Guitars
There were no significant model changes
in 1983, with the exception of the new FTB6 fine-tuning tailpiece, and
it's non-fine-tuning counterpart, which became standard issue.
The DC160 Stereo and DC160 Koa had the same catalog
photos (with the old Schaller tailpiece/bridge), and the same price as
1982. All other models, except the DN models, got new
photography to be standard with the dark background pictures that
debuted in 1982.
Click each picture for a larger
version.
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The DC160 was the same as
1982, and although there was a new tailpiece on all models, the old photo was
used, with a footnote that the tailpiece was actually different. The
price remained the same as 1982, at $685, or $715 for a left-handed model.
The HC10 hardshell case was $60.
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The DC200 Koa (left) got an updated photograph
to show off the new bridge, but otherwise, it was unchanged from 1982,
including the price.
The DC200 Koa came standard with chrome
hardware, MOP dot inlays, stereo wiring and the same electronics of
the DC160. Gold hardware was a $50 option, and abalone block
inlays were a $60 option. The base price of the DC200K was $460,
and the HC11 hardshell case was $60.
The DC160K (right)
was unchanged as well,
but also used the '82 photograph, despite the new tailpiece. The
DC160 Koa remained at $685, and the HC10 case was $60. |
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The DC200 was also unchanged,
except the bridge, but did get a new picture, showing a black and
white model. The base price of the DC200, in clear,
red, white or black, remained $495, and the HC11 hardshell case was $60.
Gold hardware was an additional $50, and MOP dot inlays
reduced the price by $40.
It was also available as the DC120
12-string guitar, which had a base price of $495.
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The DC100 (left) also sported a new
tailpiece, but without the fine-tuners of the DC200 (dubbed the B6
tailpiece). Base price of the DC100
increased to $329, and the HC10
hardshell case was $60.
The DC150 (right)
got updated photos for
1983, ending the pastel backgrounds that had been used for several
years. It still had 3 different model configurations - the DC150BE, which had a black finish and ebony
fingerboard, and sold for $435; the DC150 CM, which had a clear finish
and maple fingerboard and sold for $415; and the DC150CE, which had a
clear finish and ebony fingerboard, and sold for $435. Red or
white finishes were an additional $20, and gold hardware was available
for $50. A left-handed model was offered, at $30 additional to
the model desired, and natural koa was also offered for an additional
$40. The HC10 case was $60.
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Also unchanged from 1981 and 1982 were the CM130
(left) and CM140 (right). The only new feature was the
bridge/tailpiece (fine tuners on the CM140, but not on the
CM130). These Les Paul-style singlecuts
were essentially the same instrument, with the CM140 offering stereo
wiring and abalone block inlays, while the CM130 was mono with MOP dot
inlays. They had the same options, at the same prices, as the
DC150. Prices remained the same as 1982 - the CM130CE and CM130BE were $395, and the CM130CM was
$375. The CM140CE and CM140BE were $485 (a "CM" model
was not offered) and a left-handed version was $515. The HC10
case for any of these was $60. |
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The SH225, made by
Höfner for
Carvin, was unchanged for 1983. The photograph was the same, as
well - it had the new tailpiece in 1982. Standard features on this
semi-hollow electric were dual M22 pickups, dual volume and tone
controls, pickup selector switch, ebony fingerboard, abalone block
inlays and natural finish. Also offered was the SH225S, which
featured stereo wiring, and coil and phase switches. Gold
hardware was an addition $50, and a black laminated pickguard could be
added for $15. Base price on the SH225 was $620, and the SH225S
was $670. The HC18 form-fitted hardshell case was $79. |
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There was no change in the
photo, price or specs on the DN612 (6-string/12-string guitar) and
DN640 (6-string guitar and 4-string bass). Standard feature were
black or natural finish, MOP inlays and chrome hardware.
Electronics were the same as the LB50 (bass) and DC150 (guitar), with
the exception of 1 tone control versus two. Both had two output
jacks; one for each neck - therefore, stereo wiring wasn't
available. The base price on the DN612 was $895, while the DN640
was $865. It could also be ordered in red or white for an
additional $40, or in Koa wood for an additional $80. Gold
hardware was available for an additional $100. The HC15
hardshell case sold for $75.
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