Supro
Since 1935
Supro is one of the foundational brand names in American electric guitar and amplification history. Born in Chicago in 1935 under the legendary Valco manufacturing umbrella (alongside National and Airline), Supro pioneered revolutionary mid-century innovations—from iconic Res-O-Glass fiberglass composite bodies and Vistatone pickups to the tube amplifiers that shaped Jimmy Page's legendary early Led Zeppelin guitar tone. Re-imagined for the modern era by Bond Audio, Supro's reissue line faithfully revives the art-deco styling of the 1961 Dual-Tone (played extensively by David Bowie), the Americana series, and the Gold Foil-equipped Island series.
91
Years in Business
150K+
Guitars Sold
$15M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Supro Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Supro guitars.
Supro Price Overview
Supro covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$720
+9.2% vs last year
eBay Listings
430
Active listings
Sold This Month
125
+7.4% vs last month
Price Range
$350-$3,500
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Supro Timeline
Supro Established by Valco
Created in Chicago as the electric guitar and amplifier arm of National Dobro, pioneering early lap steels and archtops.
Res-O-Glass & Ozark Revolution
Launched the Res-O-Glass fiberglass composite body guitars and the Ozark 1560S electric (famed as Jimi Hendrix's first electric guitar).
The Dual-Tone / David Bowie Era
Introduced the art-deco Dual-Tone electric guitar with Vistatone pickups, later immortalized by David Bowie during his 2003-2004 Reality Tour.
Valco Factory Closes
Valco ceased Chicago operations, ushering in decades of intense vintage collecting for original Supro guitars and amps.
Supro Modern Revival
Absara Media / Pigtronix acquired the trademarks and reissued historic tube amplifiers and Americana Res-O-Glass guitars.
Retro Icon Status
Now under Bond Audio, Supro guitars are celebrated as the pinnacle of retro-futuristic garage rock tone, slide play, and collector desirability.
Complete Supro Product Lineup
Supro represents the holy grail of American garage rock, slide blues, and art-deco guitar design.
Americana Series (Res-O-Glass Reissues)
Faithful reproductions of 1960s Valco semi-hollow Res-O-Glass and Acousti-glass bodies with Vistatone pickups.
White art-deco finish, stair-step tailpiece, and high-output Vistatone pickups ($650–$950 used)
Twin Vistatone pickups, vintage vibrato tailpiece, and German-carve Res-O-Glass body ($600–$880 used)
Triple-pickup flagship with individual volume knobs and piezo bridge transducer ($750–$1,100 used)
Island Series (Solid Alder & Gold Foil)
Modern solidbody electric guitars with comfortable 1960s Ozark body contours and authentic Gold Foil pickups.
Solid alder body, 25.5" scale, dual Gold Foil pickups, and satin-finished neck ($420–$620 used)
Triple Gold Foil pickup configuration with 5-way strat-style switching ($450–$680 used)
Single Gold Foil minimalist rocker with wrap-around bridge ($380–$550 used)
Golden Vintage Valco Era (1950s–1968)
Original Chicago-built collector grade guitars commanding strong vintage marketplace premiums.
Historic model celebrated as Jimi Hendrix's first electric guitar in Seattle ($1,800–$3,500+)
Original Chicago Valco build with original silver-foil/Vistatone electronics ($1,600–$3,000+)
Mother-of-pearl (pearloid) covering and string-through Ralph Keller pickups ($450–$950)
"Supro represents the holy grail of American garage rock, slide blues, and art-deco guitar design."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Definitive Art-Deco Glam Rock & Garage Rock Electric
Vistatone Single-Coil Pickups
Faithful recreation of Ralph Keller's 1953 Valco design, delivering massive punch, clarity, and raw magnetic power.
Acousti-Glass Composite Top
Mated to a chambered mahogany back, providing endless acoustic sustain and anti-feedback stability under high gain.
Art-Deco Tailpiece & Ergonomics
Features the classic stairstep tailpiece, striped pickguard, and contoured neck joint for upper-fret access.
Versatile Solidbody Rocker with Vintage Gold Foil Sparkle
Authentic Supro Gold Foil Pickups
Field-coil style pickups with wide magnetic aperture that offer airy highs, transparent mids, and fat low end.
Solid Alder Body & 25.5" Scale
Provides classic American snap and twang with modern intonatable Wave tailpiece stability.
Smooth Satin Neck Profile
12" radius rosewood fingerboard with satin maple back carve for fast lead play and chordal grip.