Expert Opinion? Is this a Teisco? Or what is it?

[simian]

Hey - total new guy. I was given this as a gift, bought on eBay for a really good price (so I'm told) I believe it's a Teisco, but have seen others with similar shape and details with different manufacturers names.



The logo on the headstock was held in place with 2 brass pins, but it has fallen off, or been removed.

Are there any other markings I could check out to help with ID'ing this guitar?





Either way, it's in perfect condition, fantastic tremelo and pickups that POP. It plays and sounds amazing, so I'm not complaining, I would really just like to know. Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks

[VintAxe]

Hi simian.

Your guitar was actually built by Kawai. Judging by the pups and the trem unit I would guess 1968.

The guitar could have been branded most anything since they were exported around the world. Around 1968-69 is when Japanese budget guitars took over budget guitar sales in the US. American catalog distributors like Sears, Wards and Western Auto switched from carrying USA made instruments to Japanese. Valco, Kay and Harmony all fell by the wayside as a result.

[simian]

I thought it might be a Kawai, I saw one almost identical online last night.

Thanks for your help!!