Vintage Guitars
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions
MARSHALL | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Marshall advertisement (1970)

Food For Thought. Vanilla Fudge. Grapefruit. The Toast.

Marshall Amplifiers

British advert for Marshall amplifiersIn case these names have escaped you we'll tell you they're where you should be. At the top. You might say you're as good and deserve to be there too. However you're not. If you are as good, the fault isn't yours. It's your equipment. The groups (like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Who, Jethro Tuil and Blodwyn Pig) all use Marshall amplifiers. Simply because Marshall is the best. It gives your sound what it deserves - fantastic volume and tone without the slightest distortion.

Lists some food related Marshall-endorsing rock bands: Vanilla Fudge, Grapefruit, and The Toast

More

    Marshall advertisement (1970) Food For Thought. Vanilla Fudge. Grapefruit. The Toast.

    Other related vintage advertisements

    Marshall Amplifiers - Beat Instrumental Polls 1966
    Marshall Amplifiers - Beat Instrumental Polls 1966
    Mid sixties British advert for Marshall amplifiers - placed by Rose Morris of London, who were Marshalls distributors at the time. "The Who, Steve Winwood of the Spencer Davis Group, Jeff Beck of t...
    Marshall Amplifiers - Now it
    Marshall Amplifiers - Now it's Marshall "200"
    Mid sixties British advert for the new Marshall 200 watt amplifier and 100 watt speaker cabinets. Marshall were distributed by Rose Morris at this time
    Marshall Amplifiers - Tiles - exclusively Marshall
    Marshall Amplifiers - Tiles - exclusively Marshall
    Marshall were distributed in the UK by Rose Morris of London throughout the 1960s. The list of Marshall endorsers, even at this early point (pre-Hendrix!)in the companies history was quite impressive.
    Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound Of Sucess
    Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound Of Sucess
    Jimi Hendrix Experience - The Tremeloes - Procol Harum - The Cream - The Bee Gees - The Small Faces - Roy Orbison - Jimmy James & The Vagabonds - Spencer Davis

    Marshall's solid sound is behi...
    Marshall Amplifiers - The
    Marshall Amplifiers - The 'Marshall Sound' is Getting Around
    February 1967 advertisement for Marshall amplifiers. Rose-Morris were the UK distributors of both Marshall and Rickenbacker. This advert is total mod.. and totally of it's time. Ironically the foot...
    Marshall Amplifiers - The
    Marshall Amplifiers - The 'Marshall Sound' is Getting Around
    March 1967 Rose-Morris advertisement for Marshall amplifiers and the Marshall SupaFuzz pedal.
    Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound of Success
    Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound of Success
    Rose-Morris Marshall advertisement from late summer 1967 (September / October). This advert shows a number of acts that use Marshall equipment: Roy Orbison and the Small Faces (who had been on tour...
    Marshall Amplifiers - Top Singers - Top Groups Top Sounds By Marshall
    Marshall Amplifiers - Top Singers - Top Groups Top Sounds By Marshall
    Illustration for Marshall amplifiers. UK advert featuring numerous bands big in the UK in 1968: Hendrix, Cream, Procul Harum etc. Placed by Rose Morris - then Marshall distributor
    Marshall Amplifiers - All Right, You Guys. So Impress Me
    Marshall Amplifiers - All Right, You Guys. So Impress Me
    Late 1960s Rose Morris advertisement for Marshall amplifiers; highlighting the superior tone of Marshall guitar amps, and listing a number of high-profile Marshall users.
    Marshall Amplifiers - You
    Marshall Amplifiers - You're Not Just a Pretty Face, Baby
    Late 1960s Rose Morris Marshall advertisement for Marshall guitar amplifiers and PAs - highlighting the important characteristic qualities of Marshall amps: volume, tone and high sound quality
    Marshall Amplifiers - Hit the Road, Jack
    Marshall Amplifiers - Hit the Road, Jack
    Rose Morris advert from the end of the 1960s, featuring Marshall amplifiers, and Marshall quality sound reproduction
    Marshall Amplifiers - This is How You Look to the A&R Man
    Marshall Amplifiers - This is How You Look to the A&R Man
    Small.
    Insignificant.
    Potential chart-busters?
    He'll decide for you. Based on your sound. That's what hit records are made of.
    But quality sound. The sort you can only get from ...

    Marshall

    Vintageguitarandbass.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
    Marshall SV20H Studio Vintage 20W Tube Head 212 Bundle

    Marshall SV20H Studio Vintage 20W Tube Head 212 Bundle

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

    $1950

    The Marshall SV20H Studio Vintage 20W Tube Head 212 Bundle is a high-quality guitar amplifier perfect for musicians looking for a powerful and versatile sound. This stack amplifier, with a variable power output of 5- 20W, delivers the iconic Marshall tone that has been used by countless artists across different genres. The vintage design and Marshall brand ensure top-notch construction and performance, making it a popular choice among guitarists looking to elevate their sound
    Mint Condition ... more
    eBay logo
    2003 Marshall Zakk Wylde Signature 1960AZW 300 Watt 4X12 Cabinet 412 Cab

    2003 Marshall Zakk Wylde Signature 1960AZW 300 Watt 4X12 Cabinet 412 Cab

    Hendersonville, North Carolina, 287**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1200

    Very rare cabinet. Sounds great. Tolex has some wear but good condition overall.
    ... more
    eBay logo
    Marshall 1960B 300 W Straight Cabinet Amplifier - Black

    Marshall 1960B 300 W Straight Cabinet Amplifier - Black

    Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $500

    1996 Marshall JCM900 1960B 4x12" cabinet, black. Made in UK, Material is a little worn out but overall the Cabinet is in decent condition, Not an expert on these so if any extra info is needed just ask... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage Marshall Tube Head Guitar Amplifier For Parts or Repair

    Vintage Marshall Tube Head Guitar Amplifier For Parts or Repair

    Garden City, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $305

    Good evening up for auction is a Vintage Marshall Tube Head Guitar Amplifier For Parts or Repair. As far condition its in fair to good shape but the cabinet needs a little TLC. When I bought the amp they said it didn't work so it maybe something simple. All the tubes and knobs are there. Note I did not plug it in and is sold "as - is" for parts or repair. Note I don't know the model # or the watts o / p. Note it is very heavy 45 / 55 lbs. Local pick-up is fine. Buyer to pay for shipping ( ... more
    eBay logo
    vintage 1968 era Marshall 4x12 Basketweave Guitar Amp Cabinet, original speakers

    vintage 1968 era Marshall 4x12 Basketweave Guitar Amp Cabinet, original speakers

    Daytona Beach, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4950

    Here is a vintage 1968 era Marshall 4x12 Guitar Amp Slant Cabinet, as used by various guitar gods in the 60's, basketweave grill, this one looks to have been sitting in a living room for most of its life, this is an original "BASS" logo cab, when I bought the cab years ago it was missing both the Bass and Marshall logos, in the upper left corner there were 3 holes drilled diagonally (see photos) which signifies that the bass logo used to be there (not the 100), so both logos are replacements, ... more
    eBay logo
    2005 Marshall 1960A 300 Watt 4X12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet 412 Cab

    2005 Marshall 1960A 300 Watt 4X12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet 412 Cab

    Hendersonville, North Carolina, 287**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $700

    Has some wear but good condition overall. Sounds great.
    ... more
    eBay logo
    1976 Marshall JMP 1987 MKII 50-Watt Amplifier Head w / Cover

    1976 Marshall JMP 1987 MKII 50-Watt Amplifier Head w / Cover

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

    $4295

    1976 Marshall JMP 1987 MKII
    Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
    In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
    Some Normal Cosmetic Surface Wear Throughout
    Metal Hardware On Handle Shows Oxidation
    Circuit Appears Mostly Original With Some Changed Components (See Photos)
    Original Transformers
    Changed Power Cord As Shown
    Made In UK
    Big Box Cabinet
    4 Input Non-Master Volume
    Mullard ECC83 Preamp Tubes
    Sylvania 6CA7 / EL34 Power Tubes
    50-Watts
    ... more
    eBay logo
    Marshall JTM1C 50th Anniversary 1960s 1-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo Amp

    Marshall JTM1C 50th Anniversary 1960s 1-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo Amp

    Independence, Ohio, 441**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1300

    Excellent working and pretty loud for this small amp!
    (Some outside damaged please see the picture)
    Thank you!... more
    eBay logo
    1999 Marshall 1960 Lead Angled Speaker Cab 412 All Original. Original Owner

    1999 Marshall 1960 Lead Angled Speaker Cab 412 All Original. Original Owner

    Melbourne, Florida, 329**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $900

    I purchased this from Mars music in orlando, florida, back in 1999, I have barely used it. It's barely broken in. They made them much better back then, trust me. It blows away all the other marshals I've had had or listened to
    This is a collector's cab. There's a few tears in the tolex but overall, not bad at all. It has never been gigged. Always in a home studio comma and it does not smell like cigarettes or pets, or kids If you're a marshall fan, then you will love this cabinet. If you ... more
    eBay logo
    RARE Vintage Marshall EL-34M amp tubes set of 4

    RARE Vintage Marshall EL-34M amp tubes set of 4

    Rossville, Georgia, 307**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $200

    PLEASE READ THE ADD AND ASK ALL QUESTIONS PRIOR TO PURCHASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!
    We are liquidators and all items will be sold ??as is ?? and ??in found condition??.
    This is a used RARE Vintage Marshall set of 4 EL-34M amp tubes. I read online that they can be used for Heads. It says Marshall JTM-45, Bass, Super Bass & Super PA. I tested with meter and they are working. One of the tubes the name is rubbed off but it is identical to the other 3 so it is a Marshall. ... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage original Marshall Amplifier knobs Sold shaft, dark brown lot of 6

    Vintage original Marshall Amplifier knobs Sold shaft, dark brown lot of 6

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

    $125

    This listing is for a set of six (6) Marshall amplifier knobs. These are the set screw style in dark chocolate brown. Very similar to the pointer style inside and out. Set screws are hex key style. All in fair shape. The gold is very pale on the top caps. In very good condition with minimal signs of wear.
    Pointer knob shown in last photos is for comparison only, not included. Sold as is.
    ... more
    eBay logo
    1973 Marshall JMP Super Lead 100-Watt Amp Head *JUST SERVICED

    1973 Marshall JMP Super Lead 100-Watt Amp Head *JUST SERVICED

    Eureka, California, 955**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4645

    This amp was just recently serviced 2 / 13 / 2025. My tech is amazing and specializes in vintage tube amplifiers. He took his time and meticulously went through every single component on the amp. He notes that the transformers and all major parts are all original, as highlighted on the service receipt. Some caps have been replaced, normal maintenance. Freshly tuned and biased. I tested this amp and it is extremely loud and fat, full of the classic Marshall tones that you would expect. Has no ... more
    eBay logo
    Rare Vintage Marshall Bass Amp Head  Super Bass JCM 800 MKII 100W

    Rare Vintage Marshall Bass Amp Head Super Bass JCM 800 MKII 100W

    Accord, New York, 124**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3200

    For sale is a top-of-the-line Marshall bass amp head, the Super Bass JCM 800 MKII with a powerful 100W output. This amp is perfect , providing a warm and rich sound that is sure to enhance any performance. The amp is in excellent working condition. With its versatile set of features, including a range of tone controls, this amp is ideal for musicians of all levels looking to take their sound to the next level Rare Vintage Super Bass 100 W MKII. Jim MarshallIf you are a musician you know how ... more
    eBay logo
    Marshall JCM  2000 dual super lead With 1960B Straight Cabinet. Used

    Marshall JCM 2000 dual super lead With 1960B Straight Cabinet. Used

    Bronx, New York, 104**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1600

    Marshall JCM 2000 Dual Super Lead amp & 1960b straight cab combo. Used. Used to gig so there is some wear on edges but it??s in perfect working condition. It??s brought me so much joy over the 10 plus years owning it but there??s just no space for it anymore. Hopefully it finds a good home.

    For pick up only
    ... more
    eBay logo
    1975 Marshall Superlead MKII 2-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp

    1975 Marshall Superlead MKII 2-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp

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

    $2500

    1975 Marshall superlead mk II tube amp head has the 2 channel master volume mod . this thing has a beautiful warm tone and a thick crunch that can break windows . Head and cabinet 2500 seperate head 2000 cabinet 500 cabinet has celestion 60 s in it... more
    eBay logo
    1977 Marshall 1982A 4x12" Angled Guitar Speaker Cabinet Original Celestion T1281

    1977 Marshall 1982A 4x12" Angled Guitar Speaker Cabinet Original Celestion T1281

    Milford, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2500

    This is a 1977 Marshall 1982A slant 4x12 bass lead cabinet. Features a quad of original "black back" Celestion G12H-30 Watt T1281 55 hz resonance speakers. Wired 16 ohm via original series parallel wiring. These have never been re-coned and are date code matched original set. These are original white stamped 444 Mueller cones. All the speakers have been checked for issues such as coil rub, cracks, glue failure etc. They are in nice shape operationally and physically. Checked by hand, visually ... more
    eBay logo
    MARSHALL  1974X  18 W Point To Point Wired Guitar Amp

    MARSHALL 1974X 18 W Point To Point Wired Guitar Amp

    Huntington Station, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2150

    THE marshall custom POINT TO POINT WIRED guitar amplifier. The sound that won the west ! When Eric Clapton recorded the Bluesbreaker record he played one of these same amps except his was 35 watts ! No one previously ever sounded like it ! That record taught more people to play and how to SOUND
    Than any before! No master volume just plug in an hit the gas ! No matter what guitar you use it will bring out the best in its voice ! It??s an absolute BEAST ! It was never gigged and stored in ... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage Marshall VS65R Valvestate AMP HEAD

    Vintage Marshall VS65R Valvestate AMP HEAD

    Long Beach, New York, 115**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $225

    This was parted from a working Marshall amp. Tested and working.... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 300W 16 ohms Guitar Celestion  Speaker Cabinet

    Vintage Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 300W 16 ohms Guitar Celestion Speaker Cabinet

    Tompkinsville, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $700

    Vintage Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 300W 16 ohms Guitar Celestion Speaker Cabinet . Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
    eBay logo
    Vintage 1995 Marshall JTM 30 Vacuum Tube Guitar Amplifier Combo Speaker 2

    Vintage 1995 Marshall JTM 30 Vacuum Tube Guitar Amplifier Combo Speaker 2

    Floresville, Texas, 781**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $674

    Has Been in storage powers on unsure if it works or not no guitar . as is very great condition for its age !... more
    eBay logo

    Find more Marshall at vintageguitarsforsale.co

    There are 0 comments on this page so far. Add your comment

    Comment on this article

    Anti-spam question - to catch web robots

    Contact
    info@vintageguitarandbass.com

    mailing list

    Follow

    Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

    Other Great Sites

    Recent posts on vintage guitar and bass

    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