The origin of Egmond guitars can be traced back to the interwar period, specifically 1933, when Uilke Egmond retired from his managerial role at a railway station in Valkenswaard. At 55 years old and faced with challenging times, he took a bold step by embarking on a journey of teaching violin to supplement his family's income. With the initial success and popularity of his classes, his son Gerard Egmond joined forces, giving birth to what eventually evolved into a regional music school.

The surge in people learning to play musical instruments spurred a heightened demand for such instruments. Recognizing this opportunity, the Egmond family established a store in Valkenswaard, aptly named Musima. This store underwent relocations to Binnenwiertzstraat in Eindhoven and later to Kerkstraat 48, also in Eindhoven, in 1935.

The outbreak of World War II marked a pivotal point, and post-war, all four Egmond brothers united to form the "Musical Instrument Factory Musica'' around 1946. The quartet comprised Jaap Egmond (Designer and Commercial), Dick Egmond (Technically skilled), Gerard Egmond (Factory Leader), and Piet Egmond (Accountant). The initial workspace was an old furniture factory on Frankristraat in Eindhoven. By the 1950s, they were producing around 50 guitars weekly with roughly 20 employees. Rising demand prompted them to expand into Aalst-Waalre, and eventually, in 1959, they established a brand-new factory in Best.

The Best facility witnessed the production of approximately 200,000 guitars annually, powered by a workforce of 150 in 1970. However, just seven years later, in 1977, the company filed for bankruptcy, leaving behind a legacy of nearly 250 diverse guitar models. Notably, Egmond encompassed various sub-brands, including Caledonie, Wilson, and Miller. They also undertook commissioned orders for different markets under more than 40 distinct brand names, a testament to their versatility and adaptability.

Here's a glimpse of some of the brand names they operated under:

- Rosetti; Manhattan (mail order catalog); Orpheum; Frima; Lion; Airstream; Lido; Combo; Diamond...

Egmond's journey through time encapsulates a vibrant chapter in the world of musical instrument craftsmanship, marked by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of musicians and enthusiasts.

Model: Solid 7

Description:

The Egmond Solid 7 guitar boasts a distinctive design that sets it apart:

- Crafted with plywood, featuring an eye-catching double cutaway design.

- Unique hollow body construction without soundholes or F-holes.

- Notable arching on the thin side, reminiscent of archtop guitars.

- Bolt-on neck style without the traditional neck pocket; the neck directly mounts to the soundboard.

- Notably, the neck lacks a truss rod for neck adjustment.

- Electronics and pickups integrated into the pickguard, securely attached to the neck and bridge.

- Equipped with a tremolo bridge featuring a raised saddle mechanism.

- Instead of a jack socket, the guitar comes with a lead attached to the pickguard.

- Available in two models: one with 2 pickups (ES113/22M2CA) and another with 3 pickups and a tremolo (ES113/23M2CA).

- Introduced around 1957 and underwent a redesign approximately in 1960.

- Later rebranded as the "Flash" model around 1966, with the 2-pickup version becoming the Flash 2ES1 and the 3-pickup tremolo version as the Flash 3ES1. A luxury variant was also launched, named Flash 2EL2.

- Underwent a complete redesign in 1968, resulting in entirely new models (3ES1 and 2EBS1 – Bass).

Production:

- Initially produced at the Frankristraat factory in Eindhoven before transitioning to the Best factory.

- Origin: Netherlands (Holland)

- Commenced production: Approximately 1957

- Production ceased: Approximately 1968

Specifications:

- Number of frets: 20

- Controls: Single volume and tone control

- Switching: Equipped with 3 sliding switches for on/off functionality of the pickups

- Neck joint: Bolt-on style, directly mounted to the body top without a neck pocket

The Egmond Solid 7, later transformed into the Flash series, marks an era of innovation and evolution in guitar design, showcasing Egmond's commitment to creating unique instruments that resonate with musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Model: BEG-2V

Description:

Egmond's BEG-2V model presents two distinct versions: the BEG-2 and the BEG-2V, where the "V" variant features a vinyl-covered body. As per the 1967 catalog description:

"Experience exceptional quality in affordably-priced instruments. Features include the precision 'Varifort' neck with a rosewood fingerboard, deluxe individual bass tuning keys, Egmond's 'Powertone' dual adjustable pickups operated by a selector switch, complemented by tone and volume controls, along with a toggle switch for instant preset tone changes. The instrument's comfort is enhanced by a hand rest, and an adjustable metal bridge ensures optimal playability. Additionally, a beautiful pearloid pickguard and a detachable connecting cable contribute to the overall appeal."

Production:

- Manufacturer: Egmond

- Location: Netherlands (Holland)

Specifications:

- Body Finish: Offered in sunburst or vinyl-covered body options

- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood

- Number of Frets: 24

- Nut Material: Equipped with a zero fret

Controls:

- Volume and Tone controls

Switching:

- Utilizes a rotating 3-way switch for pickup selection

- A dedicated switch facilitates seamless transitions between preselected tones

The Egmond BEG-2V exemplifies Egmond's dedication to crafting instruments that balance affordability with quality. With its innovative features, versatile switching options, and attention to player comfort, this model showcases Egmond's commitment to providing musicians with instruments that facilitate their musical expression.