1964 Jb Hutto Res O Glass Airline Guitar

Hey, pull up a chair! Let's talk guitars, shall we? Specifically, one guitar. Not just any guitar, mind you. We're diving deep into the wonderfully weird world of the 1964 JB Hutto Res-O-Glas Airline guitar. Yeah, that’s a mouthful, isn't it?

So, picture this: it's the '60s. Rock and roll is king. And some seriously cool cats are playing some seriously unconventional instruments. Enter JB Hutto, a Chicago blues legend, absolutely shredding on...wait for it...a fiberglass guitar! I mean, seriously, fiberglass?! Who does that?

Well, apparently, Valco did. Valco, the company behind Airline guitars, decided, "Hey, wood is so last year. Let's make a guitar out of something that looks like it belongs on a boat!" And thus, the Res-O-Glas was born. What were they thinking? Brilliant madness, I tell ya!

These guitars are instantly recognizable. Think bold colors, sometimes two-tone, and often sporting a distinctive Airline logo. You can't miss 'em. They practically scream, "I'm vintage, I'm quirky, and I'm here to party!" I mean, have you seen the red and white ones? They look like they should be serving up root beer floats at a drive-in movie.

But why fiberglass? Good question! Well, it was cheap, relatively durable (surprisingly!), and gave the guitar a unique, almost metallic, tone. Some people describe it as having a certain "honk." Honk? Is that good? In this case, absolutely. It's a raw, bluesy honk that cuts through the mix like a hot knife through butter. And let's be honest, anything JB Hutto played sounded amazing, right?

Plus, let's not forget the looks. This guitar is pure mid-century modern eye candy. It's like a Jetsons spaceship morphed into a musical instrument. Groovy, man, groovy.

Now, let's talk about playability. Are these guitars easy to play? Well…let's just say they're not exactly known for their silky smooth action. They can be a bit…challenging. A bit temperamental. But that’s part of their charm, isn't it? They demand your attention. They make you work for that sweet, sweet blues tone. And when you finally nail it? Oh, the satisfaction!

And those pickups! The single-coil pickups on these guitars are hot, raucous, and ready to rumble. They're perfect for blues, rockabilly, or anything that needs a little extra oomph. Think gritty, snarling, and unapologetically loud.

So, are they valuable? You betcha. Original JB Hutto models, especially in good condition, can fetch a pretty penny. We're talking serious collector's item territory here. Think: "If I sell this, I could finally take that trip to Hawaii" kind of money. Maybe. Okay, probably not a long trip, but you get the idea!

But even if you can't afford a vintage original, there are plenty of modern reissues and tribute models out there. Eastwood Guitars, for example, makes some fantastic Res-O-Glas inspired guitars that capture the vibe without breaking the bank. So, you can still get that cool, retro look and that killer tone, without having to sell your kidney.

The neck profile can be thick, and the action can be high. That takes commitment! However, if you are looking for that unique sound of a guitar, you need to try it!

In conclusion? The 1964 JB Hutto Res-O-Glas Airline guitar is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of history. It's a symbol of a time when guitar makers were willing to take risks, to experiment, and to create something truly unique. It's a testament to the power of blues music and the enduring legacy of JB Hutto. And it's just plain cool. So, if you ever get a chance to play one, don't pass it up. You might just fall in love with the quirky, fiberglass wonder.

Now, about that coffee... anyone want a refill?