Electra Guitars
Electra Guitars
Also known as: Electra, Electra-Westone, Electra Westone
UnclaimedElectra Guitars is an American electric guitar brand with origins in the early 1970s, when Saint Louis Music (SLM) introduced the name to market Japanese-built instruments in the United States. Manufactured primarily by Matsumoku in Japan, these guitars developed a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship at accessible price points. The brand's most significant innovation came in 1976 with t...
Electra Guitars is an American electric guitar brand with origins in the early 1970s, when Saint Louis Music (SLM) introduced the name to market Japanese-built instruments in the United States. Manufactured primarily by Matsumoku in Japan, these guitars developed a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship at accessible price points. The brand's most significant innovation came in 1976 with the introduction of the Modular Powered Circuit (MPC) system — a design that embedded cartridge slots directly into the guitar body, allowing players to swap interchangeable onboard effects modules powered by a standard 9-volt battery. The MPC line attracted endorsements from artists including Elvin Bishop, Leslie West, Rick Derringer, and bassist Chris Squire of Yes, and the concept of integrating effects within the instrument itself set Electra apart from its Japanese-built contemporaries.
The original Electra brand went through a series of identity transitions in the early 1980s — moving through Electra-Phoenix and Electra-Westone — before the name eventually gave way to Westone. The Electra trademark was revived in 2013 when Ben Chafin, a veteran luthier with over two decades of industry experience including a role as head builder and designer at Dean Guitars, acquired the rights and relaunched the brand from Tampa, Florida.
The modern Electra lineup draws on the brand's vintage heritage while incorporating updated specifications. Core models include the Omega (a single-cutaway electric inspired by the classic Electra silhouette), the Phoenix series (offset double-cutaway guitars and basses rooted in the vintage X110 design), the Invicta, and the Talon. The company also produces its own MagnaFlex guitar strings.
Electra Guitars has 19 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Solid Body Electric Guitars, Electric Basses, and Effects Processors. Their gear is featured by 17 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Blues. Notable users include James Hetfield, Justin Trosper, and Wyatt Shears.
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