Description

Meow! Late 70s Cat’s Eyes CE-500 with a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides. Has a low saddle and priced accordingly at $349! Final sale.

The Cat’s Eyes CE-500 is a vintage acoustic guitar produced by Tokai Gakki in Japan. Part of the Cat’s Eyes series, which was designed as high-quality replicas of Martin guitars, the CE-500 offers an affordable alternative while maintaining excellent craftsmanship and tone. Known for its solid wood construction and Martin-inspired design, the CE-500 is a mid-range model that delivers a rich, resonant sound with a vintage aesthetic. It is highly regarded among players and collectors who value Japanese-made acoustic guitars from the 1970s and 1980s.

Key Features

  • Solid spruce top for warm, rich tones with great projection
  • Rosewood back and sides, providing depth, resonance, and clarity
  • Mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Dreadnought body shape, offering balanced tone and strong projection
  • Classic vintage design with simple rosette and traditional binding
  • 20-fret neck, giving extended range and versatility
  • Vintage-style tuners, ensuring stable and accurate tuning

Sound Profile
The Cat’s Eyes CE-500 is known for its warm, balanced tone thanks to its solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides. The cedar top provides a quick response and is ideal for fingerpicking, offering clear mids and lows. The rosewood back and sides add depth and sustain, making this guitar versatile for both strumming and fingerstyleplaying. The dreadnought body enhances projection, making it well-suited for folk, country, blues, and acoustic rock.

Applications
The Cat’s Eyes CE-500 is ideal for songwriters, fingerstyle players, and acoustic performers looking for a rich, warm tone with the classic feel of a vintage-style guitar. It’s perfect for solo performances, acoustic jams, or studio recordings. Whether used for fingerpicking or strumming, the guitar’s tonal qualities and projection make it a versatile choice for a wide range of acoustic genres.

Build Quality and Aesthetic
Built by Tokai Gakki, the CE-500 features solid craftsmanship with attention to detail that reflects the Martin-inspired design. The spruce top and rosewood back and sides ensure durability and tonal richness, while the mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard provide comfort and easy playability. Its vintage aesthetic is understated yet elegant, with a natural gloss finish and vintage-style tuners that enhance its traditional look. The overall build quality is exceptional for its price point, making it a great investment for players looking for a vintage-style guitar.

Country of Manufacture
Japan

Collectibility and Market Value
The Cat’s Eyes CE-500 is a well-regarded vintage guitar, especially among collectors who appreciate Japanese craftsmanship from the 1970s and 1980s. Its Martin-inspired design and solid wood construction make it highly sought after in the second-hand market. While it may not be as rare or collectible as higher-end models, the CE-500 holds good market value due to its high build quality and rich tone, making it a great option for players and collectors alike. Its connection to Tokai Gakki further solidifies its place as a valuable instrument in the vintage guitar market.