Collection: Empador

Emperador was an entry-level guitar brand marketed by Westheimer Musical Instruments (Cort) from the 1960s to the early ’90s, with early MIJ models built by Kasuga and later Korean-made ones. Known for affordable acoustics, electrics, basses, and even tube amps, they offered surprisingly solid build and warm tone, often praised as excellent beginner instruments. Today, vintage Emperadors are sought-after for their campfire-ready playability, unique bracing, and unexpected value.