Oliviero Pigini, fondatore della EKO.
In Castelfidardo, the birthplace of the accordion, Oliviero Pigini established "Giemmei Guitars" to import and distribute musical instruments and accessories. The catalog featured high-quality guitars such as Hofner, Roger, and Klira, Lefima drums (East Germany), Couesnon wind instruments (France), SUPRO amplifiers (USA), strings, straps, and cases. The lower-end guitars were sourced from Yugoslavia but presented significant quality issues, prompting Pigini to set up a small facility for inspecting and correcting products before market release. Despite repeated attempts to persuade Yugoslavian manufacturers to improve, efforts proved futile. By 1959, sensing the sector's growth potential, Pigini decided to start his own production line.
1960
Oliviero Pigini, along with partners Giovanni Vignoni and Augusto Pierdominici, founded EKO S.a.s. They rented an old convent in Recanati, located on Via Castelfidardo in the Mercato district next to the Church of San Francesco. With Sicilian experts Santo and Francesco Paladino, they launched the first small series of EKO guitars, marked with the letter P (P1, P2, P8, P10, P12).
1961
EKO guitars achieved the necessary quality to compete with imported models and began dominating the market. Wenzel Rossmails, owner of Roger, sought exclusive rights to distribute the Italian brand in Germany, as did Couesnon for France.
1962
Production of solid-body electric guitars began, featuring bolt-on necks inspired by Fender and celluloid-covered bodies (models 500, 600, 700). These guitars defined the Italian style in the industry. To reduce the high customs costs of American amplifiers, EKO started importing only the chassis from Supro, while Fulimeni, Baldoni, and Tanoni were tasked with cabinet production and assembly. These individuals later founded FBT.
1963
In collaboration with Franco Bacchiocchi from Salerno and Nicola Di Matteo from Naples, EKO launched the production of jazz drum sets under the brand NEWPORT. With master luthier Branko Klasic from Ljubljana, EKO began crafting semi-acoustic guitars, debuting models 100, 180, and 280 (electric with two pickups), followed by the 360 Florentine, 960 Florentine Bass, and 995 Violin Bass, featuring distinctive scroll-like headstocks reminiscent of string instruments. During Klasic's tenure, EKO also produced small series of mandolins, banjos, violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.
EKO developed machinery for manufacturing guitar and electric bass strings, as well as equipment for multi-block guitar sides and expanded polystyrene packaging, pioneering advancements in the field. As a result, EKO co-owned the company Soc. PRE. VIL.CA.
EKO acquired a new factory in Recanati at Via Ceccaroni 1, relocating all production there, which enabled exponential growth. The company also purchased a hotel in Fano (EKO Hotel) to accommodate the increasing number of international clients. Production soared to 5,000–6,000 instruments per month, exported to over 60 countries worldwide. The range included Vox models designed by Tom Jennings, which allowed EKO to compete in English-speaking markets alongside Fender, Gibson, Martin, and others.
Ekosonic keyboards were manufactured by Egidio Galanti of Mondaino, father of Matteo and Marcello Galanti, who would later establish GEM and Viscount, respectively. The "Band" phenomenon exploded, and groups like The Rokes arrived in Italy. EKO created "arrow" guitars for them and sponsored the most famous bands. EKO instruments and Vox amplifiers became staples of major music events, such as Cantagiro. Additionally, EKO launched EKO Club, a monthly magazine covering all things music in Italy.
In the new factory, EKO introduced conveyor belts and air-powered tools. With the addition of Remo Serrangeli, a technician from Alfa Romeo, the company scaled up to produce 600 guitars daily—150 semi-acoustic and 120 solid-body guitars—achieving an annual output of 130,000 units. This made EKO the largest guitar factory in Europe and one of the largest globally.
To meet the surging demand, Pigini, Pierdominici, and Serrangeli implemented a production innovation: switching from traditional dovetail neck joints to the "dovetail" system for attaching necks to bodies. The U.S. market demanded vast quantities, including 12-string acoustic guitars inspired by Martin's dreadnought design. EKO introduced the Jumbo series, with necks secured by four screws and a metal plate: the J54 (6-string) and J56 (12-string), later renamed Ranger 6 and Ranger 12.
EKO incorporated the "Gemelli-Cingolani" company and began producing pickups for both Vox and EKO guitars, sharing identical components but with different casings, reflecting their broader instrument strategy.
The Ekomaster Standard/Deluxe was produced from 1958 to 1962. Featuring a body and neck covered in celluloid and a fretboard made of plexiglass, these instruments achieved significant success both in Italy and abroad.
EKO 1150 - Solid body e Violin Bass - 1962/1964
Ekomaster - La Standard/Deluxe 1962.
Ekomaster 400 | Eko 640 – 1962
The Eko factory in 1965. The purchase of maple wood for the production of electric guitars had begun. The wood was stored under the shelters seen at the top of the photo.
1966
Everything was running at full speed when, on a cursed Sunday afternoon, likely due to a short circuit, a fire broke out in the painting department and completely devastated the factory inaugurated just two years earlier. Only the office building, the mechanical workshop, and the wood seasoning sheds were spared, but by the very next day, plans for reconstruction and restarting production were decided. After just two months, EKO was back, stronger and more determined than ever. Inspired by the Vox amplifiers it had in-house and distributed, EKO launched its own line of amplifiers (Prince, Duke, Super Duke, and Viscount) and worked on the design of the Vox Continental organ. This led to the development of a range of portable and cabinet-style electronic organs, which later became a cornerstone of the company. In Italy, there were no schools or teachers for guitar instruction, so EKO organized a Teacher Training Course led by Maestro Abner Rossi. Guitar schools were opened in all regions, and the first competitions for young guitarists were launched, including the EKO National Guitar Festival. EKO founded EME (European Musical Electronics), a joint venture with Vox and Thomas, and built a new factory in Montecassiano to produce organs, amplifiers, and accessories. EKO began producing the famous Vox guitars with active circuits (also featured on some flagship EKO models). Additionally, a new commercial organization, Comusik, was established in Rome to distribute EME products in Italy and import major brands, including Marshall amplifiers.
1967
EKO was thriving, innovating daily. The company introduced advanced automation for guitar production, including a revolutionary electrostatic painting system (the first in the world), new electronic organs, and various accessories. On February 10, however, tragedy struck: Oliviero Pigini passed away, leaving an indelible mark on the industry in Italy and worldwide. The presidency passed to Augusto Pierdominici, and the company was transformed into a joint-stock company (S.p.A). An idea from Oliviero’s brother, Father Lamberto, led to the creation of the Tiger organ. Designed as a portable organ with built-in speakers for small churches, it became a market leader and solidified EKO's position as a top electronics manufacturer.
1968
Production of Vox guitars with active circuits, designed in the U.S., was in full swing. However, the market was not yet ready for this innovation, resulting in a partial commercial failure. Nonetheless, the experience significantly improved the quality of EKO's guitar department. The production of celluloid-covered solid-body guitars was discontinued, and increasingly sophisticated painting techniques were developed. EKO installed Europe's first electrostatic painting system and pressurized booths. The mechanical workshop continuously created new, custom-designed machinery and equipment, enabling highly automated production processes, which improved quality and reduced costs. In response to a request from Palazzi Editore for a complete guitar priced at 3,300 lire for a subscription campaign, EKO produced the Studio L guitar. The initial production of 3,500 units quickly became a bestseller. With the collaboration of a passionate luthier, Guerriero Spataffi from Gubbio, EKO introduced a new line of traditional classical guitars. These featured solid wood construction and dovetail neck joints, making them suitable for Music Conservatories for the first time.
1969
As part of a global reorganization of the company, Comusik was closed, and its inventory and documents were moved back to Recanati. The reorganization of a new Italian Sales Office was entrusted to a young man recently returned from military service, Ettore Guzzini, who, under the general direction of lawyer Armando Paolucci, was tasked with rebuilding a network of agents, both with and without warehouses, and fostering direct relationships with customers and musicians, which would prove decisive in the years to come. This year marked the restart of the Vox by EKO production line. The Tiger series of electronic organs was thriving, the range of cabinet-style organs and guitar and bass amplifiers expanded, the new classical guitars gained market share, and the western and folk guitars were in full swing. Additionally, the trade sector, led by Marshall amplifiers, was performing exceptionally well. In the electric guitar segment, the Gibson Les Paul, SG, and Fender Stratocaster were dominating; thus, their copies were introduced by EKO under the names Kiwi, Indy, Sebring, and Daytona. The success of the "new" EKO was confirmed at the Frankfurt Trade Fair, where, thanks to the renewed wide range of guitars, organs, and amplifiers, and the addition of a new distributor for the German market, Voss of Dortmund, the stand was overwhelmed with customers from around the world, including Italy, and orders poured in.
1970
The year of consecration. The entire production line was successful. The electronics sector surpassed guitars in revenue, but the Ranger 12, thanks largely to the new distributor Rose, Morris & Co., became the best-selling 12-string guitar in the world. In response to the German market, the first cutaway acoustic guitar, the El Gaucho, inspired by Django Reinhardt’s Maccaferri, was introduced. A small organ, the Minstrell, was increasingly requested by toy retailers, following the huge success of Bontempi in this sector, leading to the decision to enter the toy market with a complete collection presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair.
1971
The Micky and Tivoli organs, which were well-received by German department stores with orders of 20,000 units at a time, were produced at the Via Ceccaroni facility. However, for the small guitars, named Hawai, Gringo, and Rocky (an electric guitar with an amplifier), all featuring vibrant colors and attractive packaging, a new, highly automated factory was opened, producing 250 units per day. The French market requested a fully acoustic jazz guitar for the high-end segment, leading to the creation of the Etoile, a must-have. The series of Banjos and Mandolins was completed, and new instruments were developed for specific markets, such as the Ukulele and the Bouzouki for Greece. To address the high-end guitar market, two 4 cubic meter autoclaves were purchased, enabling the processing of wood with an internal humidity reduced to 8%.
1972
Production reached 12,000 guitars per month, including 5,000 models for schools and beginners. Additionally, an extra-budget order of 8,000 Studio guitars came from Germany. Production lines were fully saturated, requiring overtime. However, warnings of the invasion from Japan and Korea began to emerge, especially from the U.S. markets. Dryers were installed, ensuring the impeccable quality of EKO guitar necks even after decades, and the bodies became increasingly resonant. Fortunately, thanks to the reorganization of the commercial structure, the domestic market grew significantly. With an extensive offering enriched by an ever-expanding catalog of imported products, EKO achieved remarkable market share. The electronic music market exploded, and the EKO Tiger became a best-seller across many European markets. Under the care of Paolo Bugiolacchi, Musical News, a new house organ, was launched and distributed free of charge to all industry operators.
1973
Competition from the Far East in the guitar market intensified. Japanese production dominated the high-end segment, and Koreans, guided by Japanese technicians, became increasingly competitive. EKO shifted its accessory purchases to Korea and began importing and distributing Suzuki guitars from the region. Classical guitars lost competitiveness and were redesigned, leading to the new series: Spanish 551, 552, 652, 654, and Flamenco, which complemented the Conservatorio models inspired by Oliviero Pigini and the Rita model by Spataffi. Built with the Sloan "Torres" system, they were an immediate success. Their balance of precision, sound, and price made them highly competitive. Among the Western & Folk guitars, the Ranger 12 remained the best-selling 12-string guitar in the world, while glued-neck models such as the Rio Bravo and El Dorado gained popularity. The catalog was enriched with an interesting range of guitars produced in São Paulo (Brazil) by Giannini and a new brand, Marling, produced internally at the Recanati facility to meet the demands of the Music Pool and distributors outside EKO's exclusive network. Alongside the continued distribution of Marshall amplifiers, EKO began distributing Korean upright and baby grand pianos produced by Samick under the Horugel brand. In Ancona, the 8th National Guitar Festival was organized, with the collaboration of Maestro Boccosi (Bèrben Editions), who had co-organized the first festival with Oliviero Pigini in Castellamare di Stabia. Students, schools, and teachers from all over Italy attended, making it a resounding success.
1974
Everything is going wonderfully. The workshops focus on research, leading to the creation of innovative instruments. Among them is the ComputerRhythm, the only machine in the world for creating rhythms using punched cards. A new line of amplifiers, Herald, inspired by Marshall, is introduced, along with new effect pedals and guitar pickups inspired by the popular DiMarzio models. Following a suggestion by engineer Fausto Ciurlo, a renowned guitar scholar, a collaboration with the Superior School of Luthiery in Cremona begins. With their consultation, a unique laboratory is established, featuring an anechoic chamber and expensive equipment from Bruel & Kjaer. This setup enables the selection of materials for professional instruments and the measurement of acoustic performance for both semi-finished and finished products.
The first concert guitar, the Alborada, is introduced, along with the Co 3000, a more affordable model, which finally opens the doors of Conservatories. Endorsements arrive from prominent educators, who also join the juries at the annual Guitar Festivals, adding prestige to the event. The portable Tiger organ breaks all market records, and the 20,000th unit is celebrated.
In a new pavilion next to the warehouse for imported products, a company cafeteria is established, and by year’s end, a production bonus for all employees is announced, along with a one-time payment.
1975
In a tragic road accident, Giovanni Vignoni, vice president and co-founder of EKO, loses his life. John Huber, a luthier, designer, and European area manager for Martin, visits the company, interested in importing “Martin-level guitars produced in Europe.” After touring the factory, inspecting the materials, and verifying the degree of wood drying, he declares that EKO is, at that time, the most technologically advanced factory in the world with enormous potential.
Under his guidance, a six-string acoustic guitar is developed, with the first 400 units pre-ordered. It is named John Huber, but it eventually evolves into the Korral Special, which later gives rise to the Chetro. A new mandolin with an ABS shell and an innovative instrument, the Acoustic Bass, are also introduced, both of which achieve great success.
In electronics, increasingly large and sophisticated organs are developed for orchestras, churches, and homes, along with keyboards, electronic pianos, and more professional synthesizers. Among these are the Stardust and Coliseum.
1976
Experimentation is increasingly advanced. Revenue is at an all-time high, and the electronics sector is becoming more dominant, while the guitar division begins to decline due to growing global competition from the Far East, particularly China. Although Chinese products are of low quality, their appealing aesthetics and unbeatable prices present a significant challenge. EKO has no choice but to focus on the higher-end market segments.
With significant reserves of high-quality materials, sophisticated equipment, and highly skilled labor, EKO makes a decisive leap in quality in its three leading professional sectors: classical, acoustic, and electric guitars. The Giuliani and Carulli models derive from the Alborada, while the Korral Special steel-string acoustic guitar inspires the cutaway Chetro. A new journey in electric guitars begins with the M24.
A new guitar amplifier is introduced, crafted from solid spruce, with specialized channels for electric and acoustic guitars: the SC800. Collaborations with prominent musicians intensify; these artists passionately contribute to fine-tuning the production instruments, assist in designing new ones, and proudly perform on stages worldwide with EKO instruments. EKO guitars appear on album covers, in television broadcasts, and on film sets.
A Guitar Teachers’ Advanced Training Course is organized. However, news arrives from the NAMM-Music Show in Chicago that the U.S. market, flooded with products from Southeast Asia, is rejecting Italian-made instruments.
1977
Ten years have passed since the death of its founder, and EKO, having achieved its original goal of making the guitar accessible to everyone, has also succeeded in gaining acceptance among professionals. The decline in revenue from the U.S. market is offset by the acquisition of new market shares in Europe, particularly in Italy and the United Kingdom for guitars, and in Germany for electronic organs.
With the Korral Special and the M24, which utilize monoblock construction techniques, EKO begins intensive experimentation with materials and accessories. Ivory is used for the nuts and bridges of classical guitars, and solid brass for electric guitars. Japanese tuners are installed, and in collaboration with the Permanent Magnet Center, a new humbucking pickup is developed, inspired by the PAF and Super Distortion pickups by DiMarzio, but much more powerful and precise.
1978
EKO finally makes its way onto the stages of the most famous musicians and into classical music concerts, receiving recommendations for purchase from teachers. From the suggestions and numerous visits to the factory by both well-known and lesser-known guitarists and bassists of the time, increasingly precise, ergonomic, functional, and visually appealing instruments are developed.
By maintaining deliberately high benchmarks, utilizing abundant high-quality materials, and relying on an increasingly refined workforce, EKO produces true masterpieces. Guitar competitions continue to be organized, with participation from schools and students growing significantly. From friendships with Franco Cerri and Mario Gangi, and a prestigious partnership with Fabbri Editori, the Guitar Course in booklet format is created, achieving extraordinary success. The course is purchased weekly at newsstands and includes a coupon to order a student guitar by mail.
1979
To make instruments more affordable, the M 20 is derived from the M 24, which had gained prominence as the opening theme of Rai 1's "DOMENICA IN" show hosted by Pippo Baudo for an entire season.
Based on suggestions from Franco Mussida (PFM), the double-neck DM 18, DM 16, and DM 10 guitars are created, regarded by many as some of the finest available. Designed by Patrick Djivas (bassist of PFM - Premiata Forneria Marconi), the MB 21 bass is introduced.
During the Frankfurt Trade Fair, American guitarist Larry D’Agostino visits the stand. After extensive testing and a tour of the factory, he concludes that the EKO brand had been mispositioned by the previous distributor. He orders M 24 guitars bearing his name for import to the U.S., which proves successful, leading some Italian guitarists to travel to the U.S. to purchase M 24 D’Agostino guitars.
1980
New products for professionals lead to the experimentation of advanced finishing techniques. Concert and acoustic classical guitars are handcrafted using the ancient French polish technique with shellac and alcohol. For solid-body guitars, finishes range from open pore to glossy direct with varying degrees of satin finish.
This results in the C 33, C 44, CX 7, and BX 7. Experiences from the professional lines bring significant improvements to beginner and amateur instruments, which start featuring Val di Fiemme spruce bodies. Best-sellers like the Cobra evolve into the C 01, C 02, and B 02; the Kiwi becomes the C 22; the Indy transforms into the C 11; and the semi-hollow Barracuda, adopting a central block to enhance the sustain of the powerful humbucking pickup, becomes the C 29.
From the long-scale MB 21 bass comes an affordable but extraordinary B 55. The entire series can be optionally equipped, for an additional cost, with DiMarzio pickups ("S" models: C22S, C29S, etc.).
At the Frankfurt Trade Fair, an agreement is finalized with Gérard Garnier for a customized collection of exceptional quality for the German market, branded as Camac.
1981
On the suggestion of a guitarist friend passing through Recanati, the M 33 Short Gun is born. And it will be a success. As is the mini-amplifier POLYPHEMUS, inspired by the SC800, but truly "pocket-sized." EKO has finally become popular among professionals, who all show an extraordinary willingness to collaborate. Their visits to the factory are becoming more frequent, and when they aren't coming, Guzzini and Serrangeli make the effort to visit them where they perform.
True collaborations emerge, and instruments with unique shapes are produced, just as in the '60s with the Rokes and the Kings. Now it's the turn of the Cugini di Campagna with their "mirror" guitars, the Fratelli Balestra with crossbow-shaped guitars, Loredana Berté, who, in a visit with Mario Lavezzi, requests a Short Gun in the shape of a dragon for a television special, and Rino Gaetano, who asks for a 12-string M 24 for a performance... Ettore De Carolis and Francis Kuipers have guitars customized with their names written on the soundboard. But everyone, like PFM for the tour with Fabrizio De André or Ivan Graziani, Rino Gaetano, Edoardo Bennato, etc., asks for instruments to use for a television appearance or a show. In fact, they ask which instrument EKO would prefer they perform with!
Ivan Graziani with the EKO Korral 12-string
Franco Mussida with the EKO M24 double neck
Pino Daniele with EKO Custom
Ron with the Ranger 12 alongside Lucio Dalla
Mick Jagger with EKO Ranger 12
Roger Daltrey
Johnny Winter with a Eko Ranger 12
1982
Everything is running smoothly, but dark clouds begin to loom on the horizon. The market shows signs of a slowdown, particularly in the consumption of guitars and amplifiers. Electronics also start to stagnate due to a technological leap forward from the Far East, which suddenly renders European products obsolete.
1985
EKO closes its doors. However, EKO guitars have remained immortalized in the annals of the most famous magazines as a trend that defined an era, giving prominence to 'Made in Italy'. Many claim that an EKO Ranger, compared to more expensive guitars, is the best possible deal in the vintage market, offering 90% of the sound for less than 20% of the price.
In the photo, from left to right: Stelvio Lorenzetti, Lamberto Pigini, Giuseppe Casali, and Umberto Tonnarelli.
1987
After a couple of years, the brand was reacquired by Oliviero’s brother, Lamberto Pigini, who worked in publishing and printing. He decided to expand the shareholder structure of the new EKO by including a dynamic and ambitious young management team: Stelvio Lorenzetti, Umberto Tonnarelli, and Giuseppe Casali. Stelvio Lorenzetti, the new CEO of EKO, commercially consolidated the new company and initiated the first steps towards reviving the EKO brand by resuming guitar production.
2000
A product line called "Eko’s Back" is launched: the guitars, manufactured in the Czech Republic using modern production techniques, are reproductions of EKO's famous vintage models. It was Stelvio Lorenzetti who decided to strongly resume guitar production, promoted through nationally renowned guitarists to further drive the company's revival.
2005
EKO officially resumes the production and marketing of its acoustic and electric guitars, both on an industrial and artisanal level. After years of research and development, standardizing the products to reduce production costs, and exploring new international markets, the management focused on promoting the brand through ambassadors. The “project leading” was entrusted to internationally renowned musician and educator Massimo Varini, who conceived a new and original range of guitars.
Oliviero Pigini's creation of the EKO brand realized his dream. After 55 years, in 2014, EKO Guitars celebrated this milestone anniversary by producing a limited-edition guitar of 55 pieces named after Oliviero Pigini.
2019
In 2019, EKO Guitars continued to pursue Oliviero's dream by celebrating the 60th anniversary in the best possible way: resuming production in Italy.
The first instrument produced in Italy is a significant Acoustic Guitar named INFINITO, honoring Giacomo Leopardi (the famous poet from Recanati, home of EKO) during the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of his poetic masterpiece titled "INFINITO."
Oliviero’s dream was to create guitars accessible to everyone. EKO Guitars has worked to fulfill this vision by offering not only “Made in Italy” but also “Designed and Assembled in Italy” guitars. Among these is the RANGER FUTURA, which continues the tradition started in the late 1950s by EKO with its bolt-on neck design.
