Pat D'Agostino (ex-Gibson/Maestro effects) began his own instrument importing company in 1975. The D'Agostino Corporation of New Jersey began importing acoustic dreadnaughts, then introduced the Italian-built Benchmark Series of guitars in 1977. These models featured laminated neck-through designs, two humbuckers and a three-per-side headstock. Production then moved to Korea in the early 1980s, although some better models were built in Japan during the 1990s. Pat, assisted by Steven D'Agostino and Mike Confortti, has always maintained a high quality control level and limited quantities. Source: Michael Wright, Vintage Guitar Magazine.
Instruments previously produced in Italy by the EKO company between 1978 and 1982. Instrument production was contracted to the EKO Custom Shop in Milwaukee, WI, and distributed by PMS Music of New York, NY. After 1982, instruments were produced in Japan.
