Guyatone

Guyatone (グヤトーン or ガイアトーン) is a Japanese manufacturing company which makes electric guitars, guitar amplifiers, and effects pedals.

One of the earliest guitar manufacturers in Japan, Guyatone began production in 1933. According to Mr. Hiroyuki Noguchi, editor of Japan’s , "Matsuki Seisakujo" (松木製作所) was founded by a cabinet maker’s apprentice Mr. Mitsuo Matsuki and friend Mr. Atsuo Kaneko, who later became a famous player of Hawaiian and Spanish style guitars as well as help with the formation of the great Teisco in 1946.

Matsuki had been enrolled in electronics classes, studying nights after his cabinetry apprentice job. Hawaiian music becoming increasingly popular at the time led Mr. Kaneko to inquire to his friend Matsuki about building an electric Hawaiian guitar using his wood working and electronics skills. In the late 1930s the "Matsuki Joiner" company ("Matsuki Seisakujo" in Japanese) was formed producing and selling mostly American style (Rickenbacker style) guitars under the Guya name.

In 1940 Matsuki was drafted into the war between China and Japan and production halted for several years. After returning home, Matsuki formed his own company, "Matsuki Denki Onkyo Kenkyujo" (松木電気音響研究所), translated means: "Matsuki Electric Sound Laboratory."

In 1951 Matsuki began to use the Guyatone name on his instruments. They also began to make amplifiers and cartridges for record players. These cartridges found a large market after being routinely used by NHK, a government-owned broadcasting station. In 1952 (or 1956) the name of the corporation was again changed to Tokyo Sound Company (東京サウンド(株)). Eventually it was changed Guya Co., Ltd. ((株)グヤ) and then back to Tokyo Sound Co. once again.

According to correspondence with Toshihiko Torri, R&D at Guyatone, the Tokyo Sound factory began large-scale production in 1956. Guyatone's own records indicate them as being founded on July 16, 1956. By the late 1950s or early 1960s, they made up to 1,500 slide guitars, 1,600 electric guitars and basses, 2,000 guitar amplifiers, and 5,000 microphones a month.

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