Rare Decca?.. can you tell me more about it?

[infiniteguitar]

I bought the guitar in the middle on eBay recently (this picture is from Junkguitars.com). I haven't gotten it yet, but I'm really excited to play it. Anyway, I'm just wondering if you guys have any more info about this particular guitar. From my research on here and other places, I know it was manufactured by Teisco for the Decca record company. That's basically all I know. I've only found maybe two pictures of this guitar on the internet, and only one (this one) where an actual person had it. I'm very surprised that it's so rare, but in any case, do any of you have one, or at the very least have some more info, especially about pickup/sound quality, general playability, model number, and history. Thanks .

[VintAxe]

Hi infiniteguitar and welcome to the Forum.

Your Decca is indeed a Teisco built model from 1966. In the Decca literature it is known as the DMI 203 and was their top of the line electric guitar selling for $90.

I can't say much about tone/playability since I don't own one. I would guess tone will be cool and playability will require some work to get it up to spec.

[infiniteguitar]

Hey, thanks for the response. One more question that comes to my mind: is there an equivalent Teisco branded guitar, or was it only made for Decca?

[Mgeek]

This is very similar in shape to your standard 'tulip' type Teisco that was their most ubiquitous budget model in the seventies. Apart from the pattern on the scratchplate and the 4/2 headstock that's what those single pickup versions are.


Not seen that three pickup version before


Try here http://www.mark-cole.co.uk/teisco/

RE: Playability...these are variable. Expect to have to shim the neck and fiddle with the action/intonation at least, but it should pay off. Personally I'd lose the standard bridge on there and get a tunomatic instead. Those bridges aren't adjustable for intonation and are just in a straight line- so playing up the neck can be a bit hairy!

[VintAxe]

infiniteguitar, I don't think this was just a rebranded Teisco, I think Teisco built them specifically for this distributor. I don't recall seeing a Teisco from this era with this particular combination of features.

As Mgeek has pointed out, the basic tulip body style was used on Teisco branded instruments until the mid 1970's. That 4+2 headstock was also used on Teisco's as well as the striped pickguard. So while all the individual features are Teisco, I don't think this particular combination was ever offered as a Teisco model.

[mke52]

That guitar brings me back in time!!
It was the first electric i ever had, brought a SEARS in 1966 with a small decca amp. I kept it for a few years then traded it off for a hofner.
I remember that the action was a nightmare but it's also true to say that in those days i really didn't know anything about guitars and how to set them a part from playing around with the bridge.
As for the sound i really can't help, the decca amp was a little more than a toy and again in those days i wasn't concerned about sound but more on learning how to play guitar.

I'm sorry I'm not much help but i couldn't resist writing after seeing the picture.

[infiniteguitar]