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HARMONY | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Harmony advertisement (1967)

Want To Take A Harmony Guitar Apart

Harmony Electric Guitars, Harmony H19 Silhouette, Harmony H76, Harmony 1260 acoustic, Harmony Acoustic Guitars

Mid sixties advert highlighting some of the features of a Harmony guitar: the slim necks, truss rod, hollow body construction and De Armond pickups. The fact that Harmony was an American company (from Chicago) was also underlined; this was an era in which the American guitar industry was first starting to lose ground to overseas competitors. The guitars pictured are the H19 solid body, the thinline hollow body H76, and a flat top, the Harmony 1260.

Harmony advertisement (1967) Want To Take A Harmony Guitar Apart

Other related vintage advertisements

Harmony H19 Silhouette - Harmony guitars
Harmony H19 Silhouette - Harmony guitars
Mid sixties Harmony advert, showing a solid-body (H19), an acoustic (1260), and an electric semi-acoustic (H75)
Harmony H19 Silhouette - Harmony Amplifiers - Harmony Electric Guitars
Harmony H19 Silhouette - Harmony Amplifiers - Harmony Electric Guitars
Mid sixties Harmony advertisement for five amplifiers and two guitars; the solidbody H19 and thinline hollowbody H76.
Harmony 1260 - The integrity of the Harmony guitar is known by the integrity of its maker
Harmony 1260 - The integrity of the Harmony guitar is known by the integrity of its maker
Mid sixties Harmony adverts for two instruments. The semi-acoustic H-77 and the 1260 acoustic
Harmony H19 Silhouette - Here are Harmony
Harmony H19 Silhouette - Here are Harmony's Big 3
Mid sixties advertisement for three of Harmonys best selling instruments: the H19 solid body, H76 thinline hollow-body and the 1260 flat top acoustic. These three instruments appeared in numerous H...
Harmony H19 Silhouette - Now Hear This
Harmony H19 Silhouette - Now Hear This
The three instruments appearing in this mid-60s advert are the H19 solid body, H76 thinline hollow-body and the 1260 flat top acoustic. These were Harmony's big-3 instruments and were promoted widely.
Harmony H76 - The Crafstmen Come From Here
Harmony H76 - The Crafstmen Come From Here
In 1967, the American guitar market was under attack. Skilled luthiers at Gibson and Guild were safe, even those these companies had their problems to overcome, but at the lower end, where guitars ...
Harmony 1260 - You plug it in, it turns you on
Harmony 1260 - You plug it in, it turns you on
The title of this advertisement, of course, is a play on Dr. Timothy Leary's 'Turn On, Tune in, Drop out' suggestion, so current amongst the youth of late 1960s America; Harmony new their market. U...

Harmony Electric, Harmony H19 Silhouette, Harmony H76, Harmony 1260, Harmony Acoustic

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Silvertone Sears Roebuck Harmony 1214 1972 Natural Concert Acoustic

Silvertone Sears Roebuck Harmony 1214 1972 Natural Concert Acoustic

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

1972 Silvertone 1214 Natural Concert Acoustic
Vintage USA made acoustic guitar!
Built by Harmony guitars in Chicago in 1972
This model is the natural color version of the model: 1217
The guitar has been professionally set up and is playing great with medium / low action
The guitar comes with a new Gator Case gig bag
The guitar is used and shows signs of it including nicks, dings, dents, scrapes, scratches, bumps, and bruises, but is in otherwise great shape. Behind the nut ... more
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1969 Harmony Batwing Electric Mandolin Sunburst

1969 Harmony Batwing Electric Mandolin Sunburst

Malverne, New York, 115**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1689

1969 Harmony Batwing Electric Mandolin Sunburst.... more
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Vintage "Harmony" L-5614 Acoustic Guitar (USED)

Vintage "Harmony" L-5614 Acoustic Guitar (USED)

Framingham, Massachusetts, 017**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$175

Vintage "Harmony" L-5614 Acoustic Guitar (USED)
Condition: Used, Good
Our Notes: While there is no brand marking on the headstock or label inside the guitar to indicate the make, it has certain hallmarks of a 60s era Harmony guitar - notably the stamped model / serial number. This guitar is in good condition. Multiple scratches / blemishes are present on the body & neck. Action is higher than average but is playable, sitting at around 4 2mm. There's no truss rod but the neck is ... more
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unused vintage harmony acoustic guitar-tan and brown-neck strap included

unused vintage harmony acoustic guitar-tan and brown-neck strap included

Thurmont, Maryland, 217**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

unused vintage harmony acoustic guitar-tan and brown-neck strap included.... more
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VINTAGE HARMONY PARLOR ACOUSTIC GUITAR H5422 with SLEEVE CASE

VINTAGE HARMONY PARLOR ACOUSTIC GUITAR H5422 with SLEEVE CASE

North Haven, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$230

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A FEW USED GUITARS AT A COLLECTIBLES MARKET. I WILL BE SELLING EACH GUITAR INDIVIDUALLY, SO PLEASE TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS. I AM NOT CERTAIN OF THE EXACT AGE OF THIS GUITAR. AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS GUITAR HAS WEAR, AND NEEDS TO BE RESTRINGED. I AM SELLING IT AS IS TO BE FIXED UP. THIS MEASURES ABOUT 36 INCHES LONG
I AM NOT AN EXPERT WHEN IT COMES TO MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, SO WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET. AGAIN, I AM SELLING THIS AS IS AND EXACTLY AS I ... more
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Vintage Silvertone Acoustic Parlor Guitar Sears Roebuck Co. May Harmony 6 String

Vintage Silvertone Acoustic Parlor Guitar Sears Roebuck Co. May Harmony 6 String

West Bend, Iowa, 505**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$274

Very nice clean vintage Silvertone parlor guitar
Nice clean piece with good action and minimal light use
See photos it??s in clean condition
... more
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Vintage 1970 Harmony Sears Silver tone Acoustic Guitar S1212

Vintage 1970 Harmony Sears Silver tone Acoustic Guitar S1212

Canyon, Texas, 790**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Guitar in playable condition neck is straight bridge has lifted and been reglued could use replacement for lower action action is currently 3 / 16 of a inch at 12th fret lower bout measures 15 1 / 4 body depth is 3 3 / 4 scale length is 25 inches neck is solid in body. Case in poor condition see pics. Small sealed surface crack at front bottom right
... more
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Vintage 1960s Stella Harmony Acoustic Guitar 6 STRING Parlor 32"

Vintage 1960's Stella Harmony Acoustic Guitar 6 STRING Parlor 32"

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$180

This is a nice guitar. Has wear and tear. Missing the pick guard. This was set up and strung. The action was pretty good and is a playable guitar. These guitars rarely play. or are hard to tune. has checking and scratches. sold as is. no returns no international shipping.... more
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VTG Stella Harmony Acoustic Parlor Guitar Tobacco Sunburst Set Up Left Handed

VTG Stella Harmony Acoustic Parlor Guitar Tobacco Sunburst Set Up Left Handed

Blacklick, Ohio, 430**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$230

VTG Stella Harmony Acoustic Parlor Guitar Tobacco Sunburst Set Up Left Handed... more
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Vintage Harmony H6210 Classical Acoustic Guitar, Made in USA.

Vintage Harmony H6210 Classical Acoustic Guitar, Made in USA.

Ocala, Florida, 344**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$199

In great condition for a 70??s guitar! A couple nics as shown in pictures. It is missing one string. Made in USA.
... more
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Vintage  Teisco Electric Guitar Round Saddle Bridge Harmony Kawai Japan

Vintage Teisco Electric Guitar Round Saddle Bridge Harmony Kawai Japan

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$95

Vintage Teisco Electric Guitar Bridge Steel construction , chrome finish, ??Tapered Base Plate??Round Bar Nickel Saddle , Normal vintage wear with patina, string grooves are good, includes Original mounting screws. Final photo is for Visual Reference Only?? listing is for bridge. All Original, Harmony Kawai Japan. THANKS for Looking!
... more
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Vintage 1969 Harmony Rocket Electric Guitar USA

Vintage 1969 Harmony Rocket Electric Guitar USA

Cleveland, Ohio, 441**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Here is an all original 1969 Harmony Rocket electric hollow body guitar, made in the USA. This rare guitar is in excellent condition for its age. It has some wear, nicks, and scratches. The neck is straight with good action. The frets show no real wear. All of the pickups work. It has a master volume, and three tones, with an on / off for each pickup. Included is the original soft shell case. This is a great guitar for any player or collector!
Please feel free to ask me any questions!
USA ... more
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VTG 1950??s Wooden Red Harmony Acoustic Guitar Made In USA

VTG 1950??s Wooden Red Harmony Acoustic Guitar Made In USA

Akron, Ohio, 443**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

VERY NICE VINTAGE GUITAR! SEE ALL PHOTOS :)
?? CHECK US OUT ON IG @ RETROSTACHE
?? ALL ITEMS SHIPPED NEXT DAY WITH CARE! 
?? MESSAGE WITH ANY QUESTIONS! 
Condition Note: See all up-close photos for condition note. We will never hide damage or signs of wear. Most of our collection is near mint condition. Any damage will be present in photos or stated in description. Refer to photos for exact details

Does not have strings
Total length 37??
Neck is 23??
Body ... more
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~ 1952 Harmony H 50 Archtop Electric Hollowbody w /  Gibson P-13 Pickup Sunburst

~ 1952 Harmony H 50 Archtop Electric Hollowbody w / Gibson P-13 Pickup Sunburst

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1695

A stunning vintage circa 1952 Silvertone Model H50 arch top electric hollowbody in original Sunburst finish
This is an early example with deluxe headstock artwork and original Gibson made P-13 pickup
Pickup sounds just incredible. Super warm and fat and thick, great for Jazz and killer for Rock
Neck is straight and the guitar plays well all the way up and down with a good action
Comes with nice vintage original hard case, too!
A stunning vintage circa 1952 Silvertone Model ... more
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Vintage Teisco / Harmony Electric Guitar - Japan  #R5493

Vintage Teisco / Harmony Electric Guitar - Japan #R5493

Pleasant Hill, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300



FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
SINCE 2007
SAME DAY SHIPPING
ORDERS PLACED BEFORE 12PM CST (M-F)
30 DAY RETURN POLICY
WE WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY
Condition Specifics
Vintage guitar, Actually unbranded, but looks like Teisco, Harmony. The neck is straight. Electronics have been checked and work. The tremolo works. The guitar tunes and plays. The tuning machines have been upgraded to a more modern style. The ... more
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1957 Harmony H62 Hollowbody Electric Guitar w /  Original Case.  VG+

1957 Harmony H62 Hollowbody Electric Guitar w / Original Case. VG+

Portland, Oregon, 972**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3199

1957 Harmony H-62Very Good+ Condition
No issues, straight neck, huge tone
Original pink plush chipboard case is somewhat tattered but is stable enough to use for transporting the guitar
The guitar weighs 6lbs 8oz
The neck has a very round and chunky C shaped profile that fills the palm with generous shoulders while still being very easy to chord. The profile measures .910" deep at the 1st fret, tapering to .999" at the 9th. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard is a dark cut of this ... more
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Vintage  Stella Harmony Acoustic Guitar With Case

Vintage Stella Harmony Acoustic Guitar With Case

Huntington, West Virginia, 257**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$235

Stella Harmony guitar . Sold as is . See pictures for condition.
... more
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1964 Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone Black Tuxedo Semi Hollow Electric Guitar

1964 Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone Black Tuxedo Semi Hollow Electric Guitar

Lockhart, Texas, 786**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$549

1964 Harmony Alden H45 Black Tuxedo Stratotone Semi Hollow Electric Guitar  
Cleaning out the collection  
Internal stamp has overspray from the factory, so not legible, but pots and pickup stamp both date it to 1964  
All original. Left the original tone cap in, all pots are smooth as butter  
A few dings here and there, as to be expected on a 59 year old instrument, but in fine condition  
Includes original chipboard case, which has its share of dings, ... more
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Vintage April 1960 Harmony H-45 Stratotone Electric Guitar W / Case USA

Vintage April 1960 Harmony H-45 Stratotone Electric Guitar W / Case USA

Elmwood Park, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

Up for sale is a Vintage Electric Guitar, Very Good Overall Condition As Shown, Please see photos for details, Plays & sounds great, Neck is straight, Low easy to play action, All original for the most part - the original 50K pots are frozen and have been replaced with new 50K pots - the original pots are included and date to April 1960 - as well as the serial number inside the guitar that dates to April 1960 - I could not get a clear picture of the H-45 serial number inside the guitar, ... more
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1960s Harmony Rocket Electric Guitar Model H56

1960s Harmony Rocket Electric Guitar Model H56

Framingham, Massachusetts, 017**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Harmony Rocket Electric Guitar Model H56 (USED)
Our Notes: Mid to Late 1960s Harmony Rocket guitar, model H56. This guitar is in very good condition for its age. Both pickups function properly as well as the volume and tone pots and select switch. This model features a trapeze tailpiece and floating bridge. The number stamped inside is: 3975H56. The action is very good, the tuners are in very good condition. Missing are the pickguard and truss rod cover. The Volume and Tone knobs are not ... more
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Find more Harmony Electric, Harmony H19 Silhouette, Harmony H76, Harmony 1260, Harmony Acoustic at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

1971 Epiphone 1820 (ET-280) bassBy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

1981 Gibson MarauderProduction of Bill Lawrence's Gibson Marauder began in 1974, with production peaking in 1978. But by 1980 the model was officially discontinued, though very small numbers slipped out as late as spring 1981. Over 7000 examples shipped between 1974 and 1979, and although no totals are available for 1980 and 1981, it is unlikely production reached three figures in either of these years. These final Marauders were all assembled at the Gibson Nashville plant, and had some nice features not available through the later years of production, such as a rosewood fretboard, and in this case, an opaque 'Devil Red' finish. It's a great looking and fine playing guitar!

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

1971 Pick Epiphone catalogWhen Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo to the Matsumoku plant in Japan, a whole new range of electric, flattop and classic acoustic guitars was launched. Between late 1970 and 1972 the new models were launched and refined. This 'folder' catalog contains various inserts released over these years detailing four electric six-strings (ET-270, ET-275, ET-278, and thinline EA-250), three bass guitars (ET-280, ET-285, and thinline EA-260), three folk/steel acoustics, four jumbo flattop acoustics, two 12-string jumbos, four classic acoustics, and a banjo.

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

1981 Gibson Specials Pre-Owners Manual'Gibson Specials' was part of the June 1981 pre-owners manual series, but unlike the other folders contained a mish-mash of different guitars: limited editions, test marketing and close outs. "You will find the unusual, the brand-new, and the bargain within this folder". End of line 70s guitars like the Marauder, S-1, and L-6S Custom mixed in with brand new models the The V, The Explorer and the Flying V Bass.
It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bassRose-Morris were selling Shaftesbury-branded Rickenbacker copy instruments from the late 1960s right through the 1970s. The 3263 bass was one of the first models, (alongside the 3261 six string and 3262 twelve string) available from late 1968 until about 1974. The earliest incarnation was a set neck bass, produced very briefly in Japan. But production quickly moved to Italy. This bolt-on neck example was built by Eko, in Recanati, using the same hardware and pickups as fitted to Eko, and Vox basses built around the same time. It's certainly a fine looking bass, and not a bad player either.

1961 Hohner Zambesi

1961 Hohner ZambesiThis very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super AceThe Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

1966 Vox New EscortThe Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin CareCatalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger FolkThe Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitarThe Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalogHagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner PresidentThe President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.