Vintage Guitars
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions
ACOUSTIC | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Acoustic advertisement (1969)

Meet Our Friends - Blind Faith

Acoustic Amplifiers

Sixties ad for Acoustic amplifiers featuring Blind Faith on stage with Acoustic amplifiers. From Left to right: Steve Winwood, Ric Grech, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton

More

    Acoustic advertisement (1969) Meet Our Friends - Blind Faith

    Other related vintage advertisements

    Acoustic Amplifiers - Meet Our Friends - The Spirit
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Meet Our Friends - The Spirit
    Great sixties ad showing the band Spirit on stage with Acoustic amplifiers
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Meet Our Friends.... The Chambers Brothers
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Meet Our Friends.... The Chambers Brothers
    1969 advertisement for Acoustic amplifiers, featuring the Chambers Brothers. From left to right:George Chambers (Gibson Thunderbird bass), Lester Chambers, Brian Keenan, George Chambers, Willie Cha...
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Meet Our Friends - Albert King and Chuck Berry
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Meet Our Friends - Albert King and Chuck Berry
    Another in Acoustics 'meet our friends' series of adverts. In the late 1960s most Acoustic amplifier advertisements featured a musician/band using their equipment in a live performance - in this ca...
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Acoustic Can Offer Unlimited Sound To Infinite Capacity
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Acoustic Can Offer Unlimited Sound To Infinite Capacity
    A very simple advertisement for acoustic amplification - and the first not to feature a big name musician of the time
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Acoustic
    Acoustic Amplifiers - Acoustic's Just Invented The PA System
    1970 acoustic advertisement for acoustic PA systems. Very short and to the point.

    Acoustic

    Vintageguitarandbass.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
    Yamaha ? FG-110 Vintage 1969 Acoustic Guitar  Nippon Gakki Red Label

    Yamaha ? FG-110 Vintage 1969 Acoustic Guitar Nippon Gakki Red Label

    New Rochelle, New York, 108**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $299

    Yamaha
    FG-110
    Vintage 1969
    Acoustic Guitar
    Nippon
    Gakki Red Label

    Overall Very Good Condition
    Some scratches, scuffs
    See photos
    ... more
    eBay logo
    VINTAGE 1962 GLOBAL HUMMINGBIRD ACOUSTIC GUITAR

    VINTAGE 1962 GLOBAL HUMMINGBIRD ACOUSTIC GUITAR

    Dearborn Heights, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $800

    WOW! What a beautiful Acoustic Guitar! MIK, The Global Musical Instrument Company The Hummingbird 306SH is a quality instrument. Is it a Gibson Hummingbird? No it is not! But it is a very nice take on the Gibson Hummingbird. For a guitar from the 1960's she plays and sounds great. Normal checking and wood cracks here and there but nothing that impairs the incredible sound. She comes with a TKL padded acoustic guitar case. I have not seen one like this before. I've seen similar Global ... more
    eBay logo
    1964 Epiphone Caballero Acoustic Guitar with Case, Style: FT30

    1964 Epiphone Caballero Acoustic Guitar with Case, Style: FT30

    Livonia, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1000

    Original 1964 Epiphone Caballero, body is mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, imitation tortoise pick-guard, ebony bridge (i do have the original plastic bridge). With the original case. Size: L-00. The guitar is in excellent condition and it sounds great when played.... more
    eBay logo
    Epiphone J-200 EC Studio Acoustic Electric Guitar Black

    Epiphone J-200 EC Studio Acoustic Electric Guitar Black

    Howell, New Jersey, 077**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $475

    Epiphone J-200 EC Studio Acoustic Electric Guitar Black. It's got a couple of cosmetic flaws. There's some scuffs on the headstock and some paint flaws in the binding. These are superficial and smooth to the touch. Aside from that, Its in very good condition with only light signs of use. There's no other significant damages or evidence of repairs
    Let us know if you want a gigbag or hard case for this guitar. We've also got straps, cables, tuners, strings, and other accessories. Reach out ... more
    eBay logo
    Epiphone J-200 EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black

    Epiphone J-200 EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black

    Middletown, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $448

    ... more
    eBay logo
    Epiphone FT-145 1970s Japan Acoustic Guitar

    Epiphone FT-145 1970s Japan Acoustic Guitar

    Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $579

    The Epiphone FT-145 is an acoustic guitar model that was manufactured in Japan during the 1970s. Epiphone is a brand that has a long history and is known for producing quality guitars
    The FT-145 model is part of Epiphone's flat-top acoustic guitar line. It features a dreadnought body shape, which is known for its large size and bold, full sound. The top is made of solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides
    Also has a bolt on neck so that you can can adjust the action however ... more
    eBay logo
    Used Epiphone FT-120 Acoustic Guitar

    Used Epiphone FT-120 Acoustic Guitar

    East Liverpool, Ohio, 439**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $330

    This is a used Epiphone FT-120 acoustic guitar in good condition. There are a couple of dings as shown in the photos but these do not affect the sound quality and playability of the instrument. This guitar is nice and comfortable to play at an affordable price for both beginners and those who are just looking for a nice acoustic to jam on.
    Let us know if you need any more information about this item or any of our other products. As always you can get this product and many more for the lowest... more
    eBay logo
    Epiphone FT-120 Acoustic Guitar

    Epiphone FT-120 Acoustic Guitar

    Brevard, North Carolina, 287**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $200

    Epiphone FT-120 Acoustic Guitar.... more
    eBay logo
    1951 Epiphone FT-110 Vintage Jumbo Acoustic Guitar w /  Case

    1951 Epiphone FT-110 Vintage Jumbo Acoustic Guitar w / Case

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

    $5000

    Up for sale, a 1951 Epiphone FT-110 in excellent condition, professionally maintained and complete with the original hardshell case. One of very few pre-Gibson Epiphone models that surface for sale, this FT-110 is a premium jumbo model, made in Epiphone's New York factory. This vintage acoustic has received all the proper care it's due, with a professional neck reset, new nut and compensated bone saddle, and a new tortoise pickguard (original also included)
    Tonewoods include an X-braced ... more
    eBay logo
    1970s Epiphone Model FT 134 Acoustic Guitar with Case - Made in Japan

    1970s Epiphone Model FT 134 Acoustic Guitar with Case - Made in Japan

    Jerseyville, Illinois, 620**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $295

    1970s Epiphone Model FT 134 Acoustic Guitar with Case. It was made in Japan. From the serial number I believe it was made in 1972. It is in very nice condition for a 60 year old guitar.

    Comes as pictured.

    Shipping will be $35 in the lower 48 states.
    ... more
    eBay logo
    Epiphone 1970 FT-150 Acoustic Electric Guitar All Original w /  New Locking Case

    Epiphone 1970 FT-150 Acoustic Electric Guitar All Original w / New Locking Case

    Hyattsville, Maryland, 207**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $550

    This is a really great Epiphone FT-150 Acoustic Guitar from 1970 with a brand new locking Hardshell Case made by Gator. Really fantastic neck! In addition to having the mother of pearl in the headstock logo and in the pickguard letter E, it also has a block inlay at the first fret. This guitar also has an additional 21st fret at the headnut. This feature was rarely seen again after 1970 on any guitar. Everything is original and fully functional including the seriously vintage strap peg electric ... more
    eBay logo
    1952 EPIPHONE TRIUMPH REGENT ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP GUITAR

    1952 EPIPHONE TRIUMPH REGENT ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP GUITAR

    Bridgeport, Connecticut, 066**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4200

    1952 EPIPHONE TRIUMPH REGENT ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP GUITAR. This is a factory cutaway, 17 3 / 8 " , carved acoustic Archtop. Condition is quite nice with finish checking, original parts, some paint chipping and the typical binding shrinkage
    ... more
    eBay logo
    DE ARMOND BY GUILD ELECTRIC / ACOUSTIC X-155

    DE ARMOND BY GUILD ELECTRIC / ACOUSTIC X-155

    Spring, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1350

    This is one of a kind DeArmond X-155 jazz guitar that has been played so little it still has the original strings and I could list it as an open box because it has probably been played 10-15 times if that much. This guitar has been kept in exceptionally good condition in a non-smoking environment, it looks almost as a brand new guitar and has the same beautiful rich, warm sound of a much more expensive Guild guitar. These DeArmond guitars were manufactured in Korea when they were under the ... more
    eBay logo
    Ventura Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag - Vintage - VWDOPUR3 / 4

    Ventura Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag - Vintage - VWDOPUR3 / 4

    Millsap, Texas, 760**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $200

    Ventura Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag - Vintage - VWDOPUR3 / 4.... more
    eBay logo
    Venture V 12 NAT Acoustic- Electric Guitar Six String With Sholder Strap

    Venture V 12 NAT Acoustic- Electric Guitar Six String With Sholder Strap

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

    $224

    Ventura V 12 NAT Acoustic - Electric Guitar With Sholder Strap Designed in USA Made in China... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage VENTURA BRUNO Classical Acoustic Guitar. V-1585 Parts Repair

    Vintage VENTURA BRUNO Classical Acoustic Guitar. V-1585 Parts Repair

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

    $65

    Vintage VENTURA BRUNO Classical Acoustic Guitar. V-1585 Parts Repair
    This acoustic Ventura Bruno is a classic, but has suffered damage to the body. See photos where there is a crack from the sound hole to the edge of the body. All other parts are in excellent condition. Missing string will be supplied.
    Length: 40" Width: 15" Depth: 4 "
    Serial Number: C28067
    SKU: 4 / 7 / 23 / 1

    ... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage Ventura-V-10 w /  Case  ~  Mid Sixties Japan Acoustic Guitar

    Vintage Ventura-V-10 w / Case ~ Mid Sixties Japan Acoustic Guitar

    Columbia, Missouri, 652**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $295

    HERE IS A VINTAGE VENTURA V-10 FLAT TOP GUITAR & CASE. THIS ITEM WAS MADE IN JAPAN. IT HAS PRETTY NORMAL FINISH WEAR FROM AGE & USE BUT ALL IN ALL IS VERY USABLE. THE NECK LOOKS STRAIGHT AS WELL. I INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE NECK. THE CASE IS WELL WORN FROM USE BUT STILL PROTECTS THE GUITAR. IT COMES WITH A STRAP. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage VENTURA 6 String Acoustic Wood Guitar Model 1460

    Vintage VENTURA 6 String Acoustic Wood Guitar Model 1460

    Peoria, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $100

    You Are Bidding on a pre-owned Ventura 6 String Acoustic Guitar. Model 1460. Missing strings. Does have some wear as shown. Comes with case. Any Questions just ask. Shipping and handling is 50 00 to United States address only. May have to ship FedEx / UPS. Hawaii and Alaska may be more. Payment must be made in 3 days. Check out my other auctions. Thanks for looking.... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage VENTURA BRUNO Classical Acoustic Guitar. V-1583 Parts Repair

    Vintage VENTURA BRUNO Classical Acoustic Guitar. V-1583 Parts Repair

    Ridgewood, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $195


    I have for sale a vintage Ventura Bruno acoustic guitar
    The model is V-1583
    It is offered as parts or repair. So I'm selling it AS IS
    It is missing the bridge and strings
    It is an estate find from a musician's house
    There may be a long hairline crack on the sound board. But I'm not sure. Please see last photo
    Approximate dimensions are: 39 1 / 8" long, 13 3 / 4" wideThe body is about 4" deep
    This is a well made, high quality musical instrument
    Thanks for ... more
    eBay logo
    Ventura Bruno V-1600  Acoustic Guitar and case

    Ventura Bruno V-1600 Acoustic Guitar and case

    Titusville, Florida, 327**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $720

    Beautiful Guitar! This model is the top of the line from Ventura - Bruno, selected out of their production for physical beauty, tonal quality and playability. Perfect functionality with some small finger scrapes (barely visible) below the sound hole. Finish is like new otherwise, and no structural issues
    ... more
    eBay logo

    Find more Acoustic at vintageguitarsforsale.co

    There are 0 comments on this page so far. Add your comment

    Comment on this article

    Anti-spam question - to catch web robots

    Contact
    info@vintageguitarandbass.com

    mailing list

    Follow

    Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

    Other Great Sites

    Recent posts on vintage guitar and bass

    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.