1986 GUITARS
The DC100 got a new catalog photo, to show off the new black standard pickups and hardware. Base price of the DC100 remained at $329, and the HC10 hardshell case was $60. The DC100F, with Kahler Flyer tremolo, was $399, and the DC100T, with Kahler Pro tremolo, was $449. Black chrome hardware was $20.
The DC150 had the same catalog photo as it had since 1983. It was available as the DC150M (clear finish/maple fingerboard) for $409. The DC150 with ebony fingerboard (any finish) was $409. The Kahler Pro trem was $120, koa was $40, and black hardware was $20.
The DC125 Lead Guitar was unchanged, but new pearl finishes were offered on it, as on other '86 models. Base price on the DC125 was $329, with the standard FTB6 bridge. The DC125F, with Kahler Flyer tremolo, was $399. The DC125T, with Kahler Pro tremolo, was $449. Pearl finishes were an additional $20, and black chrome hardware was also $20. The HC11 hardshell case was $60.
The DC200 Koa was unchanged, but did rise slightly in price, to $469 with dot inlays and FTB6 tailpiece, $519 with abalone block inlays and FTB6 tailpiece, $589 with dot inlays and Kahler Pro tremolo, or $639 with block inlays and Kahler Pro tremolo. The catalog showed the same photo that had been in use since 1984. The DC200 was also unchanged for 1986, and had similar minor price increases as the DC200K. It also used the same photography that had been in use since the 1984 catalog. The DC200 was also available as the DC120 12-string guitar, which had a base price of $499.
The V220 had it's 3rd new two-page spread photo in as many years, this time, decked out in the new black hardware and pickups. Black pickups were now standard, but cream pickups could be ordered as an option. Base price on the V220 was a very reasonable $399. The price with the Kahler Pro tremolo dropped to $519, and the price with the Kahler Flyer was $469. Koa wood was an additional $40, and curly maple was an additional $125. Black hardware was $20, and gold hardware was $50. The new pearl finishes were $20. The HC19 hardshell case was $79. The DC200s that had been featured at the beginning of the guitar section was now replaced with the V220, sporting the new black chrome hardware and black pickups. This particular catalog photo would also be seen in ads in many guitar magazines in the mid-80's.
The DN612 and DN640 were unchanged for 1986, but the base prices dropped dramatically, to $799 for either model (versus $895 for the DN612 and $865 for the DN640 in 1985). Options also dropped - koa wood was $60, and gold hardware was $80. Black hardware and black pickups were $40, and for the first time, the Kahler Pro was offered for $120.
The DC160 was unchanged for 1986, but it was moved to the end of the guitar section, versus right at the beginning as it had been since it's introduction. The price of the DC160 dropped slightly to $679, or $709 for a left-handed model. The optional Kahler Pro tremolo was an additional $190. The HC10 hardshell case was $60. Like some other models in 1986, the catalog showed the same photo that had been in use since 1984.
The SH225 showed a traditional model, as well as an ultra-cool model in white with black hardware and pickups and Kahler Pro tremolo, which was first seen in the summer 1985 edition. Although it had been advertised as available in black, white or clear finishes for several years, it was generally only shown in clear. The SH225 dropped in price to $599 for the basic model, in black, white or clear. The SH225S, with stereo wiring and coil and phase switches, dropped to $649. The Kahler Pro tremolo was an additional $120, gold hardware was an additional $40, and black hardware with black pickups was an additional $20. The HC18 form-fitted hardshell case was $79.
Hollywood store promo video, circa 2006.
The LB40 and LB60 were unchanged from their Summer '85 introduction. Despite being the replacement for the LB50, the LB60 was actually less expensive; the base price was $419 (versus $439 for the '85 LB50), and the LB40 also came down in price, to $369 (from $389). Other options cost the same as detailed below under the V440. Only the LB60 was available as a leftie, and either were available fretless at no extra charge.
The V440 was also unchanged, although the Kahler bass trem had dropped in price to $120. Base price on the V440 was $399, and the V440T (with Kahler) was $519. Koa wood was $40, pearl finishes were $20. Gold hardware was $40, and black chrome was $20. The HC20 case was $79. Left-handed and fretless options were not available.
Curator's Note: The V440 at the top of the page is mine. It has a very unusual solid quilted maple body and
figured neck with gold hardware. It was featured in the "Bass Space" column of Vintage Guitar in July 2010. Click the picture below for a larger version.