S-100 imitations ... for what they're worth

[Thunderface]

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, even though none can hold a candle to the real thing. Here are some S-100 copies/clones/imitations over the years:

I believe all were made in Korea save for the Badazz, which was made in Japan. All but the S-73s are bolt-necks. The redesigned for 1970 S-100s are said to have taken their design cues from the Hagstrom models introduced in 1969...

 

[Maxer]

I dunno. Isn't it more appropriate to say that these are SG clones? After all, the mighty S-100 is itself a response to the SG.... just with a few stylistic variations, namely with the assymmetrical horns. But the same body and neck materials, the same scale, and two humbuckers.... the SG was the original.

I do see the similarity between those Hagstroms and the S-100, especially with the horns. Those Hag models remind me of a cross between a Strat and an SG. I have an '81 Aria Pro II Tri-Sound which has a very similar body shape.

 

[Thunderface]

Good point, Maker. I just went with the S-100 comparison because Madeiras and DeArmonds are S-100 copies. Perhaps I took a little too much poetic license.

 

[Maxer]

The DeArmonds are definitely using the same body profile as the S-100, which only makes sense. But I've never heard of the Madeiras line... cheaper Euro-owned, Asian-made import or something? I'll have to look that name up.

Wonder how many SG-shaped guitars have been made on the planet over the years. Gotta be a big number, although I expect that there are way more Strat and Tele clones out there.

 

[Maxer]

OK, just came back from researching the Madiera name. It was an import subsidiary of Guild's! Cheaper, Japanese-made versions of their American cousins. Now I'm intrigued. I have a few early 80s Japanese guitars and they're really cool... solid craftsmanship and build quality.

So that kinda begs the question - were there any clone guitar makers out there which churned out instruments using the exact same body shape specs as the S-100 that weren't already licensed to do so?