Cortez electrics were produced in Japan, and imported to the U.S. market as an affordable alternative in the electric guitar market. Models were mostly copies of poular American designs including the Les Paul, SG, Stratocaster, and Flying V. Westheimer's Cortez company and trademark could be viewed as a stepping stone towards his current Cort company (See Cort).
Instruments previously built in Japan circa 1969 to 1988. Distributed in the U.S. market by Westheimer Musical Industries in Chicago, IL.