The Teisco 1440 is a Japanese-made electric guitar from the late 1960s, featuring a distinctive Mosrite-inspired offset body, dual single-coil pickups and an unusual vibrato system. Also distributed through the Sears catalogue under the Silvertone name, the 1440 reflects the unconventional designs and hardware arrangements characteristic of Japanese electric guitars of the period.
Its lightweight body features an asymmetrical double-cutaway design with a distinctive elongated upper horn. The neck incorporates a zero fret, while the adjustable roller bridge works in conjunction with the spring-loaded vibrato tailpiece to accommodate pitch bending and reduce friction during vibrato use.
Two single-coil pickups deliver a bright, wiry sound with the raw character associated with vintage Japanese electric guitars. The combination of the offset body, distinctive pickup arrangement and vibrato hardware gives the 1440 an appearance and playing character quite different from conventional American electric guitar designs of the period.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Teisco
Model: 1440
Year: 1968
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Body Type: Solid Body, Offset Double-Cutaway
Body Style: Mosrite-Inspired
Pickups: 2 × Single-Coil
Nut Configuration: Zero Fret
Bridge: Adjustable Roller Bridge
Tailpiece: Spring-Loaded Vibrato
Hardware: Vintage Japanese
New old stock (NOS) dating from 1968, originally held by Australian distributor Lamberti Bros and never previously sold.
The guitar retains its original pickups, hardware and electronics. Despite its unsold status, the frets exhibit significant wear resulting from an amateur fret-levelling attempt. May require professional attention to restore optimal playability.
An unusual surviving example of a late-1960s Japanese electric guitar, with the fret condition reflected in its presentation.
