Rare, Vintage Electric Guitars at Second-Hand Shops
- Tapetown
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
You’re browsing a second-hand music shop or thrift store when a scratched-up guitar catches your eye for $150. Could it be a rare find? Vintage electric guitars from the 1960s and 1970s sometimes turn up in these spots, often underpriced by unaware sellers. These budget gems can fuel your songwriting or shine in a recording studio. Here are 10 vintage electric guitars you might find at second-hand shops or flea markets, with tips to grab them.
1. Epiphone Coronet
Era: 1960s
Used By: Early Rolling Stones
Sound: Bright, single-coil tones for blues and rock songwriting.
Why It’s Exciting: Gibson-like quality at thrift prices, great for recording studios.
Thrift Price: $150–$300
Spotting Tips: Single P-90 pickup, asymmetrical headstock. Check neck for cracks.
2. Silvertone 1448
Era: 1960s
Used By: Jack White for garage rock
Sound: Lo-fi, gritty tones for raw rock riffs.
Why It’s Exciting: Cult favorite for music creation on a budget.
Thrift Price: $100–$250
Spotting Tips: Often with amp-in-case. Test pickups for functionality.
3. Harmony Rocket
Era: 1960s
Used By: Indie rock bands
Sound: Warm, hollow-body tones for jangly pop.
Why It’s Exciting: Versatile for studio recording and gigs at low cost.
Thrift Price: $100–$200
Spotting Tips: Gold-foil pickups. Check tuning pegs for wear.
4. Teisco Del Rey
Era: 1960s
Used By: Surf rock players
Sound: Twangy, quirky tones for retro vibes.
Why It’s Exciting: Unique sound for creative songwriting, dirt cheap.
Thrift Price: $80–$200
Spotting Tips: Odd pickup switches. Test electronics carefully.
5. Kay Vanguard
Era: 1960s
Used By: Blues revival bands
Sound: Bright, single-coil tones for blues and rock.
Why It’s Exciting: Vintage charm for performance gear on a budget.
Thrift Price: $100–$250
Spotting Tips: “Kleenex box” pickups. Inspect neck joint for stability.
6. Danelectro U2
Era: 1950s–1960s
Used By: Jimmy Page on early tracks
Sound: Crisp, lipstick pickup tones for rock and pop.
Why It’s Exciting: Lightweight, fun for music creation at thrift prices.
Thrift Price: $150–$350
Spotting Tips: Masonite body, double cutaway. Check wiring for shorts.
7. Supro Dual Tone
Era: 1960s
Used By: Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys
Sound: Raw, gritty tones for garage rock.
Why It’s Exciting: Pro sound for recording studios at a steal.
Thrift Price: $200–$400
Spotting Tips: Fiberglass body, single pickup. Test for fret wear.
8. Guild Starfire I
Era: 1960s
Used By: Early folk-rock players
Sound: Warm, semi-hollow tones for melodic songwriting.
Why It’s Exciting: High-end brand at a bargain for performance gear.
Thrift Price: $200–$450
Spotting Tips: Single pickup, cherry finish. Check bridge for rust.
9. Sears Silvertone 1457
Era: 1960s
Used By: Lo-fi indie musicians
Sound: Jangly, single-coil tones for retro rock.
Why It’s Exciting: Affordable, unique vibe for music creation.
Thrift Price: $100–$250
Spotting Tips: Often with amp-in-case. Inspect neck for warping.
10. Yamaha SG-2
Era: 1960s
Used By: Japanese rock bands
Sound: Bright, versatile tones for pop and rock.
Why It’s Exciting: Rare find with solid playability for studios.
Thrift Price: $150–$350
Spotting Tips: Offset body, single-coil pickups. Test action and intonation.
Scoring a vintage guitar like a Danelectro U2 or Harmony Rocket at a second-hand shop or flea market can spark your music creation for cheap. Test playability and electronics, then haggle politely. Check our articles on guitar pedals for more thrift store gear to shape your sound.
FAQs
What to check on a thrift store guitar? Test neck, frets, and electronics. Ensure it holds tune.
Are these guitars gig-worthy? With minor setup, they’re great for performance gear and recording.
How to negotiate at flea markets? Start 30% below asking, and be ready to walk away.
Read more about rare equipment: