Cheesy Guitars

Hello and welcome to the Cheesy guitars!

This site is dedicated to those weird unplayable instruments that don’t even worth collecting. The first reason we’ve made this site is that there’s no information about these guitars, no pictures and no reviews. But they exist, and they definitely worth checking out. The other reason is that we love them. Too many of us started our carreer with those cheesy axes.

Lots of these creatures came from the former Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and other ex-communist countries. Although soviet guitars are definitely the winners, there are also Indonesian and Korean companies making very cheap instruments with built-in speakers, sparkle finishes and fairly high action.

And there are also handmade one-off guitars – you won’t beleive somebody actually played them!

So, if you’re tired of reading about Clapton’s favourite Strat and Brian May’s Red Special – here’s something different.

56 thoughts on “Cheesy Guitars”

  1. Hi, I am a guitarist from
    Lenka

    Hi,
    I am a guitarist from the Czech Republic and I am really satisfied with the quality of my Jolana Diamant guitar. I bought this piece from a passionate collector who had renovated it, so the level of sound is really close to the Les Paul version. I know what I am talking about, because my bandmate has original Gibson, so we compare both guitars every rehealsal. 🙂 I understand commie guitars seem “the worst” to you, but try to understand that it could be the only way how to start to play the electric guitar in that period, because it was almost impossible to get any of the western models. Most of our amazing guitarists started to play Jolana.

  2. If you wish to comment the Cheesyguitars' site - visit the cheesyguitars' forum!
    www.cheesyguitars.com

    http://www.cheesyguitars.com

    I just happened to pass here and since there are some posts that ask certain things I’d like to redirect those people straight to our forums where they can get some expert advice.

    And thanks to everyone who keeps cheesyguitars alive and populated!

    Sincerely yours,
    Joseph Ruzicka

  3. mann guitar
    christine mould

    I found a mann guitar in my attic. It is in new condition, about 20 yrs old. It has a number on it AJ-201 can you tell me what the value might be. thanks christine

  4. Hold your horses!!!
    776

    I’d just like to point out that me and one of my bandmates adore our Jolanas. I am actually renovating a bass of that type, and although it may easily be as old as my father, it can still be saved, relatively inexpensively. It can be restored to stage level, although it was untouched for 15 years, lying apart in somebody’s basement.

  5. Mann guitars
    Dwight Listmayer

    Hey I have a copy of a Les Paul made by Mann and it has a 9 volt battery with mini-effects processor on board. Looks like it could be cheesy. I know it’s hard to play comfortably, and sounds strange with plastic bridge saddles.

    Strat Man Dwight

  6. I just read about the poor quality of the Jolana guitars from the 70’s. Does anybody know anything about the guitars they make today? Please, tell me.

    1. :yep dude.
      i know somethin’ about that.if u wanna know.

      I just read about the poor quality of the Jolana guitars from the 70’s. Does anybody know anything about the guitars they make today? Please, tell me.
      :

    1. Re: 12 str. Contessa Acoustic
      J.W. Scranton

      Actually it is made in Italy, it’s a third party company branched off of Hohner(sp?) Long since gone now…J

  7. Thanks!
    pavel svejentsev

    Thanks! I really enjoy your site recalling my first guitar experiences with any of these "axes" about 20-30years ago. Now it looks as a black humour, but it wasn’t those years.
    Hi there. Pavel.

  8. Hi, I live in Prague (Czech rep.)and i collect Jolana guitars(mostly older ones than Diamant). On you site (http://meatexz.com/cheesyguitars/jolana_diamant.html) is an information that diamant was produced aslo in red color. In this color was made a lot of earlier guitars like Tornado, Marina, Diskant (hollowbodies). Isnt it a mistake? I have heard about Ivory color Diamant(only for export. I never see anyone) but I never even hear about anyone in red.
    Second confusing mistake: You write "the guitar pictured here features somewhat rare sunburst finish)". But on the picture is the one with black finish:-)
    sincerely yours
    David

    1. Re: Want TO BUY A TONIKA BASS !!!!!!!!!!
      Vitaliy

      : If anyone has a Tonika Bass for sale, please e-mail me !!!!!!!

      Hello!
      I am not sure if you still want to buy it. I have sell it on ebay. Item # is 330301419909
      Best regards, Vitaliy

  9. I want a cheesy Russian Bass
    Jimmy Lloyd Rea

    I wanna buy a cheap, cheesy, terrible, older Russian made Bass !!!!!!!! PERFECT !!!!!!!!! If you have one or know of one, please email me.Remember, cheap and cheesy is the rule.

  10. moreno made in saxony
    peter brown

    I have a small acoustic guitar.The label inside reads:Moreno.Made in Saxony..Can anyone give me any more info on this Guitar Thanks..Pete

    1. Re: Jolana Diamant
      paul22

      Kristaps I agree with you with 100% . Jolana Diamant guitar is the best I’ve ever played. I have 4 guitars now. I’ve bought Ibanez guitar last and I must say that I really like it, but it’s not more better that Diamant.

    1. : Hi,
      i’d would like 2 inform abot your Electric Bass, it’s by Marina, and is Bass Collection SB301, i have it. if u interests it send me mssage ok. thankyou

    2. Re: Jolana
      Dobos László

      : Hi,
      : i’m just trying to find info on my Electric Bass, it’s by Marina, and is Bass Collection SB301, all I have found is that it may czech or korean, here is some info on Jolana I have found

      Hi,

      after few years i could see your lettering here, and if you are still interested, why don’t we speak about Jolana guitars. I have a Marina, and a Galaxis.

      Ãœdv.Laci
      : http://nedvetsky.boom.ru/music/Jolana.htm
      : if anyone knows anymore, please let me know. thankyou

    3. Re: Jolana
      konig

      Marina was the name of one model of holowbody Jolana guitar. So its not the name of producer but of model only. The your bass guitar probably is korean or japanese

    4. Re: Jolana
      Zoltan Barti

      :Hi,
      It was indeed made in Japan, but today as far as I Know can only be bought in Australia and Japan, elswhere it’s not exported, so that must be an old one indeed.
      It is a good guitar, but not made of wood:)(I mean the body wasn’t)
      It sounds great, and has Gotoh stuff on.
      So have fun with it!
      Ps. Try to check the name Bass Collection, because it is his name, nor Marina

  11. East-European guitars
    Ivan alias lordbizarre

    Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

    1. Re: East-European guitars
      david

      Hi Ivan, Im David from Prague (Czech rep.) and Im a collector of Jolana Guitars (mostly hollowbodies). If youd like I can send you some info about these Jolana models, just write me what you want to know. Also I have some models to exchange (or to sell) – lets make a deal!
      David ([email protected])

    2. Re: East-European guitars
      MaryCarmen Srinivasan

      Hi, by any chance do you know where can I found pictures all the musima guitars. I just bought one small "guitarr" with no handle, is neat but I want to kno more about it.

    3. Re: East-European guitars
      Marcius

      : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

      1. Re: East-European guitars
        bob3k

        : : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

        i could help you with defils

        1. Re: East-European guitars jolana
          ivan

          : : : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

          : i could help you with defils

          I have a model jolana _star IX.Are you interested??

    4. Re: East-European guitars
      vytux

      Hi, I’m Vytenis from Lithuania and I am looking for information about Jolana Special. I would be pleasant if you give me any info about it. Thanks

    5. Re: East-European guitars
      paul

      Hi Ivan,
      I have a Defil semi-acoustic bass guitar. Don’t know the type. After som ‘customizing’ to make the bass playable, it is great for 60-ies and jazz. Mail me if you want a photograph.

      1. Re: East-European guitars
        Marcius

        : Hi Ivan,
        : I have a Musima stratocaster(it’s called Musima eterna deluxe), Jolana Tornado, Jolana Iris, Kremona bass and some other Russian guitars. Mail me if you are interested in.

    6. Re: East-European guitars
      John Joseph Hurtik

      : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

      Hi Ivan.I’m John from Slovakia.I want you to ask for a little help,
      I’ve got an JOLANA ALFA guitar and it’s little bit damaged.
      But I’m trying to find some imformations, or material about this type.So can you help me pleace?
      Thanks.
      John.

        1. Re: East-European guitars
          Chris

          Hello,

          I’ve just bought a Jolana Basso IV from eBay. It’s a wierd looking hexagonal thing with two angled single coil pick ups. I’ve looked on various websites such as cheesy guitars, but there is very little on these guitars. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

        2. Re: East-European guitars
          archie

          : : : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

          Hi Ivan!
          I´m the owner of a Musima MH-V (its a Flying V or Jackson style) Its a very rare Instrument!! It is in a very good condition, coulor is red! You want it, maby? let me hear from you

          : : look here:
          : : http://www.meatexz.com/cheesyguitars/guitars.html

          1. Re: East-European guitars
            D@di

            : : : : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…))

            Telecaster type Jolana is named "Iris".

            1. Re: East-European guitars
              matthias

              hallo,
              i will buy the musima mh-v!
              please post me
              ciao matthias

              : : : : : Hallo! Ich bin Ivan, ein belgischer Guitarre Sammler (bereits 172 Guitarren u. 45 Ampere) und ich suche nach allem möglichen Info über Jolana (4 Guitarren: zwei Stern V; ein Basso IV und eine Telecaster-Art (genannt? …)) : Telecaster Art Jolana wird „Blende“ genannt.

    7. Re: East-European guitars
      kfguygk

      : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

      1. Re: East-European guitarsMeinel&Herold -Ivan
        Sinisa Tomljanovic

        I have pretty old guitar Meinel&Herold . am selling it , if you got interest let me know,Thank you, Sinisa

        1. Re: East-European guitars
          Kamal

          : : : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

          :
          : Hi
          : A have DEFIL "MELODIA" from 1978… Maybe You want buy it very cheep..
          : Greetings

          I’ve got Defil "Rytm 2" bass guitar. It’s an electro-acoustic bass. 🙂

        2. Re: East-European guitars
          Mephisto

          : : : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

          :
          : Hi
          : A have DEFIL "MELODIA" from 1978… Maybe You want buy it very cheep..
          : Greetings

          1. Re: East-European guitars
            Mephisto

            Hi there! I have a guitar Lead Star and i heard that it was produced by Musima in Germany (W/E i don’t know). Can anyone help me whit more info about the musima guitars, or pictures and stuff? Thanks

            1. Re: East-European guitars
              angel

              i have one too. i heard it was built in east of germany in 1970-1980. no more info but this guitar is really indestructible and cheap, the best for this price (less than 100€ with 19watt Drive amp, nine years ago…)

        3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Mariush_Z
          Mariush_Z

          : : Hi!I’m Ivan,a Belgian guitar collector(already 172 guitars & 45 amp’s)and I’m looking for all possible info about Jolana(4 guitars:two Star V;one Basso IV and a Telecaster-type(named?…));Defil;Musima;Meinel&Herold etc…this to completed my files ! Anyone ? Thanks !! Ivan

          Hi
          A have DEFIL "MELODIA" from 1978… Maybe You want buy it very cheep..
          Greetings

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