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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1972)

Heart And Soul

Gibson Electric Guitars

Gibson advert for SUperhumbucking pickups featuring an SG solid-body guitar

Gibson discovered the original secret of the Humbucking Pickup. Imitations and similar operations sprang up everywhere ... but next to Gibson it was all hearsay. Now Gibson has picked up two more secrets... New Super Humbucking Pickups. They're super sensitive to capture every breath of music you create. With so much sustain that your sound will stand up and stay up longer than ever. Gibson's new breakthrough isn't just two pickups with the same design. It's two different pickups for two different functions. The Super Humbucking Rhythm Pickup delivers the heart of the sound. With clean, sharp response that cuts through all the competition. The Lead Pickup breathes some extra soul into the body, and delivers a strong fundamental sound... with just enough dirt added to make it interesting. And while the New Super Humbucking Pickups bring out all the real you, they reject all the rest... because they're non-microphonic. There's no hum. No unwanted noise. And they won't talk back when you hit them with your pick. You'll probably see a lot of unnatural artificial substitutes again. But when it comes down to the heart and soul of the matter... Gibson Super Humbucking Pickups are a cut above all the rest.

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    Gibson advertisement (1972) Heart And Soul

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    Gibson Electric

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    Gibson L6 Electric Guitar 1974  /  1975 -  Relic Vintage USA -  Natural finish

    Gibson L6 Electric Guitar 1974 / 1975 - Relic Vintage USA - Natural finish

    Hoodsport, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $995

    Gibson L6 Electric Guitar - Natural Finish - USA Relic Vintage1974 / 1975 Serial 555279
    This was one of my husband's guitars. Good condition with some wear marks and nicks Got photos the best I could. Will try to answer questions if I can, but unfortunately, I know little to none about guitars. He has quite a few Gibsons and Fenders that I will be slowly selling throughout the next few months.
    Case NOT included. (Please note I do have another listing for a case)
    ... more
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    Gibson S1 Electric Guitar 1976 Natural wood - USA - Relic Vintage

    Gibson S1 Electric Guitar 1976 Natural wood - USA - Relic Vintage

    Hoodsport, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $995


    Gibson Challenger Electric Guitar S1 - 1976
    Relic Vintage USA - Natural Wood Finish - Serial 00176373
    Finish has a bit of wear and a few nicks / chips. Got photos the best I could. Will try to answer questions if I can, but unfortunately, I know little to none about guitars. Husband had quite a few Gibsons and Fenders that I will be slowly selling throughout the next few months.
    Case NOT included. ( Please note that I do have another listing for a case )... more
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    Gibson Challenger Electric Guitar 1984 Relic Vintage USA Beautiful Light Yellow

    Gibson Challenger Electric Guitar 1984 Relic Vintage USA Beautiful Light Yellow

    Hoodsport, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $645


    Gibson Challenger Electric Guitar 1984Relic Vintage USA - Beautiful Light Yellow color - Serial 81574593
    This was one of my husband's guitars. Good condition. Finish has a bit of checking and a few nicks / scratches. Got photos the best I could. Will try to answer questions if I can, but unfortunately, I know little to none about guitars. He has quite a few Gibsons and Fenders that I will be slowly selling throughout the next few months.
    Case NOT included. ( Please note... more
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    Gibson S1 USA Electric Guitar 1975  /  1976 - Sunburst -Vintage Relic with case

    Gibson S1 USA Electric Guitar 1975 / 1976 - Sunburst -Vintage Relic with case

    Hoodsport, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1395

    Gibson S-1 - USA VintageBeautiful Sunburst finish - 1975 or 1976 not sure, based on Gibson online serial number lookup
    Includes case
    Serial Number 552716
    This was one of my husband's guitars. Definitely, there are some nicks and marks I tried to get photos the best I could. Case also shows signs of wear. I will try to answer questions the best I can, but unfortunately, I know little to none about guitars. He has quite a few Gibsons and Fenders that I will be slowly selling ... more
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    VINTAGE KAY ELECTRIC GUITAR GIBSON SG COPY JAPAN  L@@K

    VINTAGE KAY ELECTRIC GUITAR GIBSON SG COPY JAPAN L@@K

    Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania, 184**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $150

    THE NECK IS STRAIGHT WITH MINIMAL FRET WEAR THE BODY HAS SOME LIGHT GENERAL WEAR . THE CONTROLS ALL WORKED, THE SELECTOR SWITCH WAS CUTTING IN AND OUT AT FIRST , SHOULD BE CLEANED. THANKS FOR LOOKING AND GOOD LUCK BIDDING.... more
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    1962 Gibson ES-140T 3 / 4 Electric Guitar with OHSC. Unusually Great Condition.

    1962 Gibson ES-140T 3 / 4 Electric Guitar with OHSC. Unusually Great Condition.

    Columbia, Maryland, 210**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3250

    Open for bidding is this 1962 Gibson ES-140t. Condition is just like new with the original hard shell case. Finish condition is excellent with few, if any, finish cracks. Case shows minimal wear and has been well maintained.... more
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    EXCELLENT ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1973 GIBSON L-5S L5S CUSTOM ELECTRIC GUITAR!!!

    EXCELLENT ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1973 GIBSON L-5S L5S CUSTOM ELECTRIC GUITAR!!!

    Seymour, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4999

    This auction is for an original vintage made in USA in 1973 Gibson L-5S L5S Custom solid body electric guitar. This vintage beauty is used, but only shows some light signs of use and wear here and there and some gold finish wore off in some spots on some metal parts as you can see from this photos, but nothing major and is in excellent cosmetic and perfect structural condition with no problems or issues. The neck is perfect and the truss rod is working and there is almost no wear on the frets ... more
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    Ganson Electric Guitar 1970??s Pre Gibson Lawsuit Les Paul Starburst Replica

    Ganson Electric Guitar 1970??s Pre Gibson Lawsuit Les Paul Starburst Replica

    Lake Zurich, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1800

    The back side has two chunks of the border inlay chipped off and is cracked all the way around--but it is still beautiful and on both sides of body. See pictures, more available.
    Tested at local music store, plays GREAT. Going to deoxit the pots, there might be a loose tuning peg but seriously--this is about ready to rock.
    Gibson copy produced by the Kasuga factory in Japan in the 1970's.
    The factory produced countless Fender and Gibson style models. They focused on quality and ... more
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    mandolin Gibson 1965 ready to play electric by factory EM150 all orginal

    mandolin Gibson 1965 ready to play electric by factory EM150 all orginal

    Topeka, Kansas, 666**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2000

    gibson mandolin 1965 electric by factory EM150 all orginal. Completely reconditioned by Shawn Ward been doing repair and luthier for over 30 years comes with one year guarantee new strings and orginal chip board case. Made in Kalamazoo Michigan in 1965. One little finish blemish on back side where neck and body meet at the heel. This is the nicest 58 year old mandolin I have seen been in music business since 1967
    ... more
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    Vintage Cherry 1965 Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

    Vintage Cherry 1965 Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

    Elmira, New York, 149**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4000

    Up for auction I am offering this Vintage 1965 Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar.
    Please email me with questions before you bid. All sales are final. All transactions must be completed within 3 days.
    I will ship within 2 business days of receiving payment. Shipping is to the lower 48 United States. Shipping is via USPS
    Thanks for looking!... more
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    Gibson Marauder Electric Guitar - Walnut - Vintage USA Early 1970s? Beautiful!!

    Gibson Marauder Electric Guitar - Walnut - Vintage USA Early 1970's? Beautiful!!

    Hoodsport, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $995

    Gibson Marauder - Walnut - Vintage Made in USA - Serial 250559 -Per the Gibson Serial Number Lookup site online, shows that the guitar is 1973 - 1975
    This was one of my husband's guitars. Very nice condition with very few nicks or marks that I tried to get photos the best I could. Will try to answer questions if I can, but unfortunately, I know little to none about guitars. He has quite a few Gibsons and Fenders that I will be slowly selling throughout the next few months. Case NOT ... more
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    Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe Electric Guitar  1983 - Vintage USA - Beautiful Teal

    Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe Electric Guitar 1983 - Vintage USA - Beautiful Teal

    Hoodsport, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $745


    Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe Electric Guitar 1983 - Vintage USA - Absolutely Beautiful Teal
    Serial 80403520
    This was one of my husband's guitars. Very nice condition with very few nicks or marks that I tried to get photos the best I could. Will try to answer questions if I can, but unfortunately, I know little to none about guitars. He has quite a few Gibsons and Fenders that I will be slowly selling throughout the next few months. Case NOT included. ( Please note that I do have ... more
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    Gibson Challenger Electric Guitar  1983 Relic Vintage USA Beautiful Yellow Green

    Gibson Challenger Electric Guitar 1983 Relic Vintage USA Beautiful Yellow Green

    Hoodsport, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $645

    Gibson Challenger Electric Guitar 1983Relic Vintage USA - Beautiful Light Yellow / Green color - Serial 80413600
    This was one of my husband's guitars. Good condition. Finish has a bit of checking and a few nicks / scratches. Got photos the best I could. Will try to answer questions if I can, but unfortunately, I know little to none about guitars. He has quite a few Gibsons and Fenders that I will be slowly selling throughout the next few months.
    Case NOT included. ( Please ... more
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    1958 Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway TV Yellow Electric Guitar

    1958 Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway TV Yellow Electric Guitar

    Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $14995

    This is a 4 digit serial number Gibson Les Paul Double Cut in TV Yellow. The heel has been professionally repaired (common among older Double Cuts). It has had a fret job. Original TV yellow finish. One marker dot has been replaced. The guitar plays great up and down the neck. Minimal fret buzz on the upper registries. Original pickups, one pot has been replaced If you're local to the SF Bay Area, feel free to stop by the shop and check it out in person!
    Layaway plans are also available. ... more
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    Gibson Standard 1961 Left Handed Electric Guitar

    Gibson Standard 1961 Left Handed Electric Guitar

    Detroit, Michigan, 482**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1475

    Used once . It??s been set up with Thomostak guitars strings . It was a gift , and used it for one song . It??s like new . Comes with case . Plays and sounds excellent . Original box .Any questions , please ask . Sold as is .
    ... more
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    1959 Gibson ES 175D Natual Electric Guitar 1 of 37 Cleanest one ever

    1959 Gibson ES 175D Natual Electric Guitar 1 of 37 Cleanest one ever

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

    $37799

    1959 Gibson ES 175D Natural Holy Grail PAF??s Gibson hang tag (shown in pic). This one is the cleanest one I ever saw and judging by the two for sale on now by reputable dealers both asking about $40, 000 for a ??good condition?? one not nearly as clean or all original or barely played at all like this one. This is one of 37 natural ES175D sold in 1959
    Yes, the ??other?? Holy Grail 1959 Gibson in this condition is about $500, 000 00 now and climbing.
    SHIPPING CHARGES INCLUDE INSURANCE ... more
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    1966 Gibson ES-330 TDC Cherry Vintage Electric Guitar Excellent w / Pro setup OHSC

    1966 Gibson ES-330 TDC Cherry Vintage Electric Guitar Excellent w / Pro setup OHSC

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

    $5825

    1966 Gibson ES-330 TDC Cherry Vintage Electric Guitar Excellent condition straight neck & very low playing time on this one. She sports a pro setup with low action. The Original Hard Shell Case well worth $500 on its own. Excellent Condition and new strings 10's. In this condition they are rare as this is one of 1151 Cherry ES-330 TDC's produced in 1966. The serial number is 887311. The neck joint at the 16th fret confirms she was born in 1966. Polished , neck lemon oiled, new set of ... more
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    1967 Gibson ES-335 TD Vintage Electric Guitar

    1967 Gibson ES-335 TD Vintage Electric Guitar

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

    $10400

    1967 Gibson ES-335, Tobacco Sunburst, Rosewood fingerboardwith block inlays, Kluson tuners, Pat number sticker humbuckers, Trapezetailpiece, Low action, Lively instrument, EC, Original hard case
    ... more
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    RARE 1958 Epiphone Gibson-Made Zephyr Regent Thinline E312T Electric - New York

    RARE 1958 Epiphone Gibson-Made Zephyr Regent Thinline E312T Electric - New York

    Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4400


    1958 Epiphone E312T Zephyr Thinline w Original Case!
    Here is a very rare and early Gibson-made Epiphone Zephyr Thinline from 1958. This is one of the first Epiphone's made by Gibson. Epiphone was acquired in mid-1957 by CMI Gibson and in the next year or so they began taking orders for the new models at the 1958 NAMM show. This guitar was made in 1958. It features mostly Epiphone parts including the New York pickups, white pointer (carousel) knobs, bikini logo The neck and body are the ... more
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    Gibson S1 electric guitar, American made 1978

    Gibson S1 electric guitar, American made 1978

    Phoenix, Arizona, 850**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2000

    This vintage 1978 Gibson S1 electric guitar *MADE IN AMERICA* is a true gem for any guitar enthusiast. This guitar is unmodified - not even the wood finish has been redone! Made in the United States in 1978, it has the original beautiful natural wood finish body color and solid body type. The brand Gibson speaks for itself when it comes to quality and this S1 model is no exception. The guitar falls into the categories of electric guitars, guitars & basses, and musical instruments & ... more
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    Find more Gibson Electric 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.