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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1979)

Gibson Guitars. To the Tune of $399 and Up

Gibson Marauder, Gibson S-1, Gibson The Paul, Gibson The SG, Gibson G3 bass, Gibson Grabber bass, Gibson Ripper bass

Gibson electric guitars begin with the Marauder at $399. And it begins where most of its competitors leave off—with high power electronics, a full range pan pickup potentiometer and the same craftsmanship you'll find in even the most expensive Gibsons.
The Paul and The SG come from two of the most respected traditions—legendary SG and Les Paul lineage. They're priced like some of Gibson's imitators. Except they're the real thing.
You've been hearing the Gibson S-1 for a few years now, on quite a few hits. Those famous artists could afford the most expensive guitars, but they chose the same model that fits a working man's budget.
Gibson basses have been on their fair share of best sellers too. The Grabber, Ripper and G-3. Their sliding pickup, sound switching and fresh body styles deliver a rich range of sound. For a modest price range.

Gibson advertisement (1979) Gibson Guitars. To the Tune of $399 and Up

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson Ripper - The Ripper. Designed To Rip Your Ears Off
Gibson Ripper - The Ripper. Designed To Rip Your Ears Off
1974 Gibson bass advertisement. This ad was widely used in 1974. First, an enlarged double-page version was used in the January '74 issue of Guitar Player, effectively announcing the model. The bas...
Gibson Grabber - We dont promise you fantasies
Gibson Grabber - We dont promise you fantasies
The bass featured is an interesting model, with very red tortoiseshell pickguard, and the engraved bridge cover positioned upside down (presumably to allow the Gibson logo to be the correct way rou...
Gibson Marauder - No one ignores the Marauder
Gibson Marauder - No one ignores the Marauder
You don't monkey around with Gibson's new Marauder. It's an evil power machine. Designed to shatter. WIndows. Nerves
Gibson Marauder - KISS Knows looks Aren
Gibson Marauder - KISS Knows looks Aren't Everything
Rolling Stone calls Paul Stanley, "A sensuous purveyor of thunderous chords" His Gibson Marauder guitar helps Paul attain that acclaim. The action is fast. And the neck has one of the smoothest fre...
Gibson S-1 - Before Gibson Designed The S-1, Ron Wood Had His Guitars Customized
Gibson S-1 - Before Gibson Designed The S-1, Ron Wood Had His Guitars Customized
1976 advert for the S-1, featuring Ron Wood and Rod Stewart. A very similar advert was put out in 1977; compositionally identical, though with updated picture of Ron Wood, and without Rod Stewart
Gibson Ripper - Try Gibson for a change of bass
Gibson Ripper - Try Gibson for a change of bass
A mid seventies (1977) advert featuring the Gibson Ripper and Gibson G3 bass guitars
"Sometimes it pays not to follow tradition. We didn't when we designed our new basses. We just followed the a...
Gibson S-1 - Before Gibson Designed The S-1, Ron Wood Had His Guitars Customized
Gibson S-1 - Before Gibson Designed The S-1, Ron Wood Had His Guitars Customized
1977 advert for the S-1, featuring Ron Wood. A very similar advert was put out the previous year; featuring Ron Wood, alongside Rod Stewart
The guitars that Ron Wood has played with Jeff Beck. R...
Gibson Ripper - It Sounds Like Peter Ceteras Playing A Lot Of Basses
Gibson Ripper - It Sounds Like Peter Ceteras Playing A Lot Of Basses
But hes playing a lot of bass. A Gibson

If the Gibson Ripper that Peter plays had just one sound, it would be an excellent bass. But, the Ripper is loaded with excellent sounds. The Q System...
Gibson The SG - An SG. For Half A G
Gibson The SG - An SG. For Half A G
Here's a great old guitar tradition for a grand old price. Actually, half a grand. $499.50 to be exact. "The SG" guitar by Gibson.
Gibson SG guitars have been playing sellout concerts and hit ...
Gibson The Paul - And Now For My Next Number.....
Gibson The Paul - And Now For My Next Number.....
Advert announcing the newly launched the "Paul" solid body electric. This advert from early 1979 shows Mr. Les Paul himself promoting the instrument.

This was, of course before the model was...
Gibson The SG - The Firebrands. Hot New Brands at a Price that Doesn
Gibson The SG - The Firebrands. Hot New Brands at a Price that Doesn't Burn.
Advert for two new versions of two established Gibson models: "The SG" Deluxe and "The Paul" Deluxe. In 1980 Gibson decided on a new branding concept for its instruments; there would be three serie...

2024 Vintage Guitar price guide 2024 Vintage Guitar price guide

Need the value of your guitar? The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2024 is out now: Amazon


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Gibson Marauder, Gibson S-1, Gibson The Paul, Gibson The SG, Gibson G3, Gibson Grabber, Gibson Ripper

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Vintage 1950s Gibson ES-175 Nickel "Diamond" Hinge Trapeze Tailpiece ES-175D 56

Vintage 1950's Gibson ES-175 Nickel "Diamond" Hinge Trapeze Tailpiece ES-175D 56

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

$795

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson 1950's ES-175 Trapeze Tailpiece
This is a rare early / mid 50's nickel example - lovely patina to the original nickel plating, aged to perfection!
"B" foundry marking on the bottom - a cool detail! No cracks or repairs to the hinge.
Original mounting screws included.
Correct for your early / mid 1950's ES-175 or ES-175D
Also found on the Gibson L-4 and L-4C and ... more
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1937 Gibson ES-150 Vintage Archtop electric guitar

1937 Gibson ES-150 Vintage Archtop electric guitar

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10900

1937 Gibson ES-150, Tobacco Sunburst, Awesome sounding CharlieChristian pickup, Bound body, Inlaid Pearl Script logo, Nice full feeling ??V??neck, 1 & 11 / 16 inches wide at the nut, Grover tuners, Wonderful example, Soughtafter model, VG++, Nice Original hard case.
... more
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Vintage 1974 GIbson The Grabber Natural W /  Original Hardshell Case

Vintage 1974 GIbson The Grabber Natural W / Original Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3199

Vintage pre-owned original circa 1974 Gibson The Grabber Bass in original Natural finish
Original Gibson pickup that slides back and forth has a classic vintage tone. Sliding the pickup makes for a deeper to more trebly sound.
Bass is super light and resonant. A real nice example
All original with the exception of upgraded tuners which keep it well in tune
The pickup on this example is stuck in one position its not sliding back and forth
Comes with nice original ... more
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Original 1970s Gibson Ripper electric bass guitar neck pickup

Original 1970s Gibson Ripper electric bass guitar neck pickup

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$240

Original 1970s Gibson Ripper electric bass guitar neck pickup. Fully tested working will ship USPS priority mail
... more
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1967 Gibson ES-120T Vintage Electric Guitar - Sunburst w /  Alligator Case

1967 Gibson ES-120T Vintage Electric Guitar - Sunburst w / Alligator Case

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2495


This guitar plays great up and down the neck. This is one of those guitars that really transforms you back into a different era. The simplicity of this guitar makes it that much more desirable. We love the fact that it's a no frills Gibson. It unapologetically makes a statement whenever you pull it out of the case. I jammed on it for about 20 mins and I lost track of time. I thought 5 minutes had past. It's just that kind of guitar, one you don't want to put down and helps you create new ... more
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Rare Walnut 1979 Gibson "The SG" in Excellent Condition

Rare Walnut 1979 Gibson "The SG" in Excellent Condition

Madison, New Jersey, 079**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

For sale is a rare 1979 Gibson "The SG" electric guitar in beautiful walnut finish. This SG is all original including the "velvet brick" humbucker at at the bridge. I bought this beauty in the late 80s at a (now gone) mom and pop shop in Union, NJ called Rondo Music. I still remember the admitted jealousy of the salesmen as they checked me out at the register
Unfortunately, life has gotten in the way and I haven't played it much since the early 90s so, lucky for you, the guitar does not ... more
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1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC. This guitar sounds and plays excellent. There's not much fret wear. There is some minor scratches, bumps and dings and a small buckle rash spot on the back. Other than that, this is 100% original with no cracks. Damage or repairs. Includes the original Gibson hard shell case. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes. No international shipping
... more
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1967 Gibson ES-125TDC a 1 owner from new example its a 1 of a kind & its Minty !

1967 Gibson ES-125TDC a 1 owner from new example its a 1 of a kind & its Minty !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5995

The is a very rare trasitional late production 1967 Gibson ES-125TDC just acquired from its 1 & only owner, a Mr. Mike Gerard, purchased at Sam Ash in Hempstead New York. Its a thinline, full hollow ??Archtop?? guitar based on the ES-125, produced by Gibson between 1960 and 1970, which to many people is one of the most under appreciated vintage Gibson guitars out there. It??s got a very cool Ice Tea Sunburst finish only made during its last few years of production. Its 1 piece mahogany neck ... more
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1957 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst w / OHSC

1957 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6395

1957 Gibson ES-175TD In Sunburst Finish
This Guitar Is Located At Imperial Vintage Guitars Sherman Oaks

In Very Good Overall "Player Grade" Condition (Please See Photos)

Original Sunburst Finish In Very Good Condition With Some Deep Checking
And Signs Of Wear And Use
Strap Button Was Removed From The Heel And The Hole Was Filled
Some Overspray There And On A Spot On The Back

more
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1955 Gibson ES-150

1955 Gibson ES-150

Wildwood, New Jersey, 082**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

1955 Gibson ES-150. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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Vintage 1967 Gibson EBS-1250 Custom Double-Neck Electric Guitar and Bass w /  OHSC

Vintage 1967 Gibson EBS-1250 Custom Double-Neck Electric Guitar and Bass w / OHSC

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

$44000

Discounts that'll make your jaw hit the floor with 24% off for 2024
Vintage 1967 Gibson EBS-1250 Custom Double-Neck Electric Guitar and Bass w / OHSC
Hey now! You're looking at a suuuper cool, and incredibly rare double-neck guitar / This is a 1967 Gibson EBS-1250 Custom Double Neck Electric Guitar & Bass It weighs 12 lbs 2 oz. Bass scale length: 30 5 " , guitar scale length: 24 75 " . Gibson only shipped 22 of these instruments (aside from custom orders), and this is the only one ... more
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Gibson ES-140T  3 / 4 1956 Electric Guitar in Mint Condition

Gibson ES-140T 3 / 4 1956 Electric Guitar in Mint Condition

Houlton, Maine, 047**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

This pristine three-quarter size guitar is a collectors item! Double-bound, three-ply laminated maple body with two 'f' holes edged in brown. Mahogany neck and Brazilian rosewood fretboard with 19 frets and inlaid pearl dot position markers and white side dot markers. Three-in-a-line Kluson DeLuxe 'single-line' closed-back strip tuners with white plastic oval buttons. Single P-90 pickup with wonderfully strong output. Tortoiseshell pickguard secured to body by two screws. Two controls (one ... more
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1952 Gibson ES-140

1952 Gibson ES-140

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4995

1952 Gibson ES-140, ¾ size, Tobacco Sunburst, Full bodydepth, P-90 pickup, Smooth playing, Fine little instrument! VG++, NHSC
... more
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Gibson VINTAGE Marauder 1976 - Natural w / OHSC all original

Gibson VINTAGE Marauder 1976 - Natural w / OHSC all original

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Info on the Marauder: There is minimal wear on this guitar. It has nice grain on both the body and neck. Also minimal marks on the back of the body. No breaks and all original. And the original hardshell care is in GREAT shape!
Bill Lawrence designed pickups, Humbucker (neck), Bill Lawrence Blade Noiseless Humbucker (bridge). Both pickups are set in epoxy
The Gibson Marauder was an electric guitar model produced by Gibson between 1975 and 1979. It was designed to compete with guitars made... more
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1965 Gibson ES-125 DC Cutaway Vintage Archtop Guitar Sunburst w /  P-90s, Case

1965 Gibson ES-125 DC Cutaway Vintage Archtop Guitar Sunburst w / P-90s, Case

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

$4700

Up for sale, a 1965 Gibson ES-125DC in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a Gibson hardshell case. A particularly rare vintage Gibson archtop, the ES-125DC is the two pickup cutaway iteration of the ES-125 platform as the DC (Double Pickup, Cutaway) suffix would suggest. What sets this model apart is its full depth body, measuring 3 3 / 8 " , much rarer than Gibson's thinline archtops of the era, and essentially making this guitar akin to a mid-1950s ES-175 with more... more
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1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w /  Case, Hangtag

1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w / Case, Hangtag

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

$3800

Up for sale, a 1975 Gibson "The Ripper" L9-S bass in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and warranty card. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, the Ripper comes equipped with its original pair of Bill Lawrence designed "Super Humbucker" pickups and a four-way rotary switch for series, parallel, and out of phase pickup settings
The contoured alder body is a particularly rare option, only offered on the ... more
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1959 Gibson ES-175 100% Unopened PAFs, Wiring Harness as used 59 Les Paul

1959 Gibson ES-175 100% Unopened PAF's, Wiring Harness as used 59 Les Paul

Henderson, Nevada, 890**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$23000

This is the best year for these as far as investment goes. Yes, it is a great playing and sounding guitar in excellent original condition. Finding one of these that has not been stripped of it's electronics and magical pickups is pretty rare today. Add these are the hottest pickups we have seen in one of these w the bridge output of 9 1 and neck at 8 3. Not cheap but well worth the price
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE. Contact us with your full address for a shipping quote
The shipping price ... more
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1968 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst Electric Guitar Archtop Hollow Body #509180

1968 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst Electric Guitar Archtop Hollow Body #509180

Columbia, South Carolina, 292**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8500

This is a BEAUTY and a great collectors dream. Gibson Es-175D. ALL parts are original and in great playing condition. Comes with the Gibson case. From the product number it was union manufactured from 1968-70. If you have any questions or need additional views please contact me
... more
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VTG Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck Jimmy Page Guitar Clock Mfg. Do-Be Plaques 41x15

VTG Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck Jimmy Page Guitar Clock Mfg. Do-Be Plaques 41x15

Croydon, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$120

VTG Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck JIMMY PAGE GUITAR CLOCK
This vintage Double neck guitar clock would be a wonderful addition to any Led Zeppelin / Jimmy Page enthusiast.
Condition is Vintage used showing signs of wear   It has a few minor blemishes, as seen in the pictures. The clock hands went missing in storage, and l can't seem to locate them. Pretty simple fix for the right person.
Please view all pictures for the best description of the condition.
Will be professionally... more
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Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural W /  Good Hard Case

Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural W / Good Hard Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

Vintage original circa 1974 Gibson The Ripper Model L9S in original Natural finish
A real nice example with a good straight neck, and great sounding pickups
Original Natural finish is clean and looks great. Some honest signs of wear and use
Comes with a Gretsch hardshell case that fits it well and protects it well
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... more
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Find more Gibson Marauder, Gibson S-1, Gibson The Paul, Gibson The SG, Gibson G3, Gibson Grabber, Gibson Ripper 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.