Antoria is a UK-based brand name used by British importers of guitars that are built by various Japanese manufacturers. Primarily made at the Fuji-Gen factory in Japan during the 1970s, these guitars were imitations of well-known and expensive guitars models available in the United States. These catered to a segment who could not afford expensive guitars. The Antorias range of guitars featured solid chassis on the electric guitars with slim maple necks on popular models including "Telecaster" "Les Paul" and "Jazz Bass". These were said to be good in performance compared to the US brands; however, this is a contentious issue.
The guitars were imported from the Fuji Gen Gakki factory into UK by companies – JT Coppock Leeds Ltd and CSL Charles Summerfield Ltd and re-branded with the Antoria name. The brand gained huge reputation by producing a very accurate imitation of Gibson acoustic and electric guitars.
Apart from making copies of the Gibson and Fender guitars, they also manufactured interesting variations on other well-known style of guitars. The quality of Japanese instruments produced during the 1970s was comparatively better compared to poor quality controls in USA at that time. These copies of original guitars have now become collectables among guitarists owing to their quality and affordability. Some of the popular Antoria guitars include Antoria classical guitar, Antoria bass guitar and Antoria Mandolin MGM155.
In short its an ibanez rebranded pickup for acoustic (flattop) guitars.
I would love to have one of my dad's guitars(he had two really gogeous jazzers and a martin acoustic guitar), but he traded them in to buy his first car when he got married, he never played since........ I do have some pictures left, kinda funny to see that old man playing.
