Unearthing Gold: The Top 10 Coolest Pawn Shop Electric Guitars

Unearthing Gold: The Top 10 Coolest Pawn Shop Electric Guitars
Searching for a unique sound? Discover the Top 10 coolest pawn shop electric guitars! Unearth vintage gems like the Harmony H78, Danelectro Shorthorn, and more. Find your perfect quirky axe.

Are you on the hunt for a unique electric guitar? Forget the polished perfection of a brand-new axe. Sometimes, the most inspiring instruments are the ones with a story, a history, and a touch of quirky charm. We’re talking about pawn shop guitars – those vintage, often budget-friendly electrics that have found their way into the hearts of indie, garage, and even mainstream musicians worldwide.

Top 10 Coolest Pawn Shop Electric Guitars

Ah, pawn shops! They’ve got a unique vibe, so much so that some artists have even dedicated entire albums to them.

For me, it’s all about the smell—seriously. Next time you’re passing one, just pop in and take a big sniff. That scent? It’s the aroma of a potential bargain or, let’s be honest, a possible rip-off. To me, hunting for finds in a pawn shop is the modern-day equivalent of a civilized hunting expedition.

These Pawn Shop Electric Guitars aren’t your typical high-end models. Often, they were student guitars, Japanese imitations, or instruments built with unconventional materials.

If you read our How to Buy Vintage Guitar Gear on a Budget guide, then here are some absolute vintage gems you should be searching for.

How to Buy Vintage Guitar Gear on a Budget: Scoring Vintage Tone Without Breaking the Bank
Scoring Vintage Tone Without Breaking the Bank

Lo-Fi Tones

But what they lack in traditional “perfection,” they more than make up for in lo-fi sound, unique electronics, and an undeniable cool factor. They may not always play like a dream, but they offer a distinct voice and an iconic aesthetic that sets them apart.

From hidden gems in opportunity shops to dusty finds in a retired musician’s garage, these holy grail guitars are out there, waiting to be rediscovered.

Let’s dive into our picks for the Top 10 coolest pawn shop electric guitars that have left an indelible mark on music history.

1. Harmony H78

Between 1945 and 1975, the Chicago-based Harmony brand churned out around ten million guitars, primarily student models sold through department stores like JCPenney.

The Harmony H78 is a standout: a fully hollow-bodied beauty loaded with three DeArmond Gold Foil pickups.

Harmony H78 Sunburst 1966
Harmony H78 Sunburst 1966

Typical Details:

  • Type: It’s a full hollow body, thinline electric guitar with a double-cutaway design.
  • Era: Produced by Harmony in Chicago primarily between 1965 and 1972.
  • Top-of-the-Line: The H78 was considered Harmony’s flagship or “top-of-the-line” thin body electric model during its production years.
  • Rebrands: Harmony also manufactured similar guitars under other brand names, most notably Silvertone (Model 1454) for Sears Roebuck and Airline (e.g., Airline H78, Airline 7230) for Montgomery Ward. The H77 was essentially the same guitar but without the Bigsby vibrato.
  • Appearance: Typically features a red sunburst (or “cherry red”) lacquer finish on a laminated maple body, often with multi-ply binding and f-holes. It has a distinctive faux-tortoise headstock overlay and pickguard.
The Black Keys - Full Performance - Live on KCRW, 2008

The Black Keys

It delivers a killer, lo-fi 60s garage tone that’s instantly recognizable. Famously championed by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, this guitar sounds incredibly good when paired with a fuzz pedal, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.

If you’re searching for vintage Harmony guitars with a unique sound, the H78 should be high on your list.

1960s Airline (Harmony) H78 Guitar Demo

 

2. Danelectro Shorthorn

The Danelectro Shorthorn is a true legend, perhaps best known as the guitar Jimmy Page used for DADGAD tuning, most notably on Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.”

While originally conceived as a cheap student guitar, its association with icons like Page and Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd has cemented its place in rock history.

Danelectro 3021 Shorthorn
Danelectro 3021 Shorthorn

Masonite

Constructed cheaply with Masonite and Poplar, this hollow-bodied marvel has a distinct, twangy sound reminiscent of a Telecaster.

Its double-cutaway shape, iconic lipstick tube pickups, “Coke bottle” headstock, and striking black and white color scheme make it visually unforgettable.

1960 Danelectro 3021 Shorthorn Guitar Demo

Lipstick Pickups

The heart of the Danelectro sound lies in its “lipstick-tube” single-coil pickups. These were literally made using surplus chrome-plated lipstick tubes, with the pickup components (alnico magnets and wire windings) stuffed inside.

On multi-pickup models, the pickups are often wired in series when combined, which boosts output and emphasizes the midrange, providing a fatter tone than typical parallel-wired single coils

The modern Danelectro 59DC is a direct descendant, keeping the legacy alive.

Notable Danelectro Users:

The Danelectro Shorthorn and Danelectros in general have been favored by a diverse range of influential musicians for their unique sound and cool factor:

  • Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin): Famously used a black Danelectro 59DC for slide guitar and for songs like “Kashmir,” “White Summer,” and “Black Mountain Side” live.
  • Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd): Known for using a Danelectro ’59DC in the early days of Pink Floyd.
  • Eric Clapton (Blind Faith): Used a psychedelically painted Danelectro 59-DC.
  • Peter Frampton: Has been seen with Danelectro guitars.
  • Steve Earle: Another prominent user of Danelectro guitars.
  • Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers): A known fan of Danelectro instruments.
  • Many others: Including Mark Knopfler, Elvis Costello, Beck, Jeff Tweedy, and many more, often appreciating their distinctive voice for studio work or for specific live applications.
1964 Danelectro Shorthorn DC-1 Shorthorn

 

3. Mosrite Ventures Model

Founded in 1956 by Semie Moseley, Mosrite guitars quickly gained a reputation for innovative design, thin necks, and hot pickups. Moseley had worked for Paul Bigsby and Rickenbacker (where he learned the “German carve” technique).

Nokie Edwards of The Ventures, a highly influential instrumental surf rock band, was impressed with Moseley’s guitars. The Mosrite Ventures Model was specifically designed for the highly influential surf rock band The Ventures and became the brand’s flagship.

Evolution of the Model

The first official Ventures guitars were available in very late 1963. Production continued until the Ventures’ endorsement ended around 1967, at which point the model was renamed the “Mark I.”

Early Ventures models had set necks and bound bodies (around 200 made from late ’63 to mid-’64), but to reduce cost and simplify production, Mosrite soon transitioned to bolt-on necks and unbound bodies. There were also “Ventures Model II” (including a “slab body” student model designed by Semie’s brother, Andy Moseley, and later a German carve version) and “Ventures Mark V” variants, along with bass and 12-string versions

The slim neck and low frets make it a very fast-playing guitar, which appealed to lead guitarists. The vibrato system is also highly regarded for its smooth action

Mosrite Ventures Model
Mosrite Ventures Model

High Output Single Coil

Two high-output single-coil pickups, designed by Mosrite. These pickups are known for their powerful, bright, and punchy tone, often described as having a “twang” suitable for surf music but also capable of aggressive rock.

They often have an angled bridge pickup, which is a visual and sonic characteristic.

Moseley Vibrato

The original Ventures Model featured a proprietary Vibramute vibrato unit, designed by Semie Moseley. This was later replaced by the Moseley vibrato (a chrome diecast unit) in late 1965. Both are unique to Mosrite and provide a smooth, expressive vibrato

With its cool asymmetrical double-cutaway shape and Moseley vibrato, it was (and still is) the perfect axe for surf music.

Solidly built and instantly recognizable, the Mosrite Ventures is a quintessential pawn shop guitar for anyone looking to capture that classic surf sound.

Ramones - California Sun + Pinhead (Live at The Roxy in 1978, 4K AI Remastered + Lyrics)

Notable Moserite Users:

Beyond The Ventures themselves, the Mosrite Ventures Model (and other Mosrite guitars) found favor with a diverse range of musicians:

  • Johnny Ramone (The Ramones): Perhaps the most famous Mosrite player, he primarily used a white Ventures II “Slab Body” model for almost two decades, shaping the sound of punk rock.
  • Joe Maphis: A country guitar legend, had a signature Mosrite double-neck.
  • Erik Brann (Iron Butterfly): Used a Ventures model on the iconic “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.”
  • Kurt Cobain (Nirvana): Owned and played several Mosrite guitars, including a Gospel model and a custom left-handed Mark IV.
  • Fred “Sonic” Smith (MC5): Another user of the Ventures Model.
  • Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers): Has been known to use Mosrites.
  • Takeshi Terauchi (Japan): Highly influential Japanese instrumental guitarist who was a major proponent of Mosrite.

 

1965 Mosrite Ventures Model | Guitar of the Day

 

4. Kay K6533 Value Leader

Kay produced its first electric guitar in 1936 but truly hit its stride in the 1960s with a massive production of student-grade, budget instruments.

The Kay K6533 Value Leader is a prime example: a low-end, hollowbody archtop featuring a single DeArmond pickup in the neck position.

General Characteristics & Era:

  • Type: It’s a full hollowbody, archtop electric guitar. This means the body is entirely hollow, contributing to a resonant, acoustic-like quality when unplugged, and a distinctive amplified tone.
  • Production: Primarily produced in the 1950s and early 1960s, specifically around 1959-1962.
  • “Value Leader” Line: As the name suggests, it was part of Kay’s “Value Leader” line, aimed at providing an accessible and affordable electric guitar option for beginners or those on a budget.
  • Aesthetics: Often features a sunburst finish (typically a two-tone sunburst) and has a classic, somewhat chunky vintage look. The neck and back might even have painted “faux flame” or striping to give a more upscale appearance.

 

Kay K6533 Value Leader
Kay K6533 Value Leader

Pickups

The K6533 typically features a single pickup in the neck position. (Other “Value Leader” models, like the K6535 or K1962, might have two or three pickups).

The original pickups were often Kay’s own “Pancake” single-coil pickups or DeArmond “Gold Foil” pickups (especially on earlier models). These pickups are renowned for their raw, bluesy, clear, and dynamic tone. They can have a lot of punch.

 

The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army (Official Music Video)

 

Seven Nation Army

Like many other budget guitars of its era, the Kay K6533 was originally considered a student or entry-level instrument.

However, these “pawn shop guitars” have gained immense popularity in recent decades among indie, garage, and blues-rock musicians for their unique sonic character, cool vintage aesthetic, and relative affordability compared to high-end vintage Gibsons or Fenders.

This unassuming guitar rocketed to fame in the 2000s when Jack White wielded it on The White Stripes’ signature anthem, “Seven Nation Army.”

Its simple design and raw, unadorned tone have made it a sought-after piece of vintage Kay guitars for garage rock enthusiasts.

Kay K6533 Value Leader Sunburst 1965 USA

 

5. Yamaha Flying Samurai

Debuting in 1967, the Yamaha “Flying Samurai” is a series of electric guitars and basses produced by Yamaha in the 1960s, a period when Japan was experiencing a massive “Eleki boom” (electric guitar boom), particularly driven by the popularity of surf rock.

They were primarily designed and marketed for the domestic Japanese market, where there was a strong demand for unique and exciting electric guitars.

These instruments are highly recognizable for their distinctive, futuristic, and somewhat aggressive body shapes, earning them the “Flying Samurai” nickname

With its long, distinctly 60s-looking horns, quirky curves, and bright, twangy tone, this guitar screams surf rock.

Yamaha Flying Samurai
Yamaha Flying Samurai

Smooth Offset

The offset body is similar to Fender Jazzmasters or Jaguars, but with its own unique flair. Often featuring a sweeping, extended lower horn and a sharply pointed treble horn. Some models (like the SG-2/SG-3) had an elongated upper horn, while others (SG-5/SG-7) had an elongated lower horn.

There’s also a clear Mosrite influence in the aesthetic, particularly in the lower horn and overall aggressive curves. Some sources suggest Yamaha even consulted with legendary Japanese surf guitarist Takeshi Terauchi in the design process.

Vibrato System: Featured a unique, often Jazzmaster-style or roller-saddle tremolo system designed by Yamaha, known for its smooth action. Original tremolo arms are often hard to find.

Models and Variations:

The “Flying Samurai” encompassed several models, including:

  • Guitars: SG-2, SG-3, SG-5, SG-7 (and their “A” suffix variants like SG-2A, SG-5A, SG-7A). The higher numbers generally indicated more features or premium hardware (e.g., gold hardware on the SG-7).
  • Basses: The body shape was also used for basses, notably the SB-2a (often with a single tilted pickup), SB-5a, and SB-7a. There was also the SB-1c “Flying Banana” bass with a more asymmetrical body shape.
  • Reissues: Yamaha has reissued the Flying Samurai shape in more modern lines like the SGV series (e.g., SGV-300, SGV-500, SGV-700, SGV-800) in the early 2000s, often with updated hardware, pickups, and electronics while retaining the iconic body shape. There were also limited anniversary editions

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

It typically features a spanky, Strat-like single coil in the neck and either another in the bridge or two working together as a humbucker, offering versatile tones.

Recently brought back into the spotlight by Stu MacKenzie of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, the Flying Samurai is experiencing a well-deserved pawn shop resurgence.

Yamaha SG-5A: The “Flying Samurai” Guitar – Full Demo & Breakdown!

 

6. Guild S-200 Thunderbird

The Guild S-200 Thunderbird is a truly unique and distinctive electric guitar, known for its unconventional looks, versatile electronics, and a surprising history of influential users. It’s one of those “love it or hate it” designs that has developed a strong cult following.

This solid-bodied, offset guitar debuted in 1964 with looks to kill and remains beloved today.

While somewhat resembling a Jazzmaster, the Thunderbird possesses a more menacing vibe. It features an array of knobs and switches that can be perplexing to the uninitiated but unlock a vast sonic palette in the hands of an expert.

The original S-200 Thunderbird was produced from 1963 to around 1968. It was a relatively rare instrument, with fewer than 200 thought to have been produced in total.

Guild S-200 Thunderbird
Guild S-200 Thunderbird

Distinctive Design and Features:

  • Asymmetrical Offset Body: This is the most striking feature. The mahogany body has a bizarre, asymmetrical, double-cutaway shape that is instantly recognizable. It’s often described as a “Frankenstein fusion” of a Fender offset and a non-reverse Gibson Firebird, or even likened to Gumby!
  • “German Carve”: The body features a subtle “German carve” around its edges, adding to its sculpted appearance.
  • Built-in Guitar Stand (Original Models): A truly quirky and innovative feature of the original S-200 Thunderbird was a chrome kickstand that folded out from the back of the body, allowing the guitar to stand upright on its own. While clever, this feature was often removed or not included in reissues due to being somewhat unwieldy.
  • Set Neck Construction: The S-200 generally features a set mahogany neck, which contributes to its sustain and tone.
  • Slim Neck Profile: The neck often has a comfortable, slim “C” or “D” profile, with a Gibson-style scale length (around 24 3/4 inches) and typically a rosewood fretboard with dot or block inlays.
  • Headstock: Features an asymmetrical headstock with a “Thunderbird” truss rod cover and the Guild logo.

Mini Humbuckers

Original models were fitted with two Guild “Anti-Hum” P90-style pickups (sometimes referred to as “Frequency Tested” humbuckers, though often single-coil in nature, or “Little Buckers” on some reissues). These are known for excellent clarity, warmth, and punch. They have a high output for single-coils of the era.

Reissues often feature Guild LB-1 “Little Bucker” humbuckers, which are designed to replicate the sound of the originals and are praised for their clear, warm tone with good headroom

Original Thunderbirds command a pretty penny, but thankfully, reissues are now available, making vintage Guild guitars more accessible.

Notable S-200 Thunderbird Users:

The S-200 Thunderbird, despite its rarity, has been used by some very influential artists:

  • Muddy Waters: Famously played a Guild S-200 Thunderbird, especially during his “Electric Mud” era, cementing its place in blues history.
  • Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys): His prominent use of a vintage S-200 Thunderbird in recent years brought the guitar renewed attention and “cult classic” status, inspiring the reissues.
  • Zal Yanovsky (The Lovin’ Spoonful): Another prominent user in the 1960s, using it on hits like “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice.”
  • Rory Gallagher: Also known to have played a Thunderbird.
  • Fred Cole (Dead Moon, Pierced Arrows): A punk rock icon who appreciated its raw sound.
  • Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool): An Australian guitarist who used a Thunderbird, inspired by Muddy Waters.
1965 Guild S-200 Thunderbird | Guitar of the Day

 

7. Supro Dual Tone

The Supro Dual Tone is a guitar deeply rooted in American music history, celebrated for its raw, distinctive sound and unique construction. Originally produced by Valco in Chicago during the 1950s and 60s, it’s gained a modern resurgence thanks to reissues and its association with iconic players.

Supro was a brand under the Valco company (National Valco, later just Valco) based in Chicago, Illinois. Valco produced instruments under several names, including National, Dobro, Airline, and Supro.

The Dual Tone (originally called the “Duo-Tone”) was introduced in 1954-1955 as one of Supro’s first electric guitars with a traditional Spanish (non-lap steel) body. It was designed as an affordable, yet characterful, instrument.

Valco was known for its innovative, and often cost-effective, approaches to guitar building, frequently using components from various suppliers. This contributed to the unique character of their instruments.

Supro Dual Tone
Supro Dual Tone

Res-O-Glass

The most iconic Dual Tones from the early 1960s (and the basis for many reissues) feature a “Res-O-Glass” (fiberglass/composite) top mated to a chambered wood body (often mahogany). This “semi-hollow” construction, with its composite top, gives the Dual Tone a unique resonance, a somewhat “airy” yet punchy tone, and a distinctive look.

It’s worth noting that the very first Dual Tones in the mid-1950s were actually solid wood bodies before the shift to the Res-O-Glass tops.

Typically a single-cutaway body with a distinct Art Deco aesthetic, straight sides, and often an “Ermine White” (off-white/cream) finish, though other colors existed.

They are usually a shorter, Gibson-esque 24 ¾” scale length, contributing to easier bending and a slightly looser feel.

Supro is back; however, they mainly concentrate on guitar amps these days.

The Black Keys “Lonely Boy” at the Howard Stern Birthday Bash (2014)

Vistatone Pickups

These are the heart and soul of the Dual Tone’s sound. They are a reproduction of the groundbreaking single-coil design developed for Valco by Ralph Keller in the early 1950s. Interestingly, the Vistatone pickup is cited as “prior art” in Seth Lover’s famous humbucker patent (PAF).

Vistatone pickups are known for their powerful, raw, and “gnarly” sound. They deliver a unique blend of clarity, punch, and an unmistakable midrange growl.

They are often described as having an “electric swamp-blues tone” that excels with tube amps and fuzz pedals. The neck pickup can sound “huge and woolly,” while the bridge pickup offers a “dirty” bite.

Link Wray - Rumble (1958)

Notable Supro Users

The Supro Dual Tone (and other Supro/Valco guitars) has been championed by a remarkable array of influential musicians:

  • Link Wray: Famously used a Supro Dual Tone, influencing the raw, distorted sound of his iconic instrumental “Rumble” (which David Bowie later cited as a reason he loved the guitar).
  • David Bowie: A significant proponent of the Dual Tone, particularly during his “Reality” album and subsequent “A Reality Tour.” He acquired a vintage model on eBay and had it customized. Supro even released a David Bowie 1961 Tribute Dual Tone reissue with his lightning bolt logo and rainbow fret lines, reflecting his personal connection to the instrument.
  • Chris Cornell (Soundgarden): Used a Supro Dual Tone, notably in the music video for “Blow Up the Outside World.”
  • Frank Zappa: An early user, appearing in high school yearbook photos with a Supro Dual Tone.
  • Ry Cooder: Known for his love of Supro and Valco guitars, especially for slide.
  • Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys): Another modern artist who embraces the raw, vintage tones of Supro guitars.
  • KT Tunstall: Uses a Dual Tone for “more tone options” in her setup.
1959 Valco-made Supro Dual-Tone electric guitar

 

8. Teisco Sharkfin

Like other vintage Japanese and budget American guitars from the 1960s (e.g., Danelectro, Harmony), Teisco Sharkfins have gained significant popularity. They are no longer just “cheap guitars” but sought-after vintage instruments for their unique sound and cool factor.

The “Teisco Sharkfin” refers to a family of electric guitars produced by the Japanese company Teisco (and later Kawai, after they acquired Teisco) primarily in the mid-to-late 1960s. They are instantly recognizable for their distinctive, pointed body shape, often with a sharply angled or “hooked” headstock, earning them the affectionate nickname.

Like many vintage Japanese guitars of the era, the Teisco Sharkfin models were originally budget-friendly instruments often sold through department stores and mail-order catalogs (sometimes rebranded as Teisco Del Rey, Silvertone, Kent, or other names).

However, they have gained a cult following in recent decades among collectors and musicians who appreciate their unique aesthetics, quirky features, and raw, garage-rock tones.

Teisco Sharkfin
Teisco Sharkfin

Hot Pickups

Teisco is famous for its unique single-coil pickups, often with square pole pieces or a characteristic “gold foil” appearance (though not always true “gold foils” in the Ry Cooder sense).

These pickups are generally high-output and deliver a bright, clear, and often somewhat raw or “barking” tone. They excel at driving an amplifier into natural overdrive and are highly prized for surf rock, garage rock, punk, and lo-fi blues.

A hallmark of many Teisco guitars, including the Sharkfin, is an abundance of slide switches (often one on/off switch per pickup) and multiple volume/tone knobs.

This allows for a wide range of pickup combinations and tonal variations, though some wiring setups can be a bit quirky (e.g., out-of-phase wiring from the factory).

The Teisco Sharkfin sound is often described as bright, punchy, aggressive, and full of character. It has a distinctive vintage “twang” that suits surf rock, garage rock, punk, and blues. The high-output pickups can drive amps nicely.

Many Sharkfin models came with a simple, yet functional, vibrato unit. These are often described as having a pleasant, Bigsby-like action and warble. The bridge usually rocks to aid tuning stability.

They’ve been embraced by musicians in genres like indie rock and garage rock who seek out unique tones and aesthetics beyond the mainstream. James Iha of The Smashing Pumpkins was seen using one in a video, contributing to their visibility.

Teisco Sharkfin Recent set up

 

9. Eko Rokes

The Eko Rokes is a truly distinctive and highly sought-after vintage electric guitar from the Italian manufacturer Eko, celebrated for its unique “rocket” or “arrow” shape and its strong ties to the 1960s Italian Beat music scene.

It’s a classic example of the innovative and often eccentric designs that emerged from European guitar makers during that era.

The Rokes

The Rokes model was born from a collaboration with The Rokes, a popular English beat group that found immense success after relocating to Italy in the mid-1960s. Eko designed this specific guitar for them, and it became synonymous with their image.

The Rokes model was designed in 1965 and initially used exclusively by the band. It was then commercially launched for the general public in 1966-1967.

When exported to the United States, the guitar was briefly named “Rocket,” but due to a legal conflict (Gretsch had already registered “Rocket” for a drum series), the name was changed to “Rok” for the American market.

Eko Rokes
Eko Rokes

DeArmond Goldfoil Pickups

The most desirable original Rokes models were often fitted with DeArmond “Gold Foil” single-coil pickups. These pickups are highly regarded for their clear, bright, percussive, and harmonically rich tone, offering a distinctive vintage sound.

Some models might have featured Eko’s own “Eko Pick-Up” single coils. Pickup configurations varied, with some having a single pickup (often in the neck or middle position) and others having two or more.

The Eko Rokes, especially with DeArmond pickups, is known for its bright, clear, and cutting tone. It excels in genres like surf rock, garage rock, beat music, and psychedelic rock. When pushed, it can deliver a raw, gritty, and unique overdriven sound.

Eko guitars from this period often have comfortable, relatively slim necks. While they can sometimes require a good setup due to their age, they generally offer a playable experience. The Bigsby vibrato (where present) adds to the expressive capabilities.

12-String & Bass

Original Eko Rokes guitars are quite rare today and are highly prized by collectors for their unique design, historical significance, and performance (especially those with DeArmond pickups)

Also available in 12-string and bass versions, the Rokes is a rare beast, with originals now commanding a hefty price tag.

The Eko Rokes remains a true cult classic. Its striking visual appeal, combined with its unique sound and connection to a specific musical era, makes it a highly sought-after instrument for collectors and players looking for something truly different from mainstream vintage guitars.

1969 Kingston Flying Wedge (Kawai) Eko Rokes Copy

 

10. Airline JB Hutto Res-O-Glass

The Airline “JB Hutto” Res-O-Glass is an iconic and highly distinctive electric guitar, instantly recognizable for its unique construction and powerful, raw tone.

It’s often associated with gritty blues and garage rock, largely due to its use by blues legend J.B. Hutto and, more recently, by Jack White of The White Stripes.

“Airline” was a house brand primarily for Montgomery Ward department stores, but the guitars themselves were manufactured by Valco (National Valco) in Chicago, Illinois. Valco also produced guitars under other brands like Supro and National.

Jack White fights airline (It Might Get Loud)

Res-O-Glass

Like the Supro Dual Tone above, these “Res-O-Glass” (or “Res-O-Glas”) models, including the one associated with Hutto, were produced by Valco from 1958 to 1968.

This is the most defining feature. Instead of a traditional solid wood body, these guitars had a molded fiberglass (Res-O-Glass) top and back sandwiched around a lightweight wooden core (often maple). This unique, cost-effective construction method contributed significantly to their distinct resonant qualities and light weight. The seam where the fiberglass halves met was often covered by rubber binding.

J.B. Hutto

The Chicago blues slide guitarist J.B. Hutto famously played a red Airline Res-O-Glass guitar, making it his signature instrument. This cemented its place in blues history and gave the model its unofficial “JB Hutto” designation.

 

Airline JB Hutto Res-O-Glass
Airline JB Hutto Res-O-Glass

Jack White

Original models featured two (or sometimes three) large, high-output single-coil pickups, often referred to as “hot” for their time. These are crucial to the Airline sound. They have a raw, aggressive, and sometimes “gritty” character, perfect for overdriven blues and rock.

Despite their budget origins and unique construction, many original Airlines can be surprisingly playable, especially with a good setup. They are often lightweight.

If you’re searching for Jack White’s guitar, this is the one to find.

“30 Second Demo” - 1964 Airline JB Hutto / Jack White Model

Why Hunt for a Pawn Shop Guitar?

Pawn shop electric guitars offer more than just a unique sound or aesthetic. They represent a connection to music history, a chance to own an instrument with character, and often, an affordable entry point into the world of vintage gear.

While they may require a bit more love and attention, the rewards—in terms of unique tone, visual appeal, and sheer cool factor—are immeasurable.

So, next time you pass an opportunity shop or a pawn shop, keep your eyes peeled. You might just stumble upon your own holy grail of a guitar!

What do you think? Are there any other Pawn Shop Electric Guitars you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

More useful How-To Guides on Guitar Bomb.

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2 thoughts on “Unearthing Gold: The Top 10 Coolest Pawn Shop Electric Guitars

  1. I have some old guitars I’d like to see if you could give me information on. Can you email me someone you trust to give me info on them please, I do not want to take to pawn shop,
    thank you

    1. It all depends on where you live in the world. I’d suggest looking up a reputable used guitar/vintage guitar dealer in your country. Including ATB in the UK, or Norman’s Rare Guitars in the US, are two well-respected examples of vintage guitar appraisers.

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