Vintage Fenton-Weill Zambesi 333 made in London 1960-61

-Fenton-Weill Zambesi 333 made in London 1960-61 non original tremelo

Hohner Zambesi 333 Model Solid Body Electric Guitar, made by Fenton-Weill (1962), made in London, England, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body veneered with sycamore, mahogany neck with maple fingerboard, When the "Beat Boom" began in the UK in the late 1950s, the electric guitar industry in that country was practically non-existent. With the much-coveted American guitars mostly unavailable and European or Japanese imports the only alternative, a few hardy souls began to build solid bodies themselves in a sort of modern cottage industry. In 1959 Jim Burns and Henry Weill were early pioneers in this effort, but their partnership and their brand-Burns/Weil- was very short lived. Weill-who designed the pickups and electronics-called his subsequent line "Fenton Weill" and continued production for several years thereafter.This guitar was built by Weill's company, but sold under yet another brand-Hohner London, a wholesale UK-based division of the company primarily known for Harmonicas. The model was called the "Zambesi" (for reasons lost to history!) and is certainly a uniquely striking looking solidbody. With a long scimitar-like headstock and slim double cutaway body, it has quite a rakish air. The face and back are veneered in sycamore with a nicely flamed grain, and the fittings are basic but functional. The construction is solid if not to quite the same standard as Burns or Grimshaw instruments, but certainly better than most other English guitars of the period. The two Weill-designed pickups are quite powerful sounding and are definitely the instrument's best feature. The jack takes an English-style mini-plug lead which is supplied with the instrument. The original 1962 catalog listing read "An attractive first quality solid mahogany bodied instrument with veneered sycamore front. Beech fingerboard. Black Perspex plate with tone and volume controls and changeover switch. Ivory plectrum guard.