Vintage - 1953 Supro Ozark - White Pearloid

A wonderfully characterful, player-grade example of the early Supro Ozark, manufactured in Chicago by Valco in approximately 1952.

Finished in Supro’s distinctive white pearloid covering—described in period catalogues as its “Wear-Ever” finish—the guitar has naturally aged to a warm cream colour. It displays considerable genuine wear, chips, and marks from more than 70 years of use. This is not a pristine collector’s piece; it is an honest vintage instrument with plenty of history and personality.

Key Features

• Made in Chicago, USA by Valco
• Serial number: X18937
• Circa 1952
• White pearloid “Wear-Ever” body covering
• Single neck-position pickup
• Volume and tone controls
• Rosewood fingerboard with dot markers
• Floating compensated wooden bridge
• Trapeze tailpiece
• Three-a-side Kluson-style tuners
• Original-style threaded output connection
• ¼-inch cable adaptor included
• Shaped hard case included

Dating

The Valco/National serial number, X18937, places its manufacture in approximately 1952, making this one of the early pearloid-covered versions of the Ozark.

Historical Significance

The Supro Ozark name later became closely associated with Jimi Hendrix, whose first electric guitar was reportedly a late-1950s version of the model. This earlier example comes from the beginning of the Ozark story and captures the unmistakable look and raw character of post-war American electric-guitar design.

Condition

Player grade, with extensive age-related wear, marks, chips, and areas of loss to the pearloid covering. Please study the photographs carefully or contact us for a detailed in-hand description.

A rare, charismatic instrument for players, collectors, and anyone drawn to genuinely distinctive vintage guitars.