36 guitars · 5 brands · 1950s–1960s
The guitars on the old records are still out there. Here's which ones to buy and what to check first.
The Strats, Les Pauls and Gretsches on those records are still being played, and they change hands every day. So do refinished bodies, swapped pickups, reissues sold as originals and guitars built from parts. Each page covers one model, with its story, how to date it, what to check in the listing photos and the eBay listings we’d buy.
A checklist for all 36 guitarsFacts checked, sources listedNo affiliate links
Know the model? Start there.
model indexPlayers shop by model and year. Tap one to go straight to its page, or read the red flags in vintage guitar listings first.
- Pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster: Pre-CBS Strat
- CBS-Era Fender Stratocaster: CBS Strat
- Fender Telecaster Blackguard: Blackguard Tele
- Fender Esquire: Esquire
- Fender Jazzmaster: Jazzmaster
- Fender Jaguar: Jaguar
- Fender Mustang: Mustang
- Fender P-Bass (Pre-CBS): P-Bass
- Gibson Les Paul Burst: Les Paul Burst
- Gibson Les Paul Custom: Les Paul Custom
- Gibson SG Standard: SG
- Gibson ES-335: ES-335
- Gibson ES-175: ES-175
- Gibson Firebird: Firebird
- Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins: 6120
- Gretsch White Falcon: White Falcon
- Gretsch Duo Jet: Duo Jet
- Rickenbacker 360/12: Rick 360/12
- Rickenbacker 4001: Rick 4001
- Mosrite Ventures (Mark I): Mosrite Ventures
Find yours
browse byBy brand
Fender10 guitarsStratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster and moreGibson10 guitarsLes Paul, SG, ES thinline and moreGretsch6 guitarsChet Atkins hollow body, Falcon, Jet and moreMosrite4 guitarsVentures and Joe MaphisRickenbacker6 guitarsCapri 300 series deluxe, Capri 300 series, Capri 300 series (short scale) and more
Most-hunted guitars
Fender · Stratocaster
Solid bodyPre-CBS Fender Stratocaster
Stratocaster
- Years made
- 1954–1965
- Era
- 1950s
$23,200–$46,925 typical ask
Gibson · Les Paul
Solid bodyGibson Les Paul Burst
Les Paul Standard
- Years made
- 1958–1960
- Era
- 1950s
Specs and what to check →
Fender · Telecaster
Solid bodyFender Telecaster Blackguard
Telecaster
- Years made
- 1950–1954
- Era
- 1950s
$59,500–$110,300 typical ask
Gibson · ES thinline
Semi-hollowGibson ES-335
ES-335
- Years made
- 1958–1969
- Era
- 1950s
$12,425–$41,525 typical ask
Gretsch · Chet Atkins hollow body
Hollow bodyGretsch 6120 Chet Atkins
6120
- Years made
- 1954–1971 (as model 6120)
- Era
- 1950s
$4,050–$9,250 typical ask
Rickenbacker · Capri 300 series twelve-string
Semi-hollowRickenbacker 360/12
360/12
- Years made
- 1964–present (prototypes 1963)
- Era
- 1960s
$2,775–$4,250 typical ask
From our latest eBay check
Fender EsquireFender 1956 Esquire Electric Guitar - Refinished Yellow with Hardshell Case - Us
$21,899.00 deliveredCheapest
Checked Oct 11, 2026
Gibson Les Paul CustomGibson 1977 Les Paul Custom Natural Made in USA Vintage Solid Electric Guitar
$8,998.00 deliveredCheapest
Checked Oct 11, 2026
Fender Jazzmaster1964 Fender Jazzmaster Olympic White W/OHSC
$8,145.00 est. deliveredCheapest
Checked Oct 11, 2026
Mosrite Maphis Double-Neck1959 MOSRITE (Pre Ventures) Double Neck - Set Neck - Side Jack -Real Vibramute
$15,183.77 est. deliveredCheapest
Checked Oct 11, 2026
Buying guides
5 guidesSell to us
Got a guitar living under the bed?
Tell us what you have, the serial, whether the finish and parts are original, with a few photos and your price. Our guitar expert will get back to you quickly with a cash offer if it’s a fit. No listing to write, no fees.