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FENDER | CATALOGUES | 1964 1965 | PAGE 4

Fender Showman, Dual Showman, Twin Reverb, Super Reverb and Vibroverb amplifiers

Fender 1964/1965 catalog page 4

Fender 1964/1965 guitar catalogue. Page 4. The first of two pages dedicated exclusively to Fender amps (there are a few included amongst the guitars on page 3). Details of six high-end Fender guitar amplifiers. Although this catalogue does not include every amplifier in the 1964 Fender line, it squeezes more models into the same space than the previous 'Downbeat' Fender catalogue, of late 1963. Models shown are the Fender Showman with 2 15" speakers; Fender Dual Showman, with either one 12" or one 15" speaker; 2 x 12" Fender Twin Reverb; Fender Super Reverb with 4x10" speaker configuration; and 1x15" Fender Vibroverb.

1964 1965 Fender guitar catalog page 4 - Fender Showman, Dual Showman, Twin Reverb, Super Reverb and Vibroverb
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Fender Showman, Twin, Super, and Vibroverb amps for sale

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Vintage 1955 Fender Twin Amp Tweed  Guitar Amp Combo - Ry Cooder Collection

Vintage 1955 Fender Twin Amp Tweed Guitar Amp Combo - Ry Cooder Collection

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

$30000

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }Legendary musician, songwriter, composer and producer Ry Cooder is known across the guitar world as not only being one of the great guitarists of all time, but also a prolific collector of instruments. Whether it be vintage Gibson acoustics, funky Teisco electrics from the 1960's, or modern customs by Danny Ferrington, these instruments have a pedigree like few others. Never one to be afraid to tinker, Ry's instruments often have modifications and ... more
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Fender 1957 Tweed Super Amp Amplifier, Dwight Twilly, Girls, Scuba Diver

Fender 1957 Tweed Super Amp Amplifier, Dwight Twilly, Girls, Scuba Diver

Tulsa, Oklahoma, 741**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$24950

Fender 1957 Tweed Super Amp Amplifier, Dwight Twilly, Girls, Scuba Diver, were all recorded when Bill Pitcock Played through this amp while recording these songs with Dwight Twilly. This particular amp is featured in this month's issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine ,written by Dave Hunter. There is recent proof of a similar 1957 Tweed Super having sold through Heritage Auctions for just over $31, 000 00 . See photo of ad that also ran in vintage Guitar magazine several times in the previous issues.... more
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1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A  Guitar Amplifier

1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Guitar Amplifier

Birmingham, Alabama, 352**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$19500

This is a 1958 5F8 Tweed Twin chassis. Serial #A00053
Obviously, its pretty rough, but it works, and it screams.
When I got it (chassis only), it had been neglected for years and was a mess. It needed a full cap job, new 3 prong cable, fuse holder, a few of the pots replaced, 1 input jack, the rectifier socket, and little bit of wiring cleanup work.
After all that, and installing a full new set of Tung Sol tubes, she fired right up. The transformers and all the Astrons and components... more
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1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Vintage Tube Amp 2x12 w /  Jensen P12N

1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Vintage Tube Amp 2x12 w / Jensen P12N

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

$14000

Up for sale, a 1958 Fender "High Power" Tweed Twin 5F8-A in excellent condition and in perfect working order. This Twin features a very original circuit, rehoused in an replica speaker cabinet and loaded with a pair of era-correct Jensen P12N alnico magnet speakers
Occupying a very narrow window in Fender's golden age, the 5F8-A Twin was the pinnacle of Tweed era evolution and unmatched in power and headroom, first available in late 1957 and retired by January, 1960. This example was made in... more
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1959 Fender Bassman 5F6-A Amplifier Amp Vintage Tweed and Super Clean!

1959 Fender Bassman 5F6-A Amplifier Amp Vintage Tweed and Super Clean!

El Cajon, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000


1959 Fender Bassman 5F6-A Amplifier
This vintage Bassman has the original tweed covering, grill cloth and all of the main components are original. Only some of the capacitors have been changed. The code on the tube chart has worn off but the Chassis Code is "BM02387" which dates it to 1959. See photos for the rest of the stamps and markings. It has recently been serviced, has been fully tested and is in excellent working order. With that said, only the minimum was done to keep as many ... more
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1955 Fender Super Tweed 5E4 Vintage Tube Amp 2x10 w /  Jensen P10Q, 6V6

1955 Fender Super Tweed 5E4 Vintage Tube Amp 2x10 w / Jensen P10Q, 6V6

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

$8000

Up for sale, a 1955 Fender Super 5E4 in exceptional condition and in perfect working order. Professionally retweeded and boasting a freshly serviced circuit with the original transformers, this Super is loaded with a vintage pair of Jensen P10Q alnico magnet speakers
One of the very first "narrow panel" Tweed-era Super amps produced with a low S002XX serial, this Tweed Super with its 5E4 circuit is one of the few offered with 6V6 power tubes (instead of higher powered 6L6s). This Super ... more
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Fender Twin Reverb Amp Black Panel Guitar Tube Combo w /  cover + footswitch 1960s

Fender Twin Reverb Amp Black Panel Guitar Tube Combo w / cover + footswitch 1960s

West Chester, Pennsylvania, 193**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

vintage 1960s Fender Twin Reverb Black Panel tube combo amp. Comes with cover and footswitch. Very clean condition, fully functional amp
s / n A 06199
... more
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1960 Fender Super Pre-CBS Brown Panel, Center Volume 2x10 w /  Jensen P10R

1960 Fender Super Pre-CBS Brown Panel, Center Volume 2x10 w / Jensen P10R

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

$5500

Up for sale, a 1960 Fender Super in excellent condition and in perfect working order. One of the very first Brown Panel-era Fender Supers off the assembly line, this exceedingly rare amp is serial number 00061, with date codes from the first quarter of 1960. Practically prototypical with its 5G4 circuit, this amp features its stock pinkish brown tolex and centrally located Volume knobs seen on the very first Brown Panel amps, as well as the "Pulse Adjust" control on the rear panel for a feature ... more
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1954 Fender Super Tweed Wide Panel Vintage Tube Amp 2x10 w /  Jensen P10R, 5D4

1954 Fender Super Tweed Wide Panel Vintage Tube Amp 2x10 w / Jensen P10R, 5D4

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

$5500

Up for sale, a 1954 Fender Super in exceptional condition, complete with the original pair of Jensen P10R alnico 10" speakers and a pair of USA Tung Sol 5881 power tubes. A "Wide Panel" Tweed amp, this particular iteration of the Super is one of the earliest examples of the 5D4 circuit, only available from 1954-55. The Tweed Super is the baby brother of the Bassman in many respects, offering the same harmonic rich, dynamic tones in a more studio friendly and portable enclosure. The low end is ... more
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1969 Fender Twin Reverb Drip Edge Silverface Vintage Tube Amp - Blackface Spec

1969 Fender Twin Reverb Drip Edge Silverface Vintage Tube Amp - Blackface Spec

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4199

This is an unbelievably killer amp. Upgraded to blackface specs and with vintage Fender d120-F speakers. Everything about the amp is in perfect working condition, including the Vibrato / Reverb footswitch. Truly a phenomenal vintage amplifier
This beast of an amp weighs in at 75lbs with the added heft of the AlNiCo magnets driving the D120F speakers
Notes from the amp tech:
This is a transitional amplifier from the end of the "Blackface" AB763 circuit's run. Although the amp lacks the... more
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Vintage 1960S FENDER DUAL SHOWMAN AMP Guitar Amplifier  - GORGOEUS, GREAT SOUND

Vintage 1960'S FENDER DUAL SHOWMAN AMP Guitar Amplifier - GORGOEUS, GREAT SOUND

Moreno Valley, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500



This is a real treat for classic fender lovers out there this is a stunning clean, classic and perfectly working Vintage (circa) 1960's-70's FENDER "DUAL SHOWMAN AMP" TUBE POWERED COMO GUITAR AMP made in USA by FENDER.
This is a classic and awesome amp release by Fender during a great time in their USA manufacturing. This is in outrageous clean condition, all functions work perfect, great late 60's-early 70's sound. This has been well taken care of for DECADES. Speakers and ... more
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1966 Fender Super Reverb Black Panel Vintage Tube Amp AB763 4x10 w /  CTS, Ftsw

1966 Fender Super Reverb Black Panel Vintage Tube Amp AB763 4x10 w / CTS, Ftsw

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

$3500

Up for sale, a 1966 Fender Super Reverb in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with two-button footswitch. The amp pushes 40 watts of pure Fender Black Panel clean tone via a pair of JJ 6L6GC power tubes. Perfect for gigging situations and an ideal recording amplifier, the amp provides pristine, muscly Fender cleans until the 4-5 range on the volume dial, where a bit of tube and speaker breakup sends the amp into smooth overdrive. The Reverb is lush and deep, and the ... more
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Fender Twin Reverb 2-Channel 85-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo 1963 - 1967 - Black Pane

Fender Twin Reverb 2-Channel 85-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo 1963 - 1967 - Black Pane

Santa Maria, California, 934**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

Fender '65 Twin Reverb Neo 2x12" 85W Tube Combo Amplifier -
Here we have an all-original 1965 Fender Twin Reverb 2×12?? combo w / a set of factory JBL D120F speakers. This outrageous amp was maintained its entire life and sounds phenomenal with a glassy aura that makes this a true hallmark Fender design. The AB763 circuit is a sweet spot in the spectrum of black panel-era amps & 80w with tremolo and reverb in a heavyweight enclosure is just about all anyone needs. Its original tube ... more
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Fender Vibrolux Reverb amplifier 1980 Super clean & serviced Vintage Fender Amp

Fender Vibrolux Reverb amplifier 1980 Super clean & serviced Vintage Fender Amp

Boca Raton, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

Fender Vibrolux Reverb amplifier from 1980 Super clean 9 5+ condition Really can not be a much cleaner one on this planet. Original transformers Original speakers Total servicing . new filter caps and new electrolytic caps new bias caps (all originals included) All controls cleaned and lubed . all tube sockets cleaned and retentioned This came to me having no tubes?? I was able to buy the correct 12ax7s correct manufacturer and correct 1980 date!! and are installed for the `sections that ... more
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Vintage 1971 Fender Twin Reverb Amplifier Silver Face Works 2x12 Original Tubes

Vintage 1971 Fender Twin Reverb Amplifier Silver Face Works 2x12 Original Tubes

West Covina, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

Get ready to rock with this vintage 1971 Fender Twin Reverb Amplifier Silver Face. This classic combo amp features two 12 inch speakers and two channels, making it perfect for performances in any venue. The Fender Tone Master product line is known for its high-quality vacuum tube amplifier technology and this model is no exception.

The amplifier is in excellent working condition with all original tubes intact. It's suitable for anyone looking for that authentic vintage sound. ... more
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1980 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface Vintage Tube Amp w /  Electro-Voice EVM12L

1980 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface Vintage Tube Amp w / Electro-Voice EVM12L

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

$2600

Up for sale, a 1980 Fender Twin Reverb with a 100% original circuit, loaded with the original pair of Electro-Voice EVM-12L speakers. A relatively rare vintage Fender amp given the speaker complement, this amp represents the last iteration of the Silverface Twin Reverb platform, pushing a massive 135 all-tube watts via extremely robust Ultralinear transformers. Perfect for situations where maximum headroom, power, and crystalline cleans are essential, the extremely efficient EVM12L speakers are ... more
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Fender Super Reverb 4x10 Tube Guitar Amplifier VINTAGE 1964

Fender Super Reverb 4x10 Tube Guitar Amplifier VINTAGE 1964

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

$2500

This Fender Super Reverb 4x10 Tube Guitar Amplifier is a vintage piece from 1964 that will take your guitar playing to the next level. With its powerful vacuum tube technology, this combo amplifier is perfect for guitarists who want to achieve a classic sound. The four 10-inch speakers provide a full-bodied sound that is perfect for live performances and recording sessions. This amplifier is made by one of the most trusted brands in the guitar industry, Fender. Featuring a classic design, this ... more
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1973 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface Vintage Tube Amp, Serviced w /  Hangtag, Cover

1973 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface Vintage Tube Amp, Serviced w / Hangtag, Cover

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

$2400

Up for sale, a 1973 Fender Twin Reverb in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hangtag, Victoria Luggage slip cover, and two-button footswitch. Loaded with the original pair of Oxford 12T6 12" drivers and a matched quartet of brand new Sovtek 5881 (6L6GC) power tubes, this amp lives up to its reputation for delivering the most formidable, glassy, and balanced clean tones a tube amp can provide. Perfect not only for guitar, the Twin is an excellent choice ... more
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1966 Fender Twin Reverb Amp Black Panel Guitar Tube Combo

1966 Fender Twin Reverb Amp Black Panel Guitar Tube Combo

Mandeville, Louisiana, 704**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2250

1966 Twin Reverb . Sounds amazing! Looks like it was in California at one point and made its way to Dallas . The stories this amp could tell !
It has newer sovtek tubes , brand new Celestion type A speakers that are impressive .
Had a cap job recently. Ready to be played . Just played it with a full drive 2 , all the tones are there ?? It??s like potato chips , can??t stop playing it ???
Includes foot switch
... more
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Vintage 1964 Blonde Fender Showman Guitar Tube Head AB763

Vintage 1964 Blonde Fender Showman Guitar Tube Head AB763

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

$2150

Completely restored, recapped, new tube sockets, retubed matching pairs by Todd Sharp of Nashville Amplifier Service & Todd Sharp Amps. Very good condition, clean and performs beautifully. Punchy and powerful as expected from a proper example of this model. *No back panel. Prefer local sale
Shipping can be sketchy, and postage is a bit expensive due to the size and type of the box required plus insurance. Feel free to make your own shipping arrangements or pickup local, ??I??m happy to ... more
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Find more Fender Showman, Twin, Super, and Vibroverb amps for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1961 Hofner Colorama I

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

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II

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

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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

1981 Gibson Marauder

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

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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

1961 Hohner Zambesi

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

1963 Vox Super Ace

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

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

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

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

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

1965 Hofner President

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

1963 1964 Fender catalog

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