Goya – Levin – Greco (Vintage Guitars)

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The only site in the world dedicated to Goya guitars – as well as Levin and “Goya” Greco brand guitars. Learn about the history of these fine musical instruments. Lots of old magazine ads, catalogs and price lists.

311 thoughts on “Goya – Levin – Greco (Vintage Guitars)”

  2. Early 70's Greco made by Goya
    Mike McBride

    Does anyone have any info on early 70’s Greco made by Goya acoustic. Model GR. Serial# 03114.
    Thanks for any info. Info on where to look up would help

  3. Goya Model Ts-5
    Steve Levitt

    In 1958, when I was 16 years old, I bought a brand new Goya 12 string Model TS-5, Serial No. 268602. I can’t recall exactly but I think it cost between $250 and $350. It has almost never been played and is in excellent condition in its original case. According to its Serial No. it was made in 1951. After all these years, I just took it out of its case, would like to try to play it, and need to restring it. It still has 11 of its original string intact but probably not good to play anymore. Can anyone tell me the best strings to use to get a mellow sound that lets the wood speak and that are relatively easy to play on the fingers. I also have 8 of the original labelled “Goya Guitar Strings” still new in their original box and are labelled Silvered Steel 12 String Guitar. I might be interested in selling it but not sure yet. Can anyone help me regarding what strings to try and what its value might be today? Thanks for any help. Steve Levitt

  4. Levin Eletric-Acoustic / Series LD, Model 30CE
    John Thompson

    Hi, Would appreciate some info. on my guitar Please.
    I have a Levin 30CE Electric Acoustic, With the name “LEVIN” inlayed in Mother of Pearl, fitted with Grover Tuners and Levin Piezo pickup/4 band EQ. I know that Martin bought out Levin in late 70’s, and I am having trouble trying to find much detail online about this instrument.
    I would like to know the age of this guitar and if it is reasonable instrument etc. And if possible the value.
    Many Thanks .

    1. Greco Classical GR121K Serial 20075 From early '70's
      David B

      Were you able to find out anything about your Greco. I just pulled mine out of the closet – it still sounds great. I would like to know of its origin and history.

      Thanks!

      DLB

  6. Greco GR-9S Serial #2798
    Rick M

    I have a GR-9S. Anybody know what year it may be? It is in good condition, some light play marks. I’d say 7 out of 10 for condition. What is it worth? Anyone interested in buying it?

  7. Levin LS-18
    Anonymous

    Looks like the Levin guitar I inherited from my uncle needs about $200 worth of work. I have no idea its value or if it’s worth the cost of fixing it, but it seems like a pretty nice guitar. Can someone tell me a possible approximate value, please?

    Thanks!

  8. Greco acoustic guitar model gr-28?
    Anonymous

    I cannot find a model number gr-28 anywhere online bthe model number is GR-28 and the serial number is 38412. Tell me something about it?

    1. I have one
      Tom

      I bought my GR-627 (ser. # 21906) brand new from a pawn shop in early 1971, which makes it 1970 or earlier. I think the pawn shop had bought some of the inventory of a music store that had closed. I just got it out of the closet where it’d been for a decade and it still sounds great. The tailward side of the bridge was bending up (pulling toward the fretboard, but not yet separating from the sounding board) so I had to put a tailpiece on it. That doesn’t seem to have hurt its sound. And no, I didn’t tune it to the standard 6-string pitch — I’ve always tuned the 1st and 2nd strings to a D — so I don’t think the bridge warping was due to overstressing.

    2. Im interested to know if you
      Remy

      Im interested to know if you have found out anything about the Greco GR 627k. I have the opportunity to purchase one and was hoping for some background on it. How is the sound quality on yours?

  10. price and info on greco by goya
    Fred in Dallas,GA

    i have a Greco classical acoustic guitar,model 121k the label inside says designed service and adjusted by customs electronics Inc.the serial number is 25832,can anybody give me some info on this guitar and an approximate value its in good to excellent condition.thanks in advance

    1. Guitars
      Lucille

      The one I have is probably very similar to yours. Mine is a model gr120 and the serial number is 2910. What information do you have as to the value of this type of guitar?

  12. Levin 174 (no serial) worth ?
    Ronni B

    Got this levin, and trying to find out the value.. can’t find any serial anywhere.. (looked on the head)
    Any way to find value/more info about it ?

    Thanks

  13. GOYA GUITAR NEEDED
    Erin

    I am a propmaster for the production of sound of music and the director wants us to provide a Goya Guitar like in the movie, preferably a F-19 or anything that looks similar but must be goya! I am in Texas and could pay a rental fee, we wouldnt need it but a month. Please let me know it is very urgent!

  14. my guitar
    todd

    it says it is a greco model GR, serial no. 1794. in fair condition. i think its a gr620 but i have no clue… anyone able to help me figure out what its worth?

  15. 1958 Goya G-10 (Serial 376531)
    Jen

    Hi~
    My father received this gift around 1960 from a fellow teacher who nominated my dad to work with the kids doing school theater productions. He did that for a few years and then moved on to school administration. After my brother and I were born, he’d get it out once in a while and play folk songs for us. Otherwise, the Goya has been packed away in it’s case for all these years. I know he’s always wondered what the old thing is worth, and I’d love to find out for him. It’s in pretty darn good shape as it’s been used so little. Any ideas?
    Thanks much~
    Jen

  16. 1958 Goya G-10 (Serial 376531)
    Jen

    Hi~
    My father received this gift around 1960 from a fellow teacher who nominated my dad to work with the kids doing school theater productions. He did that for a few years and then moved on to school administration. After my brother and I were born, he’d get it out once in a while and play folk songs for us. Otherwise, the Goya has been packed away in it’s case for all these years. I know he’s always wondered what the old thing is worth, and I’d love to find out for him. It’s in pretty darn good shape as it’s been used so little. Any ideas?
    Thanks much~
    Jen

  19. Value of my Guitar
    Tom

    In the mid 60’s, I acquired a Greco model GR2 guitar, serial number 42541 which was made in Sweden. The instrument is in good to very good condition and the sound is great. I would like to know it approximate value is possible.

  20. Large Fingers
    Roger

    I have just started learning to play with a Fender DG-8S, and find that it is really hard for me to fret one string at a time. I would like to find a guitar with a larger neck and the strings further apart. From what I have read, the Goya Concert MOD G-10, Goya F-12 Folk, and the Greco GR-9 Concert may work for me. Not having seen any of these in person, I would like your opinion. Would one of these work, or is there another guitar you would recommend. Tks, Roger

    1. Goya F12
      Dave

      I have a Goya F12 In very good finish and nice straight neck ….Just a small fixable crack where the 2 halves of the back come together. I’m going to fix it and put a Zipper inlay to cover the repair. I’m 64 yo and I was around 20 yo when I bought this guitar and loaned to my brother … After 30 yrs of sitting under a bed I finally got it back. FYI …. a Goya F 12 has a 1 3/4″ neck ( next to the nut)which is about standard for a steel string guitar. A nylon string guitar is 2″ But, if you get one with a nice straight neck and find someone to set up the nut and saddle for easier playing, that may work for you. Nylon strings as a rule vibrate a lot more so the string height is kind of critical or they may buzz. I’ve not tried the “high tinsel” nylon strings yet but, they may give you a sharper sound with less chance of buzzing. I have an Alumbra classical guitar(made in Spain) and the factory rep in the USA told me that at the 11 th or 12 th fret the clearance from the top of the fret and bottom of the 6 th (Top) string is aprox. 3/16″ ( on a good steel string guitar 3/16″, 1/8″ to 3/32″ clearance is almost possible . The reason I said a classical guitar with a straight neck is because there is no truss rod to adjust the neck as on most steel string guitars. The F12 has no truss rod so a straight neck is important also (Straight under tension). I use light or medium light strings to put as least tension as possible on the bridge and neck. Hope this helps you.

  21. Goya M22 SN:215510 found at Goodwill!
    Ky

    Found a beautiful sunburst Goya M22 SN:215510 at a local Goodwill for a mere $50! It has a few fixable cracks in it, but I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to give me some more info on this beaut! Please and thank you.

    ~ Ky

  22. Greco GR-12 Made In Sweden
    HarryB

    Greco GR-12 Classical Guitar
    Model No. GR-12 Serial No. 45-513 are hand written in the blanks at the top of the label.

    The rest of the label reads:

    greco

    created exspressly for

    HERSHMAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CO. INC.

    BY GOYA GUITARS INC.

    and then there is a smaller foil label below that label that reads: Made In Sweden

    It has a spruce top, mahogany sides. I think and the back looks like curly maple (it has a nice burl to it). It has has a tobacco burst finish on the top and white binding top, back and sound hole. Pearloid tuners and fretboard inlays.
    3 piece neck, rosewood headstock with no brand printed on it.

    I haven’t been able to find info on this specific model, manufacture date etc. Anything you could add would be appreciated.

    Thanks!

    Harry

  24. G2 Goya Greco 1960's
    Shayne

    I was given a Goya Greco Guitar with the case when I was a child that I still own. I would like to know more about it but that is proving to be a problem. The label inside says it was made in NY
    the serial # G1661 Model# G2 it is an acoustical guitar. Can anyone provide any information or links?

  25. Goya Medalist Series
    Eve

    I am looking at a Goya Medalist Series, Model M-30 serial # 4526, they are asking $200 and it looks to be in great shape. Can you tell me anything about it, age, worth, would you buy it? Thank you

    1. Goya/ Martin Greco GR 624
      Anonymous

      The Guitar you have is rare and little known but to Country Western and Blues Rockabilly artists it is one of the Holy Grail Fetish Guitars. To the right buyer it is valuable but it will not be easy to find someone who knows much about them. Keep it in good shape and it will always bring a good price from the right person. Seek fetish and rare guitar forums.

  27. Goya GR-9 S#44-42 677 Sweden
    Sparky

    I bought this guitar in 1984 from a pawn shop. It’s still sounds great today.
    Can you tell me the manufacture year of this guitar?

  28. Goya M/22 Acoustic, Serial #382861
    Kristin

    Could anyone shed some light on the year that this was made and a possible estimate of it’s value? I got it at a deal and it is still in pretty good shape with minor wear and tear and a couple cracks. I was hoping to get it fixed as it still sounds wonderful to have been made in the 50’s/60’s (I believe?) Thanks, for any information would be helpful!

    1. M-22 SN_382861
      Wouter

      Hi Kristin,

      Your Goya M-22 guitar was made in 1958, by A.B. Herman Carlson Levin in Göteborg, Sweden.
      Because the Goya M-22 guitar has only been made for a short period, these guitars are rare.
      When they are in a good condition the value will increase in the coming years!

      Good luck,
      Wouter

  29. GOYA GRECO GUITAR 6 STRING CLASSIC MODEL C19 SERIAL #8299
    Anonymous

    This was purchased in 1968…Excellant condition….Was wondering if anyone knew how much this would be worth???

  30. Levin Guitars
    Ray

    Levin guitars are not ‘Japanese copies’ They were made in Sweden I seem to remember.
    I bought a ‘Jumbo’ nearly fifty (ouch!) years ago and it served me well.
    It wasn’t cheap, but they say that ‘quality lingers after the price is forgotten’
    Certainly true in my case.

    1. Goya G-10 made in Sweden
      Wouter

      Hi,

      Your guitar was made end 1964, but not in Switzerland but in Sweden !
      It’ll have the 5 digit Zip code 10010 on the label.
      The value of the guitar isn’t too high as this was the low end of the range.

      Wouter

  32. How old is my Goya?
    Anonymous

    I have a Goya Acoustic
    Model # M-24 Serial # 20c121
    It is in awesome shape just has a little wear on the front of body under the pick guard. everything else is in excellent condition.
    just wondering the age and value.

    1. Goya M-24
      Wouter

      Your guitar is made in spring 1962. so half a century old !
      Serial Number is indeed 20C121, the C was used because the 6 was missing at the time of applying the label.
      The value might be a couple of hundred dollars, if the wear on the front isn’t too heavy.
      Enjoy !

      Wouter

  33. Goya s-18
    M.D.

    I have a GOYA s-18…serial number 159019
    Can you tell me the year?
    Has the LEVIN truss cover emblem
    dots on fretboard
    goya headstock
    no serial number on headstock…
    another matching serial number on inside “side” of the guitar
    Also any idea of value?
    I love the sound but may sell if it is worth $$!

    1. Goya S-18
      Wouter

      Hi M.D.,

      On the label you’ll read ‘GOYA GUITARS INC., 10 N.Y.’.
      This indicates that the guitar is made before the 5-digit ZIP-code was introduced.
      There is no Serial Number List available, but I estimate that your guitar was made end 1960.
      The value of the guitar depends a lot on its condition, so I cannot advice you on that.
      But if you love the sound, my advice is not to sell it !
      Wouter

  34. Possible F-27 but wrong bridge and NO MODEL NUMBER
    doctorzee

    I have acquired a Goya Guitar that does not seem to appear in any of the catalogs (on vintage-guitars.se or on goyaguitars.tripod.com sites).
    I have put some photos on my website. Access http://www.tdziebarth.com and select “Goya Guitar” to get to my Picasa Album. You can blow up any of the photos you need to.

    My dimensions MATCH a Goliath size guitar: Overall 39 1/4 high, body 20″ high, upper bout 11 3/4″, lower bout 15 7/8″, depth 4 1/2″.
    It appears to have a flame maple back and sides (by wood grain) and is a rich red-brown mahogany color.
    Looking inside, it does have 6 holes under the bridge in about the right position/size/shape to have been bridge pin holes.

    The odd things seem to be:
    1. There is NO MODEL NUMBER printed on the label inside! The serial# is 190415. This serial number is also stamped on the inside of the side.
    2. It has pick guards on the face, but a nylon-string type bridge. It has nylon strings.
    3. It has a rosewood bridge with two bone/ivory strips through it much like the ones used on later models with steel strings
    4. It’s label has the pre-zip configuration stating Goya Guitars Inc., New York 10, New York implying 1964 or earlier
    5. Much of it is like perhaps a 1964 F-27, but the bridge is wrong.
    6. The Goya catalog for F-27 says it should have “non-adjustable T-shaped duraluminum truss rod”. I see no evidence of this (if it should be visible) on either the headstock, nor inside the body.

    I have been unable to find an exact match for all the parts in any of the photos on these two websites.

    Might it be some “trial” configuration, or is it a classical F-27 with it’s bridge replaced?
    The F-27 catalog description says it has “fan bracing” – if you can tell me what this is I will look for it.

    Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

    1. possible F-27
      Wouter

      Hi,

      An Goya F-27 with Serial Number 190412 has been offered in the past thru Ebay. That’s close to your Serial Number of 190415 !
      All features are in line with a F-27 Goya Guitar, except the bridge.
      So please look at the inside of the guitar.
      If the inside of the guitar, below the bridge, still shows the six holes for the steel string pegs, then this bridge must be a later addition.
      If not, then the guitar must have been built like this – but that’s not very likely in my opinion.
      Good luck!
      And let us know.
      Wouter

  35. Goya Medalist Series M-30
    NYoung

    Hi, is there any info out there about these guitars? I’m guessing they were made post Goya being owned by Martin? It seems like everyone ignores posts about this range so I’m guessing that’s because they’re not rated very well?

    Looks to me like they sport a laminated top…

    Any kind of info on these guitars would be much appreciated.

    I wonder if ‘George’ from the Vintage Goya Guitar site ever reads this…
    http://goyaguitars.tripod.com/goya_gallery.htm

    Thanks!

  36. Greco model GR 125
    armySGTkellz

    I recently inherited an acoustic guitar from my grandfather after his passing. It is labeled Greco model GR 125 serial #39573 designed and serviced by Kustom Electronics, Inc. Does any one have any info on it? I am a pianist/violinist but am now learning the guitar and would love to know more about this model. Any and all info is much appreciated guys! Thanks a mil 🙂

  38. Greco 12-string model no. 627k Kustom Electronics
    Lindsey Fairbrother

    Hello, can anyone give me any information on this guitar? It is an acoustic, not electric. Serial No. 26301. Designed, service and adjusted by Kustom Electronics, Inc.

    At the moment I am trying to figure out how to re-laminate the area around the bridge where someone removed the old bridge and some of the laminate or whatever that shiny paint is also came off. Before I put on the new bridge that area needs to be repainted. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    1. Interested if anyone has
      Anonymous

      Interested if anyone has learned anything of this Greco 12-string 627k guitar. I have the opportunity to purchase one but wanted to know a little more about it. any help would be appreciated!

    2. greco 12 string 627K
      deb

      hi Lindsey,
      unfortunatley i am unable to help u out with ur questions but am hoping u might be able to help me.My dad had this same model guitar when i was a kid and i have carted it with me as deco now.But i am looking at maybe doing it up?if that is possible?any ideas on parts for this particular guitar or anything u can tell me bout it too would be appreciated.Hope to hear from you. Deb

  39. What's the value of a Greco Classical Model 123
    Richard

    I have a Greco Classical guitar model 123 with serial # 16985 that is in pretty good shape. Needs one new tuneing peg. What would be the approximate value of this guitar? Thank You!

  40. Goya M-200
    mike livingston

    I just bought a Goya Medalist series guitar. Model M-200, serial number 3932. Black with orange edging and fret markers. Made in korea. Split bridge. Not a repaint, this is a factory color. Does anyone have an idea on this guitar. There is nothing on the internet

  42. levin gitar 320 m/2 blonde 1965/ 75
    pere arguimabau

    My name in Peter and I am very interest to find and buy a levin guitar 320 m/2 1965/75 blonde, or levin guitar 315, 316, blonde too. Thanks

  43. Greco Guitar?
    Dustin

    I recently found a Greco model GR2 serial number 01044 made in Yugoslavia. I was wondering if you could tell me a little about it

    Thanks
    Dustin

    1. I have found one too. The
      Anonymous

      I have found one too. The serial number is scratched off. I have no idea when it was made. I looked at all the catalogues and found nothing. It’s in pretty bad shape (no intonation). Mine was made in Yugoslavia. That’s about all I could find on it.

  44. Goya g220 serial number: G7292 - how old?
    Sue

    I have just bought a Goya (Martin) G220 with the serial number G7292. Does anyone know what year this instrument was made and also what it’s approximate value would be today. It is in excellent condition – looks like it was hardly played. Thanks.

    2. Re: goya t 23
      Rich

      : looking for a goya t23. any information would be appreciated
      I’ve got one in fair condition in San Diego, willing to discuss or part with it (just got a Goya/CF Martin g300N yesterday. I’m the original T23 owner, bought it new 1966 when I was a lad of 15 playing in a bluegrass group! If you’re interested in owning this classic write me at guitar<at>firstqualityinc<dot>com -Rich

  46. greco 1968 es 335 with bigsby
    bach

    anyone know what model this is? its just your average es 335 copy but the old 60s one with a bolt on neck and bigsby trem.same humbuckers on 60s ibanez models,

  47. greco 1968 es 335 with bigsby
    bach

    anyone know what model this is? its just your average es 335 copy but the old 60s one with a bolt on neck and bigsby trem.same humbuckers on 60s ibanez models,

  48. Levin W12-36
    malcs

    Looking at buying this 12 string Levin, serial number: W12-36.

    The asking price is $500 NZ (about 350 US at a guess).

    It looks in good nick. Any thoughts? Is this a good price for this guitar?

    1. Re: goya acoustic
      Magnus H

      Chris,

      G-140, or GG-140, was a 3/4 size nylon-string guitar which was designed at Levin in co-operation with a well-known luthier in Sweden in the 50:s and 60:s, Georg Bolin.
      It was meant as an up-class "student-guitar" for young people starting to play. It is solide woods, alp spruce top over mahogany body. It is a nice little guitar.

      /Magnus

  50. Lenin LG 17, good condition, how much will it be
    Tom

    I found a Levin LG 17, 1979, but don’t know the serial No., in good condition. I just want to know the price for this.

    Thanks!

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