Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $950

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Description

Step back in time with the Teisco Spectrum 5, a solid body electric guitar that embodies the quirky charm and innovative design of the 1960s. Known for its distinct aesthetic and versatile tonal capabilities, this guitar is a favorite among collectors and players alike. The Teisco Spectrum 5 stands out with its unique 4-pickup setup and onboard controls, offering a broad palette of sounds that can adapt to any musical style.

The guitar’s retro design is complemented by its modern playability, thanks to a smooth neck and comfortable fretboard. Whether you're basking in the warm glow of vintage blues or experimenting with avant-garde rock, the Spectrum 5 is an instrument that inspires creativity with every strum. Its vibrant onboard electronics allow for nuanced sound shaping, making it a versatile choice for both stage performances and studio sessions.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction for durability and resonant tone
  • Unique 4-pickup configuration for a wide range of sound options
  • Onboard controls for dynamic tonal adjustments
  • Smooth neck and comfortable fretboard for enhanced playability
  • Vintage design with modern functionality, perfect for collectors and musicians alike

Product specs

Brand Teisco
Model Spectrum 5
Finish Metallic Red
Year 1966
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the pickup configuration on the Teisco Spectrum 5?

The Teisco Spectrum 5 features a single-coil pickup configuration with three pickups (SSS), allowing for a variety of bright and clear tones.

Does the Teisco Spectrum 5 have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Teisco Spectrum 5 comes with a tremolo tailpiece, offering players the ability to add vibrato effects to their playing.

What is the neck construction of the Teisco Spectrum 5?

The Teisco Spectrum 5 has a bolt-on neck construction, which typically provides a snappy response and makes neck adjustments or replacements easier.

How many frets does the Teisco Spectrum 5 have?

The Teisco Spectrum 5 is equipped with 22 frets, providing a standard range for most playing styles.

What is the scale length of the Teisco Spectrum 5?

The Teisco Spectrum 5 has a scale length of 24 3/4 inches, offering a comfortable playing experience with a slightly shorter reach.

What material is the fretboard of the Teisco Spectrum 5 made from?

The fretboard of the Teisco Spectrum 5 is made from rosewood, known for its warm tonal characteristics and smooth playability.

Darren Robinson

Darren Robinson

Teisco Spectrum 5 RI Guitar Demonstration - FOR SALE!

Video thumbnail for Teisco Spectrum 5 RI Guitar Demonstration - FOR SALE! by Darren Robinson

Teisco Spectrum 5 RI Guitar Demonstration - FOR SALE!

Darren Robinson

Darren Robinson

Video thumbnail for 1990s Teisco Spectrum 5 Reissue Demo by drowninginguitars

1990s Teisco Spectrum 5 Reissue Demo

drowninginguitars

drowninginguitars

Video thumbnail for Teisco Spectrum 5 !【Ishibashi Umeda 's Bizzare Adventure!】 by 1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Teisco Spectrum 5 !【Ishibashi Umeda 's Bizzare Adventure!】

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Video thumbnail for Magic STEREO guitar Teisco Spectrum 5 with Chris Kopp. Put your HEADPHONES ON!! by Jason McNamara - JasonVideoMusicTokyo

Magic STEREO guitar Teisco Spectrum 5 with Chris Kopp. Put your HEADPHONES ON!!

Jason McNamara - JasonVideoMusicTokyo

Jason McNamara - JasonVideoMusicTokyo

Video thumbnail for Teisco Spectrum 5 Metallic Blue 1966 Japan by Loud Lemon Demo

Teisco Spectrum 5 Metallic Blue 1966 Japan

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Video thumbnail for Ry Cooder Owned Teisco Spectrum 5 - Electric Guitar Demo by eclecticsoundspdx

Ry Cooder Owned Teisco Spectrum 5 - Electric Guitar Demo

eclecticsoundspdx

eclecticsoundspdx

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Teisco Spectrum 5.

Features and functionality

  • The stereo output allows for separate signal chains for high and low strings, enabling creative setups like reverse delay on highs and reverb on lows.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar is notably heavy, which can impact playability over extended sessions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The unique switching system inspires ideas for integrating effects like fuzz and univibe, catering to experimental and psychedelic soundscapes.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eddie Van Halen uses Teisco Spectrum 5

Eddie Van Halen

Guitarist

Van Halen

...
Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded photo, Eddie Van Halen is seen playing a Teisco Spectrum 5 electric guitar.

See how Dan Auerbach uses Teisco Spectrum 5

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Guitar World

In this photo we can see Dan with a vintage Teisco Spectrum guitar.

See how Mark Knopfler uses Teisco Spectrum 5

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Markknopfler

This guitar was used in the song 'Postcards from Paraguay' in the 2004 album Shangri-La

See how Ry Cooder uses Teisco Spectrum 5

Ry Cooder

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Ry Cooder can be seen playing Teisco Spectrum 5 in this photo. (1992)

See how Hound Dog Taylor uses Teisco Spectrum 5

Hound Dog Taylor

Singer, Guitarist

Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers

...
Verified via Photo

Hound Dog Taylor was known to play a Teisco Spectrum 5, as seen in a user-uploaded photo on Iinet.

See how Andy Fairweather Low uses Teisco Spectrum 5

Andy Fairweather Low

Guitarist

Mick Fleetwood and Friends

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "My Go-To Guitars with Andy Fairweather Low" on YouTube, Andy Fairweather Low discusses his fondness for the Teisco Spectrum 5 guitar. He mentions owning two of these guitars and shares a story about Eric Clapton advising him not to use the Teisco Spectrum 5 on stage with him.

See how Johnny Mackay uses Teisco Spectrum 5

Johnny Mackay

Guitarist

Children Collide

...
Verified via Australian Musician Magazine

In an interview with Australian Musician, Johnny Mackay stated: "Yeah I’m usually using a Jag, but I am going to try and start using these two new guitars I’ve recently bought. I recently bought a Teisco Spectrum 5 (legendary instrument made in 1966, in Japan). I don’t know if you’ve ever seen one of those, but they’re one of the best looking guitars I’ve seen in my life. I’m just trying to make it sound as good as it looks."

D

Darren Robinson

Guitarist

Phantom Planet

...
Verified via Twitter

According to this Tweet by Robinson, he posted his Teisco Spectrum 5 for sale.

Album Usage

The Teisco Spectrum 5 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Teisco Spectrum 5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Teisco Spectrum 5, curated by the Equipboard community.

Eastwood Spectrum 5 PRO

 

newer

This replica captures the exotic body top contours of the original as well as the neck contour, fret markers, even the Spectrum 5 body badge. And to top it off in style we even replicated control knobs and the split square pole pickups and wiring system.

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