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VOX | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Vox advertisement (1967)

Storm On - To New Sounds

Vox Amplifiers

Advertisement likening the (then) new Vox solid state amplifiers to a thunder storm.

"Get sound and see imagery happening with Vox"

Likens Vox solid state amps to a thunder storm

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    Vox advertisement (1967) Storm On - To New Sounds

    Other related vintage advertisements

    Vox Amplifiers - VOX: Sound of the Longhairs (Beatles)
    Vox Amplifiers - VOX: Sound of the Longhairs (Beatles)
    When Beatles manager Brian Epstein made a deal with Vox to use their amplifiers exclusively, neither he nor Vox knew how big the band would become, and what an impact they would have on the music s...
    Vox Amplifiers - Vox: It
    Vox Amplifiers - Vox: It's What's Happening (Paul Revere and the Raiders)
    Another advert in the 'Vox: it's what's happening series' from 1966-67, this time featuring Paul Revere and the Raiders. Others in the series feature the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
    Vox Amplifiers - Vox: It
    Vox Amplifiers - Vox: It's What's Happening to... SCENE '67
    Mid sixties Vox amplifier advertisement placed by JMI in the UK in late 1966. It features Mick Jagger, frontman of the Rolling Stones. The big sounds of '67 are already in the air - created by VOX ...
    Vox Amplifiers - Thinking About an Amplifier?
    Vox Amplifiers - Thinking About an Amplifier?
    1966 British advertisement for Vox amplifiers featuring the new Vox semi-acoustic teardrop electric guitar, the Spitfire Mark VI
    Vox Amplifiers - Vox; It
    Vox Amplifiers - Vox; It's Whats Happening
    By the time this vox ad had been printed the Beatles image was very different to the suits shown here - rather ironic considering the advert title...

    Paul McCartney is playing his trademark...
    Vox Amplifiers - Frankfurt Fair
    Vox Amplifiers - Frankfurt Fair
    Two page advertisement advertising Voxs presence at the Frankfurt music fair of 1969
    Vox Amplifiers - The Guvnors. Solid-State Bricks in a Wild Wall of Sound
    Vox Amplifiers - The Guvnors. Solid-State Bricks in a Wild Wall of Sound
    It's the Guv'nors.The six-strong sound magnifying mob that turn sounds into moods and bass lines into throbbing space. What's new? In a word-transistorisation. The solid-state cramming that gives I...

    2025 Vintage Guitar price guide 2025 Vintage Guitar price guide

    Need the value of your guitar? The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2025 is out now: Amazon


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    Vox

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    1960s Vox AC30 / 4 - Full Restoration - Vintage VOX Guitar Amp AC30 / 4

    1960s Vox AC30 / 4 - Full Restoration - Vintage VOX Guitar Amp AC30 / 4

    Owego, New York, 138**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $9999

    This has undergone a full restoration. 1960 / 1961 Vox AC 30 / 4 Fawn
    The body has some discoloration or blemishes, but the speakers are beautiful and together with the amp sound beautiful
    I can send more pictures, just couldn't fit all on here
    This will ship insured. Shipping cost is to cover weight and insurance and ensure it gets to you safely
    You can also pick this up in our local showroom in Owego, NY
    ... more
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    Vox AC-30 / 4 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo 1960 - 1961 - Red

    Vox AC-30 / 4 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo 1960 - 1961 - Red

    Owego, New York, 138**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $9999

    This 1960 / 61 Vox AC30 / 4 with red finish was restored in England, it has been given new handles (plastic) as the original leather handles had disintegrated. It is the original cabinet
    There are pictures of pre restoration that I would be happy to share with you as well
    Local pickup in our Owego, NY showroom is preferred
    ... more
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    Vox AC2 1x8" Combo 1961 - Fawn

    Vox AC2 1x8" Combo 1961 - Fawn

    Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $6499

    Here we have a vintage 1961 Vox AC2 combo guitar amplifier! This features an 8" Goodmans speaker, dual inputs, two piece back, pink control plate, fawn covering and diamond grill cloth. It has volume, speed and on / off / tone controls. The amp is in good condition save for the grill cloth damage on the lower front. It's been converted to 120v and has a Mercury Magnetics power transformer. It has a modern 3 prong power cable as well as a hard-wired footswitch. There is a baffle hanging between ... more
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    1964 Vox AC50 / 4 Mk II Early Big Box, Original trolly, Foundation cab And Cover

    1964 Vox AC50 / 4 Mk II Early Big Box, Original trolly, Foundation cab And Cover

    Sacramento, California, 958**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4572

    For sale is a rare 1964 Vox AC50 / 4 Mk II amplifier in excellent working condition. This vintage piece comes with its original trolly, foundation cab, and cover. It has been well-maintained and has a warm, rich tone that is perfect for any guitar enthusiast. The exact year of production is 1964, and it has been a highly sought-after item for collectors and musicians alike. Whether you are a professional musician or a collector, this amplifier is a must-have addition to your collection

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    VOX MARK VI WITH MINT CASE Electric Teardrop Guitar 1960s SUPER NICE! ITALY!

    VOX MARK VI WITH MINT CASE Electric Teardrop Guitar 1960's SUPER NICE! ITALY!

    Bellport, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4200


    VOX MARK VI ITALY SUPER CLEAN WITH CASE!!!! I have owned the guitar for over 15 years, I'm the 3rd owner. The neck is in "10" condition, absolutely amazing, no marks at all! The body has normal veneer cracking due to age. It comes with the ORIGINAL CASE! Comfortable to play, and seems to have a distinct Beatles round tone that comes through. One of the finest guitars I've ever owned. It isn't going away cheap, because you'll never find one as clean as this. The serial... more
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    Vintage 1960s Vox Mark XII 12-String Electric Guitar Owned by Steve Earle

    Vintage 1960's Vox Mark XII 12-String Electric Guitar Owned by Steve Earle

    Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3999

    This listing is for a
    Vintage 1960's Vox Mark XII 12-String Electric Guitar Owned / Played by Steve Earle
    Italian made Vox from the mid 60's, it was owned and played by one of my favorite artists: Steve Earle!
    This 12 string guitar features a teardrop shape, 3 tone sunburst and 3 single coil pickups
    Steve used this on El Corazon (my 2nd favorite Steve Earle record) and whenever he used an electric 12 string on a record or play live
    The guitar has finish checking through out as ... more
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    1962 VOX JMI AC-4 Fawn 1x8" Vintage Guitar Combo Amplifier w / FTSW

    1962 VOX JMI AC-4 Fawn 1x8" Vintage Guitar Combo Amplifier w / FTSW

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

    $3995

    This Is Located At Our Brick'n'Mortar Store In San Diego, CA
    1962 VOX AC-4 In Fawn
    In Very Good Overall Condition - Please See All Photos
    Tested And Functions As Intended
    Original 8" Speaker
    Original Footswitch
    Grounded Power Cable
    Replacement Power Transformer - US 115v - No Need For A Step-Up Transformer
    Please See Gut Shots Of The Circuit
    The 1962 Vox AC-4 in Fawn is a compact, all-tube combo amp delivering 4 watts through an 8" speaker. Housed in its... more
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    ? For Sale: Late 1960s Vox Delta IV Bass ?? Phantom Cool, Italian Craft, and Cla

    ? For Sale: Late 1960s Vox Delta IV Bass ?? Phantom Cool, Italian Craft, and Cla

    Danbury, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3495

    ? For Sale: Late 1960s Vox Delta IV Bass ?? Phantom Cool, Italian Craft, and Classic Mojo ?
    Own a rare piece of electric bass history with this late '60s Vox Delta IV Bass, in excellent condition. This striking instrument sports the iconic Phantom body shape, making it a head-turner on stage or in any collection
    ?? Features:
    Four-string solid-body bass with classic Phantom design
    Built-in G tuner, distortion booster, treble and bass boosters
    Fast-playing neck with Vox??s ... more
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    JMI 15 Amplifier - Boutique Reproduction of Vintage Vox AC-15

    JMI 15 Amplifier - Boutique Reproduction of Vintage Vox AC-15

    Tualatin, Oregon, 970**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3195

    This is a JMI reproduction of the 1961 / 62 AC-15. It was made around 2005 and sounds amazing and was licensed to be manufactured to the old 1961 specs. These were built for only a short time in the mid 2000's
    Manufacturers description:
    JMI AC15 Single Alnico Blue Combo Amplifier
    This is a detailed replica of the original 1961 / 62 JMI 15 15-watt combo. The cabinet design uses the classic brown grille cloth, fawn tolex covering, leather strap handle and one 12?? Alnico Blue speaker ... more
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    Vox Phantom XII 12 String Guitar - 1966- Black Led Zeppelin

    Vox Phantom XII 12 String Guitar - 1966- Black Led Zeppelin

    Kaufman, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3000

    Very good condition, missing the tremolo arm, comes with original case and a Led Zeppelin Leather Strap
    ... more
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    Vox Mark XII Acoustic 1966 - Sunburst 12-String Electric Guitar

    Vox Mark XII Acoustic 1966 - Sunburst 12-String Electric Guitar

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

    $3000

    For sale is a Vox Mark XII Acoustic 1966 - Sunburst 12-String Electric Guitar in Good Condition!
    Case: Chipboard Missing handle
    Scale Length: 25??
    Nut Width: 1 84??
    Frets Remaining: 7 / 10
    Action at 12F (6th): 5 / 64??
    Action at 12F (1st): 4 / 64??
    Weight: 7lbs 0oz
    Overall Condition: 7 2 / 10
    Internal Use (Bin) - Q4
    ... more
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    Vintage Vox Phantom Bass IV 1966 - Black Made in Italy Brian Jonestown BJM style

    Vintage Vox Phantom Bass IV 1966 - Black Made in Italy Brian Jonestown BJM style

    Santa Barbara, California, 931**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2999

    A stunning vintage bass; very, very, very hard to find.
    Plays and sounds AMAZING!
    See photos for details
    Please see my other listings for more musical instruments!
    All guitars / basses may ship with neck removed from body (and may not include strings for this reason), please bid accordingly
    ... more
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    Vox 60s Vintage Mark VI Teardrop Style Guitar - (Used)

    Vox 60's Vintage Mark VI Teardrop Style Guitar - (Used)

    Kokomo, Indiana, 469**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2800

    This vintage 60's Vox guitar is in good condition for it's age. There are several finish imperfections including a missing chip that is about 1 / 4 inch (see pictures). Pick marks and normal wear is evident from general use. The vibrato arm is included but is missing a spring and the fastening hardware. The guitar has been set up in our shop with new strings. The action is set to play fast and easy. The intonation is true up and down the neck. The truss rod functions properly. There is minimal ... more
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    1965 Vox 2x12 Cabinet And Trolly Original

    1965 Vox 2x12 Cabinet And Trolly Original

    Washington, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2795

    1965 Vox 2x12 Cabinet And Trolly original not reissue. Has the vox desirable bull dog speakers original and is 100% original. One part of the metal frame was repaired good Job you can hardly tell
    ... more
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    1965-67 Vintage Vox AC50 Super Twin 212 Cabinet Cab w /  Fane 122 / 17 Speaker &horn

    1965-67 Vintage Vox AC50 Super Twin 212 Cabinet Cab w / Fane 122 / 17 Speaker &horn

    Dallas, Texas, 752**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2794

    Please check out my listings for more gears including some from Steve Vai??s personal collection
    ­­­For your consideration is a rare Vox AC50 super twin 2X12 cabinet. The big brotherof the Vox AC30, the Vox AC50 was designed with one thing in mind ?? to be heardover the screaming fans of John, Paul, George and Ringo at the height ofBeatlemania. Many photographs of the Beatles show the AC50 on stage.
    This cab is a post-1965 ??large box??model with two 15ohm Fane 122 / 17 speakers, a ... more
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    Vintage 1966 Vox Phantom IV Electric Bass Guitar w /  Case

    Vintage 1966 Vox Phantom IV Electric Bass Guitar w / Case

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2499

    - Very Good Overall Condition, 100% Fully Functional- Neck is straight, not bowed or twisted- Tuners are not original - closeup photos provided- There is a small crack in the clear coat finish on the headstock- Two tiny pieces of the white pickguard / faceplate has cracked off right at each screw near the neck. Closeup photos provided. - There are a few minor cosmetic nicks- Case included- See photos
    OUR GUARANTEE:
    We offer a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not pleased with this ... more
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    1965 Vox AC50 / 4 Mk III Vintage Tube Amp Head Gray Panel JMI UK, AC50

    1965 Vox AC50 / 4 Mk III Vintage Tube Amp Head Gray Panel JMI UK, AC50

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

    $2300

    Up for sale, a 1965 Vox AC50 / 4 Mk III vintage tube amp head in excellent condition and in perfect working order, freshly serviced with an extremely original circuit. This UK-made JMI AC50 is a real powerhouse, and the dual EL34 design has plenty of British sizzle and chime, with big, bold overdrive when diming it out, and tight, punchy low end thanks to the diode rectification. The amp pairs exceedingly well with all manner of guitars for iconic British Invasion-worthy tonalities
    The ... more
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    1965 Vox V3 / 103 All-Tube Cambridge Reverb Guitar Amplifier w / Original Footswitch

    1965 Vox V3 / 103 All-Tube Cambridge Reverb Guitar Amplifier w / Original Footswitch

    Reno, Nevada, 895**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2195

    These vintage 1st edition silverface amplifiers are getting harder to come by in all original condition. This one has original 10" Gold Dog Oxford speaker (reconed) and transformers. Works great. Works great! Last serviced by amp guru Skip Simmons
    Features tube 2xEL84 cathode-biased output, tube reverb and tremolo, as well as original footswitch (hard to find). Rated at 17 watts, but I would say it's about as loud as an AC10 or a Princeton Reverb
    Fixed Insured S&H to Cont. USA lower ... more
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    Vintage late 1960s Vox Buckingham w / trolley & matching 2x12 cab, great condition

    Vintage late 1960s Vox Buckingham w / trolley & matching 2x12 cab, great condition

    North Bend, Washington, 980**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2000

    Up for your consideration is a late 1960s Vox Buckingham (model V1123) in great condition This amp has been serviced and is fully functioning. All resistors and capacitors in the power supply / amp have been replaced. The electrolytic capacitors have been replaced in the preamp
    Also during the servicing, new reverb tank grommets replaced the dried / missing originals. Also, new power cable clamps were installed replacing the old, cracked originals. Don't forget new rear panel screws / ... more
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    1966 VOX BERKELEY SUPER TWIN REVERB TUBE AMPLIFIER  !!

    1966 VOX BERKELEY SUPER TWIN REVERB TUBE AMPLIFIER !!

    Fair Lawn, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2000

    For sale / auction is an original 1966 VOX BERKELEY 2 SUPER TWIN REVERB all tube amplifier. it has the original 2 10" VOX BULLDOG speakers which are in great condition. I have just had the head serviced by FUCHS AUDIO TECHNOLOGY so its really sounding sweet. I have kept the replaced parts in case you want them. The power is 18 W but it is still very powerful, believe me!! when you crank it, the natural overdrive kicks in and it has a beautiful growl to it. Back off the volume a little and it ... more
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    Find more Vox at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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    1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

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    1973 Shaftesbury 3400

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    1971 Epiphone 1802T

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    1971 Shaftesbury 3400

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    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

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    A World of Guitars by Rosetti - 1971

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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

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    1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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    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