Teisco EG-408-2T

I purchased this guitar on eBay; it was named as a 1959 Teisco. The Model plate reads EG408-2T and below that NO.LT (then, stamped) are numbers 4225. On headstock is a gold and black old sticker with the (model?) name NORMA. After much cleaning I find a really pretty hardwood neck with a nice clear finish that has mellowed some with age. The neck has a good full feel, much more in your hand than a Strat. this neck is similar to a DeArmond Jet Star Special electric, nice and full and a bit like a club if you are used to the skinny necks these young whipper-snappers play these days. The overall length of the guitar is some 38" tall. The slab wood body is smaller and thinner than most electrics I have had in my lap. The finish is an original sunburst which cleaned up well and attractively shows its aging with mild checks and lines in the finish as will happen over time. The pickguard, a cheaper plastic (?) of some type, appears to have been reverse painted, that is, they applied a border of floral motif and vines etc around the edge in silver, then sprayed black over that, so when you flip it and attach it you see the floral design on a black background. Well this particular guitar was owned by a Tavern keeper in Chicago and came from the estate; it may have been the "house guitar" for willing pickers and string-breakers needing a quick back-up. The original pickguard and one pot knob was destroyed by a thrown beer bottle. The original electrics are intact and in use. This Teisco has 2 single coil pickups with nice chrome outer covers, white plastic face with steel screws for poles. Two square white slide switches are mounted on the "down side" of the guitar body, about 1 1/2 inches to the side of the neck p/u. Each switch controls off/on for 1 p/u. There are 1 Volume and 1 Tone knobs, which were a cool old-fashioned gold plastic which I had to replace due to damage previoulsy stated; I left the pots and all original electrics intact. The original whammy bar is there, which I am shocked at. The sound, however, is not the Surf City - Pulp Fiction look I was going for; perhaps this vehicle was too early a model. I am a 2 year student of guitar and have not been able to set this guitar up to hold proper intonation due to my lack of skill. As it is it can play and it does have a unique sound unlike my "Fender" Squire style strat, which is delicious. This will not be the last Teisco I purchase, there are too many cool looking models I see popping up on the auction block. HELPFUL CLEANING HINTS: I found following the directions when using econo-brand liquid Oil Soap cleaned up years of filthy smoke and dust when applied a few times with care and a dose of elbow grease. Follow up with Lemon Oil furniture treatment (Iused housebrand from Ace Hardware; no commercial intended) and this hard-luck guitar turned out to be a pretty little girl once you cleaned her up.

My musical style varies greatly as I am a 2 yr student. The Teisco did not take place of me Squire for daily practice. When running the T thru an elderly Texas-made (God bless em') Embassy Alamo tube amp I am not finding the tone I seek for Blues or Surf music. The Volume pot may be damaged as the volume range seems very limited on this guitar. the Tone does not seem to put you through a range either. The sound is somewhat bright, but I am basing this on a new set of strings, which is not fair. I have no doubt that in a competent players hands this guitar can do what you need it to do: IT AIN'T THE AXE, IT'S THE MAN THAT STANDS BEHIND IT, BABY! is what my older brother, a professional keys player and guitar teacher once told me. What I like about this guitar is the handsome wood of the neck, how well the paint held up over the years, the fact that the original electrics is intact, and the novel light weight and somewhat tiny size of the unit. My dislikes is that I was hoping to be Link Ray or Dick Dale and gosh, you can't buy talent in a music store!!!

This is an old guitar that went through who knows how maqny players hands, I cannot comment on how sweet this thing must have been brandy new underneath some little mis-fits Christmas tree. But I'm pushing 40 and this thing is older than me, and it is well made enough to severely beat over-zealous fans back off the stage with heh-heh.

I have not owned and played tis Teisco long enough to comment here, but I will add it was a joy to work with in diasaaembly and trouble-shooting.

I believe this Company to be long out of the business.

Teisco guitars are the Salt and Pepper Shakers of the Antique Collectors world: these guitars will not be around as easily as they are now for much longer. For a low-buck budget guy like me with a mortgage to pay, it gives the opportunity to own and play relics that were breathing back when the music was being played live. Enjoy your Teisco nd trade up whenever you can, that;s what I'm going to do.