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GRETSCH | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gretsch advertisement (1963)

Don't mess up the mix

Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120

A simple feature on many Gretsch guitars, but often ignored by other manufacturers was a simple on/off switch for a guitar - allowing the guitarist to carefully set volumes and leave them in position and still prevent unwanted sound. This feature was original enough to warrant an advertisement; one in a small series highlighting some newer features applied to Gretsch guitars in the early 60s, and placed in magazines throughout 1963 and 1964.

The guitar featured is a Gretsch Hollowbody (later Nashville) model PX6120.

Gretsch advertisement (1963) Don

Other related vintage advertisements

Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - "Try this Fast Easy-Playing Guitar" Says Chet Atkins
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - "Try this Fast Easy-Playing Guitar" Says Chet Atkins
An early advertisement for the Chet Atkins 6120 Hollow Body guitar. This model debuted the previous year, and was built to Chet Atkins specifications. It was joined by a Solid Body version, 6121, a...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - The Sound of Superiority
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - The Sound of Superiority
This advertisement shows a broad selection of Gretsch's early 1960s guitar offering, though interestingly, by the time this advert was placed many of these guitars had been redesigned as double cut...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Theres only one thing as comfortable as the back of this guitar
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Theres only one thing as comfortable as the back of this guitar
Early sixties Gretsch adverts were often for Gretsch features in general: in this case the back pad that appeared in a lot of Gretsch guitars that offered extra comfort for the player, and protecte...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Chet Atkins: the "Personal Touch" built in...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Chet Atkins: the "Personal Touch" built in...
An early 1960s advertisement for three new Gretsch Chet Atkins guitar models, all designed with input from Chet Atkins: the Country Gentleman, Hollow body and Tennessean. These guitars were hugely ...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Chet Atkins Says: Look at it My Way and You
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Chet Atkins Says: Look at it My Way and You'll Play a Gretch Too!
Gretsch advertisement for the Chet Atkins series of hollow body guitars: Country Gentleman, Hollow Body and Tennessean. The advert, as was so often the case between 1963 and 1966, highlights three ...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - "Gretsch", Says Chet, "Is Where The Authentic Sound Is."
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - "Gretsch", Says Chet, "Is Where The Authentic Sound Is."
Advert for three Gretsch Chet Atkins models, the 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean, 6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody (after 1967, known as the Nashville) and the 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentlemen
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - When you call a guitar a name it better be good
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - When you call a guitar a name it better be good
The Chet Atkins endorsed Gretsch models, The Country Gentleman, Nashville, and Tennessean
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Give Your Sound the Professional Edge
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Give Your Sound the Professional Edge
1972 Gretsch advertisement for three Gretsch semi-acoustic electric guitars: the Country Gentleman, Nashville and Tennesean

When you're serious about your Sound,you treat it right. And yo...

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Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120

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Gretsch G6122 1962 Country Classic Walnut Stain w /  Belly Rest + COA OHSC

Gretsch G6122 1962 Country Classic Walnut Stain w / Belly Rest + COA OHSC

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

$2495



Gretsch G6122 1962 Country Classic Walnut Stain w / Belly Rest + COA OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is Excited to offer up this Gretsch G6122 1962 Country Classic with a Walnut Stain Finish! The Filter'Tron pickups and a laminated maple body combine for a that unique Gretsch tone, and the 24k gold hardware, ebony fretboard, offset markers and body binding make for a visually striking instrument as well. With 2-1 / 4" body depth, solid brass gold-plated ... more
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Gretsch G6122 1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 12-String Walnut Stain+COA OHSC

Gretsch G6122 1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 12-String Walnut Stain+COA OHSC

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

$2795



Gretsch G6122 1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 12-String Walnut Stain+COA OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is Excited to offer up this 2020 Gretsch G6122 1962 Chet Atkins Signature Country Gentleman 12-String Guitar with a Walnut Stain Finish! The Gretsch G6122-6212GE Vintage Select 1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 12-string hollowbody electric guitar captures the essence of classic Gretsch tone and style with a beautifully lush, naturally chorused sound.... more
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Vintage 1966 Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean Walnut Stain With OHSC

Vintage 1966 Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean Walnut Stain With OHSC

Santa Monica, California, 904**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2900

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }Here at Truetone, we get to see an amazing array of vintage guitars, and as big Gretsch fans, we all fell in love with this 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean.  Any vintage Gretsch from this area is awesome, but this one especially stands out.  
Made in Brooklyn during the heyday of Gretsch's U S. production, it's likely that the original owner of this guitar got it because of the Beatles - after all, this is the model that George Harrison played in the ... more
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1980 Gretsch 8218 BST-1500

1980 Gretsch 8218 BST-1500

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1199

Just in is this great 1980 Gretsch 8218 BST-1500
Quick Details
Weight 7 4lbs
Nut width 1 11 / 16th inch
Depth at 1st fret 0 84 inches
Depth at 12th fret 0 88 inches
This gretsch BST-1500 is in very good shape with very little wear on the body. The factory installed Dimarzio pickups make this guitar scream
The neck and action are in great shape and the frets show no wear at all
This guitar will make its next owner very happy
Will be shipped in its original case ... more
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Original Vintage Gretsch Leather Guitar Strap from a 1963 Country Gentleman

Original Vintage Gretsch Leather Guitar Strap from a 1963 Country Gentleman

Franklin, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Well preserved 1963 Gretsch Leather Guitar Strap that accompanied my 1963 Gretsch Tennessean. Well preserved and maintained. Western buckle in great condition
... more
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Gretsch 6125 Single Anniversary c. 1959 - Smoke Green

Gretsch 6125 Single Anniversary c. 1959 - Smoke Green

Peekskill, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2395

This is a vintage 1959 Gretsch 6125 anniverary hollow body with a two-tone Smoke Green finish. These guitars were introduced in 1958 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Gretsch. It was shortly after realized that they were actually pretty awesome, and production continued until 1968 with a few changes in parts and design between '58 and '61
This "Golden Years" Gretsch is features a single HiLo Tron pickup, a roller bridge, tone selector (bright / dark), and master volume control. Its ... more
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VINTAGE 1964 GRETSCH AMPLIFIER GUITAR SERIAL NUMBER PLATE SUPRO, VALCO, OAHU

VINTAGE 1964 GRETSCH AMPLIFIER GUITAR SERIAL NUMBER PLATE SUPRO, VALCO, OAHU

Vero Beach, Florida, 329**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$99

VINTAGE RARE 1964 GRETSCH GUITAR / AMP SERIAL PLATE WITH NAILS ??VALCO, SUPRO, OAHU, ETC
SHIPPING $4 95??INT??L SHIPPING OK BUT PLEASE CHECK FOR RATES??
... more
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1939 Gretsch Synchromatic Archtop Acoustic Guitar

1939 Gretsch Synchromatic Archtop Acoustic Guitar

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

$1700

Beautifully restored vintage 1939 Gretsch Synchromatic Acoustic Archtop Guitar
Comes with Kent Armstrong custom hndmade pickup. It sounds incredible
Tuners have been replaced with vintage-style grovers for always-in-tune playability and classic look
Guitar has been set up by world renowned luthier David Neely for immaculate playing
Two hairline cracks on the body are shown in photos. Not structural
Neck is perfect, action is low
... more
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Vintage 1967 Gretsch 6124 Single Anniversary Archtop Guitar

Vintage 1967 Gretsch 6124 Single Anniversary Archtop Guitar

Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

A real jazz box. Plays and sounds incredible. Biggest issue, as you can see from the photos, is that the binding will need to be replaced within the next few years. Has original pickup and comes with original case, which has some rust on the buckles

I??m not the original owner, but all the components look to be original besides the tailpiece, which I had to replace because the old one broke

Message me with any questions

... more
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1960 Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean, 6120 Conversion w /  PAF FilterTrons

1960 Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean, 6120 Conversion w / PAF FilterTrons

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

$6700

Up for sale, a 1960 Gretsch Chet Atkins model 6119 Tennessean in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. The original iteration of the 6119 Chet Atkins model was only available from 1958-60, and this particular example has been converted to 6120 specifications, complete with a second genuine vintage Pat. Applied For Filter??Tron humbucker in the neck position. The guitar features a trestle-braced maple body with a 16?? wide lower bout and 2 ... more
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GRETSCH Viking Guitar PegHead BADGE Plate Part Original Vintage USA 1960s

GRETSCH Viking Guitar PegHead BADGE Plate Part Original Vintage USA 1960s

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

$149

Brass construction, normal light, vintage, wear with patina, original vintage, Gretsch part, thanks for looking
... more
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Gretsch G6136-1958 Stephen Stills  Falcon Hollow Body with Bigsby Aged White 202

Gretsch G6136-1958 Stephen Stills Falcon Hollow Body with Bigsby Aged White 202

Renton, Washington, 980**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4200

Gretsch G-6136-1958 Stephen Stills Signature Hollow Body Falcon With Bigsby in Aged White finish made in Japan in 2023 with Original Hard Shell Case. This guitar features a double bound hollow arched laminated maple back / laminated maple sides body with an arched laminated maple, 3-piece maple neck and bound ebony fingerboard. Equipped with a set of TV Jones High Sensitive Filter'Tron humbuckers in the neck and bridge position. Controlled by 1-master volume, 2-pickup volumes knobs, a 3-way ... more
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Pair (2) Vintage Gretsch Arrow Guitar Knobs late 1950s /  early 1960s Gold

Pair (2) Vintage Gretsch Arrow Guitar Knobs late 1950s / early 1960s Gold

Hyde Park, New York, 125**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$95

Here you have a pair of Gretsch Arrow knobs fro a late ?50s / early ?60s Gretsch Country Club (this style of knob was used on other models as well). These were gold, but most of the gold plating is worn off. You can see that these are in very used condition in the pictures

If you have a vintage Gretsch in need of replacement knobs, or if you want some cool vintage knobs for your guitar project, these are worth your consideration.

No returns unless item is described ... more
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Used Gretsch G6120TGDS PE Nashville - Roundup Orange

Used Gretsch G6120TGDS PE Nashville - Roundup Orange

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer
Used Gretsch G6120TGDS PE Nashville - Roundup ... more
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vintage 1966 Gretsch Variety Plus amp amplifier reverb + tremolo 2x12 tube valco

vintage 1966 Gretsch Variety Plus amp amplifier reverb + tremolo 2x12 tube valco

Smithfield, Rhode Island, 029**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1499

from RetroGuitarParts vintage guitars + parts. "Jazz and Archtop Specialist"
see detailed pics above - please read all the details below!!!
Click on "see other items" to check out our manynew and vintage USA guitar parts!
vintage 1966 Gretsch Variety Plus amp amplifier reverb + tremolo 2x12 tube combo amp
PICK UP IN RHODE ISLAND ONLY
This is a 1966 Gretsch Variety Plus tube combo amp. Rather amazing clean condition .the lettering on the chrome is immaculate.... more
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1958 Gretsch 6129 Silver Jet w / OHSC

1958 Gretsch 6129 Silver Jet w / OHSC

Burbank, California, 915**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13995

1958 Gretsch 6129 Silver Jet
This Guitar Is Located At Imperial Vintage Guitars Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Light Cosmetic Playwear As Shown
Minor Surface Scratches, Dings, And Finish Checking
No Cracks, Breaks, Or Repairs
Binding Is Fully Intact And In Excellent Condition
All Original Example
Early 1958 With DeArmond Dynasonic Pickups
'G' Tailpiece
Mahogany Body And Neck
Bound Ebony Fingerboard With Half-Moon ... more
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1940s vintage gretsch jet 21 acoustic archtop Guitar Electric

1940s vintage gretsch jet 21 acoustic archtop Guitar Electric

Chatsworth, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

1940s vintage gretsch jet 21 acoustic archtop Guitar Electric.
Nice acoustic arch top jet 21 early model rare
... more
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Vintage Gretsch Viking Sunburst 1967

Vintage Gretsch Viking Sunburst 1967

Brookfield, Wisconsin, 530**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3499


Vintage Gretsch Viking Sunburst 1967
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
A true vintage beauty that plays & sounds terrific! The dual SuperTron pickups sound wonderful & produce warm, rich tones. Even acoustically the guitar is quite resonant
Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action, so it plays & sounds fantastic
Cosmetic Condition: Aside from the binding deterioration, the guitar is actually in really good shape for ... more
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GRETSCH 2013 Hot Rod Walt ONE-OF-A-KIND Pinstripe ELECTRIC Guitar w /  HS Case WOW

GRETSCH 2013 Hot Rod Walt ONE-OF-A-KIND Pinstripe ELECTRIC Guitar w / HS Case WOW

Louisville, Kentucky, 402**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$850

HELLO, and WELCOME to kentuckyrebel'srock'n'rollheaven, where I've specialized in selling MUSIC MEMORABILIA for over TWENTY YEARS on eBAY (and MANY MORE YEARS in the outside world, long before the advent of online auctions)!
THANKS, too, for the interest in my music group's last CD, "LISTEN UP IT'S THE ECHOES " --free downloadable samples being AVAILABLE ONLINE at AllMusic and, of course, THE ECHOES OFFICIAL WEBSITE--and for the overwhelming response to our follow-up CD, "NOW HEAR THIS, " ... more
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Gretsch 6124 Single Anniversary Model Shaded Golden Sunburst 1960 w / OHSC

Gretsch 6124 Single Anniversary Model Shaded Golden Sunburst 1960 w / OHSC

Renton, Washington, 980**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Gretsch 6124 Anniversary Model in Shaded Golden Sunburst finish made in 1960 with Original Hard Shell Case. This guitar features a double bound hollow maple back&sides body with a maple top, maple neck and bound rosewood fingerboard. Equipped with its original Hilo-Tron Single coil in the neck position. Controlled by one master volume knob and a 3-way toggle tone switch. The 24 5" scale length neck has pearl thumb nail inlays and 21 medium frets with a slim C neck profile. The hardware is ... more
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Find more Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 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

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1961 Hofner Colorama I

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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

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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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

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1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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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

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1961 Hohner Zambesi

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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

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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

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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.