Teisco Guitars: Stop Overbidding!

Teisco guitars were imported by the truckload into the U.S.A. when you could get a few gallons of gasoline for $1.00 at the pump. Just as Sears does not build bicycles or dishwashers, Teisco and other overseas manufacturers would special-order large volume orders to be sold under various names. Same guitar, different label or logo.The current disturbing trend amongst greedy sellers of lower quality very used imports is ridiculous. Teiscos that sold for $35-$75 just a few years ago are now listed at $100 for the most basic run-of-the-mill models. A fool and his money are quickly parted, as is evident by those dishing out good money for guitars that are easily found at yard and garage sales in the $20-$35 range.It is understood that one may pay a premium price for an item that pulls at the heart-strings. Seeing the same guitar that you unwrapped as a youngster on December 25th, the guitar you loved and played for years, brings back fond memories. This is known as intrinsic value - what is worth to you, which may be much more than the guitars actual value. Happens every day.And it is understandable that a few guitars will sell above their worth due to bidding wars. More than once my heart has pounded faster while monitoring the last few minutes of an auction that Im trying to win. Some people gamble, etcetera. To each their own. So a few more cheap guitars close above what they should have. To the victor goes the spoils.The more rare or exotic models deserve to fetch a higher bid. Teisco put out a few models with funky shapes, hard to find colors or four pickups and a slew of toggle switches. In pristine condition the more exotic models may be worth spending $150 on.The bottom line: guitars are made to be played, not to be set aside as investments. A few years ago millions of young people across America caught geic book fever and shelled out all sorts of money for so-called special editions, variant covers, hologram effects, blah blah blah. The bulk of those books today are worth less than the cover price. Most of those geics were taken home, slid into special cello bags with preserving backing boards and neatly tucked away. geics are made to be read. Guitars are made to be played.More than one model of guitar has begee the hot one to have because Joe Blow played that model in concert. So many people behave like sheep, bleeting me too as they buy an axe that looks like awesome Joe Blows guitar. Silly sheep! The guitars played live by album-selling pros have been reworked top to bottom by the best luthier that musician can find. While your treasured old find may look like the one on some CD cover it isnt going to give you the sound. There are too many variables: pickups, strings, cables, amps, room conditions, whether or not it is a full moon..While its fun to add an old axe to your collection, play it smart and pay it smart. Also keep in mind that modern day guitars are made of higher quality geponents than their predecessors. You can find many Fender Esquier Strats on okay well under $100, and they are a great beginners guitar. If you find yourself sticking with learning how to play you can always upgrade your economy axe by spending a few dollars on better quality pickups. Thats getting a lot of bang for the buck.Hopefully the trend of buyers overspending on overpriced well-worn 60s-70s imports will cease. Part of the beauty of okay is knowing that if you dont win the item you bid on, another one identical to it will be on the auction block next week or next month. You work too hard to waste your money. Meanwhile, you may like to visit an excellent site dedicated to Teisco guitars, titled The Teisco Twangers Paradise: http://www.mark-cole.co.uk/teisco/index.htmPlease note: I have no affiliation with any Brand, Name or Whatever mentioned herein. Thank you for taking the time to read what I wrote and remember: practice, practice, practice!