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MARTIN | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Martin advertisement (1970)

If the D-41 Had Two More Whatchamacallits Would It Be a D-45

Martin D41 acoustic

1970 Martin advertisement comparing the Martin D-41 to the Martin D-45

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    Martin advertisement (1970) If the D-41 Had Two More Whatchamacallits Would It Be a D-45

    Martin D41

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    1960 Martin 000-18

    1960 Martin 000-18

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $5000

    In the shop we have a 1960 000-18 from Martin!
    This vintage fingerstyle guitar has a lively Sitka Spruce top with tons of playing character
    At some point in its history the Brazilian Rosewood bridge was bolted, but it is in sound condition with a intonated bone saddle. A small crack had been repaired on the top shoulder and there is plenty of players wear on the back and neck, as well in the playing position on the face near the sound hole, none of which effect playability
    The 000-18 ... more
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    2022 Mario Guitars Mario Martin Custom T Mary Kaye White Relic w / OSSC

    2022 Mario Guitars Mario Martin Custom T Mary Kaye White Relic w / OSSC

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

    $3195

    2022 Mario Guitars Custom T In Mary Kate White Finish
    This Guitar Is Located At IVG Burbank
    In Excellent Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
    Minimal Playwear Throughout
    Lightweight One-Piece Paulownia Body With Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish
    One-Piece Maple Neck With 9 5" Radius And 6105 Frets
    Gotoh Staggered Vintage Tuners
    Aged Bakelite Pickguard
    Arcane '56 Experience Pickups
    Aged Vintage Style Bridge With Compensated Brass Saddles
    1 65" Nut Width
    60's ... more
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    Martin 00-18 1963 Acoustic Guitar

    Martin 00-18 1963 Acoustic Guitar

    Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania, 195**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $5495

    This well played, feather light, 1963 00-18 that is a fantastic playing and sounding guitar with a ton of character. I??ve really struggled with selling it, but I need the money to cover another purchase. This is the guitar I??ve gravitated toward the most over the last 2 years. The neck is comfortable, and the action plays like butter, partly due to a fresh neck reset, new frets, and a professional setup
    As with all my guitars, I took this one to Brother's Music in Pennsylvania (close to ... more
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    1931 Martin OM-28 Herringbone Pre War Acoustic Guitar

    1931 Martin OM-28 Herringbone Pre War Acoustic Guitar

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

    $93500

    1931 Martin 0M-28 Herringbone, Exceedingly rare prewar flattop acousticguitar, Grover banjo tuners, Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Solid pegheadwith no logo on front but stamped on the back, Ebony fingerboard with Pearl Diamondinlays, 25 4 inches long scale length, 1 75 inches wide at the nut, Soft V neckprofile, Two scalloped tone bars, Extremely rich and full sound that bloomswith soaring overtones! Plays great with pro neck reset, Needs nothing, Truly gorgeousand amazing, EC, Original ... more
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    1952 Martin D-18 Natural

    1952 Martin D-18 Natural

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

    $6999

    Very good condition 1952 Martin D-18. All original. Pickguard was removed earlier in the guitars life. Almost posted as excellent condition as the back and sides are very well kept. Slight wood discoloration on the top. A few nicks and cracks but very light. Bridge has been reglued but could benefit from a look over. Very full and loud ring out of this acoustic, and it feels like the wood has had a good amount of time to open up. Comes with pictured hard shell case. Kept in a smoke free, pet ... more
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    1916 C F.  Martin Bowl Back Mandolin in Playable Mint Condition

    1916 C F. Martin Bowl Back Mandolin in Playable Mint Condition

    Mechanicsville, Virginia, 231**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1895


    This is an original 1916 C F. Martin Bowl Back Mandolin. It has all of it's original parts and is plays beautifully. Makers mark with location (Nazareth, Pennsylvania) is stamped on a chrome plate at the very top back.
    The neck is made from Mahogany and the lower section has been pieced together with Adirondack Spruce, Maple and Rosewood. The tuning knobs are made from Pearloid and the pick guard is beautifully inlayed with Tortoise shell.
    Note: The bottom center seam has been ... more
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    Vintage Martin D-28 Natural 1972

    Vintage Martin D-28 Natural 1972

    Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2499


    Vintage Martin D-28 Natural 1972
    PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
    A nice playing dreadnought with a rich, powerful voice that projects exceptionally well. Fully inspected & professionally set up with fresh strings, ready to play upon arrival
    Cosmetic Condition: A bit rough around the edges, but not too bad considering its age - various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches, weather checking & some finish wear. There are cracks in ... more
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    1967 Gibson B-25 12 String Acoustic Guitar  w /  Vintage Blue Martin Case

    1967 Gibson B-25 12 String Acoustic Guitar w / Vintage Blue Martin Case

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

    $1395

    Here's a 1967 Gibson B-25 12 string acoustic guitar.
    The guitar is in good condition and has average playwear
    She recently had a neck reset and the action is super low, like Les Paul low and plays beautifully
    The top has an old, long repaired crack and some other scratches weather checking
    The sides have lots of weather checking as well.
    The back has some light overspray around the edges
    The serial number is 894185 and she dates to 1967 - 56 years old!
    Scroll way down... more
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    1964 Martin D-28 a stunning Brazilian Rosewood example plays & sounds wonderful.

    1964 Martin D-28 a stunning Brazilian Rosewood example plays & sounds wonderful.

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

    $12495

    The D-28 is a favorite of ours that??s consistently wonderful year after year in all respects. This was just acquired by us this week from its 1st last caretaker. Its stunning Adirondack Spruce top is just about perfect. Its got some of the best book-matched & straight grained Brazilian Rosewood back & sides that are simply perfect. Its got most all Martins best features including its Standard X-bracing, Style 28 rosette, its rare & original tortoise pickgard, Select Hardwood ... more
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    Vintage Takamine F400 12 string acoustic guitar with Martin case

    Vintage Takamine F400 12 string acoustic guitar with Martin case

    Denver, Colorado, 802**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $200

    Takamine F400 Modeled after Martin D-28
    This has had a bunch of play but is in very nice shape. There is a small surface scratch on the back but no cracks or major dings. Binding, bracing etc all nice and tight
    This is a 50 year old guitar and there are small marks, etc. Please see photo's.
    The guitar sounds great - full and chimey. The frets are a touch worn in first position but it intonates fine and gives a clear tone free of buzzes across the fretboard. It tunes relatively ... more
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    Martin D-41 1978 Used Acoustic Guitar. Collector Quality.

    Martin D-41 1978 Used Acoustic Guitar. Collector Quality.

    Dahlonega, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $8200

    This Martin D-41 acoustic guitar is a true collector's item from 1978. With its stunning design and top-of-the-line features, it's no wonder why it's so highly sought after. The guitar has 20 frets, six strings, and is designed for right-handed players.

    The brand is Martin, and the model is the D-41. This acoustic guitar is perfect for musicians who are looking for a high-quality instrument to add to their collection. The guitar is in excellent condition and has been ... more
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    1969 Martin D-28 - Brazilian Rosewood

    1969 Martin D-28 - Brazilian Rosewood

    Lake Stevens, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $11500

    1969 Martin D-28. This one is coming out of my personal collection. It??s among the best sounding D-28s I??ve had, but I just got a prewar Martin and need to let something go


    The guitar has a very nice, balanced tone, wonderful sustain, and is a joy to play


    This one still has Brazilian Rosewood. The wood grain is quite beautiful and decorative.

    The guitar has received all the necessary servicing and set up, including a fresh neck reset, bridge ... more
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    Martin D-25 Koa Pristine 1980

    Martin D-25 Koa Pristine 1980

    Leominster, Massachusetts, 014**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3799

    Professional setup with Martin MA540 12-54 gauge strings, includes original case. This is a very special guitar- only 925 of these produced. Vintage V-neck profile, rosewood fingerboard and bridge appear to be Brazilian, Sperzel / Martin tuners. No cracks, repairs and very little wear. Neck is amazingly straight and action is low- .088?? and .059 on 6th and 1st strings @ 12th fret. There??s plenty of saddle left on the original neck joint.

    Check out my YouTube video https: / / youtu... more
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    1950s Lifton Guitar case Logo Oval Badge Built Like a fortress Fit Gibson Martin

    1950s Lifton Guitar case Logo Oval Badge Built Like a fortress Fit Gibson Martin

    Orange, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $50

    original oval logo for Guitar Case1-3 / 4" x 1 " not a reproduction... more
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    1890 Martin 1-21

    1890 Martin 1-21

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

    $10995

    1890Martin 1-21, Wonderful piece of American guitar history, Dated 1 / 90 inside (1890), Made in New York, Beautiful sounding, Lovely wide grained Spruce top, BrazilianRosewood back and sides, Perfect pyramid bridge replacement, Some minorhairline repairs, Pro neck reset, Light weight, Amazing instrument, VG++, Rareoriginal wooden coffin case with crafted metal latches in stellar condition withoriginal tag... more
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    Sigma Guitars DM-5 Left-handed Acoustic Guitar 6 Strings C F. Martin Japan 1970s

    Sigma Guitars DM-5 Left-handed Acoustic Guitar 6 Strings C F. Martin Japan 1970s

    Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $450

    Left-handed Vintage Acoustic Guitar DM-5
    No Strap or Case!
    Guitar has a new 6 strings + set up and neck set up by Seminole Music & Sounds
    Sounds very cool!
    Dreadnought Mahogany sides and back of body
    Has a few cosmetic issues:
    - a few small dents on the top of the body, but they are not affected on it work and sound
    - sides and back have a few scratches and wear
    - Top of the body has water spots
    - May have some other cosmetic issues
    Made in Japan ... more
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    Vintage Martin Guitar bridge  Brazilian rosewood  2 1 / 8 spacing  luthier parts

    Vintage Martin Guitar bridge Brazilian rosewood 2 1 / 8 spacing luthier parts

    Southampton, Massachusetts, 010**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $135

    I'm cleaning out a long closed Western Ma. luthier shops inventory and will be selling a lifetime collection of mostly vintage musical instruments and parts. Today I have what I believe to be a Martin D-18 bridge . It is made of Brazilian rosewood. This was in a baggie marked " CFM 1960's D size" . It hasn't been shaved in any way. The saddle is still in the slot and has a chip out of it. The bridge bottom is flat and the little bit of spruce shows that it was cleanly removed. This is for... more
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    1943 Martin C-1 Vintage Archtop C1

    1943 Martin C-1 Vintage Archtop C1

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

    $4850


    This Martin C-1 was made in the USA in 1943. It is a lovely guitar that plays and sounds great. It shows considerable play wear including dings, dents, scratches, and there is finish checking. Despite the wear it plays very well and is fully functional. All parts are original. There are several repaired cracks. The guitar was pro-setup in our store and comes with the soft case in the pictures.
    If you have any questions, please message us
    We ship Worldwide!... more
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    1983 Martin Vintage Series D-28V Herringbone Brazilian Rosewood Pre-War-Spec

    1983 Martin Vintage Series D-28V Herringbone Brazilian Rosewood Pre-War-Spec

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

    $12500

    Up for sale, a 1983 Martin D-28V 150th Anniversary Model in crack-free, collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original molded hardshell case. Martin's first Vintage Series model and one of very few produced, this D-28V was Martin's first proper recreation of Pre-War specifications for the company's flagship dreadnought model. The development of the Vintage Series instruments benefited from significant input of master luthier and Martin's official company ... more
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    Vtg. 90s MARTIN Steel-String BACKPACKER Guitar   Original Design W / case

    Vtg. 90s MARTIN Steel-String BACKPACKER Guitar Original Design W / case

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

    $299

    This MARTIN Steel-String Backpacker Guitar is a vintage piece from the mid-1990s, featuring an original design and made of quality mahogany. This acoustic guitar has 15 frets and a 6 string configuration, perfect for any musician looking for a portable guitar to bring on the go.

    Included with the guitar is a strap and gig bag for easy transportation. This guitar is a great addition for any music lover and is perfect for those looking for a unique vintage instrument
    ... more
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    Find more Martin D41 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.