Vintage Guitars
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How to sell a vintage guitar online:
Identifying the guitar

A guide to selling quickly at the best possible price

this guitar is sold!

Vintage guitars come in all shapes and sizes; some are incredibly rare, highly prized by guitar players and very expensive to buy. Some are nothing short of a hindrance to play; basically firewood with strings. Perhaps ok for decorating a bar wall, but that's about it. Most are somewhere in between. There is most likely a player or collector out there who would love to pay you for your guitar. If you have anything exceptionally rare, you are best off selling on consignment through a respected vintage guitar dealer, rather than privately online. Likewise if your guitar is basically junk, you might find selling it at a local table or car boot sale is most effective. But most guitars are suitable for selling online, and you can easily get a fair price, as long as you follow a few basic steps: correct guitar identification, correct valuation, and effective description.

There are a number of things that you can do to help your vintage guitar sell quickly, whilst maximising the sale price. If you don't, you run the risk of deterring buyers and ending up either getting less than your guitar is worth, or failing to sell at all. This article is aimed at all those individuals who want to sell a vintage guitar, but don't really know where to start.

Step 1: Identifying the guitar
Step 2: Finding out what your guitar is worth
Step 3: Advertising your guitar for sale

Step 1: Identifying the guitar

If you already know what your guitar is, jump to step 2: Finding out what your guitar is worth

So how do you know what you've got? There is a lot of information about the major American and European vintage guitars online, in fact that is the main focus of this site, and there are also some excellent books on guitar identification (Gruhn's Guide is about the best), and very many helpful collectors hanging out on guitar forums and social media groups. Accurate information is harder to come by for Japanese guitars. A handful of factories produced a huge number of guitars, often quite similar, but with the retailers branding rather than the manufacturer. Some will never have been shown in a catalogue, and getting detailed information may be quite difficult.

Start with the brand name. Most guitars have this somewhere on the headstock, on a label, in a soundhole, or on a scratchplate or pickup. Entirely unmarked guitars are rare, and as a general rule, better manufacturers were proud of their work, and will have applied their logos prominently. It is true that some decal logos are removed, but again, owners of better guitars tend not to let this happen, whilst cheaper copies are often anonymised in the hope that they might be mistaken for something that they are not. If your guitar has no markings, it is most likely not going to sell for any significant sum. Examine the guitar closely for any markings: model codes, serial numbers, and countries of manufacture. Look under the scratchplate, on the neck heel and in the neck pocket, on the neckplate, on the guitars hardware and on the back of the headstock.

Guitar manufacturers often put their brand name on headstocks, pickguards, pickups, tailpieces and bodies
Manufacturer logos are often on the guitars headstock, put also the body, or on hardware such as pickups, scratchplates, tuning keys or bridge

Guitar identification through hardware

If you are still stuck, start comparing hardware to other guitars. Look online for other instruments with the same pickups especially but also neckplates, headstock shapes and bridges. Tuning keys can also give clues, but many manufacturers used commercially available parts by Schaller or Kluson etc. rather than manufacturing their own.

What about where it was made? Is there a country designation? Made in Japan? Italy, USA? for example. Get out a ruler and start measuring any parts of the guitar. Are dimensions metric or imperial? Older American guitars tend to be in inches or fractions of. European and Japanese guitars are far more likely to be designed in centimetres. What about markings on the electronics? Any language clues there? If you know where it was built you have certainly narrowed down the number of possible brands.

Numerous guitar manufacturers produced generic-looking entry-level guitars under different brand names for selling cheaply in bulk to 1960s, 70s and 80s teenagers. Audition, for example was the name applied to Japanese guitars produced for sale in Woolworth stores in the UK. And there were hundreds of other store brands like this; guitars such as these are really quite common. Most unbranded guitars will be in this category, and although often acceptable instruments are unlikely to sell for anything more than two figure sums.

Older Guitar catalogues can be invaluable in instrument identification
Vintage guitar catalogues are a good starting point in determining model names, and approximate years of production.

Vintage guitar dating

Once you have a manufacturers name, determining the model and year are next. There can be a lot of subtle model variations, and pinpointing the exact name may not be essential if the guitar is largely unknown or often misidentified. Many identical guitars may have been given different model designations by different retailers. Guitars by Harmony, Kay and Valco in the US, Eko, Hagstrom and Crucianelli in Europe and Teisco, Kawaii and Norma in Japan were all sold under various marques, despite being very similar or even the same instrument.

For a guitar produced by the likes of Fender, Gibson or one of the bigger manufacturers, finding the year may be as simple as looking up the serial number on a chart online, then referring to a catalogue from a similar period to find the model. Even a web image search with the brand and year can show very many guitars that may match.

Precise dating can be tricky - but establishing an approximate age shouldn't be too hard. Most vintage guitar collectors and dealers can suggest a decade, simply by looking at the guitar, it's styling, the materials used and how it is constructed. This is something you get a feel for with time. If you are completely in the dark, post online and somebody will surely help. Often less well known guitars are actually copies of other guitars. Or their hardware may be copied from a better known brand. If you know the first production date of the guitar copied, this again can narrow down potential production years.

One trick that guitar collectors always use is reading pot codes. The pots, or potentiometers, are the tone and volume controls on a guitar. If you can get to the reverse side of these, you may well find a code, with some date fragments embedded within them. This is of course the date that the pot was made, rather than the guitar, but they are often closely correlated. For more about this, see our page on reading guitar potentiometer codes.

Is there any paperwork in the case? Sales receipts, price lists and other paperwork can often hold a date. Furthermore if you have a retailer name, you may be able to search online for a guitar catalogue that holds the model in question.

Look out for fakes

Of course you have to be aware of copies.. from the 1950s onwards, budget guitars (and some quite nice ones to be fair) were often modelled on more expensive guitars by the big brands. These were produced in huge numbers and are not uncommon at all. Unfortunately, these can look VERY convincing, and quite often an owner might have replaced a decal to complete the deception. There are ways of spotting these guitars. A 'Gibson' with 'made in Japan' on it's neckplate... or a Les Paul with a bolt-on neck. Generally these guitars will also not have a serial number (or at least one that corresponds to the correct numbering system). If in doubt refer the guitar to a forum / discussion group for a second opinion.


Vintage guitars for sale

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2008 Fender Squier Mini Strat Solid Body Electric  Black      Set up

2008 Fender Squier Mini Strat Solid Body Electric Black Set up

Forest Grove, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$130

Black Squier Mini Strat Solid Body Electric
Good playing conditionCleaned with general shop setup and new light EB stringsRub wear and scratches on body from handlingNeck feels good with minor wear to fretboardPlays easy w / good action, life still in truss rod
Body Laminated HardwoodBridge6-Saddle Vintage-Style Strat® Strings-Through-Body HardtailBridge PickupStandard Single-Coil Strat®ColorBlackCommodity Code9207901000ConfigurationSSSControl KnobsWhite ... more
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1967 Jensen 12" 60W Concert Vibranto MI-120 Speaker 8 Ohm MI120 (Stock #26)

1967 Jensen 12" 60W Concert Vibranto MI-120 Speaker 8 Ohm MI120 (Stock #26)

Des Plaines, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$156

For your kind consideration is this 1967 Jensen 12" 60 watt Concert Vibranto MI-120 speaker. Rated at 8 ohms, it's in great condition, has been tested, and passes audio clearly
We have an amazing collection of speakers. Please see our other listings of vintage and mint condition speakers that are ready to rock. Enjoy!
*All orders may require a signature at time of delivery unless discussed prior to shipment
*International customers will need to pay actual shipping cost if amount is... more
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Vox Nova Amp 95-901211

Vox Nova Amp 95-901211

Simi Valley, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$389

Neat rare sm. Vox amp. 25 watts. solid state

Tested, Everything works on it.

If you have any question please let me know.

... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson Kluson Strip Tuners - Single Line - Les Paul Junior ES125

Vintage 1950's Gibson Kluson Strip Tuners - Single Line - Les Paul Junior ES125

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

$195

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1959 Kluson "single line" Strip Tuner Set
This is a very nice set, but the buttons have obviously crumbled. Could possibly be preserved with a super glue dip, but most likely should be fully replaced. An easy task, but we've discounted the set accordingly
The gears work great on this set, the posts are free of bends
All the original mounting hardware is included ... more
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Vintage 1980s TI Texas Instruments RC4558P Malaysia OpAmp Chip Tube Screamer Mod

Vintage 1980s TI Texas Instruments RC4558P Malaysia OpAmp Chip Tube Screamer Mod

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

(1) Vintage 1980s TI Texas Instruments AC 040 RC4558P - Made in Malaysia - OpAmp Chip commonly used for Guitar Pedal / Tube Screamer mods. Please review the photos closely for overall condition and storage wear. Shipping to the continental US only. Let me know if you have any questions and thanks for looking!
-Chris... more
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The National Lap Steel - The New Yorker w / case - USED (1930s)

The National Lap Steel - The New Yorker w / case - USED (1930's)

Fort Mill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Woody's Music has a used The National Lap Steel in stock and ready to ship
Replaced tunersoriginal tuners included - missing 1 / 6 tuner heads - fully operationalfully functional electronicsera appropriate cable includednew stringsVery Good Condition$75 Shipping to the Continental US
... more
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Rutters VintageTele Bridge, Nickel-Plated with Brass Comp Saddles

Rutters VintageTele Bridge, Nickel-Plated with Brass Comp Saddles

Tempe, Arizona, 852**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$130

Rutters Vintage Nickel-Plated Tele Bridge with Brass Comp Saddles
Machined from 16 gauge cold roll steel for added strength, sustain and full tone, this nickel-plated bridge is stiff and extremely flat, eliminating the "squealing" issue without taking away the classic Tele "Twang "
Vintage 4-hole mount, 2-1 / 8" string spacing
Mounting screws and adjustment wrench included.
Specialty Guitars is an authorized Rutters Guitars dealer
Free shipping within the US on all orders of ... more
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Vintage 1950s 1960s Gibson PAF Cover NICKEL Les Paul Standard Burst Custom 59

Vintage 1950's 1960's Gibson PAF Cover NICKEL Les Paul Standard Burst Custom 59

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

$995

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1959 Gibson Gold PAF cover
Very nice original late 50's / early 60's PAF cover This is a narrow spaced cover - it will only fit the PAFs found in archtops and some thinlines of the era - models include L-5CES, Super 400, Byrdland, ES-350t, ES-5 Switchmaster and a few others. This cover has a wonderful patina from 62 years of real world use. The inside of this cover appears... more
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1970s Gibson Schaller Gold Nashville Bridge West Germany (KL66)

1970's Gibson Schaller Gold Nashville Bridge West Germany (KL66)

Greenwood, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

This listing is for one (1) gold 1970's Gibson "Nashville" Tuneomatic bridge made by Schaller. Plating is worn and there is some oxidation typical for the age. Though rusty in appearacnce, saddle screws turn smoothly and are freshly lubricated. Sold as is.
... more
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FENDER 1972  VINTAGE ELECTRIC INSTRUMENTS CATALOG-AMPS-KEYBOARDS-ACCESS.

FENDER 1972 VINTAGE ELECTRIC INSTRUMENTS CATALOG-AMPS-KEYBOARDS-ACCESS.

Portland, Maine, 041**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$75

FENDER 1972 VINTAGE ELECTRIC INSTRUMENTS CATALOG-AMPS-KEYBOARDS-ACCESS.... more
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original 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior jr. Sunburst

original 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior jr. Sunburst

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

$10900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior in its original Sunburst finish. It has a good playing neck with good frets. It's all original with only exception being replacement strap buttons and plastic jack plate. The pictured hardshell case is included. This Jr. has a lot of nicks + dings, finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The guitar itself remains structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or repairs. The studs for the ... more
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Gibson 1981 Es335 Dot With Case

Gibson 1981 Es335 Dot With Case

La Mesa, California, 919**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4250

Used guitar early Dot wide neck with Fralin pus. I guess you'd ask why you selling. I'm  going to be a actor ,musician and producer. I want to starve completely. Lol just a great guitar to play and sounds great too. It is a factory second doesn't show maybe in finish i dont see it???  Frets are clean neck is straight truss works fine. Just play it here thanks for looking and send me actor jobs. Note the dots are smaller after 12th fret thats stock
... more
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Vintage Hondo H100 Guitar Needs Strings

Vintage Hondo H100 Guitar Needs Strings

Warren, Ohio, 444**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

A little dusty and needs strong work but pretty good otherwise. It was at an estate sale. I really don??t know much about guitars to answer questions
... more
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VINTAGE HARMONY PARLOR ACOUSTIC GUITAR H5422 with SLEEVE CASE

VINTAGE HARMONY PARLOR ACOUSTIC GUITAR H5422 with SLEEVE CASE

North Haven, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$230

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A FEW USED GUITARS AT A COLLECTIBLES MARKET. I WILL BE SELLING EACH GUITAR INDIVIDUALLY, SO PLEASE TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS. I AM NOT CERTAIN OF THE EXACT AGE OF THIS GUITAR. AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS GUITAR HAS WEAR, AND NEEDS TO BE RESTRINGED. I AM SELLING IT AS IS TO BE FIXED UP. THIS MEASURES ABOUT 36 INCHES LONG
I AM NOT AN EXPERT WHEN IT COMES TO MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, SO WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET. AGAIN, I AM SELLING THIS AS IS AND EXACTLY AS I ... more
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39" Beautiful Guitar need some T L C

39" Beautiful Guitar need some T L C

Strathmore, California, 932**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

This 39-inch acoustic guitar is a vintage beauty that deserves some tender loving care. It features a flat top soundboard style and a 6 string configuration suitable for children. The brand is unknown but its quality speaks for itself
The guitar is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage musical instruments. Its body type is specifically designed for children, making it an excellent gift for young aspiring musicians. Strum the strings and be amazed at the harmonious sound it ... more
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Fender 1952 Dual Pro Steel -Walnut 2 x 8 strings, Lollar rewinds, rebuilt tuners

Fender 1952 Dual Pro Steel -Walnut 2 x 8 strings, Lollar rewinds, rebuilt tuners

Atascadero, California, 934**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2240

Fender- 1952 Dual Pro. Walnut, 2 x 8 string necks. Non-pedal steel guitar
Tuners on the inside neck have been professionally restored with new gears, and original buttons were magically re-installed; (Steel Guitars of North County). This is an unseen fix for a common gear slipping failure in the stock soldered tuners. That won't happen again
The outside neck has the original key head, in very good condition. Both trapezoid pickups were rewound and rebuilt by ... more
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Vintage Regal F HOLE ARCHTOP Acoustic Parlor Guitar

Vintage Regal F HOLE ARCHTOP Acoustic Parlor Guitar

San Pedro, California, 907**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

Vintage Regal F HOLE ARCHTOP Acoustic Parlor Guitar26802GSXSX
the action is high. thee are a lot of scratches all around as you can see. but it plays and has a like a dobro sound to it. needs a little work and strings.
sold as is no returns... more
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Vintage Teisco Checkmate 10 1960s Solid State Guitar Amplifier  Amp.

Vintage Teisco Checkmate 10 1960s Solid State Guitar Amplifier Amp.

London, Ohio, 431**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$70

This vintage Teisco Checkmate 10 guitar amplifier from the 1960s is a must-have for any collector or musician. Made in Japan, this solid-state amp produces a unique and distinct sound that's perfect for both practice and performances. It's in great working condition and has been well-maintained over the years
Featuring the iconic Teisco logo and a sleek design, this amp is a true gem for any vintage instrument enthusiast. With its 10-watt output and single 8-inch speaker, it's ideal for ... more
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Vintage Old Kraftsman Parlor Guitar

Vintage Old Kraftsman Parlor Guitar

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$358

Old Kraftsman parlour guitar built in 1946! Has the rare cowboys playing music around the firepit stencil. The finish is in really good condition for its age. Has a few scuffs and scrapes, but nothing too bad. It also has a very small crack in the back that has been expertly repaired. Action is great and it plays like a dream.
... more
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Vintage Rare Lifton Ludwig Archtop Guitar Case

Vintage Rare Lifton Ludwig Archtop Guitar Case

Chattanooga, Tennessee, 374**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$399

Vintage Rare Lifton Ludwig Archtop Guitar Case
Condition: Good
Brown Pattern, 4 Latch, 16 5" lower bout, 22" body length. 41" overall length. Handle of case shows significant wear, along with several areas around the bottom perimeter of the case. Overall the case is in good condition and the latches all function, however the latch operation is a little tight on some of the latches, requiring the case lid to be lined up manually before latching. No key is included for the locking ... more
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Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 2 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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millie Comment left 28th June 2013 13:01:11 reply
I have a guitar that I would really like to have identified. It is hollow body, 3pu, and has no label or serial number that I can find. It's a gorgeous sunburst (I think, cherry?) and I can't find any pictures of any guitar that looks just like it. Please help!
vintage guitar and bass Comment left 12th January 2017 18:06:03 reply
Hi Millie, post as many images as you can in the 'other guitars' section of the forum - I'm sure someone will be able to identify it for you

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

1961 Hohner Zambesi

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

1963 Vox Super Ace

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

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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