Vintage Guitar Website

1958 Antoria EG-90

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:00:01 GMT

Antoria was a house brand of UK distributor J.T. Coppock in Leeds, who initially imported single and dual pickup guitars from Guyatone in Japan at a time when British guitar manufacture was pretty much non-existent. Other distributors worldwide imported the same guitars branded Guyatone, Regent, Feather, Hi Tone, Vox, and Star. These early Antorias were small and light, but very well-built, earning some some high profile users at the time (for example Hank Marvin played a two-pickup Antoria with the Shadows before he played a strat). When Britain finally did break into guitar manufacture, these Japanese models were a clear inspiration. Early Vox, Burns and Fenton-Weill guitars were to some extent copies of these Guyatones, well before they started copying Fenders or creating their own designs. This is a pretty rare guitar!

1960 Vox Bassmaster

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:01 GMT

The Vox Bassmaster was first advertised in December 1960, and this was one of the very first examples dating from that year. With woodworking by furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins and circuitry by Fenton Weill, it's quite different from later Bassmasters: natural nitrocellulose finish, bound body, slightly translucent pearloid 'VOX' scratchplate and single pickup. It is quite a nicely made guitar for its time, but lacks some of the adjustability that just a few years later would be seen as standard.

1975 Kimbara N117

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:01 GMT

Kimbara was the mid-priced house brand of British instrument distributor Fletcher, Coppock and Newman, who also distributed entry level guitars by Satellite and Columbus, and later higher end guitars by Hagstrom. The solid body electric range launched in September 1974, initially consisting of Les Paul, SG and Stratocaster copies made by Matsumoku in Japan. Their 'Les Paul' was available in four finishes: model N114 (black), N115 (gold), N116 (sunburst) and, as seen here, model N117 (natural). These natural examples are particularly nice, made with some great looking woods. And it's a really nice playing guitar too!

1977 Guild B-301 bass

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 12:00:01 GMT

The Guild B-301 and two-pickup Guild B-302 were part of a new series of instruments announced in late 1976, ultimately including the Guild S-300, Guild S-60, and Guild S-70 guitars. All shared the same new body shape - a totally original design quite unlike any previous guitar, Guild or otherwise. The B-301 bass was available with a mahogany body and neck (as seen here), or with an ash body and maple neck (B-301A) - although Guild B-301 shipping data is not available the mahogany B-301 is by far the most commonly seen variant today. Fantastic basses, with a well deserved reputation!

1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

Sun, 4 May 2025 12:00:01 GMT

The Hagstrom Swede bass, or model HB 903, was only built in small numbers: just 1479 basses shipped between 1971 and 1976. Unlike the current range of Hagstrom guitars, the 1950s-1980s Hagstroms were built in Sweden. This example comes from 1973 and is pretty typical: translucent cherry finish, mahogany body, mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. It's a really nice bass, beautifully appointed with a very wide tonal range, and a great playing feel. It is relatively heavy though for a mahogany instrument, mostly due to its thick solid body. Very cool bass, and certainly one of the very best basses produced by Hagstrom.

1972 Jedson Jet 4444

Sun, 2 Feb 2025 12:00:01 GMT

Another Japanese Les Paul copy from the early 1970s. This Jedson Jet, model 4444 is a rather nice guitar built by Matsumoku for Dallas Arbiter / Dallas in the early 1970s. The Jedson Jet was a copy of, specifically, the Gibson Les Paul Custom, with its jet black finish (from which this model took its name), and contrasting gold hardware. This is effectively the same guitar (save branding) as the Univox U1982 'Rhythm and Blues', Aria 5522, and Shaftesbury 3400.

1973 Shaftesbury 3400

Sat, 1 Feb 2025 12:00:01 GMT

This example of the Shaftesbury 3400 was produced by Japanese manufacturer Matsumoku who made some great quality guitars in the 1970s and 1980s. This is a slightly later example, and has some features not seen on earlier 3400s. Although nice guitars, these are not in the same league as the Gibson Les Paul it was emulating (no set neck, no carved maple top); but they are far better than many of the entry-level Les Paul copies available in the mid-1970s - for example the Shaftesbury 3400 has gold plated hardware, a solid body bound front and back, Maxon brand humbuckers and nice inlaid neck and headstock.

1971 Epiphone 1802T

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:00:01 GMT

The Epiphone 1802T was the early name given to the Epiphone ET-270 and derived from an existing Aria guitar, also the 1802T. This was the first of the 1970s Epiphone solid bodies made in Japan by Matsumoku.The model evolved somewhat over its short production run: the very earliest examples were very similar to the Aria, sharing the same body shape, hardware, and clear-coated neck with Fender-style headstock with decal logo. By the time it was designated the Epiphone ET-270 it had been upgraded with the classic Epiphone-style headstock, with nice inlaid logo, and Epiphone 'E' motifs on the truss rod cover and scratchplate. This example from 1971 is somewhere in between with the Epiphone-style headstock, but with silk-screened logo, and no 'E's.

1971 Shaftesbury 3400

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Shaftesbury was a brand distributed by Rose-Morris in the UK - generally imported guitars from Italy or Japan. This guitar, model 3400 was produced by Matsumoku in Japan, and was one of the earliest Les Paul copy guitars, debuting in the UK in 1969, although the same guitar was also sold as the Univox U1982 'Rhythm and Blues' by Merson in the USA as early as 1968. It was also available in different territories under different marques, most obviously the Aria 5522 (Japan), Jedson Jet 4444 (UK, Dallas Arbiter), with no doubt many more examples worldwide.

1981 Gibson Victory MVX

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:00:01 GMT

The Gibson Victory MV-X, or Victory 'Multi-Voice' 10, was so-named because of the 10 distinct switch settings: although on first glance this guitar is very much a 'super-strat', with its three-pickup five-way switch wiring configuration, the original advertising, sounds like... all of 'em underlines that this isn't just a Stratocaster copy, having the sounds of both Gibson humbuckers and Fender single coils available with a flick of a switch. The model was short-lived, with the first instruments shipping from Kalamazoo in Summer of 1981, and the last (excluding any stragglers) leaving Nashville by early 1982. This one, in Twilight Blue, was stamped on August 3rd 1981 in Kalamazoo.

1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogue

Tue, 5 Mar 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Scan of 1970 Epiphone guitar catalogue produced by Rosetti for the UK market. Undated but most likely from mid-late 1970, this was the first UK catalogue to show the new range of Japanese (Matsumoku) Epiphone guitars. Interestingly, these pages show the Epiphone solid bodies with a single-sided Fender-style headstock layout - a feature quickly replaced with a typical two-sided Epiphone headstock almost immediately. Epiphone electric guitars: 9520, 9525; bass guitars: 9521, 9526; acoustic guitars: 6730, 6830, 6834

A World of Guitars by Rosetti - 1971

Mon, 4 Mar 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Scan of 1971 Rosetti catalogue (UK) featuring guitars from from numerous manufacturers worldwide: guitars by Epiphone, Hagstrom, Levin, Hoyer, Egmond, Eros, Moridaira, Kiso-Suzuki, Schaller, and Tatra.

1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Scan 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

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:00:01 GMT

Scan 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

1968 Hofner President

Wed, 9 Mar 2022 12:00:01 GMT

The President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, for Selmer, who distributed Hofner guitars in Britain, 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 very popular guitar throughout the 1950s, and especially early 1960s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a post-1965 guitar, has a Florentine (rather than Venetian) cutaway.

1961 Hofner Colorama I

Mon, 7 Mar 2022 12:00:01 GMT

Hofner 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)

Sat, 5 Mar 2022 12:00:01 GMT

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

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 12:00:01 GMT

The 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)

Sun, 5 Dec 2021 12:00:01 GMT

By 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

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 12:00:01 GMT

Production 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

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 12:00:01 GMT

When 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

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 12:00:01 GMT

'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

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 12:00:01 GMT

Rose-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

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 12:00:01 GMT

This 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

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 12:00:01 GMT

Catalog 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

Mon, 9 Mar 2020 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Sun, 9 Feb 2020 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 12:00:01 GMT

1970 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

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Sat, 3 Aug 2019 12:00:01 GMT

A 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

Sat, 6 Jul 2019 12:00:01 GMT

The 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)

Tue, 28 May 2019 12:00:01 GMT

A 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'

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:00:01 GMT

Not 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

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Tue, 5 Mar 2019 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 12:00:01 GMT

Loose 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)

Thu, 2 Aug 2018 01:01:01 GMT

Hagstrom 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

Sat, 26 May 2018 12:00:01 GMT

The 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

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 12:00:01 GMT

"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.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 12:00:01 GMT

The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for the Les Paul Personal / Professional

1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass owners manual

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 12:00:01 GMT

The Les Paul Triumph bass, like the Les Paul Recording guitar was first shipped in 1971, but was based on a slightly older model, the 1969 Les Paul Bass. Functionally, these basses were very similar, although the Triumph did offer low and high impedance operation, without the need for a transformer cable. This owners manual details the basses specifications, suggests a string set, recommended action, and suggests a series of tonal settings for rock, country and solo bass playing.

1981 Gibson Rosetti catalogue (UK)

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:00:01 GMT

20 pages, black and white with color front cover. In the middle of 1981, Rosetti took over distribution of the Gibson line in the UK. Rosetti were a very big name in Britain, having distributed Epiphone since at least 1963, as well as Hagstrom and others. This catalogue was produced at the tail end of 1981, and introduces a number of models to the UK, such as the MV-II, MV-X guitars and the Victory basses, the GGC-700 and the Flying V bass. Some of these models were so short-lived that they were actually never included in US brochures. The cover image (reproduced in part here) showed some of the earliest demonstration models, including a Victory with a highly unusual white scratchplate.

1981 Gibson Victory MV-II electric guitar

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 12:00:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1981 Gibson Victory MV-II electric guitar. The Gibson Victory MV, or 'Multi-Voice' guitars had very wide tonal palettes; with coil-tapped humbuckers they could produce typical Gibson tones, but were also designed to 'out-Fender' Fender. Two models were launched in the summer of 1981. Whilst the MVX, was designed to do everything a Stratocaster could do, the MVII was 'primarily for the discerning country player' - placing it squarely against the Telecaster.

1982 Gibson loose-leaf publicity sheets

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 12:00:01 GMT

Gibson produced a series of single sheet flyers in 1982, promoting some of their newer models (Victory bass and Multi-Voice guitars, Chet Atkins Classic Electric and the already best-selling Sonex-180 Deluxe), and a few classic reissues (30th anniversary Les Paul Standard and Heritage Flying V) - all of which were received with some applause at the 1982 Atlanta NAMM show. These flyers all contained one or more side-panel, that folded out with model specifications, but were also designed to be reproduced in guitar magazines of the time without the extra fold out.

1963 Vox Clubman II

Tue, 6 Oct 2015 01:01:01 GMT

The Clubman was one of the earliest UK-built guitars produced by Vox at it's Dartford plant. As an entry level model it was very light, fitted with the most basic components, and not made of the most select woods, but it's unique styling, low price and easy playability made for a relatively popular guitar. Initially there were two guitar models, the single pickup Clubman I and dual pickup Clubman II, and a companion Clubman bass - check them out in the 1962 Vox catalogue. The guitar was redesigned in the middle of 1963, getting a new Strat-style body, but examples with the older body style were still being shipped perhaps as early as the start of 1964.

1963 Vox Consort

Wed, 9 Sep 2015 01:01:01 GMT

The Vox Consort was produced in the UK throughout the mid 1960s; originally modelled on the Fender Jaguar, it was one of JMI's better quality instruments, with many features not seen on lower-priced guitars. This early example mixed innovative tone circuitry with Vox's original chrome-covered V1 pickups, for "every possible variation of tone from bass to sharp brilliance". By the middle of 1963, the model had been redesigned, becoming less Fender-esque and more Vox - have a look at the redesigned Consort in the 1963 Vox catalogue

1966 Selmer guitar catalogue

Sat, 30 May 2015 01:01:01 GMT

The 1965/1966 Selmer guitar catalogue contained guitars by a number of different makers imported for the UK market, the most numerous being German-made Hofner electrics, acoustics and basses. There is also a fairly large Gibson section, but it by no means contains all instruments produced under that brand at the time. Other instruments featured include guitars and basses by Hagstrom and Futurama, and Brazilian acoustic guitars by Giannini. 44 pages, with UK pricing in guineas.

Inside the Vox guitar factory 1965/66

Mon, 18 May 2015 01:01:01 GMT

A recollection of life inside JMI's two UK Vox factories in Dartford: Dartford Road, and West Street, Erith, circa 1965/66; building Vox solid body guitars; working on special instruments including a highly ornate Vox Soundcaster for the Royal family and a five-string Symphonic bass for the Hollies; plus sharing your sandwiches with Bill Wyman! By Tony Russell.

1962 Hofner Verithin thinline acoustic

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 01:01:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1962 Hofner Verithin electric acoustic guitar, in translucent cherry red finish. The Verithin was Hofner's thinline model, produced in Germany for Selmer in the UK, and aimed at capturing the desire for the highly desireable, but largely unaffordable Gibson ES series thinline models. They were good quality, well-built, lightweight instruments, and very popular in early 1960s Britain.

1980 Gibson Sonex-180 Pre-Owners Manual

Tue, 3 Mar 2015 01:01:01 GMT

The Gibson Sonex series pre-owners 'manual' was produced for circulation in early summer 1981, along with nine other manuals representing different segments available from Gibson at that time. Rather than a manual in the conventional sense, it is actually a mini folder with three loose-leaf inserts with catalogue-style image and description, one each for the 180 Deluxe, 180 Custom, and a new model, the Sonex Artist. The Sonex-180 Standard was not included, having been dropped from the Gibson line earlier in 1981.

1980 Gibson Sonex-180 Owners Manual

Tue, 3 Mar 2015 01:01:01 GMT

Gibson Sonex series owners manual - 16 pages of information for the care and operation of the Gibson Sonex guitar: pickups, electronics, controls, coil tap, tune-o-matic bridge, tailpiece and stringing. Pertains to the Sonex-180 Deluxe, Standard and Custom models.

1982 Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:01:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1982 Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe solid body electric, in Candy Apple Red finish. The Sonex series consisted of four models altogether, all made with the same 'multiphonic' bodies, but varying hardware. The bodies had a maple core, enclosed in a material called resonwood, for "extraordinary sustain and harmonic reproduction". The Deluxe was the most basic model with reasonable pickups and hardware, but they were good looking guitars, affordable, solid, and with the Gibson logo on the headstock.

1965 Harmony guitar catalogue

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 12:00:01 GMT

Original vintage catalogue scan. Harmony produced regular full-colour catalogues throughout the 1960s, but because these catalogues were released pretty much annually, there were only incremental changes from year to year, sometimes the only differences were the prices listed within. 1965 was an absolute boom time for American guitar manufacture, and this catalogue includes most of the best-known Harmony models: Rocket, Meteor, Silhouette, H75/H76/H77/H78, but it is the last publicity for the Stratotone guitars which were phased out later that year.

1963 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

Fri, 4 Jul 2014 12:00:01 GMT

The Symphonic bass was one of the models produced by JMI in the UK, primarily for the early sixties British market. It was comparatively high priced, still cheaper in the UK than the Fender Precision that it was emulating, but not by much, and actually more expensive in the USA. It only sold in small numbers in Britain and barely at all overseas. No equivalent model was produced in Italy, and although it remained in UK price lists as late as 1967, it is unlikely many instruments were shipped beyond 1965.

1963 Vox Precision in Sound brochure

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:01:01 GMT

This early Vox brochure comes from summer 1963, still the early days of JMI production, and shortly before the beat boom of the mid 1960s. At this time, Vox guitars were built in the UK, primarily for the British market. The company had refined it's production methods, to some extent, and many of the guitars shown are quite different from those in the Choice of the Stars catalogue from late 1962. Includes primarily Vox solid body guitars, basses and amplifiers. See other Vox catalogue scans here.

1972 Hagstrom HIIN-OT electric guitar

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 01:01:01 GMT

The Hagstrom Hagstrom HIIN was first produced towards the end of 1969, as a direct descendant of the HII and HIII models of the mid to late 1960s. It shared the same body shape, construction and materials of the older models, but with improved pickups and electronics. This model, the HIIN-OT, had no tremolo, rather a stop tailpiece, but was otherwise identical to the HIIN. With the famous Hagstrom low action, this is a very playable guitar, rightly well-regarded by musicians to this day.

1960 Selmer Guitars and Strings catalogue

Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:00:01 GMT

The 1960 Selmer guitar catalogue featured a whole range of acoustic, electric semi-acoustic, and solid body guitars manufactured by Hofner. There were also a small number of Hofner-made (but Selmer branded) acoustic guitars, Futurama branded solid bodies, and a Futurama electric upright bass. From the very fine (and even shorter lived) Golden Hofner, to the budget Selmer 222 flat top. Monochrome, 32 pages

1966 Goya Electric Guitars catalogue

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 12:00:01 GMT

Goya was well-known for it's acoustic guitars, produced by Levin in Sweden; but in the mid 1960s they added a number of Italian-built electric guitars and basses. Semi-acoustic models such as the 105, 107 and 109 Rangemaster guitars and Panther II bass were made by Polverini, whilst solid body models 116 and 118 were made by Galanti. These were well-built good quality instruments, but perhaps too expensive to sell in large numbers.

1965 Vox Ace electric guitar

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 12:00:01 GMT

The Vox Ace was one of the early UK-designed Vox guitars produced by JMI in Dartford, Kent. It had been in production since at least 1962, but was redesigned for late 1963 with a more current look and a higher quality feel. The pickups were upgraded, as was the body; it was now thicker and made of solid wood. Despite this the guitar was now actually lighter in weight, due to a shorter overall length. Have a closer look at a sunburst-finished Vox Ace from 1965.

1969 Fender Mustang bass, Competition Red finish

Sat, 14 Sep 2013 12:00:01 GMT

The Mustang bass debuted in 1966 as (along with the Coronado) Fender's first shortscale bass, however the Competition finishes were not seen until 1969. It was effectively the same instrument, with sports stripes, and initially a matching coloured headstock. The competition colours were Red, Orange and Blue (although blue was officially called Burgundy). Have a closer look at this 1969 Fender and check out the soundclips through various vintage amplifiers.

VintageGuitar Blog, Sept 2013: A question of scale

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 12:00:01 GMT

Contrasting two very different bass guitars from the late 1960s. For the first decade of bass production Gibson had always produced shorter scale bass guitars, whilst Fender only produced long scale models. This post looks at one Gibson far better known as a shorty, the EB-3 (or EB-3L as longscale models were known), and the Fender's first (along with the Coronado) shortscale, the Mustang bass. Each bass has it's own strengths (and shortcomings), and both are desired today by collectors and musicians alike. Plus a look at my new restoration project, a 1961 Gibson SG Special.

1962 Vox 'Choice of the Stars' catalogue

Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:00:01 GMT

This is one of the earliest JMI catalogues to show guitars, and although undated it was most likely printed in late 1962 or early 1963. There are many well-known Vox guitar and amplifier models shown, amongst several that would be completely redesigned before appearing again; the most interesting examples are perhaps the Phantom I and Phantom II which are electronically quite distinct from the Phantom that would follow a little later. The Vox Escort and Vox Soloist only appear in this brochure, being deleted before the next was printed in mid-1963.

Vox Ace electric guitar

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:00:01 GMT

The Vox Ace was available from at least 1962 and at least as late as 1966, however it underwent a significant redesign in mid 1963; the result bearing little resemblance to the initial design. Two early Vox Ace guitars are shown on this site: they are hard to date accurately, but the first is perhaps a 1962 Vox Ace, the second slightly later, probably an early 1963 Vox Ace. Although still one of Vox's earliest guitar models, the Vox Ace was a noticeable step up from other well-known early Vox guitars such as the Vox Shadow and Vox Stroller. It sold relatively well in the UK in the early 1960s, but in the latter half of the decade was overshadowed by more iconic models, such as the Vox Phantom and Mark (teardrop) series

1963 Vox Shadow

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

The Vox Shadow was produced in the very early 1960s as a result of JMIs endorsement by UK band the Shadows. Guitarist Hank Marvin was one of the most respected players in the country, playing one of the earliest Japanese guitars, the Guyatone (sometimes branded Antoria) LG50, and later a Fiesta red Fender Stratocaster. This early example of the Shadow is effectively a copy of the forementioned LG50; despite being pretty basic, this model must have caused a lot of interest in the days before US guitars were routinely imported into the UK. Shortly afterwards the Shadow was redesigned along the lines of Hanks new Stratocaster; compare this Vox to a later 1963 Strat-styled Vox Shadow.

1972 Gibson showcase brochures

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

In 1972 Gibson produced a series of 'Guitar of the Month' brochures, each dedicated to one of their high end models, the Les Paul Recording guitar, L5-CES, ES-175D, Super 400-CES, ES-355TD-SV and Byrdland. Each brochure was a single sheet folded into four panels, with details of the instruments themselves, their features, musical purpose, and a little history behind the development of each guitar. Only the Les Paul Recording was a new model; the others were all well established in the Gibson line. Follow the link to see scans and further information on these leaflets and other Gibson guitar catalogues from the CMI and Norlin periods.

1961 Vox Stroller

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:01:01 GMT

The earliest versions of the Vox Stroller were actually copies of an early Japanese electric guitar, the Guyatone (also sold under the brand Antoria) LG50. These Strollers, although short-lived did undergo a few changes before taking on the more familiar Strat influenced style of many mid-sixties UK-built Vox guitars. The biggest difference between early and late LG50-style Strollers (and the two pickup version, the Shadow) was the larger pickup, a shade longer, but noticeably wider used in the very first Vox guitars. Compare this early Vox to a 1963 Stroller with the later V1 pickup. For more information about Vox guitar pickups in general, see the Vox guitar pickups page.

How to sell a vintage guitar online

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:00:01 GMT

In the current financial climate, selling an old guitar; perhaps one that's been hanging around in a cupboard, unplayed and unloved, might seem like a good idea. But with some guitars seemingly worth nothing, and others worth tens of thousands, it can be very hard for the average person to know what to do. So how do you know whether that old guitar has any value? And what's the best way to sell it? We answer some of these questions in a three-part series How to sell a vintage guitar online. Part 1: Identifying the guitar is very important; you need to know what you are selling, and this article gives some tips especially if the instrument has few markings. Part 2, Finding out what your guitar is worth gives some ideas on approximate valuation, whilst part 3, Advertising your guitar for sale deals with good practise in creating a listing. The best time to sell your guitar is not when you are forced into it, but we hope this series will help you realise your guitars value, whilst making sure the guitar goes to a home where it is genuinely appreciated.

VintageGuitar Blog, Nov 2012: Classic basses, vintage amps

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:00:01 GMT

All fans of late 1970s Gibson guitars know about the RD Artist series of active electric guitars; a joint enterprise between two Norlin-owned companies: Gibson, and synthesizer-manufacturer Moog. But this collaboration went further than guitars; designers from the two companies also produced a superb range of solid state amplifiers, the LAB series, consisting of five guitar amplifiers, three bass amplifiers, and one keyboard amplifier. Well-respected, but today, largely ignored. This post looks at the RD Artist and the 100w LABseries L2 bass amp working together. What a combination.
But we also step back 5 years earlier, to a then-new British bass amplifier, the all-valve WEM Dominator bass MK1. Another 15 inch speaker, but this time just 15 watts. Full of dirty valve snarl, this could not be more different from the RD/LABseries L2 combination that would follow a few short years later.

1978 Guild B302F fretless bass

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 12:00:01 GMT

The B302F is the fretless version of the Guild B302, which, along with the B301 were Guilds new bass offerings for the late 1970s. Guild hadn't really came up with a innovative bass design since the low-selling Jetstar of the mid-1960s. This is not to say they didn't make fantastic basses; far from it, but the Starfire, JS and Bluesbird (M-85) basses of the late 1960s - mid 1970s could all be said to be derivatives of designs by Gibson (the EB2, EB0/3 and Les Paul bass respectively). So the B301/302 series was something new, not just in looks; it had a new design bridge and pickups too, although the actual construction (mahogany body, set mahogany neck) was traditional Guild. This bass paved the way for many new bass designs into the 1980s, some very unusual indeed. Have a listen to this bass here.

1966 Kalamazoo KB-1 bass

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 01:01:01 GMT

Gibson assembled these 30 1/2" scale Kalamazoo KB-1 basses in their electronics plant in Kalamazoo, MI - separate from the main Gibson plant. They used the same components and hardware as on the Gibson EB bass series; but with a pre-painted masonite body and a bolt-on maple neck; a very different construction to Gibson's usual output. Initially the KB bass had a Mustang-shaped body (see the 1966 Kalamazoo KB-1, left), which was soon redesigned with the classic SG shape (see the 1967 Kalamazoo KB-1, right). Have a listen to sound clips of this bass here.

1963 Vox Stroller

Wed, 1 Aug 2012 01:01:01 GMT

The Vox Stroller was the least expensive guitar produced by Vox in the early 1960s. It is a very lightweight guitar with very simple construction and controls; clearly aimed at the student players of the day. Like it's two-pickup sibling, the Vox Shadow, it was initially designed as a copy of the Guyatone / Antoria LG-50 played by Vox endorsee Hank Marvin of the Shadows, before he moved over to the Fender Stratocaster in the late 1950s.

1969 Gibson Melody Maker D - SG style body

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 01:01:01 GMT

By the middle of the 1960s, the classic Gibson SG shape, only introduced in 1961, was really starting to get noticed. George Harrison of the Beatles had been using an SG Standard, and it seemed like a good idea to offer a less expensive way to get an SG. Hence the Melody Maker was redesigned, keeping the simplified electronics and hardware of the Melody Maker, whilst taking the shape of the SG. Both had been made from South American mahogany and rosewood, so no changes were needed there. Initially these were offered in Sparkling Burgundy and Pelham Blue finishes, but as the decade drew to a close, these finishes gave way to a rather fetching translucent Walnut finish, that became very popular on Gibson guitars and basses well into the 1970s.

1964 Gibson Melody Maker - a classic vintage guitar

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:01:01 GMT

A closer look at a Gibson Melody maker from 1964. The Melody Maker is one of Gibson's best ever selling guitars - despite it's comparatively low price it didn't skimp on Gibson tradition: well-built instruments, constructed from the finest materials. The body and set neck are both of South American mahogany whilst the fingerboard is South American rosewood. With a sunburst nitrocellulose finish the Melody Maker certainly looked the part. In fact the Melody Maker had more in common with many higher end Gibson instruments than guitars of a similar price bracket made by other manufacturers. The circuitry was simple; just a volume and tone control for one single coil pickup. See also Gibson Melody Maker shipping figures

1967 Vox (JMI) electric guitar catalogue

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 01:01:01 GMT

This was the last guitar and bass catalogue produced by Vox under the ownership of JMI. The cover features Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, playing his trademark Vox Mark VI teardrop, and features a line up of British and Italian built vox guitars and basses; Vox Phantom, Vox Mark, Vox Spitfire, Lynx, Super Lynx and the Jones' Stones colleague Bill Wymans signature Wyman Bass. Twelve pages.

1966 Kalamazoo KG2a electric guitar

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:01:01 GMT

Details and information on the Kalamazoo KG2a electric guitar. The beat boom of the mid 1960s heralded a huge demand for electric guitars; youngsters up and down America were looking for affordable, well-built solid-bodies, with modern looks and a great sound. Gibson, better known for it's high-end jazz guitars, responded by producing the KG guitar and KB bass lines, under the Kalamazoo brand. They were initially modelled on the Fender Mustang, though soon took the shape of the Gibson SG, which was rapidly rising in popularity. The resulting instruments used modern composite wood technology, Fender style construction and actual Gibson hardware. They looked good, played well, and sold in large quantities. See also Kalamazoo KG shipping figures, a 1966 Kalamazoo KG1 (single pickup) and listen to the Kalamazoo KG soundclips.

1966 Hagstrom Coronado IV bass

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 01:01:01 GMT

The Hagstrom Coronado is one of the most distinctive bass guitars ever manufactured; the quirky controls, 32" scale, and unique shape. The body and neck are mahogany, but with bolt on construction. This 1966 Coronado is one of the later guitars, so does not have the Hagstrom Bi-Sonic pickups, but it is still a great sounding, and highly playable bass. Check out the short Hagstrom Coronado bass sound clips on this site.

1964 UK Vox precision in sound catalogue

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Vox catalogues were issued in different parts of the world representing the products available in that region. Guitars and amps were made across three continents throughout the 1960s, but this early JMI newsletter/catalogue was aimed at the British market, and showed guitars and amplifiers available in the United Kingdom. Most are British made, although there are electric acoustics imported from the Italian guitar builder Crucianelli, and some of the solid body guitars are fitted with Italian-made (Eko) necks. Also shows British-built Vox amps, and acessories. Eight pages

1973 Fender Musicmaster bass

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Pictures, description and soundclips from a 1973 Fender Musicmaster bass. The Musicmaster bass changed very little between it's introduction in 1970, and it's deletion in the early 1980s. Although often regarded as a student bass, the Musicmaster was of high enough quality, both in terms of components and build, to sell to student guitarists and more advanced players looking for an affordable shortscale bass.

1963 Vox Shadow

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:01:01 GMT

The specifications and features of certain Vox guitars were somewhat fluid throughout the course of their production. The Vox Shadow had two pickups at this stage (see other Vox Shadow versions); and is made of a lightweight laminate wood rather than the solid mahogany used on the three pickup Vox Shadow from 1964.

1967 Hagstrom Concord bass

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Hagstrom made the hollow-body Concord bass (initially named the Hagstrom Viking bass) from 1965 until 1971. Hollow body basses were very popular during the mid 1960s, with models such as the Gibson EB2, Epiphone Rivoli, Fender Coronado and Guild Starfire basses all capturing the mood of the times. Hagstrom guitars and basses were, of course, built in Sweden, and this was their first hollow-body bass. Check out the short Hagstrom Concord bass sound clips on this site.

1964 Vox Shadow

Sat, 14 May 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Vox made several different guitars with the name Shadow (other Vox Shadow versions); this one from 1964 has a Fender-style mahogany body and three single-coil pickups. Like previous versions of the Vox Shadow, this guitar was meant to resemble the guitar of Shadows guitarist Hank Marvin (who was playing a red Fender Stratocaster at the time). Many a British guitarist learnt on a guitar like this, but although functional, these all-British built Vox's were not up to the standard of the Phantom or Mark series. There are a few short Vox Shadow sound clips.

WEM Clubman Mark 8

Mon, 9 May 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Early seventies British valve amplifier, fitted with one 12" speaker. This is a small 5 watt practice amp, but with some great tones. Page update includes pictures and short demonstration soundclips recorded with various vintage guitars: 1967 Fender Coronado, 1968 Hagstrom H12, 1969 Gibson SG Special, 1976 Gibson L-6S Custom.

Gibson / Monzino (Italy) guitar catalogue, 1971

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Gibson / Monzino guitar catalogue, 1971. America saw numerous promotional publications from Gibson in the first years of the 1970s, but new models were coming and going at such a rate, that some never made it into print. Just one US catalogue was printed in 1971: the Low Impedance for High Performance mini-catalogue, which contained just the Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar, and the Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass. However other countries were producing their own literature, capturing a snapshot of the Gibson range not seen in print in the US. This brochure was printed by the new Italian distributors, Monzino, and shows several instruments yet to be seen in US catalogues (the SG range in particular) and one that would never make it: the Gibson SB400 bass.

Supro guitar catalogue 1966

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:00:01 GMT

The 1966 Supro guitar, bass and amplifier catalogue ran to just 8 pages, and featured featured the Supro Arlington, Supro Lexington and Supro Normandy solid body ranges, the Supro Stratford, Supro Carlisle, Supro Clermont, Supro Croydon thin lines, and two basses, the Supro Pocket bass and the Supro Taurus bass. There were also 14 different Supro amplifiers.

Gibson Victory MV series

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:00:01 GMT

The Gibson Victory MV (multi-voice) guitars were launched towards the end of 1981, with a production period lasting just over two years. There were two models, the Gibson Victory MV2 and the Gibson Victory MVX. Both were very fine passive guitars with maple bodies and set maple necks. They had coil-tapped pickups for either humbucking or single coil sounds, but neither managed to give Gibson the Victory they required in terms of sales.

1964 1965 Fender catalogue

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:00:01 GMT

Entitled Fine Electric Instruments, the 1964 1965 Fender catalogue was circulated from mid 1964, and despite being just eight pages long, contained a large number of guitars, amplifiers and other instruments. This was the first catalogue to show the new Fender Mustang guitar, which was available in normal or 3/4 scale at that time. This catalogue was included in the 1964 annual guitar issue of Down Beat magazine (July), massively increasing the potential readership, both in America and worldwide.

1965 Vox catalogue

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:00:01 GMT

With 'Beatlemania' and the 'British Invasion' firmly underway, Vox needed a US distributor for it's products. Enter the Thomas Organ Company. This 1965 Vox guitar and amp catalogue was the first issued by the Thomas Organ company for the US market. It features a few Italian-made guitars, as well as a lot of British made ones. In contrast, the next catalogue features almost exclusively Italian instruments.

Hagstrom 12 (F-12S)

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:01 GMT

Details, images and sound clips of the Hagstrom 12, solid body electric twelve string. Also known as the F-12S in the United States. There are obvious similarities to the Hagstrom II and Hagstrom III, but without the Hagstrom tremolo. All have the famous Hagstrom low action, and fast-playing neck.

Vox Bassmaster

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:01 GMT

The Vox Bassmaster was one of numerous early Vox guitars styled, at least vaguely, on Fender instruments. As an entry level bass it wasn't bad. It had a very thin neck, and along with it's short, 30" scale, made an ideal students bass. It was British made, but a forerunner to later Italian models. Have a look at a 1963 Vox Bassmaster, and a 1965 Vox Bassmaster, with sound clips.

1969 Gibson SG Special

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:01 GMT

The Gibson SG came in several varieties; and the Special is a typical 60s Gibson in many ways. Naturally, it has a mahogany body with a set mahogany neck, in true Gibson style. The pickups are typical Gibson single coil P90s, and the control layout, too, is classic Gibson. Have a closer look, or check out the SG Special soundclips of this guitar, through various vintage amps.

1979 Gibson ES-175D

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:00:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1979 Gibson ES-175D. By the late 1970s, the ES-175D had followed the path of most Gibson guitars and changed it's mahogany neck, in favour of a maple neck with volute. It didn't last long, and the neck was again mahogany by 1983. Details of the changes in the ES-175D over time are detailed in the ES-175 timeline.

Gibson ES-125TC

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:01 GMT

Details of this sixties hollowbody, with two new photosets: a 1962 ES-125TC and a 1966 ES-125TC. The ES-125TC was a thinline version of the ES-125, only available from 1960 until 1970, changing very little in that time. Gibson shipped over 5000 of them in that time (and another 5000 two-pickup versions, the ES-125TDC).

Hagstrom III

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:00:01 GMT

Details, images and sound clips of the Hagstrom III solid body electric. Also known as the H3, and in the United States, the F300. There are obvious similarities to a Fender Stratocaster, but this guitar does have it's own character: in feel, playability and tone. Hagstrom made some very nice guitars!

Vox Ultrasonic XII - twelve string guitar

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:00:01 GMT

Details and images of the VOX Ultrasonic XII V275. The Ultrasonic XII was a late sixties Vox twelve string based on the six string Ultrasonic V268. Both had the same built-in electronic effects: distortion, wah-wah, repeater and treble/bass boost (listen to Ultrasonic sound clips). Differences between the two models are very subtle; really just a different headstock shape to accomodate the extra strings. This is one of the late sixties Vox guitars made at the E.M.E factory in Recanati, in Italy, primarily for export to the American market.

Vox Bass Guitar Pickups

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:00:01 GMT

Vox guitar and bass pickups of the 1960s were all of relatively simple single-coil design. The first produced were British-made, and these appeared on all the early British models: The Clubman bass, the Bassmaster, and the Phantom bass. Later models were made in Italy, along with the guitars themselves, and these were largely for the American market, under the distribution of the Thomas Organ company.

The Shadows Modern Electric Guitar Tutor

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:00:01 GMT

This interesting guitar tuition book featuring the Shadows, is peppered with Vox guitar and amp images. The Shadows themselves used Fender guitars and Vox Amps, but the then-new Vox Phantom guitars and Phantom bass feature prominently. There are also advertisements for a selection of British-built Vox guitars, the Consort, Dominator, Super Ace and Clubman bass. This book is undated, though most likely from 1963.

1976 Gibson L-6S Custom

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1976 Gibson L-6S Custom. Maple guitars were all the rage in the mid to late 1970s, and Gibson introduced several models in this vein. The Gibson L-6S range comprised three guitars, with the Custom being the top of the range. It was all Gibson: single cutaway (like a wide Les Paul), set neck, two humbuckers and a varitone switch with several distinct tones. Gibson shipped over 12000 L-6S Custom guitars between 1973 and 1979 and around a third of them were in the ebony finish shown here.

Vox 1970 Full Line Catalogue

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00:01 GMT

By 1970, Vox UK was owned by the Corinthian Bank, and the number of guitar models offered had been slashed drastically. gone were all the Italian Vox's; being replaced by a small number of Japanese 'lawsuit' models. This catalogue is aimed at the UK market, with prices in Sterling, and contains just three guitars: the Gibson Les Paul styled VG2, and the Gretsch Country Gentleman styled VG6 and VG4 bass. The catalogue concentrates on amplifiers: AC30, Defiant, Supreme and Foundation bass, and organs: Corinthian, Continental and Riviera.

1971 and 1976 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Sun, 6 Sep 2009 12:00:01 GMT

Two new photosets of 1970s Gretsch guitars. A 1971 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman and a 1976 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman. Both guitars have that 17" maple hollowbody, maple neck and ebony fretboard. Gretsch altered models continuously, and despite having been produced just five years apart, these guitars have numerous differences in hardware. The essential Country Gent features are there in both guitars.

Gretsch 1979 Guitar and Bass Catalogue

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:00:01 GMT

That Great Gretsch Sound. The 1979 Gretsch catalogue has the new Gretsch Committee on it's front cover, and features a selection of hollow, semi-hollow and solid-body guitars and basses. This was printed shortly after Chet Atkins ended his involvement with Gretsch, and although he is not mentioned explicitly, many of the models featured have some form of Chet Atkins connection, be it a name or signature-embossed scratchplate.

1965 Vox Clubman Bass

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:00:01 GMT

1965 Vox Clubman Bass. Vox is better known for it's teardrop and phantom shaped guitars, but in the mid sixties they were also producing a lot of other designs too. The clubman is simple and functional; small and light, with basic electronics and no adjustable truss rod. This was completely British-built, assembled at the Vox Dartford factory, and what many bassists cut their teeth on back in the 1960s.

1966 Gibson ES-175D

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:00:01 GMT

Images and description of a 1966 Gibson ES-175D. Gibson's full-body jazz guitars are widely regarded, and the ES-175D is still the standard to which other manufacturers aspire. The ES-175 available today, has changed very little from the instruments of 40 years ago.

1966 Epiphone Granada E444T

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1966 Epiphone Granada. The non-cutaway Granada was the Epiphone version of the Gibson E120T thinline hollowbody. Both were built side by side in Gibson's Kalamazoo plant, and were the least expensive hollowbodies in their respective ranges. Sales of the Epiphone version were never huge (see Epiphone Granada shipping figures, at least compared to the Gibson, even when an otherwise identical cutaway model, the E444TC, was added. No Gibson cutaway version was released.

1967 Guild Capri CE-100

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1967 Guild CE-100. The Capri was a full-depth archtop, and Guild's first guitar with a Florentine cutaway - and a very sucessful model too; staying in the Guild catalogue in one form or another from 1958 until 1984. Stylistic similarities between models such as the ES-125C and ES-175 can be made, but this guitar is every bit as good quality as the better known Gibsons.

1976 Gibson L-6S Deluxe

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:00:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1976 Gibson L-6S Deluxe sporting a very nice (and quite unusual for the Deluxe) Tobacco sunburst finish. There were three versions of the Gibson L-6S: The L-6S Custom, L-6S Deluxe, and L-6S 'Midnight Special'. This was Gibson's new maple solid-body, available throughout the mid to late 1970s.

1968 Guild Starfire Bass I

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:00:01 GMT

Images and description of a single-pickup 1968 Guild Starfire bass. The Starfire was a very fine bass, and a serious competitor to the Gibson EB2, finding favour with bass players from Phil Lesh and Jack Cassidy to modern-day players such as Justin Meldel-Johnsen.

Gibson ES-175D

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:00:01 GMT

Page updates for Gibsons most popular jazz guitar. A closer look at four examples: a 1954 ES-175, a 1967 ES-175D, 1970 ES-175D and a 1974 ES-175D. The ES-175 set the standard for the guitar industry, and is still in production today, with very few changes in sixty years of manufacture.

1953 Guild X-175

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:00:01 GMT

New picture set of a 1953 Guild X-175 electric acoustic guitar. 1953 was the very first year of Guild production, and in fact this was one of the first 500 instruments produced. It has a number of early features: Franz single coil pickups with black covers, very early inlays, just one volume and tone control and mahogany/maple/mahogany neck. More about the Guild X-175

1967 Gibson ES-345TD

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:01 GMT

New picture set of a 1967 Sunburst Gibson ES-345TD electric guitar. 1967 was the peak year for the ES-345 (see ES-345 shipping figures), and Sunburst was the most available finish, although Cherry 345s actually outsold Sunburst in '67.

Epiphone Constellation EA72 bass amplifier

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:00:01 GMT

Page updates for the Epiphone Constellation EA72 bass amplifier. Pictures, catalogue information, specifications and shipping figures.

Epiphone Sorrento E452T - page update

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:00:01 GMT

Page updates for the Epiphone Sorrento 6-string thinline. New photographs of a 1966 Epiphone Sorrento thinline semi-acoustic guitar.

Epiphone Century E422T - page update

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:56:01 GMT

Page updates for the Epiphone Century 6-string thinline. Shipping totals and two new photosets. This guitar was launched in 1959 using numerous pre-merger Epiphone parts (see 1959 Epiphone Century) but by the 1960s was using the same components as the Gibson models made alongside it (see 1963 Epiphone Century).

1975 Gibson Marauder Promo Record

Thu, 15 May 2008 20:59:01 GMT

7 inch 45 rpm promo disk for the Gibson Marauder. Unlike the earlier Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass flexi disk, this record is vinyl with a picture sleeve. It demonstrates the Marauder's versatility, both unaccompanied, and within a band, being played by Gibson employee/jazz guitarist Bruce Bolen in a range of styles. See also the main Gibson Marauder page

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (Wine Red)

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:00:01 GMT

New images of the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. Sales of the Deluxe had been very good in the early 1970s, but by the mid 70s sales had dropped significantly. In fact 1976 was a sales low-point. See also Les Paul Deluxe shipping figures, and general information

Vox V.G.12 Semi-Acoustic 12-String

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:00:01 GMT

This was one of the last VOX guitars of the 1960s; introduced in 1969, this Japanese-made twelve-string guitar was part of the VOX Giant range, and was an obvious copy of the Gretsch Country Gentleman, remaining true with regard controls, fingerboard inlays, gold-plated hardware and painted-on f-holes. It didn't last long, and is somewhat of a VOX rarity.

1980 Gibson Catalogue

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:42:01 GMT

The first Gibson catalogue of the 80s was fairly substantial; 58 pages, with a different instrument on each page: 39 electrics, 10 acoustics, 4 basses, 4 banjos and a mandolin. From the prestigeous Kalamazoo Award Model to the lowly Sonex-180 Deluxe.

Gibson 335-S Deluxe, Custom and Standard

In 1980, Gibson launched the solid-body 335-S series; combining the familiar ES335 shape with "the playability and sustain of other legendary Gibson solid bodies". None of them sold well, and the range was dropped quickly, but today they are sparking considerable interest, from players and collectors alike. Look out for the top-of-the-range Deluxe, with it's mahogany body and neck, and bound ebony fingerboard.

Kalamazoo KB bass

Gibsons original budget brand was Kalamazoo. In the 1960s they produced several guitars and one bass; shaped like an EB0, with a mighty EB humbucker, yet half the price. No wonder over 6000 KB basses were shipped from 1966 to 1969.

Fender Coronado Thinline Semi-Acoustic Guitar

This was Fenders first go at a thinline - a guitar style that had been growing in popularity throughout the 60s. The Coronado was Fenders ES335....

Fender Quad Reverb

The Quad Reverb: 100 watt guitar amplifier with four twelve inch speakers. These amplifers were available with different speaker cones fitted. Fender, JBL D110F or Fender PS, with price rising accordingly.

Big Bass Sound of Fender

1969 Fender bass catalogue, featuring 5 basses (Precision, Jazz, Telecaster bass, Coronado and Mustang), and 5 amplifiers (4 valve and one solid-state Bassmen amps.

Fender Jazz Bass

Page update: includes parts lists, wiring diagram, catalogue apperances and more.

Fender Precision Bass

Page update: includes parts lists, wiring diagram, catalogue apperances and more.

1972 Fender Full Line Catalogue

The 1972 full line catalogue: guitars, basses, amplifiers, banjos, keyboards - Fenders full range from 1972. Full colour, 68 pages.

1970 Gibson electric acoustics catalogue

One of twelve mini-catalogues from 1970. Full colour, 12 pages. Features Gibsons range of artist instruments and electric arch-tops: Citation, Johnny Smith, Trini Lopez Deluxe, Trini Lopez Standard, Barney Kessel, Super 400-CES, L-5CES, ES-175D, ES-150DC, ES-125CD

1983 Gibson guitar and bass catalogue - American made. World played

Gibsons early eighties range, as demonstrated in this 28 page full-colour catalogue. Features selected instruments from the range of electric guitars and basses.

1968 Fender Full Line Catalogue

The 1968 full line catalogue: guitars, basses, amplifiers, banjos, keyboards - Fenders full range from 1968. Full colour, 48 pages.

1970 Fender Full Line Catalogue

The 1970 full line catalogue: guitars, basses, amplifiers, banjos, keyboards - Fenders full range from 1970. Full colour, 96 pages.

1971 Guild Guitar Catalogue

Fold-out ten sided Guild catalogue. Updates the 1970 Guild catalogue. featuring an expanded range of S series solid bodies, with the addition of the S-50 and S-90. Models are shown with new 70s styling and Guild humbuckers.

1970 Guild Guitar Catalogue

Fold-out ten sided Guild catalogue. Updates the 1969 catalogue with the new S and JS solid bodies, and the ST double florentine cutaway semi acoustics.

1969 Guild Guitar Catalogue

Fold-out eight sided Guild catalogue - solid body, acoustic and bass models from this American manufacturer. Featuring Starefires, BluesBirds, full body-depth jazz guitars and more.

1968 Gretsch Guitar Catalog

'That Great Gretsch sound' - full scan of all 36 pages. Features all guitars, basses, acoustics and amplifiers produced by Gretsch at that time. Electric guitars: White Falcon, Viking, Country Gentleman, Nashville, Tennessean, Double Anniversary, Single Anniversary, Jet Fire Bird, Duo Jet, Corvette, Clipper, Rally Acoustics: Rancher, Folk, Sun Valley, Silver Classic, Eldorado, New Yorker Basses: 6071, 6073 Amplifiers: Fury, Chet Atkins, Dual Playboy, Tornado, Nashville, Rogue, Super Bass, Pro Bass, Dual Twin, Compact, Pre Amp Reverb, Deluxe Reverb.

Hagstrom Concord bass

Profile of the Hagstrom Concord semi-acoustic bass; the mid sixties bass version of the Hagstrom Viking guitar. Two models exist the C-1, and the deluxe version C-2.

1975 Hagstrom catalogue

Scan of the 1975 Hagstrom guitar and bass catalogue. Features the entire mid seventies Hagstrom range; HG800 (F200N), HG801, HG802 Scandia, HG803 (Swede) HG804 (Jimmy D'Aquisto) electrics, and the HB901 (F400N) and HB903 (Swede) basses.

1972 Hagstrom catalogue

Scan of the 1972 Hagstrom guitar and bass catalogue. Features the entire early seventies Hagstrom range; Swede, Viking, Jimmy D'Aquisto and F-200 electrics, and the Swede, F100B and F400N basses. It also includes a range of 8 acoustics.