Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. The Bronco was retired in the early 1980s, being replaced by a fresh new entry-level models, such as the Fender Bullet in 1982.īy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). In March 1968, there was just $15 in it $134.50 and $149.50 respectively (the price of a tremolo unit). When launched, the Bronco had the second lowest price in the entire Fender catalogue - the lowest was the Musicmaster. Other features are a 24 truss-rod reinforced slender neck, adjustable pickup, tone and volume controls and a bright red finish Fender has developed and included a new tremolo-individual bridge assembly that enables the musician to obtain new playing effects. The Bronco Guitar presents a handsome appearance and has many of the outstanding features found on the higher-priced models. The following description is taken from the November 1967 Fender Facts 15 leafletĭesigned for the beginning student to enter the rich world of music, the Fender Bronco Guitar and Amp Set will also introduce students to the sound and quality that is found in every Fender Instrument as he progresses.

Fender guitar identification