The Complete Eastwood Guitar Price Guide 2026: Bringing Back the Guitars That Time Forgot

Last updated: February 2026

Key Takeaways

• 60+ distinct models—Airline, Sidejack, Hi-Flier, Classic 6, Backlund, tenor guitars, mandolins, lap steels
• Vintage aesthetic at 10-20% of original cost—Airline originals $1,000-$10,000+; Eastwood $549-$699
• World's largest electric tenor guitar producer—20+ tenor models at ~$399-$599
• Jack White, Kurt Cobain, Warren Ellis—cultural associations with original designs Eastwood reproduces
• Used market $300-$500—strong value for unique instruments with no direct competitors
• Manufacturing: China/Korea/Indonesia bodies; Chicago/Liverpool/Nashville final assembly and QC

When Jack White struck the first chord of "Seven Nation Army" on a vintage 1964 Airline Res-O-Glas, he didn't just write a riff—he reintroduced an entire category of forgotten guitars to a new generation. The problem? Those original Valco/National Airlines from the 1950s and 60s cost $1,000 to $10,000+ when you could find them at all. In 2001, Mike Robinson asked a different question: What if we could bring those designs back—affordably?

Eastwood Guitars was born from MyRareGuitars.com, a hobby business trading vintage oddballs. Robinson didn't want to copy Gibson or Fender. He wanted to resurrect the guitars that major manufacturers had abandoned: Teisco, Supro, Mosrite, Airline, Wandré—the quirky shapes and sounds that defined surf, garage rock, and punk before anyone called them that. Twenty-five years later, Eastwood produces 60+ distinct models across China, Korea, and Indonesia, with final assembly and QC in Chicago, Liverpool, and Nashville. They're the world's largest electric tenor guitar manufacturer. And they've made the impossible affordable: vintage aesthetic at $449-$699.

Eastwood Guitar Market Overview 2026

The Eastwood market has matured steadily. As the brand approaches 25 years and 300,000+ instruments sold, the used market offers compelling value.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Eastwood Price: $520 (up 5% from 2024)
• Active Listings: Approximately 800 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 180 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $150 (used budget models) to $1,500 (rare discontinued/signature)

Eastwood occupies a unique position: they don't compete with Gibson or Fender on their turf. They resurrect designs those brands never made—or stopped making decades ago. Original 1950s-60s Airline guitars command $1,000-$10,000+. Eastwood reproductions deliver the look, feel, and much of the tone at $449-$699. That's the value proposition.

Eastwood vs. Vintage Originals: The Value Equation

Eastwood doesn't replicate—they reinterpret. Modern necks, stable woods, proper intonation. You get the aesthetic and vibe without vintage headaches (deteriorating electronics, high action, fragile finishes).

Brand History and Philosophy: Revival, Not Replication

From Hobby to Heritage (2001-Present)

Eastwood emerged from Mike Robinson's vintage guitar trading:

• 2001: MyRareGuitars.com founded—sold 500+ rare vintage guitars in year one
• 2004: Transition from trading to manufacturing—affordable reproductions of discontinued designs
• 2006: Airline brand licensed—faithful reproductions of Valco/National 1950s-60s designs
• 2007: Tenor guitar pioneer—20+ electric tenor models, world's largest producer
• 2010: Warren Ellis (Nick Cave) collaboration—signature models, artistic credibility
• 2013: Backlund series—Scandinavian retro-futuristic designs by John Backlund
• 2016: 60+ distinct models—electric, bass, tenor, baritone, lap steel, mandolin
• 2025: Dedicated tenor guitar website—cementing global leadership

The Eastwood Philosophy

Eastwood doesn't copy. They resurrect. Each model references a specific vintage design—Airline (Valco/National), Sidejack (Mosrite), Hi-Flier (Teisco), Classic 6 (various Japanese vintage), Backlund (Scandinavian retro-futuristic). Modern construction improves playability and reliability. Purists may prefer originals; players often prefer Eastwood's refinements.

Manufacturing: China, Korea, Indonesia—with final assembly, setup, and quality control in Chicago, Liverpool, and Nashville. This hybrid approach balances affordability with North American quality assurance.

Price Guide by Series

Airline Series: $549-$699

1950s-60s Valco/National reproductions. The Jack White connection.

Airline 59 2P

• New: ~$549-$649
• Two-pickup retro design
• Res-O-Glas-style body options
• Used: $400-$550

Airline H44 DLX

• New: ~$599
• Vintage Harmony-inspired
• Premium appointments
• Used: $450-$550

Airline Map Guitar

• New: ~$699
• Iconic map-body shape
• Statement piece
• Used: $500-$650

Airline Tuxedo

• New: ~$549
• Archtop-style aesthetic
• Used: $400-$500

Specifications (typical Airline):

• Body: Solid or semi-hollow, various vintage-inspired shapes
• Neck: Maple, bolt-on
• Pickups: Single-coil or humbucker, period-appropriate
• Hardware: Vintage-style bridge and tuners
• Finish: Vintage lacquer, various colors

Sidejack Series: $449-$549

Mosrite-inspired designs from The Ventures era. Surf-friendly tone.

Sidejack DLX

• New: ~$549
• Premium Mosrite tribute
• Upgraded pickups and hardware
• Used: $420-$500

Sidejack Standard

• New: ~$449
• Accessible Mosrite aesthetic
• Used: $350-$420

Sidejack Baritone

• Extended range variant
• Surf-doom, baritone country

Sidejack Bass

• Mosrite bass reproduction

Why Sidejack: Original Mosrites command $2,000-$10,000+. Sidejacks deliver the offset body, distinctive pickups, and surf vibe at $449-$549.

Classic & MRG Series: $399-$549

Various vintage reproductions spanning Japanese and American oddballs.

Classic 6

• New: ~$499
• Versatile retro design
• Used: $380-$450

Hi-Flier

• New: ~$549
• Kurt Cobain-associated design (originals)
• Eastwood reproduction at accessible price
• Used: $420-$500

MRG Teisco-style

• New: ~$449
• Japanese vintage tribute
• Used: $350-$420

Mandocaster

• New: ~$399
• Electric mandolin
• Used: $300-$380

Backlund Series: $549-$649

Scandinavian retro-futuristic designs by Swedish designer John Backlund.

Backlund Rockerbox

• New: ~$649
• Retro-futuristic aesthetic
• Nordic design heritage

Backlund 100

• New: ~$549
• Swedish design influence

Backlund Marz 6

• Space-age aesthetic
• Distinctive body shape

Specialty Instruments

Tenor Guitars (20+ models)

• New: ~$399-$599
• World's largest selection
• Used: $300-$480

Baritone Guitars

• New: ~$499-$649
• Extended range

Lap Steel Guitars

• New: ~$349-$499
• Vintage lap steel reproductions

Electric Mandolins

• Mandocaster series
• ~$399 new

Condition-Based Pricing Adjustment

Eastwood guitars are built for play. Minor wear is expected and doesn't dramatically affect value. Focus on functional electronics and structural integrity.

Where to Buy Eastwood Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Eastwood Direct (eastwoodguitars.com) (Average Price: $600)

• Full new model selection
• Direct from manufacturer
• 3.0% price stability
• Best for: New purchases, current production

Reverb (Average Price: $540)

• Strong used selection—280+ listings
• 6.0% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: Used models, discontinued finds

eBay (Average Price: $450)

• Budget finds
• Auction format for rare/discontinued
• 4.5% price trend
• Best for: Deals, vintage-style Eastwoods

Local Shops (Average Price: $420)

• Occasional used inventory
• 3.5% growth
• Best for: Try-before-buy when available

Buying Tips for Eastwood Guitars

1. Discontinued Models: Eastwood rotates models regularly. If you see one you want, buy it—it may not return
2. Used Value: $300-$500 for excellent condition used Eastwoods—strong value for unique instruments
3. DLX vs Standard: On Sidejack and similar lines, DLX is worth the upgrade for serious players
4. Niche Instruments: Tenor guitars, mandolins, lap steels—Eastwood fills niches no one else serves. Used supply is limited
5. Not Exact Replicas: Eastwood improves playability and reliability. Purists seeking exact vintage spec should buy originals

Eastwood vs. Competitors

For buyers considering vintage-inspired alternatives:

Eastwood Advantage: Vintage designs at 10-20% of original cost. You cannot get an Airline, Mosrite, or Hi-Flier style from anyone else at these prices. Eastwood has no direct competitor in the "resurrected oddball" category.

When Others Win: Original vintage for authenticity and investment. Gretsch for Filter'Tron tone. Harmony for USA manufacturing and Gold Foil heritage.

Famous Associations and Players

Eastwood's value proposition ties to artists who used the originals:

• Jack White (The White Stripes): Vintage Airline Res-O-Glas—reignited interest in these designs. "Seven Nation Army" and the White Stripes' minimal aesthetic put Airlines back on the map. Eastwood's Airline series lets players access that aesthetic at $549-$699 instead of $3,000+.
• Kurt Cobain (Nirvana): Hi-Flier originals—Eastwood reproduces the design. The offset body, the Japanese-vintage vibe—Eastwood's Hi-Flier at ~$549 captures it.
• Warren Ellis (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds): Eastwood collaboration, signature models. Direct partnership—not just association. Ellis plays Eastwoods.
• The Ventures: Mosrite originals—Sidejack series captures that surf aesthetic. "Walk Don't Run" and "Pipeline" defined a genre. Original Mosrites: $5,000+. Eastwood Sidejack: $449.

Eastwood doesn't rely on celebrity endorsement for new models—they leverage the cultural resonance of designs that famous players already made iconic. The strategy is brilliant: you're not buying "Jack White's guitar"—you're buying the design Jack White made famous, at a price that doesn't require a record deal.

Investment Potential: Collector vs. Player Value

Moderate Appreciation

Discontinued Models:

• Eastwood rotates production. Discontinued designs become harder to find
• Rare models can command 10-20% premiums when they surface
• Not investment-grade, but better retention than typical imports

Limited Editions:

• Signature and collaboration models
• Warren Ellis and similar—niche collector interest

Typical Depreciation (Player Value)

Current Production:

• Eastwood guitars are built to be played
• Expect 20-30% depreciation when buying new
• Used at $300-$500 represents strong value for unique instruments

The Real "Investment": Access

Eastwood's value isn't appreciation—it's access. You cannot buy a new 1964 Airline. You cannot buy a new Mosrite. Eastwood offers the closest thing at 10-20% of vintage cost. For players who want these sounds and looks without vintage prices, that's the investment.

Buying Guide: Choosing by Budget

Budget: $300-$450

Recommended:

• Used Sidejack Standard: Mosrite vibe at ~$350-$420
• Used Classic 6 or MRG: Versatile retro at ~$350-$420
• Used Airline Tuxedo: Entry to Airline aesthetic

Priority: Functional electronics, playable action. Unique designs at import prices.

Mid-Range: $450-$600

Recommended:

• New Sidejack DLX (~$549): Premium Mosrite tribute
• New Airline 59 2P (~$549-$649): Jack White aesthetic
• New Hi-Flier (~$549): Kurt Cobain-associated design
• Used Airline H44 DLX or Map: Step up in Airline line

Priority: Quality pickups, refined construction. The sweet spot for Eastwood value.

Premium: $600-$700

Recommended:

• New Airline Map Guitar (~$699): Iconic statement piece
• Backlund Rockerbox (~$649): Retro-futuristic design
• Tenor or Baritone: If you need extended range

Priority: Distinctive aesthetics, niche instruments. Eastwood excels at "you can't get this elsewhere."

Specialty: Tenor, Mandolin, Lap Steel

Recommended:

• Eastwood Tenor Guitars (~$399-$599): 20+ models—world's largest selection
• Mandocaster (~$399): Electric mandolin
• Lap Steel (~$349-$499): Vintage lap steel reproductions

Priority: Eastwood dominates these niches. No comparable alternatives at these prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Eastwood guitars good quality? A: Yes. Eastwood uses factories in China, Korea, and Indonesia with final assembly and QC in Chicago, Liverpool, and Nashville. Construction is solid, playability is modernized, and QC catches issues before shipping. They're built to be played—not museum pieces.

Q: How do Eastwood guitars compare to the originals? A: Eastwood improves playability (modern neck profiles, better frets) and reliability (stable woods, consistent construction) while capturing the aesthetic and much of the tone. Purists seeking exact vintage spec should buy originals. Players wanting the look and vibe at 10-20% of the cost will prefer Eastwood.

Q: Why does Eastwood have so many models? A: Eastwood's mission is resurrecting discontinued designs. Each model references a specific vintage—Airline, Mosrite, Teisco, etc. With 60+ models, they cover the landscape of forgotten guitar designs. No other brand does this at scale.

Q: Are Eastwood guitars good for beginners? A: The Sidejack Standard ($449) and Classic 6 (~$499) offer accessible entry points. Unique aesthetics can inspire practice. However, some designs (offset bodies, non-standard shapes) may feel unconventional. Try before you buy if possible.

Q: Do Eastwood guitars hold their value? A: Used Eastwoods at $300-$500 represent strong value. New guitars depreciate 20-30% like most imports. Discontinued models can command premiums when supply runs dry. Investment grade? No. Good players for unique designs? Absolutely.

Q: Where are Eastwood guitars made? A: Bodies and necks from China, Korea, and Indonesia. Final assembly, setup, and quality control in Chicago, Liverpool, and Nashville. This hybrid approach balances affordability with North American quality assurance.

Q: Should I buy new or used Eastwood? A: Used at $300-$500 offers strong value—you avoid new-guitar depreciation. New makes sense for current models you want immediately or for discontinued designs that rarely appear used. Eastwood's QC is solid either way.

Q: What's the difference between Sidejack DLX and Standard? A: DLX ($549) adds premium pickups, better hardware, and refined construction over Standard ($449). For serious players or those planning to keep the guitar long-term, the DLX upgrade is worth the $100 difference.

Q: Can Eastwood guitars handle heavy gain? A: Yes. While inspired by vintage designs, Eastwood uses modern construction and pickups suitable for various genres. Airline and Sidejack models work well for garage rock, indie, and alternative—the genres that made these designs famous.

Conclusion

Eastwood answers a question no one else asked: What if we could bring back the guitars that time forgot? Not as museum pieces. Not as $10,000 auction lots. As instruments you can actually play—and afford.

When Jack White made the Airline iconic again, the originals became unobtainable. Eastwood licensed the brand and built reproductions. When Mosrites hit $5,000+, Eastwood created the Sidejack. When Kurt Cobain's Hi-Flier became legend, Eastwood offered the design at $549. They don't chase Gibson or Fender. They resurrect what those brands walked away from.

In 2026, Eastwood offers 60+ models. Airline. Sidejack. Classic 6. Hi-Flier. Backlund. Twenty-plus tenor guitars. Electric mandolins. Lap steels. Baritones. No other brand serves this market. The used market at $300-$500 delivers exceptional value for instruments you cannot get elsewhere.

Whether you want the Jack White aesthetic without the vintage price, the Ventures' Mosrite vibe at 10% of the cost, or a tenor guitar from the world's largest producer—Eastwood brings back the guitars that time forgot. And they've been doing it for 25 years.

The Eastwood Niche

No one else does what Eastwood does. Gibson makes Les Pauls. Fender makes Strats. Gretsch makes hollowbodies. Eastwood makes Airlines, Sidejacks, Hi-Fliers, Backlunds, tenor guitars, mandocasters, lap steels. They've identified 60+ designs that players want but can't get—and built a business around filling that gap. The used market at $300-$500 represents genuine value: instruments with no direct competitors, from a brand with 25 years of refinement.

What to Do Next

• Vintage aesthetic seekers: Airline 59 2P or Map Guitar for Jack White vibe. Sidejack DLX for Mosrite/surf. Hi-Flier for Cobain-associated design.
• Budget players: Used Sidejack Standard or Classic 6 at $350-$420. Unique at import prices.
• Niche instrument needs: Eastwood tenor guitars (20+ models), Mandocaster, lap steel—they dominate these categories.
• Discontinued hunters: If you see a model you want, buy it. Eastwood rotates production. It may not return.

For the most current pricing and model availability, visit eastwoodguitars.com or check Reverb for used market data. Eastwood regularly rotates models—discontinued designs may not return.

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