The captivating history of Russian electric guitars is intricately interwoven with its contextual backdrop, the imposing communist regime. A defining aspect was the resolute exclusion of any reference to the USA in their electric guitar narrative, despite the instrument's American origins. In response, they undertook a monumental endeavour to conceive an entirely novel design, birthing the iconic Tonica guitar.

Centralization profoundly characterized the production landscape in the USSR, wherein the government owned the blueprints created by one factory, allowing multiple factories to produce these designs. This approach resulted in various guitar models sharing identical names, yet boasting subtle nuances contingent on their production site

A constellation of distinguished factories operated across the Russian Federation:

- The Lunacharski Factory of Folk Musical Instruments in Leningrad, which post-Soviet dissolution transformed into Alfa.

- The Moscow Soviet Army Experimental Accordion Factory, which in the 1970s evolved into the revered Moscow Experimental Factory of Musical Instruments, gaining preeminence.

- Notable establishments included Ural and Sverdlovsk, resonating with distinct musical contributions.

- The dual locations of Rostov-Donu encompassed both Rostov and Donu, each fostering unique creative insights.

- Ordjonikidze, situated in Rostov, carved its own distinct path.

- Elta in Eletz represented another vital hub of innovation.

- The Lvov Experimental Factory of Folk Musical Instruments in Lvov contributed significantly to the rich tapestry of musical expression.

For the majority of the 1970s, the Tonika stood as the solitary offering for Soviet-made electric guitars. However, its eventual discontinuation heralded a transformative era, spurring factories to embark on an exciting trajectory of developing original designs and models. This marked a pivotal juncture where the Russian electric guitar landscape evolved beyond its initial single model, attesting to the enduring spirit of innovation and creativity in the face of complex socio-political conditions.