$8.75 at a thrift store got me this, Teisco?

[sean1978]

This thing caught my eye at a thrift store this week. It was laying in an unorganized pile in the "junk" category:







After 5 hours of google my best guess is that it's a late 60's "teisco". It has no brand markings other than a "Made in Japan" on the metal plate on the bottom of the neck.

I cleaned it up a bit before I took the pictures. I removed the pots (they are worn). It didn't have the knobs.

I'm an electronics tech for a living and I'd like to spruce up the electronics.

[VintAxe]

Hey Sean,

Your guitar is an entry level student grade instrument made by Teisco/Kawai. I refer to it as a Teisco/Kawai since I think it was made after the merger of the two companies in 1967.

A good buy for 9 bucks but it looks like you will need to spend a little money to get it up and running. Before looking for parts, make sure the neck is straight. If it has a bowed or twisted neck you should part it out and start over.

The good news is original replacement parts for this guitar are available on eBay all the time. It's been awhile since I have purchased Teisco parts on eBay but I suspect the tuners will run around $15 and the bridge between $6-$12. If you want original knobs, they are also fairly cheap although you can buy new knobs cheaper. I'm guessing you'll be asked to pay around $5 apiece for original Teisco knobs.

The thing I really like about this guitar is the pickguard. For cheap guitars back in the day, the pickguards on these instruments are stunning, very deep with vibrant color.

Have fun putting this guitar back together again.

[sean1978]

[VintAxe]

[Big Beat]

[sean1978]

Any Ideas for a wiring diagram guys? I'm assuming single pickup Teisco/Kawai guitars are all probably the same?

[sean1978]

[VintAxe]

[sean1978]

[RuppMusic]

I have parts that may be close to the original if you decide to go that route.

Some of these pick-ups are junk and some are fantastic - you have to try it to tell.

Teisco / Kawai also made guitars for other companies, private label, etc so who knows what the actual name was it was sold under.