Lotus (guitar)

Lotus was a manufacturer of guitarsfrom the late 1970s to the late 1990s. They were usually copies of other brand name guitars, such as the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Stratocaster. The quality of the instruments was very good for the price (usually around US$130–$250).

Though these guitars are no longer in production their gain in value has only been minimal (ranging usually from $250-$550). This low price range is due to the guitars' Japanese/Indian make and the simple fact that these guitars are copies of popular American brands. However a Lotus brand guitar can be considered a collectible, but would be overlooked by any serious collector because of the instrument's inexpensive nature.

Lotus guitars were manufactured by Samick as were Cort and many other brands. The top of the line Washburn Eagle copies were made by Moridaria in Japan.

Chauntelle DuPree of the band Eisley used a Lotus Stratocaster copy for many years on tour and to record. While the quality of this guitar would not typically be considered to be on a professional level, it did provide an inexpensive platform for experimentation and upgrade (with non-Lotus parts) which resulted in a unique sounding instrument.