Teisco, established in 1946 in Tokyo, Japan, by guitarist Atswo Kaneko and engineer Doryu Matsuda, was a prominent manufacturer of musical instruments, notably electric guitars. The company underwent several name changes, becoming Teisco Co., Ltd. in 1964. In 1967, Teisco was acquired by Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co. Ltd., which continued the brand until 1969 for guitars and into the 1980s for electronic keyboards.
Teisco guitars are renowned for their distinctive designs and innovative features, particularly their tremolo systems. The company’s tremolo, or vibrato bar, allowed players to modulate pitch by altering string tension, adding expressive capabilities to their performances. Teisco’s tremolo units were known for their unique engineering, offering a range of pitch modulation effects.
Teisco’s product lineup included several popular models:
Teisco Spectrum 5: Known for its unique body shape and advanced electronics, featuring multiple pickups and a versatile tremolo system.
Teisco May Queen: Recognized for its artist’s palette-shaped body and distinctive sound, equipped with a tremolo bar for pitch modulation.
Teisco Del Rey Series: A range of guitars that gained popularity in the 1960s, offering various models with built-in tremolo units.
Consumer reviews of Teisco guitars are mixed. While some players appreciate their unique aesthetics and the expressive capabilities provided by the tremolo systems, others note inconsistencies in build quality and tuning stability. Despite these critiques, Teisco guitars have garnered a dedicated following among collectors and musicians seeking distinctive instruments with vintage charm.
For more information, visit Teisco’s official website.
