Teisco was a Japanese budget brand that produced guitars starting in the late '40s. By the early '60s, Teisco guitars became increasingly unique with a number of original shapes and designs being produced. Those imported to the United States were branded as Teisco Del Rey starting in 1965. Collector interest in Teisco and other budget import brands has increased in the past several years. Teiscos are notoriously difficult to date and identify as no comprehensive records were kept during production.