Conqueror Conqueror
Conqueror
Like Brunos and Kingstons, Conquerors were made in Japan in the Nagoya Music Factory. The Conqueror trade name dates to late 1966. The solidbody instrument on the left resembles the Kingston EM1, with which it shares the neck style, general body shape, and most of the appointments. The Kingston has symmetrical body horns whereas the Conqueror has a larger horn on the bass bout. The crucial difference, however, is in the pickup. The early Kingston has a chrome pickup with a piece of gold foil on the face with four screws. The magnets actually have a wire bobbin wound around them. The pickup on the Conqueror had a bobbin that was first wrapped around a plastic sleeve before being slipped over the magnetic pole pieces.
     The hollowbody instrument on the right is yet another example of a Japanese "KayKraft" copy. It's a dead ringer for a Granada, which of course is a copy of a Kay. Again, similar instruments were sold under dozens of brand names or thereabouts. Finally, on the right, your basic pear-shaped MSO (mandolin-shaped object).
     For more on the fascinating history of Japanese e-mandos, check out the listings for Kent and San Remo.