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GRETSCH | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gretsch advertisement (1966)

Gretsch Puts You in the Swing of Things

Gretsch Guitars

1966 UK advert for Gretsch guitars and drums; Gretsch makes the finest drums and guitars in the world, so when you join the Gretsch Set for Great Sound things suddenly begin to happen

A very similar advertisement was placed in 1965 (here) with a very similar image (though not identical, look at the drinks!) and with different text

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    Gretsch advertisement (1966) Gretsch Puts You in the Swing of Things

    Other related vintage advertisements

    Gretsch Guitars - Guitarists go for the new Gretsch extras... See them in the new Gretsch guitar catalog
    Gretsch Guitars - Guitarists go for the new Gretsch extras... See them in the new Gretsch guitar catalog
    Advertisement for Gretsch's new (#31) catalog. This advert first appeared in print in the July 1963 edition of Down Beat magazine
    Gretsch Guitars - The Famous Basie Rhythm & that Great Gretsch Sound
    Gretsch Guitars - The Famous Basie Rhythm & that Great Gretsch Sound
    This advert for Gretsch guitars and drums highlights the Count Basie rhythm section of Freddie Green on guitar and Sonny Payne on drums. Freddie Green is pictured with the Gretsch Eldorado.
    Gretsch Guitars - Everything Goes Greater On Gretsch
    Gretsch Guitars - Everything Goes Greater On Gretsch
    British advert for Gretsch guitars and drums. "Join the Gretsch Set for Great Sound
    Play the guitars and drums top recording stars prefer"
    Gretsch Guitars - Just Out! Gretsch Guitar Catalog
    Gretsch Guitars - Just Out! Gretsch Guitar Catalog
    This July 1965 advertisement from Gretsh announces the new 1965 catalog (see a scan here), or catalog #32.

    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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    Rare 20s Vintage Gretsch 5 String Banjo w /  Gotohs & Tone Hoop - Ready To Play

    Rare 20s Vintage Gretsch 5 String Banjo w / Gotohs & Tone Hoop - Ready To Play

    McLeansville, North Carolina, 273**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $475

    Old, vintage & rare Gretsch 5 string banjo; about 100 yrs. old. Maple hoop / pot & neck with a tone hoop.
    It??s upgraded with Gotoh aged nickel planetary geared tuners
    It also has a Waverly adjustable tailpiece on it, putting more pressure on the bridge & getting a lot of tone & volume out of the Fiberskyn.
    It??s got a raw brass wire armrest
    New 11 in. Fiberskyn head, bridge & strings
    It has shoe brackets & nice barrel nuts
    The banjo is about 35 5... 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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    1967 Gretsch 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Walnut Vintage Electric Guitar

    1967 Gretsch 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Walnut Vintage Electric Guitar

    Sonoma, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3199

    1967 Gretsch 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Vintage Electric Guitar with natural Walnut finish. It is 100% original. It plays great and sounds fantastic. It weighs 8 13 pounds. The neck thickness measures 0 852" at the 1st fret and 0 938" at the 9th fret.
    Overall in very good condition for its age. There are typical minor scuffs and scrapes throughout. All gold hardware is very clean with minimal tarnishing. As typical, the original foam string mutes have deteriorated and would need to ... more
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    1957 Gretsch 6191 Streamliner Electric guitar (Natural)

    1957 Gretsch 6191 Streamliner Electric guitar (Natural)

    Midland, Michigan, 486**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1800

    Gretsch 6191 from 1957 . Plays great up and down the neck. DeArmond pickup sounds beautiful . Original condition except 2 of the sliders on the Melita bridge (replaced with 2 from reissue bridge) and truss rod cover is reissue also. New frets top to bottom. New bone nut . Binding has the usual rot and a couple of filled in spots but other than that all else is solid . Nice patina and great looking old Gretsch that plays and sounds like a 57 . Original case and all latches still work . There is ... more
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    1930s Antique gretsch Arch top Guitar Lifton Case Vintage

    1930s Antique gretsch Arch top Guitar Lifton Case Vintage

    Saint James, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $499

    Selling as is. This is a project guitar. Will need repairs. Case is pretty solid but needs a repair on the bottom. See photos for condition
    ... more
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    1970s Crown Thinline Japan Electric Guitar Matsumoku Lawsuit Gretsch Countryman

    1970s Crown Thinline Japan Electric Guitar Matsumoku Lawsuit Gretsch Countryman

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

    $400

    Vintage late 1960s / early 1970s era Japan Made Guitar (2 pickup guitar)Crown Logo on headstockLawsuit era, in the style of Gretsch CountrymanGold hardwareMade by Matsumoku
    Made in Japan comes as seenComplete and original. Bridge has mute and tailpiece includes the arm
    Cherry red finish
    finish is in nice shape as seen - some minor age and scratchesneck is straight and frets are good
    Semi circle fret markers on side w / rosewood fretboard24 75" scale - 1-5 / 8" wide neck at nut ... more
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    C 1920S GRETSCH CLAROPHONE BANJO UKELELE

    C 1920'S GRETSCH CLAROPHONE BANJO UKELELE

    Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $280

    This beautiful vintage instrument from Gretsch, the Clarotone model, is a unique addition to any collection. With a Ukulele Banjo design and four strings, it dates back to the 1920s. It has been well-maintained and is in excellent working condition. The brand speaks for itself, and the instrument is a testament to Gretsch's quality and craftsmanship. Ideal for collectors and musicians alike, this vintage Gretsch Clarotone Banjo Ukelele is sure to impress
    It measures 20 5" in length. 7" ... more
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    1956 Vintage Gretsch 6189  (Electromatic Streamliner copper 2 tone)

    1956 Vintage Gretsch 6189 (Electromatic Streamliner copper 2 tone)

    Lilburn, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2100

    1956 gretsch 6189 (electromagnetic streamliner 2 tone copper)
    prefer local pickup, but willing to ship depending
    players grade , small nics but binding intact
    neck wings were repaired and solid .
    Neck joint not to pretty but solid and perfect angle
    for action as low or high as you want
    Guitar sounds otherwordly , nice thick warm woody tone
    Original Dynasonic pickup !
    any questions let me know
    ... more
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    Gretsch 1961 model 6186

    Gretsch 1961 model 6186

    Fairview, Oregon, 970**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1399

    I have for sale a 1961 Gretsch model number 6186 guitar
    I purchased it used along with an original hard shell case The only reason for selling is I??am thinning my heard Ask any questions before biding Shipping I only ship to the lower USA states Thanks for looking
    ... more
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    1954 Gretsch Electromatic Model 6185

    1954 Gretsch Electromatic Model 6185

    Little Rock, Arkansas, 722**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $100

    Up for auction is a vintage 1954 Gretsch Electromatic Model 6185 archtop hollow-body guitar. This guitar was refinished in 2023, A new pickguard was added at that time, and the original DeArmond pickup was replaced at that time. The original DeArmond pickup is included in case you wish to repair it. All other parts are believed to be original. The neck is straight and shows no signs of breakage or repair, and the body is in good shape as well. The original Gretsch label is missing. A ... more
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    Vintage Gretsch 7576 Country Club Natural 1979

    Vintage Gretsch 7576 Country Club Natural 1979

    Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2999


    Vintage Gretsch 7576 Country Club Natural 1979
    PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
    100% original & just recently acquired from the original owner who kept the guitar in immaculate condition. Fully inspected & professionally set up with fresh strings & low action, so it plays & sounds fantastic!
    Cosmetic Condition: Marvelous condition for being 45 years old with only some mild surface scratches
    Neck: Slender profile maple neck ... more
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    Vintage Gretsch Rally Bamboo Yellow 1967

    Vintage Gretsch Rally Bamboo Yellow 1967

    Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2499


    Vintage Gretsch Rally Bamboo Yellow 1967
    PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
    These old Rallies are some of the most popular vintage Gretsches on the market & never seem to last long in the shop. This one's a great player with a beautiful, natural acoustic resonance to it. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action, so it's ready to play straight out of the case
    Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; surface ... more
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    Used Gretsch 1962 Country Classic II Walnut Stain 1995

    Used Gretsch 1962 Country Classic II Walnut Stain 1995

    Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1999


    Used Gretsch 1962 Country Classic II Walnut Stain 1995
    PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
    A discontinued model with superb playability & an ultra cool vibe. Featuring a pair of FilterTron humbuckers & wire arm Bigsby. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action so it's ready to play straight out of the case
    Cosmetic Condition: Great shape overall with some mild surface scratches. The back pad shows some wear & tear, but ... more
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    Gretsch 7628 Committee Guitar, 1977, Excellent Condition

    Gretsch 7628 Committee Guitar, 1977, Excellent Condition

    Lisbon, New York, 136**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1475

    Gretsch 7628 CommitteeSerial #:12-7031December 1977
    This guitar is in great condition. I can tell you about it from the point of view of a bass player. Everything works perfectly, it has good action, the frets are excellent, it's very quiet, the pickups are strong, and the body and neck are in excellent condition
    I received it as a gift in 1982, but quickly decided I wanted to play bass, so it has been in its case unused (for the most part) for 40+ years. It is in the same condition as ... more
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    1955 Gretsch Country Club Vintage Hollowbody guitar

    1955 Gretsch Country Club Vintage Hollowbody guitar

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

    $9395

    1955 Gretsch Country Club, Hard to find Blonde finish, Gold hardware, Groverimperial tuners, Two DeArmond pickups, Cloud inlays, 17 inches wide body, ??G??Tailpiece, Magnificent instrument, EC, Original hard Tweed case.... more
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    Vintage 1969 Gretsch Model 6162 Tremolo Reverb Guitar Amp Combo Gray

    Vintage 1969 Gretsch Model 6162 Tremolo Reverb Guitar Amp Combo Gray

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

    $1700

    [contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }
    Up for sale is this awesome vintage Gretsch Model 6162 Tremolo Reverb amp!  It's one that you rarely see   This wonderful piece comes from 1969 and it has all the vintage mojo you'd want   1969 also gave us man landing on the moon, Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, and the Internet   Yes, the thing you're reading this on, the Internet, was invented in 1969   But that's besides the point - lets get back to this amp
    The Gretsch 6162 features ... more
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    Vintage Gretsch 2x10 Cabinet - eminence legend 1028p Speaker Inside See Photos!

    Vintage Gretsch 2x10 Cabinet - eminence legend 1028p Speaker Inside See Photos!

    Wichita, Kansas, 672**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $350

    Estate find, inside the cabinet is a Jensen special design 10, that I don??t believe works or needs repair. I hooked up an ohm meter and could not get a reading. The other speaker is an eminence legend 1028p speaker which I did get around an 8 ohm reading. I??ve not hooked these speakers up, only tested with the meter. See photos to view condition of the cab. I think there may have been an amp attached to this cab. See photos
    ... more
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    1958 Gretsch Anniversary Original vintage Model 6124 Ebony 2-tone green PAF

    1958 Gretsch Anniversary Original vintage Model 6124 Ebony 2-tone green PAF

    Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3700

    This is an original 1958 Gretsch Anniversary Model 6124 two-tone Smoke Green in very nice condition, with an ebony fretboard that has excellent frets. She is ALL original, no cracks-breaks-repairs (except a neck reset) with some very light weather checking. She is an original two tone green sweet-pea from the Golden era of guitars in spectacular condition with her original hard shell case. She also includes a very rare original 1950's palm tremolo that simply clamps on the strings before the ... more
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    Gretsch Eagle Brand Vintage Banjo String Assortment 5-Boxes 1st-5th Broadkaster

    Gretsch Eagle Brand Vintage Banjo String Assortment 5-Boxes 1st-5th Broadkaster

    Boston, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $68

    This listing is for the five box assortment of NOS vintage Eagle Brand / Gretsch banjo strings as shown.
    The individual boxes are as follows:
    #260 "Broadkaster" 1st - contains 7 individually wrapped strings#262 "Gretsch" 2nd - contains 14 individually wrapped strings#264 3rd - contains 7 individually wrapped strings#266 4th - contains 5 individually wrapped strings#268 5th - contains 8 individually wrapped strings
    NOTE: I have not inspected each string for condition, and this ... more
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    Gretsch Super Chet 7691 Walnut w /  Bigsby Tailpiece 1976 - RARE!

    Gretsch Super Chet 7691 Walnut w / Bigsby Tailpiece 1976 - RARE!

    Acworth, Georgia, 301**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $6500

    Up Professionally set up. Very well cared for, very slight checking in the finish, zero in the body.
    Super rare 7691 walnut model with Bigsby Tailpiece, gold plated. . .one beautiful guitar. West Germany Schaller Tuners. This is one of the most iconic and finest hollow body electric guitars ever made. The Gretsch Super Chet is a very special guitar that was crafted only between 1972 and 1980 and is considered quite rare. This is a rare vintage guitar being sold as is in picks with no ... more
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    1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

    1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

    1961 Hofner Colorama I

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

    1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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

    1960 Hofner Colorama II

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

    1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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

    1981 Gibson Marauder

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

    1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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

    1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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

    1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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

    1961 Hohner Zambesi

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

    1963 Vox Super Ace

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

    1966 Vox New Escort

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

    1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

    1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

    1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

    1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

    1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

    1972 Fender Precision bass

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

    1967 Vox Stroller

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

    1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

    1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

    1959 Hofner Committee

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

    1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

    Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

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

    1965 Hofner President

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

    1963 1964 Fender catalog

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