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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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    1950 Gibson ES-350 Sunburst Vintage Hollow Body Electric Guitar RARE FIND

    1950 Gibson ES-350 Sunburst Vintage Hollow Body Electric Guitar RARE FIND

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

    $7950

    1950 Gibson ES-350 Sunburst Vintage Hollow Body Electric Guitar RARE FIND

    Made for less than a decade, the Gibson ES-350 electric guitar was designed and released in '47 as version of the ES-300 archtop with cutaways. During the first year of production, the ES-350 had only one P-90 and sported a trapeze taipiece, but the ES-350 underwent a few changes: in 1948, another P-90 was added, which is the version we have here today.

    Year - 1950 (only 54 units were made and ... more
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    1980 Vintage GIBSON Les Paul Custom Sunburst Electric Guitar, Original Condition

    1980 Vintage GIBSON Les Paul Custom Sunburst Electric Guitar, Original Condition

    Cumberland, Rhode Island, 028**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1025




    1980 Vintage GIBSON Les Paul Custom Sunburst Electric Guitar, Original Condition

    ???? We realize buying a musical instrument like this vintage Gibson Les Paul Guitar without holding it in your hands is very difficult. We are not musical instrument dealers, nor do any of us play. That??s why we give a 100% unconditional money back guarantee that the high bidder will be totally satisfied with the quality, condition, age, authenticity as well as the sound and our ... more
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    Gibson EB-3 FRETLESS Bass Guitar Electric Vintage Rare 60??s / 70??s SG Fret Less

    Gibson EB-3 FRETLESS Bass Guitar Electric Vintage Rare 60??s / 70??s SG Fret Less

    Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1799

    Wow look at this beast. Fretless monster from I think the 70??s. Not sure if it was made into a fretless, or if that??s stock. Either way. Its such a cool bass.

    -11 pounder
    -nics and dents everywhere, wear here and there. Belt rash
    -extra hole from a once moved strap peg

    Ive had this for a few years. Im just not a fretless player, but I always dug this thing. Was in this condition when I originally purchased it. Pots look original

    Switch #4 and #1 light ... more
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    1960s KALAMAZOO / GIBSON KG2A ELECTRIC GUITAR

    1960s KALAMAZOO / GIBSON KG2A ELECTRIC GUITAR

    Lawrenceville, Illinois, 624**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $295

    For parts or restoration mid 1960s KALAMAZOO GUITAR Neck body tuners. .what you see is what you get no more Great for a project shipping 85 00 neck will be removed for shipping .sold as is for restoration or parts with a no return policy... more
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    EPIPHONE by GIBSON ELECTRIC GUITAR, WHITE STRATOCASTER,  VINTAGE 1970-1990

    EPIPHONE by GIBSON ELECTRIC GUITAR, WHITE STRATOCASTER, VINTAGE 1970-1990

    Mira Loma, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $50

    The EPIPHONE by Gibson Electric Guitar is a vintage piece from the 1970s, featuring a classic white Stratocaster design. With its iconic brand, model year, and body color, this instrument is perfect for musicians looking to add a piece of musical history to their collection. The comfortable yet distinctive design of the Stratocaster makes it a versatile and stylish choice for any guitarist.... more
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    1978 Gibson ES 175D Natual Electric Guitar. Cleanest one ever,  pro setup.

    1978 Gibson ES 175D Natual Electric Guitar. Cleanest one ever, pro setup.

    Walnut Creek, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $8700

    Super clean, mint condition, crafted with precision, hard case included, the 1978 Gibson ES 175D Natural Electric Guitar stands as a testament to classic craftsmanship and enduring quality. Its elegant natural finish highlights the guitar's timeless design, complemented by the distinctive Gibson ES series features. This six-string marvel is an embodiment of the rich heritage and skilled artisanship Gibson is renowned for The ES 175D model boasts a sleek body color that allows for unrestricted ... 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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    Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

    Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

    Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4695



    Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

    Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
    Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar with a Cherry Sunburst Finish! This guitar has the tone and playability you would expect from a Les Paul Custom. Plugged in, this axe has some really nice meaty growls and great vintage overtones! Really shimmery highs that don??t get harsh. It plays great, has a comfy neck and a quick ... more
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    Haunted Gibson USA ? 76 L6-S Electric Guitar with Original Case

    Haunted Gibson USA ? '76 L6-S Electric Guitar with Original Case

    Toms River, New Jersey, 087**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2400

    Haunted Gibson '76 L6-S Electric Guitar with Original Case.
    I am the 2nd owner of this guitar and it's beautiful. The first time I played it was strange .I own a bunch of guitars and have never experienced anything like it. It becomes part of your soul and the things you hear inbetween notes are like the guitar telling you what to play. It does this every time its played. It's a sad, beautiful soul. I feel like weird shit keeps happening so I've gotta cut ties here.
    There's a small ... more
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    1971 Gibson SG Flameburst Electric Guitar in case

    1971 Gibson SG Flameburst Electric Guitar in case

    Waldport, Oregon, 973**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2700

    Selling some of my personal guitars. This is a nice one.... more
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    Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

    Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

    Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4495



    Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

    Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
    Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar with a Cherry Sunburst Finish! This guitar has the tone and playability you would expect from a Les Paul. Plugged in, this axe has some really nice meaty growls and great overtones! Really shimmery highs that don??t get harsh. It plays great, has a comfy neck and a quick action. This ... more
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    Gibson LG1 vintage acoustic-electric guitar handcrafted in USA 1965-1966 w /  case

    Gibson LG1 vintage acoustic-electric guitar handcrafted in USA 1965-1966 w / case

    Lake Oswego, Oregon, 970**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2850

    Gibson LG1 vintage acoustic-electric guitar handcrafted in USA 1965-1966 with M1 sound hole pick up in excellent condition with nice hard case

    A 1965-1966 Gibson LG1 is a vintage, small-bodied, ladder-braced acoustic guitar with a distinctive sound. It features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck with a "C" shape. The scale length is 24 75 inches, and the nut width is typically 1 9 / 16 inches. These guitars often have a plastic bridge, a thick ... more
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    1950 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case

    1950 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case

    Harrisonville, Missouri, 647**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $6995

    1950 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case






    Description
    1950 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case
    This great 2 owner guitar guitar came in my store today and I just had to have it. This beauty was purchased new in Ojai, Califonia by a Mr. James Hollis, who was a country musician and ealry member of the California Old Time Fiddlers Asscoaition, District 8. Jim moved to Ventura, Ca. after ... more
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    Vintage! 1974 Gibson ES-335TD Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Walnut + Case

    Vintage! 1974 Gibson ES-335TD Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Walnut + Case

    Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4995



    Vintage! 1974 Gibson ES-335TD Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Walnut + Case

    Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
    Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1974 Gibson ES-335TD Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar with a Walnut Finish! Like the Les Paul, the ES-335 stands as one of Gibson's all-time most iconic models. The ES-335 is a semi-hollowbody guitar which means that it has a solid block of wood running through its center with hollow wings on either side. This construction style maintains ... more
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    Vintage! 1974 Gibson L6-S Natural Acoustic /  Electric Guitar + OHSC

    Vintage! 1974 Gibson L6-S Natural Acoustic / Electric Guitar + OHSC

    Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1995



    Vintage! 1974 Gibson L6-S Natural Acoustic / Electric Guitar + OHSC

    Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
    Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1974 Gibson L6-S Natural Electric Guitar! The all maple Gibson L6-S took its inspiration from the L series of hollow-bodies of Gibson's past. The idea was to offer a versatile yet affordable solid-body, which Gibson accomplished by including a six-way rotary pickup selector that gave both phase and series output settings for the pickups.... more
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    Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar

    Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar

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

    $2312

    Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar. Up for sale used Original Gibson .
    I do not know much about vintage guitars , but i took this guitar to the nearest Guitar center store and was told that is a 1966 Gibson Electric Bass( if someone thinks differently , please let me know).
    There are some scratches here and there ( please see the pictures)
    Comes without a original case. ( still in a nice soft case)
    Plays great.
    Original big fat Gibson pickup is super warm and sounds ... more
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    Epiphone by Gibson Firebird 500 Electric Guitar w Case Vintage Steinberger RARE

    Epiphone by Gibson Firebird 500 Electric Guitar w Case Vintage Steinberger RARE

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

    $1600

    Made in the 1980??s. Steinberger stock bridge. Sounds and plays so good! Straight neck. Fully functional. Slight cosmetic flaws, nothing major. Comes with case and paperwork. Has strap locks. This is a weird rarity few have ever had the chance to have their hands on. If you??re a collector I??d be surprised if you see one of these available for sale again

    Don't miss your chance to own!


    Items only come with case or accessories if pictured or listed in the ... more
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    Find more Gibson Electric at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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    1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

    1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass The Hagstrom Swede bass, or model HB 903, was only built in small numbers: just 1479 basses shipped between 1971 and 1976. Unlike the current range of Hagstrom guitars, the 1950s-1980s Hagstroms were built in Sweden. This example comes from 1973 and is pretty typical: translucent cherry finish, mahogany body, mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. It's a really nice bass, beautifully appointed with a very wide tonal range, and a great playing feel. It is relatively heavy though for a mahogany instrument, mostly due to its thick solid body. Very cool bass, and certainly one of the very best basses produced by Hagstrom.

    1973 Shaftesbury 3400

    1973 Shaftesbury 3400 This example of the Shaftesbury 3400 was produced by Japanese manufacturer Matsumoku who made some great quality guitars in the 1970s and 1980s. This is a slightly later example, and has some features not seen on earlier 3400s. Although nice guitars, these are not in the same league as the Gibson Les Paul it was emulating (no set neck, no carved maple top); but they are far better than many of the entry-level Les Paul copies available in the mid-1970s - for example the Shaftesbury 3400 has gold plated hardware, a solid body bound front and back, Maxon brand humbuckers and nice inlaid neck and headstock.

    1971 Epiphone 1802T

    1971 Epiphone 1802T The Epiphone 1802T was the early name given to the Epiphone ET-270 and derived from an existing Aria guitar, also the 1802T. This was the first of the 1970s Epiphone solid bodies made in Japan by Matsumoku.The model evolved somewhat over its short production run: the very earliest examples were very similar to the Aria, sharing the same body shape, hardware, and clear-coated neck with Fender-style headstock with decal logo. By the time it was designated the Epiphone ET-270 it had been upgraded with the classic Epiphone-style headstock, with nice inlaid logo, and Epiphone 'E' motifs on the truss rod cover and scratchplate. This example from 1971 is somewhere in between with the Epiphone-style headstock, but with silk-screened logo, and no 'E's.

    1971 Shaftesbury 3400

    1971 Shaftesbury 3400Shaftesbury was a brand distributed by Rose-Morris in the UK - generally imported guitars from Italy or Japan. This guitar, model 3400 was produced by Matsumoku in Japan, and was one of the earliest Les Paul copy guitars, debuting in the UK in 1969, although the same guitar was also sold as the Univox U1982 'Rhythm and Blues' by Merson in the USA as early as 1968. It was also available in different territories under different marques, most obviously the Aria 5522 (Japan), Jedson Jet 4444 (UK, Dallas Arbiter), with no doubt many more examples worldwide.

    1981 Gibson Victory MVX

    1981 Gibson Victory MV-XThe Gibson Victory MV-X, or Victory 'Multi-Voice' 10, was so-named because of the 10 distinct switch settings: although on first glance this guitar is very much a 'super-strat', with its three-pickup 5-way switch wiring configuration, the original advertising, sounds like... all of 'em underlines that this isn't just a Stratocaster copy, having the sounds of both Gibson humbuckers and Fender single coils available with a flick of a switch. The model was short-lived, with the first instruments shipping from Kalamazoo in Summer of 1981, and the last (excluding any stragglers) leaving Nashville by early 1982. This one was stamped on August 3rd 1981 in Kalamazoo.

    1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogue

    1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogScan of 1970 Epiphone guitar catalogue produced by Rosetti for the UK market. Undated but most likely from mid-late 1970, this was the first UK catalogue to show the new range of Japanese (Matsumoku) Epiphone guitars. Interestingly, these pages show the Epiphone solid bodies with a single-sided Fender-style headstock layout - a feature quickly replaced with a typical two-sided Epiphone headstock almost immediately. Epiphone electric guitars: 9520, 9525; bass guitars: 9521, 9526; acoustic guitars: 6730, 6830, 6834

    A World of Guitars by Rosetti - 1971

    1971 A World of Guitars by Rosetti catalogueScan of 1971 Rosetti catalogue (UK) featuring guitars from from numerous manufacturers worldwide: guitars by Epiphone, Hagstrom, Levin, Hoyer, Egmond, Eros, Moridaira, Kiso-Suzuki, Schaller, and Tatra.

    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 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