Teisco
Since 1948
Teisco (Tokyo Electric Instrument and Sound Company) was founded in Japan in 1948 by Atsuwo Kaneko and Doryu Matsuda. In the 1950s and 1960s, Teisco catalyzed the global garage rock revolution, exporting millions of electric guitars to the United States under brand names like Silvertone, Del Rey, Kingston, and Beltone through department store catalogs. Famous for space-age body contours, 4-pickup and 6-pickup switchboards, striped metal pickguards, and iconic microphonic 'Gold Foil' and 'Spectrum' pickups, Teisco guitars have achieved cult vintage status among artists like Ry Cooder, Jack White, Dan Auerbach, and Mac DeMarco.
78
Years in Business
2M+
Guitars Sold
$3M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Teisco Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Teisco guitars.
Teisco Price Overview
Teisco 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
$550
+9.2% vs last year
eBay Listings
680
Active listings
Sold This Month
145
+7.4% vs last month
Price Range
$200-$1,800
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Teisco Timeline
Tokyo Sound Co. Founded
Atsuwo Kaneko founded Tokyo Sound Company in Japan, producing phonographs, amplifiers, and lap steel guitars.
Teisco Brand Expansion
Formally adopted the Teisco brand name, launching experimental solidbody guitars with multi-pickup switchboards and aluminum guards.
The American Invasion Wave
Over 100,000 Teisco guitars shipped monthly to the USA during the height of the post-Beatles American electric guitar craze.
Spectrum 5 & Kawai Acquisition
Kawai acquired Teisco and debuted the iconic Spectrum 5, featuring stereo split outputs, colored selector rocker switches, and carved contours.
End of Original Japanese Production
Kawai ceased original Teisco electric guitar manufacturing as market trends shifted toward traditional American replicas.
BandLab Brand Relaunch
BandLab Technologies acquired the Teisco brand, releasing boutique fuzz/delay effect pedals and celebrating iconic 60s vintage designs.
Vintage Gold Foil Renaissance
Original 1960s Teisco Gold Foil guitars command premium valuations among neo-vintage, lo-fi, and indie rock producers worldwide.
Complete Teisco Product Lineup
Original 1960s Teisco guitars deliver an unrepeatable microphonic resonance, lo-fi grit, and space-age aesthetic mojo.
Collector Grade & Space-Age Icons
High-end 1960s Japanese designs featuring multi-pickup configurations and distinctive contours.
The crown jewel of Japanese vintage with stereo outputs and 5 colored switches ($1,200–$1,800 used)
Radical offset shape with onboard microphonic single coils ($750–$1,150 used)
Four-pickup switchboard garage rock icon with striped aluminum guard ($650–$950 used)
Classic Gold Foil & Tulip Series
Affordable vintage workhorses powered by genuine microphonic rubber-magnet Gold Foil pickups.
Classic symmetrical double cutaway with jangly lo-fi pickups ($320–$490 used)
Thinline semi-hollow body with warm acoustic chime ($400–$620 used)
Simple, reliable vintage slide guitar workhorse ($280–$420 used)
"Original 1960s Teisco guitars deliver an unrepeatable microphonic resonance, lo-fi grit, and space-age aesthetic mojo."
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 Holy Grail of Japanese Space-Age Guitars
Stereo Split Pickup System
Features 3 split-coil pickups allowing stereo channel routing between two amplifiers for surreal wide soundscapes.
Five-Color Rocker Switchboard
Instant visual phase and pickup selection via vintage color-coded mechanical switches.
Premium Collector Appreciation
Mint examples continue to appreciate by double digits annually on global vintage auctions.
What to Inspect Before Buying Vintage Teisco
Rubberized Ferrite Bar Magnets
Ensure original rubber-magnet Gold Foil pickups are present, which deliver the sought-after chime and acoustic openness.
Neck Heel Adjustment Wheel
Look for the round metal truss rod wheel at the base of the neck for straightforward relief adjustment.
Original Bridge & Tremolo
Verify the presence of the original bridge roller saddles and spring tremolo arm.