Originally posted by ClassicCelt I've recently started collecting guitars and picked up this Strat copy called a Cimar. I know that it's made by Ibanez and am familiar with Ibanez serialization. This thing does not have a serial number on it which makes me wonder if it's pre-1975 or if Ibanez simply didn't bother to serialize these. Does anybody know anything about this? Cimar was an Ibanez company that manufactured guitars during the 1970s. These guitars were made in Japan. They used the same manufacturing facilities as Ibanez but their guitars had a different shapeed, headstock and used the name 'Cimar,' or 'Cimar by Ibanez,' on the head.
These guitars were made in Japan. They used the same manufacturing facilities as Ibanez but their guitars had a different shapeed, headstock and used the name 'Cimar,' or 'Cimar by Ibanez,' on the head. Liike Ibanez at the time, the majority, if not all Cimar products, were copies of American guitars, primarily Gibson and Fender instruments. '1984 to 1996 example serial number F232104 F=Fujigen 2=1992 as an example 3=March production So 1=Jan 12=Dec 2104 guitar built for that month 2104th made 1975 to 1983 Example serial number C800358 C=March So A=Jan M=Dec 80 = 1980 year of build 0358= 358th guitar built for that month. 'These years should be 1987 to 1996 and 1975 to 1986.
![Cimar Guitar Serial Number Cimar Guitar Serial Number](http://www.wutzdog-guitars.de/uploads/pics/1974_Cimar_ES-175_Front_01.jpg)
Liike Ibanez at the time, the majority, if not all Cimar products, were copies of American guitars, primarily Gibson and Fender instruments. Cimar, and also 'Axestar' guitars, were a marketing device.
![Gibson guitar serial number Gibson guitar serial number](http://www.chucke.com/images/fretboards.jpg)
They enabled retailers to buy 'Ibanez' product without becoming full-fledged Ibanez dealers. They were sold through wholesalers with no franchise requirements.
The factory that built Ibanez guitars (Cimar and Axestar), also built many other brands. Westone, Roland synth guitars and the original Fender Japanese product all came from tne same factory. Originally posted by ClassicCelt I've recently started collecting guitars and picked up this Strat copy called a Cimar. I know that it's made by Ibanez and am familiar with Ibanez serialization. This thing does not have a serial number on it which makes me wonder if it's pre-1975 or if Ibanez simply didn't bother to serialize these.
Does anybody know anything about this? How does it play?
I've seen a few knocking around ebay, I'm kind of tempted to pick one up. What's the neck like? Does it look anything like my Satellite Strat copy?