Supro’s Tri Tone is a modern remake of the rare 1959 Triple Tone

Back in 1959, Supro unveiled a stunning tuxedo-black, three-pickup solidbody known as the Triple Tone. It was only in production for a year, but the brand has decided to bring this rare gem back to life. Enter the 2019 Tri Tone, an axe that blends its predecessor’s vintage aesthetic with modern appointments.

At first glance, this Jet Black piece bears much semblance to its forebear: it has a single cutaway – similar to the popular Dual Tone model David Bowie played – a reverse-stairstep tailpiece, brushed-gold hardware and a double pickguard.

Supro has, however, matched the guitar’s vintage aesthetic with a few modern appointments. Apart from improved upper fret access, these include a set-neck construction, a tune-o-matic bridge and a “tummy cut” body contour.

Of course, the new design maintains the three-pickup configuration. While the original was loaded with three Ralph Keller-designed Vistatone single-coils, the 2019 model arrives with an overwound Super Alnico single-coil at the bridge and period-correct Vistatone single-coils slotting in at the neck and middle positions.

According to Supro, these pups will get you through everything from jazz to blues to rock ’n’ roll. Controls on the guitar include three volume knobs – one for each pickup – a master volume control and a five-way pickup selector.

As for tonewoods, the Tri Tone features a mahogany body, a hard rock maple neck as well as a 12-inch-radius pau ferro fretboard.

Learn more about Supro’s latest release below:

Retails at $999. More info at suprousa.com.