Vintage Guitar Website

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

Thur, 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

Wed, 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 Catalogue

'That Great Gretsch sound' - full scan of all 36 pages. Features all guitars, basses, acoustics and amplifiers produced by Gretsch at that time. White Falcon, Viking, Country Gentleman, Country Club, Nashville, Tennessean, Duo Jet and many more.

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.