The untold story of the invention of the electric guitar

Left: This instrument was likely the first electric guitar played on a national radio broadcast. Its new sound shocked the world, igniting a musical revolution. Right: Alvino Rey, pioneer and champion of the electric guitar, c. 1933. Loan and image courtesy of Lynn Wheelwright

Possibly the only known original example of its kind from Paul Tutmarc’s Audiovox company, this guitar had two necks that accommodated specialized tunings for the popular Hawaiian style of steel guitar playing. Loan courtesy of Lynn Wheelwright

Charlie Christian, the acknowledged pioneer of the electric jazz guitar, played this remarkable instrument while a member of Benny Goodman’s sextet. Loan courtesy of Lynn Wheelwright

Left: Played by Tommy “Butterball” Paige, lead guitarist for country star Ernest Tubb, this guitar is the third “Standard” solid body by Bigsby and the first to feature two pickups with a selector switch. Right: Visionary luthier Paul Bigsby, pictured with his first dual-pickup “Standard” solid-body guitar, c. 1948. Loan courtesy of Deke Dickerson Photo courtesy Tom Sims Archives

Featuring modified electronics and marked with a large number “5” for quick identification on stage, this Les Paul was a staple of the Who’s live performances in the late 1970s. Loan courtesy of Brad and Diana Rodgers

Designed and played by rock and roll originator Bo Diddley late in his life, this electric guitar features the artist’s signature rectangular body as well as onboard electronic effects and a synthesizer pickup. Loan courtesy of Charlie Tona

Left: Offered as a matched set with the 12-watt “Melody Master” amplifier, this affordable package was primarily aimed at beginner steel guitarists. Right: An original advertisement for the guitar-and-amp combo lists the set for $145. Loan and image courtesy of Lynn Wheelwright

Left: Built by a company famous for its drums, this was the first solid-body wooden electric Spanish guitar. It features neck-through construction and a sophisticated hum-canceling pickup. Right: The original advertisement lists the complete outfit—guitar, amplifier, and case—for $150. Loan and image courtesy of Lynn Wheelwright