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How to sell a vintage guitar online:
Finding out what your guitar is worth

A guide to selling quickly at the best possible price

Step 1: How to sell a vintage guitar online
Step 2: Finding out what your guitar is worth
Step 3: Advertising your guitar for sale

Step 3: Advertising your guitar for sale

It is important you know what you are selling, but equally important you let everyone else know. This is key. Wherever you intend to sell your guitar, be it Ebay, Craigslist, Gumtree or a private guitar classified website, there will invariably be a listing title. Get this wrong and you reduce the liklihood of viewers buying. Leave it out entirely (rather, leave out the keywords for which people search) and you dramatically reduce the number of viewers. Great listing titles will include the make, model, year and maybe other details too. For example
Good: "Vintage Gibson SG Special guitar, 1969 with case" - this will be easily found by all of those buyers looking for a vintage SG Special
OK: "Gibson SG, red" - although this will come up in many searches, it will be swamped by the many thousands of SG listings, all variants, new and old
Bad: "Gibson guitar, rare" - it is difficult to come up in search results with so few specifics.

Use pictures to remove doubt

Close-up images really help demonstrate a guitars condition Taking as many close-up pictures as possible is an enormous help in showing a guitars true condition. The old adage of a picture being worth a thousand words is certainly true here.

The value of a vintage guitar is proportional to its originality. And it is well known that online sellers sometimes hide defects; posting poor quality pictures and claiming "I don't know anything about guitars" or "I'm selling this for a friend"... These tricks are well known, and in most cases will deter buyers. In some cases people will still buy, but assume there to be a problem, and bid accordingly. If you are not hiding anything, you should make this known! And truly the best way to do this is with large-sized, clear, photographs. Show the scratches, dents and wear patches. Show the electronics (and state potentiometer date codes if present) and the underside of pickups. You may also need to pay special attention to potential problem areas typical to that guitar. For example:

Gibson guitars can suffer from a cracked or broken headstock, especially those with a mahogany neck. There is a weak point at thinest part, behind the truss rod cavity, and many breaks occur at this point. Guitars like the Gibson SG often break where the neck meets the body, or at the tail end of the body around the controls and input jack. A really good repair can be difficult to spot in a bad photograph. You must show these areas when selling a Gibson.

The pickups in a vintage Gibson are crucial for it's sound. You must show that these are original. Usually done by removing them from their routes, and photographing the underside (with patent sticker), and the routes themselves (this also shows whether extra pickups have been added, and that the finish is original.

Hofner guitars often require a neck reset to achieve a playable action This early 1960s Hofner guitar has had a neck reset; a standard procedure for such guitars.

A Hofner may have a high action due to movement on a neck joint, or worse damage from a badly performed reset. Hofner was previously better known as a violin maker, and the hide glues used in violin construction were also used on their guitars. This allows easy neck resetting, but over time they also slip, making a reset a standard procedure for Hofner instruments. However if this has previously been performed badly, it can impact on the value significantly. You must show the heel area and the side of the neck (to show the action) when selling a Hofner.

Fender guitars were designed to be easily bolted together, and parts replaced when necessary. Very many Fenders out there have had components swapped over the years. Naturally buyers want originality, so you have to try and establish this where possible. A Fender neck should have date markings on the body end of the neck. Any serious buyer will want to see this. Also many Fender guitars out there are actually an old neck with a whole load of new parts added. The more places you can show - inside the neck pocket, under the scratchplate etc, the less room there is for confusion.

Guitars in rare or custom finishes are often claimed to be original, but very often have just been refinnished. To prove your rare coloured guitar has always been that colour, make a point of showing the serial number stamp - too faint suggests a refin; and underneath the scratchplate - finishes fade over time, but less so in areas not directly exposed to sunlight.

When pictures don't help

Potentiometer codes on a vintage Fender bass guitar If you are unable to clearly capture smaller details, such as potentiometer codes and serial numbers, be sure to include these within your description.

But pictures can't always tell the whole story. Sometimes you just need to state some obvious and some not so obvious facts, especially if you are unable to get decent close-ups, or if you are unwilling to dismantle the guitar.

  • Does it work?
  • Is the finish original
  • What colour is it (different monitors can show images very differently)
  • Does the truss rod nut turn
  • Is the neck straight
  • How high is the action at the twelfth fret (distance between neck and strings)
  • Is there concealed routing under the scratchplate
  • Are the electronics original, and working
  • What are the potentiometer codes

Disclosing a guitars faults may not reduce the amount a potential buyer may bid, as it also tells them that you are honest, knowledgeable seller, hopefully reducing the chances of them getting a nasty surprise when the instrument arrives. This is also simple fairness.

Provenance

For some guitars, most notably the guitars by Fender, but also Gibson and others, copies and forgeries abound. Fake parts or even whole guitars are passed of as original. Cheap Asian factories churn out authentic looking instruments that would only fool a novice. But then there are master fraudsters creating INCREDIBLY accurate guitars - often fitted with real parts. When some of these can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, it is no wonder. One thing these guitars never have is provenance. If you, or you grandfather, have played and loved this guitar for generations, show the pics! Cool old images of the instrument, howver grainy, prove it's history. Buyers find these fascinating and will almost certainly add value to the instrument. In fact you should copy these images, and include them with the guitar when you sell. People buying a vintage instrument are also buying a piece of musical history.

Case Candy

Vox case candy from the mid 1960s Case candy is a term for the hang tags, manuals, catalogues and other goodies that came with the guitar when originally sold. The above came with a mid 1960s Italian Vox guitar.

If you are selling the guitar with it's case you should certainly say so, and include pictures. Is the case original? And does it come with case candy? These are the things that came with the guitar: hang tags, price labels, manuals, catalogues, inspection cards, tools, straps and cables. Many guitars came with some or all of these, and having them present and in good condition are definitely a bonus to any buyer. If they are there, photograph them, and include them in your advertisement.

Communicate

Be ready to answer questions. Hopefully you will have included everything in your listing, but if you have not, make sure you answer to the best of your ability. Failure to do so may look like you are concealing something.

Don't write "I'm selling this for a friend", or "I don't know anything about guitars". These are regarded as code for "there's something wrong with this sale, and i'm absolving myself of responsibility".

When to sell

As stated earlier, prices change throughout the year, with January and June-August being the worst times to sell. The fact is, people have less money just after Christmas, and tend to be offline in the Summer months. A good time to sell seems to be November and December, when more people are online, and in a mood for shopping!

In Conclusion

Just because your guitar seems to be worth $5000, don't get disheartened when it does not sell immediately for that ammount. There are only so many vintage guitar collectors, and most are a cautious bunch. Also most will not have big piles of cash burning holes in their pockets. To buy your guitar they may need to sell one of their own, or move around funds first. You will have to be patient, and expect to wait weeks, months or even years for the most valuable guitars to sell at the best price. A dealer will no doubt offer you a much lower price in this time, and you can sell to them, but naturally they need to make a living which will be reflected in their offer.

If you want the best return, you will have to be patient. Best to sell because you want to, never because you need to.

Sellers that put a little effort into their listings certainly reap the benefits in the long run!


Vintage guitars for sale

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1966 Gibson J-200

1966 Gibson J-200

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

$10900

1966 Gibson J-200, Attractive Tobacco Sunburst finish, Soughtafter model, Floral design on pickguard, Tune-o-matic bridge, Beautifully flamed mapleback, Gorgeous instrument! One owner, EC+, Original hard case.
... more
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1960s GIBSON EB 2  /  EB3 BASS TUNER works with Guild Rick etc.

1960's GIBSON EB 2 / EB3 BASS TUNER works with Guild Rick etc.

Salina, Kansas, 674**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$135


1960's Gibson tuner.... more
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1958 Les Paul Standard Neck Gibson factory installed in 58 on 53 Goldtop see ad

1958 Les Paul Standard Neck Gibson factory installed in 58 on 53 Goldtop see ad

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$96395

From the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC

1958 53 Goldtop Les Paul electric guitar sn. 8 3078
It has a 1958 Gibson factory installed neck (put on in 1958) on a 1953 Les Paul Goldtop
If you own a $400, 000 00 58 Les Paul that needs a 1958 original neck, then this guitar is for you!
I have priced it for just that. I will consider reasonable best offers
Ok here is the history of this guitar as told by the original owner. I am the second owner and While I had... more
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Gibson L-48 1953 Vintage Archtop Acoustic Guitar & HSC.

Gibson L-48 1953 Vintage Archtop Acoustic Guitar & HSC.

New Orleans, Louisiana, 701**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

Gibson L48 1953 Vintage Arch top Acoustic Guitar & HSC .
Very good condition. A few light scuffs / dings. No cracks or repairs,
It has Non-original vintage style open back tuners. Great full sound with a comfortable medium profile Mahogany neck. The neck is very clean without any dings or nicks. Rosewood fret-board in good condition with a new set of Martin strings. .10??s.
Comes with very nice hardshell case that fits perfectly.
FON. Y483 .
... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-175D "narrow bevel" Pickguard Guard ES-175 1966 1967 68

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-175D "narrow bevel" Pickguard Guard ES-175 1966 1967 68

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$245

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson ES-175D Narrow Bevel Pickguard with the original mounting bracket
Original 1960's Gibson ES-175D narrow bevel pickguard
This will fit your mid / late 60's ES-175D double Humbucking model perfectly
The REAL DEAL in killer shape!
Great original condition with minimal pickwear and almost zero warping
An incredible and rare part
Perfect for the restoration of your ... more
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Vintage 1960s Global Les Paul Copy Electric Guitar W / TKL Hard Case "Lawsuit Era"

Vintage 1960s Global Les Paul Copy Electric Guitar W / TKL Hard Case "Lawsuit Era"

Elmwood Park, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$950

Up for sale is a Vintage Electric Guitar, Very Good Condition As Shown, Please see photos for details, Plays & sounds great, Neck is straight, Low fast action, Loaded with character showing age-handling-play wear-nicks-scuffs-finish loss-light surface rust / tarnish & patina with a superficial chip near one bridge post as shown, Weighs just over 9 pounds, DiMarzio PAF pickups replaced the original pickups about 20 years ago, I misplaced the original pickups - otherwise I would include ... more
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Vintage 1963 Gibson "Short" Vibrola Tailpiece Epiphone SG Special Standard Trem

Vintage 1963 Gibson "Short" Vibrola Tailpiece Epiphone SG Special Standard Trem

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1960's Tremolo Vibrola Unit in NICKEL finish (rare!)
Correct for your mid 1960's Gibson or Epiphone
These are frequently found on Firebirds, SG Specials, but also Standards, Melody Makers, various Epiphones and many others!
100% original but does NOT include the arm that mounts into the string retaining comb. Ideal for mounting on a vintage Gibson that is being ... more
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Vintage 1959 Gibson P-90 P90 Pickup 8 03k HOT Dogear Les Paul Junior Special 60

Vintage 1959 Gibson P-90 P90 Pickup 8 03k HOT Dogear Les Paul Junior Special 60

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$995

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
One KILLER Vintage Gibson 1960 "dogear" P-90 pickup
From an all original 1960 Gibson - vintage dogear P-90s are PURE magic .and 1960 is one of the most magical years of them all! They have ALL the attributes of killer p-90 pickups:
Fully original and never rewound, identical magnets, original windings, double black leads - absolutely killer!
Screaming hot output at 8 ... more
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1982 G&L  S-500

1982 G&L S-500

Skokie, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1275

Beautiful vintage G&L definitely has some ware but for 40 years old this thing feels and sounds great pickups are super clean and hold gain we??ll just an over all great guitar and a piece of history I??ve had it for about 4-5 months now and just couldn??t put it down but I need the cash so sadly have to let it go


See pictures for the damage on the body and checking all over but no major cracks or brakes and none of it affects the tone what so ever she??s definitely a ... more
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Vintage Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom Stoptail Tailpiece - Aluminum Featherweight!

Vintage Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom Stoptail Tailpiece - Aluminum Featherweight!

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$895

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson 1968 - 1970 Les Paul Custom Gold Stoptail
Rare and correct for that awesome 1966-1970 Gibson LPC Black Beauty!
Also correct for a stoptail ES-345 or ES-355!
This is an awesome original gold plated aluminum stoptail
Featherweight, just like a 1950's Tailpiece, these are in fact largely interchangeable with a 1950s stop tail - the only minor difference is the ... more
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Vintage 1958 1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Guitar Single Cut PAFs

Vintage 1958 1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Guitar Single Cut PAF's

Lexington, Kentucky, 405**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8000

Vintage 1958-1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman, all original, except for headstock name plate, nice dark walnut original finish- very little fade.
Neck joint and angle are very good, plays well with good action. All electronics working as they should, the PAF Filtertrons sound excellent. Very good binding, only the heel cap has deterioration. Extra upper screw hole under pickguard. Includes original case Any questions, just ask
... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-330 Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line 1965 J-45 Dove J50

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-330 Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line 1965 J-45 Dove J50

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$345

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson / Kluson Double Line Tuner Set
Correct for your mid 1960's Gibson ES-330, J-45, Epiphone Casino and others!
Great shape -- totally original and includes all the original mounting hardware, ferrules and screws!
SUPER RARE!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE... more
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1958 Fender big box 5G9 Tweed Tremolux Amp

1958 Fender big box 5G9 Tweed Tremolux Amp

Atlanta, Georgia, 303**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

1958 Fender big box 5G9 Tweed Tremolux Amp.

This is the fixed bias tweed pro sized tremolux , the one to have

Mostly original, original choke and ot, MM Output transformer

sounds?? amazing?? .

The pics tell the story, she??s a good one folks


$300 shipping, fully insured in lower 48

Sold as is all sales final

NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
... more
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1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior

1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior

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

$9995

1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior, Double Cutaway, Cherry Red, Bigfull feeling neck, Powerful sounding P-90 pickup, Tortoise pickguard, Superficial hairline on neck by heel that was not a repair, Rings out nicely, Playssuper great, VG++ condition, Newer Gibson hard case
... more
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1964 Vintage Gibson J50 ADJ Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar excellent condition

1964 Vintage Gibson J50 ADJ Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar excellent condition

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6300

1964 Vintage Gibson J50 ADJ Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar excellent condition
This 59 ½ year old guitar Vintage Gibson J50 ADJ was barely played! Awesome condition. The pictures don??t do her justice. There are very few signs of use or age for that matter. Please see the pictures
SN#168237 places her at 1964 almost 60 years old. The action is on the lower side, and she has a straight neck, rounded shoulders and a sweet body! Just grab her by the G string and you won??t want to let go.... more
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1979 Fender Stratocaster With Original Hardshell Case

1979 Fender Stratocaster With Original Hardshell Case

Elmhurst, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2899

Revolution Music is proud to present this Beautiful, 1979, Black on Black Fender Stratocaster in great condition. This vintage beast oozes with mojo. There is honest wear throughout. The guitar has some kinks, scratches, & chips. It sounds amazing. Original Hardshell Case with 2 broken latches included.

WE HAVE A BRICK AND MORTAR STORE - PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR STOP BY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS  


Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground or ... more
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1934 Gibson L-50 Acoustic Guitar ELECTRIFIED PROJECT

1934 Gibson L-50 Acoustic Guitar ELECTRIFIED PROJECT

Roanoke, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1850

Welcome To Trader-Bobs Ebay Auctions. Allow me to introduce myself. I am a professional ebay seller. I have been involved in retail sales for over 50 years, the largest portion, of these years, having been my own successful retail auto parts / sales / repair business, which I started from scratch. I take your satisfaction, VERY SERIOUSLY! If there is any problem with this item you have purchased from me, I want to hear about it FIRST, before feedback is left! So that the problem can be ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Nickel Lyre Maestro Vibrola - Complete vintage unit SG 335

Vintage 1960's Gibson Nickel Lyre Maestro Vibrola - Complete vintage unit SG 335

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$795

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1960's "Lyre" / "Maestro" Vibrola
Correct for your 1960's Gibson SG Standard, ES-335 and others
100% original - all screws inlcuded. Perfect functioning condition. This unit is nickel and in fantastic condition with almost no oxidation to the nickel plating.
SUPER RARE!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Check our ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-175 Single PAF pickgaurd Wide Bevel 1960 - 1966

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-175 Single PAF pickgaurd Wide Bevel 1960 - 1966

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson ES-175 Wide Bevel "Single PAF" Pickguard
This will fit your vintage Single PAF ES-175 perfectly
Excellent original condition! This is the version with the "top mount" screw opening. Original Mounting Bracket included as well
Perfect for the restoration of your vintage ES-175
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT

FLAT RATE PRIORITY USPS SHIPPING!
WE ... more
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1961 Gibson Les Paul / SG Custom original WHITE with Sideways Vibrola

1961 Gibson Les Paul / SG Custom original WHITE with Sideways Vibrola

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$31900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Custom in its original White finish with gold hardware and a factory sideways Vibrola. It has a great playing neck with very worn frets, but still playable. It's all original with the exception of one volume knob. It's also 100% complete along with its original hardshell case. This original Les Paul Custom looks great with lots of minor nicks + dings (most have been touched-up with white... more
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1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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1961 Hofner Colorama I

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1960 Hofner Colorama II

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin Care 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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk 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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar 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

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 catalog 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

1965 Hofner President 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

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.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual 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