Wichita’s unique connection to the history of the electric guitar is explored in the Museum’s feature exhibit, The Spirit of Wichita, which features guitars from the Museum’s permanent collection. Central to this story is guitarist and orchestra leader Gage Brewer, who in 1932 is credited with staging the world’s debut of the electric guitar.

On temporary exhibit, in The Spirit of Wichita, the Museum adds Brewer’s Spanish Electric guitar used in the debut performances. It has been widely recognized as the oldest existing standard (Spanish) electric guitar, appearing in publications worldwide.

Learn more in Origins of the Electric Guitar, located in our digitally accessible Book Archive.

The Gage Brewer Guitar – First Electric Guitar
On view through 2026
4th floor – Spirit of Wichita

The Museum celebrates International Guitar Month with a special exhibition featuring the first electric guitar, introduced to the world from Wichita in 1932. The guitar, a 1932 Rickenbacker Electro prototype, was used by Gage Brewer, who brought it directly to Wichita from Los Angeles for its world debut.

The guitar, on loan to the Museum, is featured in numerous books published worldwide and has been exhibited recently at the Musical Instruments Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum.