year we sold over 500 guitars and built up a huge list of great reviews at Harmony Central . Thank you to all who contributed! Our goal is to develop 5-8 new models every year – in limited quanties – recreating many of the gone but not forgotten classics from the 60’s and 70’s. If you have any suggestions, let me know. Keep an eye on the “coming soon” page, where we post pictures of the upcoming prototypes.

Many of my newer guitars are sold on EBAY simply because of the wide audience. If you want to see what other buyers have experienced in dealing with me, take a look at my eBay feedback . I always have a wide variety of guitars on sale there, but the cream of the vintage crop can be found here on the Affordable Vintage page. If you are looking for a deal, I have some guitars that are available in our demo section. These pages are updated weekly, so please drop by often. Please send your feedback and comments !!! This page is a work in progress. I want to find ways to make your experience a better one. Let me know what you need to see here and I will do my best to accommodate!

Sincerely,

Michael Robinson

P.S. SIX years ago I posted some info on EBAY about my quest for guitars that are “Even Better Than The Real Thing” to illustrate my passion for otherworldly guitars. I think this piece is still valid today, so I’ve included it here. Enjoy!