Memphis

Memphis guitars were affordable Asian imports distributed in the United States through C. Bruno & Sons during the Kaman era. The catalog ranged from familiar Fender- and Gibson-inspired instruments to more distinctive original designs such as the MG-100 and MG-300. The important caution is factory attribution: surviving examples and catalogs support multiple production sources, so a visual resemblance should not become a confident Matsumoku or Yamaki claim.

MODEL SEARCH

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OVERVIEW

What to know quickly

DISTRIBUTION Memphis-branded guitars were distributed in the U.S. by C. Bruno & Sons, part of Kaman Music.

ERA The name is most strongly associated with late-1970s and 1980s imported guitars, basses, amps and effects.

FACTORY QUESTION Some examples are clearly Japanese and later instruments show Korean components; multiple contractors are the safest working model.

Factory resemblance is not factory proof. Memphis is exactly the kind of brand where “looks like Matsumoku” should remain a hypothesis until the guitar supplies stronger evidence.

IDENTIFY YOUR GUITAR

Which Memphis do you have?

Memphis model numbers, country markings and hardware should be recorded before comparing factories. Catalogs show both copy designs and distinctive original models, which should not be lumped together.

Find the model number. MG-100, MG-300 and other catalog numbers are much more useful than “Memphis vintage electric.”
Record country markings. Made-in-Japan examples and later Korean-component guitars belong to different production conversations.
Identify the neck construction. Bolt-on, set-neck and through-neck designs can separate ordinary copies from better original models.
Photograph pickups and pots. Electronics can provide useful origin clues when labels are absent.
Compare with dated catalogs. Body and hardware matches are stronger when tied to a Memphis catalog rather than a forum memory.

SERIES & MARKET GUIDE

Copy-era Memphis and original-design Memphis should be priced separately

Common copies Strat-, Les Paul- and other familiar styles Often $150–$350 used Entry / middle import tier

Better copy models Set-neck / upgraded Japanese examples Often $250–$500 used Model-specific

MG-100 Original-style solidbody, commonly bolt-neck Often $350–$700 used Condition and attribution matter

MG-300 / higher-spec originals Through-neck / premium-style examples Often $500–$900+ used Scarcer; verify originality

Memphis is discontinued. Used prices are broad orientation; current listings often contain unverified factory claims, so model and construction should lead.

USED VALUE GUIDE

The headstock name is less useful than the construction tier

A basic Memphis copy and an MG-series original can differ dramatically in build and market interest. Because the brand is lightly documented, sellers often substitute factory folklore for model identification.

COMMON COPY Often roughly $150–$350.

BETTER / JAPANESE MODEL Often roughly $250–$550.

MG-SERIES ORIGINAL Often roughly $400–$900+ depending on exact model and originality.

Verify the model. MG-series originals should not be compared with generic copy instruments.
Treat factory claims as claims. Matsumoku and Yamaki are frequently mentioned, but documentation is incomplete.
Inspect neck and brass hardware. Higher-spec construction is often physically obvious.
Check electronics for replacements. Pickups and pots can be identification clues as well as value factors.
Use multiple comparables. Sparse sales can make one optimistic asking price look like a market.

CURRENT USED MARKET

See what the market is doing now

Search the exact Memphis model plus “guitar,” and inspect the photos rather than trusting the listing title. The city name creates noisy search results, so model numbers matter even more here.

Search Memphis on Reverb Current used examples and asking prices ↗ eBay · Sold Memphis Completed-market comparison starting point ↗

COMPARE

What else lives in this neighborhood?

The closest comparison depends on era, construction and factory—not simply the body outline.

COMPARE WITH Ventura · another C. Bruno / Kaman Japanese-import story

COMPARE WITH Hondo / Vantage · period import brands with very different production tiers

COMPARE WITH Matsumoku / Yamaki / Cort · possible manufacturing context that must be verified model by model

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Before you buy—or price—one

Factory folklore. The most repeated factory name is not necessarily documented for the guitar in hand.
Sparse model data. Catalog scans may be more useful than serial-number charts.
Modified electronics. Original pickups can help establish tier and origin.
City-name search noise. Always add “guitar” and the model number.
Condition-driven repair cost. Common models can be uneconomical if neck or fret work is substantial.

HISTORY & COMMENTARY

A Kaman-era import line with more range than its reputation suggests

C. Bruno & Sons had a long history as a musical-instrument distributor and became part of Kaman’s expanding distribution network. Memphis joined that ecosystem as an affordable import line covering guitars, basses, amplifiers and effects.

The surviving 1977 and 1982 catalog evidence shows why a single factory story is too simple. Memphis included ordinary copies and more ambitious original designs, and later hardware evidence points toward changing production sources. For this brand, bounded claims are better than a neat but unsupported origin story.

WHAT PLAYERS LIKE

Why a Memphis can be worth picking up

Affordable vintage. Common Memphis guitars can still be inexpensive.
Distinctive originals. MG-100 and MG-300 style instruments deserve more attention than generic copies.
Kaman / Bruno context. The brand connects to Ventura, Ovation-era distribution and broader import history.
Factory sleuthing. Components and construction provide a useful research exercise.
Player potential. A good individual guitar can outperform the brand’s modest reputation.

CURRENT RETAIL & REFERENCE

Guitar-List · Memphis Catalog-based brand summary ↗ Reverb · Memphis Guitar Market Current used examples ↗ Vintage Guitar · Kaman / C. Bruno context C. Bruno and Kaman Japanese-import history ↗

Public Memphis factory records are limited. This page intentionally distinguishes documented distribution history from uncertain contractor attribution.