Fourth Of July Guitars

 

Declaration of Independence

Today is July 4th, 2026. The Declaration of Independence was written on this day, 250 years ago, when the brave men that founded the United States agreed that it was time to quit being subjects of the English King George and begin an adventure as an independent nation. 

Now that is an oversimplification, but that is the basics. Right now, the political climate is a right mess. And that is sad for a man such as myself, in my seventh decade, who has seen days when the country was more united and stable. A life that my children and grandchildren will not experience, 

But I digress since this is all about guitars, and today we are exploring the Patriotic guitars that I remember. 

Martin D-76

The first is Martin’s D-76. This was a limited run of 1776 instruments issued in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States of America. That was a big year that included a lot of celebrations. These rare instruments were built to commemorate America’s Bicentennial, with deluxe appointments and a gorgeous fit and finish. These instruments are known for their stunning projection and a perfect blend of sound. This guitar is equipped with 13 stars inlaid on the fingerboard and a mother-of-pearl eagle etched into the headstock. 

Buck Owens' Mosrite

Next is Buck Owens’ original Red, White, and blue guitar that was custom built by Semie Mosely of Mosrite Guitars. Buck’s instrument was custom built in 1966. His guitar had three stars adorning the blue headstock, and a distinctive body that was Red, White, and Blue. He used this guitar extensively on Hee Haw. 

Harmony H169

Buck was a savvy businessman and saw the potential market for his guitar. He signed up with the Harmony Company of Chicago to build a similar instrument, the H169 model aka the Buck Owens American. This guitar was based on the company’s Sovereign guitar. It was also marketed for Sears as the Silvertone model 1219L. It sold for $82.50. Buck Owens received $2.50 for every unit sold. 

Buck with RWB Telecaster

As Buck was a Fender endorser, Fender made a Red, White, and Blue Telecaster for him to play on Hee Haw. This instrument came with a Red, White, and Blue sparkle paint job, and a gold-tone pickguard and control plate. The neck was maple capped.

Gibson USA Map Guita

In 1984 Gibson offered a United States Map guitar that had a body shaped like a map of the contiguous states of America, only nine of which came in a stars-and-stripes finish. 

Mosrite Salesman Guitar

In 1965 Semie Mosely created a Red, White, and Blue Ventures model for his sales staff to take to potential buyers at music stores. This was meant to be an example of the different finish options the company offered. Potential buyers wanted this option. These guitars are scarce as only 90 were made, but Bob Shade at Hallmark Guitars offers the Custom 60 with this same finish.

Wayne Campbell's Strat

Fender created a Red, White, and Blue Stratocaster for endorser Wayne Kramer of MC5. Kramer built his own instrument by modifying a white Stratocaster that he painted red stripes on and then painted the pickguard blue with white stars. 

He did this in the late 1960’s as a protest to the Vietnam War. 

Fender Wayne Kramer

Fender ran with the idea and still offers a Wayne Kramer Stratocaster.  

Toby Keith's Takamine Guitar

Toby Keith's iconic American flag Takamine guitar was custom-built in collaboration with the Ovation Guitar factory in New Hartford, Connecticut. Designed alongside his longtime guitar tech, Ripp Mayes, only 4 of these exact patriotic guitars were ever produced.  

The instrument debuted at the 2002 CMA Awards alongside his hit anthem, "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue", and remained a staple of his live performances. Takamine's standard signature model based on his preferred jumbo shape is the EF250TK. 

LTD 1976 Firebird III

In 1976, the Gibson Guitar Company offered a beautiful version of their Firebird III guitar that featured a stylized eagle design on the top portion of the pickguard. 

1976 Firebird III LTD

These guitars came with two mini-humbucking pickups enclosed with gold-plated covers. The tune-o-matic bridge, stop bar tailpiece, and banjo style tuners were all gold plated. This guitar was offered with a variety of finish options. 

Happy Independence Day

Regardless of you political affiliation, I hope you all have a wonderful July 4th and keep the spirit of the day.

©UniqueGuitar Publications (text only) 2026

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