The Teisco ET-200, affectionately known as the "Tulip," is an iconic artifact of the 1960s Japanese guitar boom. Produced by the Tokyo Electric Instrument and Sound Company, this budget-friendly electric guitar became a staple for beginners and garage rockers after being imported to the West under the "Teisco Del Rey" name and sold through major department store catalogs. Its famous nickname stems from its distinctively contoured, symmetrical body shape that resembles a blooming flower, which is paired with a matching, heavily stylized pickguard. Despite its entry-level origins, the guitar features unique hardware touches typical of the era, including a zero fret for consistent open-string action and a simple, spring-loaded tremolo system.

Sonically, the ET-200 delivers a raw, charmingly low-fi aesthetic that has found a modern revival among indie and surf rock musicians. It is equipped with two prominent single-coil pickups, which players control using a unique set of individual on/off rocker switches rather than a traditional toggle. When plugged in, these pickups produce a bright, jangly, and highly responsive microphonic tone that excels at biting garage-rock crunch or rustic slide guitar playing. While it may lack the polished sustain of high-end American guitars from the same period, the ET-200's eccentric design, vintage vibe, and distinct tonal character make it a highly collectible and fun instrument to play today.