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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1973)

The Moment of Truth

Gibson SG special, Gibson SG standard

The truth is, most rock recording artists play Gibson's "SG" solid body guitars. And they play them when it really counts... at the crucial moment when they have to put their reputations on record. Gibson gives them the sounds they're famous for. Special Humbucking Pickups make it sweet and clean . . . or dirty and mean. And the sustaining qualities of Gibson solid bodies will bring a smile of delight to every studio engineer. There's no hum or extraneous noise that's so difficult for engineers to cover up. And the SG's won't scream with piercing feedback even in close quarters. Even the smooth touch of Gibson's comfortable neck lets you feel like you're playing at home ... not in a recording studio. You can't afford not to be your best in (he moment of truth. You can't afford not to play the best either. Get a Gibson SG Solid Body... before your moment arrives

Gibson advertisement (1973) The Moment of Truth

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson SG standard - Gibson lets you feel what you play - so you can play what you feel
Gibson SG standard - Gibson lets you feel what you play - so you can play what you feel
Your guitar has to have feeling too. Gibson SG Solid Bodies have a consistent and comfortable freedom across the fretboard that lets you add your own personal touch to each note. Going from one e...
Gibson SG standard - Already Standards, Always Special
Gibson SG standard - Already Standards, Always Special
Full page early seventies advert for two Gibson solid body guitars: the redesigned Gibson SG Standard (below, Cherry finish, Bigsby vibrato) and SG Special (above, Walnut finish).

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Gibson SG special, Gibson SG

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Gibson SG Junior 1965

Gibson SG Junior 1965

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

$5999

1965 SG Junior
A beautifully and naturally worn cherry SG Junior from a transitional period in Gibson production of the model, which was on the verge of major changes in the ensuing years. This example has the classic small pickguard and 1 5 / 8" nut width so associated with this year. A unique feature is that this is a wrap around tailpiece version, without the Maestro vibrato that is so often seen on this model and is so often bypassed or removed when setup
The guitar is in great ... more
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Original 1961-62 GIBSON Les Paul SG Junior ES-125 POTS Wire Harness Complete

Original 1961-62 GIBSON Les Paul SG Junior ES-125 POTS Wire Harness Complete

Rolling Meadows, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$745

Original 1961-62 GIBSON Les Paul SG Junior ES-125 POTS Wire Harness Complete. Dated 2nd week of 1962, unmolested harness from a SG Junior, nuts / washers / pointers included
... more
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1964 CTS 500K Volume Tone Pot for Gibson SG ES-335

1964 CTS 500K Volume Tone Pot for Gibson SG ES-335

Southbury, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

1964 dated CTS 500k volume or tone pot suitable for Gibson ES or SG models. Excellent cosmetic and working condition.... more
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Vintage 1961 Gibson Les Paul Standard SG Cherry Red Electric Guitar w /  OHSC

Vintage 1961 Gibson Les Paul Standard SG Cherry Red Electric Guitar w / OHSC

Hicksville, New York, 118**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30000

Rock and Roll Discounts that'll make your jaw hit the floor, with 24% off in 2024!!!
Vintage 1961 Gibson Les Paul Standard SG Cherry Red Electric Guitar w / Original Case PAFs Sideways Vibrola
Hey now! You're looking at one of the most iconic guitars ever made This is a vintage 1961 Gibson Les Paul Standard SG electric guitar, in Cherry Red It weighs 6 lbs 11 oz, 24 75" scale, 1 67" nutA very well kept example - original case, and PAFs This is the legendary guitar that so many guitar ... more
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1961 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w /  Case

1961 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Up for sale, a 1961 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the first-year example seen here) in 1961
Featuring solid Honduran mahogany construction and a Brazilian rosewood fretboard, this EB-0 is lightweight at 6lbs 12oz. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup delivers pure, fat low-end thump and ... more
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1999 Gibson SG w /  HSC

1999 Gibson SG w / HSC

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650


Item: 1999 Gibson SG w / HSC!
Description: You are purchasing a 1999 Gibson SG w / HSC! Up for grabs is a "good wood" era Gibson at a great price. The guitar has been refinished somewhat unprofessionally but there are no issues affecting playability. Please inquire with any questions you may have prior to purchase.
Shipping: $80 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will vary. Overseas buyers pay their own import taxes Payment: We ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Witchhat Knob Set Witch Hat SG Standard ES-335 ES175 1968

Vintage 1960's Gibson Witchhat Knob Set Witch Hat SG Standard ES-335 ES175 1968

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$245

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1967 - 1979 "Witchhat" knob set(Silver Inserts)
Rare and correct for that awesome 1966-1969 Gibson! This is an awesome matched set in super nice shape. Please note - the font on the "VOL" knobs is slightly different on the inserts. The number font is the same and this set is matched from the same guitar - thank you!
No damage, No cracks, no splits
Correct ... more
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Gibson 1961 Les Paul SG Custom Made 2 Measure Aged Olympic White + COA OHSC

Gibson 1961 Les Paul SG Custom Made 2 Measure Aged Olympic White + COA OHSC

Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4995



Gibson 1961 Les Paul SG Custom Made 2 Measure Aged Olympic White + COA OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to present this 2019 Gibson 1961 Reissue Les Paul SG Custom Made 2 Measure with an Aged Olympic White Finish! For over 20 years Gibson Custom has been carrying on their legacy of American craftsmanship and human ingenuity. They firmly believe that there remains a place in the world for the best of the best, and the value of their achievement ... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson Trussrod Cover Truss Rod SG Standard ES-335 Les Paul 1960s

Vintage 1950's Gibson Trussrod Cover Truss Rod SG Standard ES-335 Les Paul 1960s

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic

1950's - 1960's Vintage Gibson wide bevel Truss Rod Cover
This one is from late 1959 and correct for any 1959 thru early 60's Gibson including the Les Paul Standard, SG Standard, ES-335 and many others.
Original Nickel Phillips mounting screws included!
This TRC is super clean - these 50's wide bevel truss-rod covers really "pop" visually - we LOVE the look of these vintage... more
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GIBSON CONTROL CAVITY COVER 1967 SG BASS GUITAR EBO with SCREWS

GIBSON CONTROL CAVITY COVER 1967 SG BASS GUITAR EBO with SCREWS

East Jordan, Michigan, 497**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

1967 GIBSON CONTROL CAVITY COVER WITH SCREWS FOR EBO SG STYLE BASS
NO CRACKS REAL DEAL VINTAGE PART... more
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1975 Gibson SG Standard Sunburst MINTY | 100% Original, Original Case, Tags, Vin

1975 Gibson SG Standard Sunburst MINTY | 100% Original, Original Case, Tags, Vin

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500


1975 Gibson SG Standard Sunburst MINTY!
Here is one of the nicer 1970's Gibson SG's you'll ever find. It's a 1975 SG Standard in Sunburst. The condition is near mint. Sunburst is uncommon on these. Almost no signs of use. Just a few light marks, but no notable wear, scratches (light pick scratches), and NO finish checking! It's clear the guitar hasn't been played likely since the 70's and really was well-preserved (California guitar which helps!). The guitar comes ... more
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Gibson SG with Maestro Vibrola vintage 1965 w /  original hardshell case

Gibson SG with Maestro Vibrola vintage 1965 w / original hardshell case

West Chester, Pennsylvania, 193**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$21965

vintage 1965 Gibson SG with Maestro Vibrola
Comes with original case
In good playing condition- Setup for optimal playability with new strings Daddario EXL110 10-46 (9 / 19 / 23)
Specs:
- Pickups: 7 69K (N), 7 84K (B)
Guitar weighs 7lb 2oz
Back of neck possibly refinished or at least clear coated
Rest of instrument black lights properly. Neck appears to have slight separation from body. .no evidence of repair and plays perfectly
Original Pickups: Black decal "PATENT ... more
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1971 Gibson SG 200 Walnut

1971 Gibson SG 200 Walnut

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1940


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1971 Gibson SG 200 in its original Walnut finish. It has a great neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the reissue Kluson Deluxe tuning keys, 2 screws for the bridge cover and the bridge that has replaced the original with a higher quality 1970's Gibson bridge. The original bridge is included, but is not usable. The bridge plate was modified to house a set of 1970's Gibson anchors, bridge... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Wraptail Bridge Compensated SG Special Junior 1965

Vintage 1960's Gibson Wraptail Bridge Compensated SG Special Junior 1965

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$195

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1960's Gibson Chrome finished Compensated wrap tailpiece
Original Gibson wraparound tailpiece in fantastic shape
This is an absolutely fantastic original Gibson wraptail!
As found on SG Special, SG Junior, Melody Makers and others
Great original shape.
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Check our outstanding feedback and buy with ... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson Trussrod Cover Truss Rod SG Standard ES-335 Les Paul Burst!

Vintage 1950s Gibson Trussrod Cover Truss Rod SG Standard ES-335 Les Paul Burst!

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic

1950's - 1960's Vintage Gibson wide bevel Truss Rod Cover
This one is from late 1959 and correct for any 1959 thru early 60's Gibson including the Les Paul Standard, SG Standard, ES-335 and many others.
Original Nickel Phillips mounting screws included!
This TRC has some SUPER cool vintage wear and would look amazing on a "well worn" vintage Gibson - these 50's wide bevel ... more
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1978 Gibson SG Standard Cherry All Original

1978 Gibson SG Standard Cherry All Original

Keene, New Hampshire, 034**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2750

1978 Gibson SG Standard in Cherry red finish. All original. Very good condition with some typical dings for it??s age. No breaks or repairs. The control knobs are chipped up but original so I have left them on. Neck is 1-9 / 16?? at the nut. Guitar weighs in at 6lbs 14oz. There is a driver??s license number scratched into the backplate, which I have blurred out. This was a common practice back in the 70s. Chrome hardware is in great shape. Pot codes date to 1978 with original witing and intact ... more
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1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard with Sideways Vibrola

1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard with Sideways Vibrola

Ojai, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15500

pppspanVintage 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG in original cherry finish with Sideways Vibrola, one-piece Honduran Mahogany body / neck, Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, trapezoid inlays, and 60s slim neck profile make this a player??s dream.
The original "Patent Applied For" humbucking pickups were replaced with the nearly identical, 60s "Patent Number" T-Top pickups which sound incredible. The pickups have ??patent number?? stickers and L-tooling marks on the feet??all characteristic features of ... more
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1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w /  Mudbucker, Case

1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3900

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, 100% original save for a refret and carved bone nut, and complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 7oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson PAF Cover Gold Les Paul SG Custom ES-345 ES-355 Patent Num

Vintage 1960's Gibson PAF Cover Gold Les Paul SG Custom ES-345 ES-355 Patent Num

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1960's Gibson Patent - Number PAF cover
Very nice original late 60's PAF cover This is a standard spaced cover - perfect for your late 60's Les Paul / SG custom, ES-345, ES-355 and any PAF equipped gold hardware guitar.
This is 1 / 2 we have available - it's mate is available in our other auctions.
Nothing looks or sounds like REAL DEAL PAF covers - very nice worn ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Black Reflector Knob Set ES-335tdc SG Standard Custom 1961

Vintage 1960's Gibson Black Reflector Knob Set ES-335tdc SG Standard Custom 1961

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$395

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage 1960's Gibson black "reflector" knob set
These killer vintage reflectors are in amazing shape
They are the black with silver insert variety
Correct for your SG / Les Paul Standard and a host of other Gibsons from the 1961 through early 1967.
A very cool set - printing is worn off the three of the four knobs - fantastic patina on these!!
Weather you're restoring your ... more
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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.