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YAMAHA | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Yamaha advertisement (1972)

Get Into The Woodwork

Yamaha Acoustics

Early seventies Yamaha advert from Guitar Player magazine

The wood preparation for a Yamaha acoustic guitar

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    Yamaha advertisement (1972) Get Into The Woodwork

    Other related vintage advertisements

    Yamaha Acoustics - The Care We Take on the Outside Sells a Lot of People. The Care We Take in Here Sells a Musician
    Yamaha Acoustics - The Care We Take on the Outside Sells a Lot of People. The Care We Take in Here Sells a Musician
    Image shows the view out of a Yamaha acoustic, describing some of the production process for Yamaha acoustic guitars:

    Yamaha Acoustics

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    1975 Yamaha L6. Solid Spruce & Solid EIR, made in Hamamatsu, Japan

    1975 Yamaha L6. Solid Spruce & Solid EIR, made in Hamamatsu, Japan

    Atlanta, Georgia, 303**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1094

    Yamaha L6, made in Hamamatsu Japan, April1975
    Specs:
    Top: Solid Ezo Spruce
    Back: Solid East Indian Rosewood
    Sides: 3 Layer Laminated East Indian Rosewood
    Neck: Mahogany
    Fretboard: Ebony
    Bridge: Ebony
    Saddle: Bone
    Nut: Bone
    Bridge Pins: Bone
    Scale Length: 25 5 in
    Nut Width: 1 75 in
    Action under E1 string (12th fret): 2 4 mm
    Action under E6 string (12th fret): 2 9 mm
    Condition:
    This guitar is nearly flawless. Cosmetically it is about as good as it ... more
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    Yamaha SG1500 vintage electric guitar Japan 1976, New Frets, Pots, Tuners

    Yamaha SG1500 vintage electric guitar Japan 1976, New Frets, Pots, Tuners

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

    $2300

    When Yamaha introduced the highly acclaimed
    SG2000 they also introduced a SG1500. This first SG1500 is very close to the original SG2000, but with a set neck instead of the through neck, chrome hardware instead of gold plated, dot inlays instead of block inlays
    Here the heaviest of the Yamaha SG range the phenomenal rare and all original 1st issue Yamaha
    SG-1500, 1976, good condition for its near 47 years in delicious Cherry Sunburst. A true Rock Beast! Not many of these about anymore,... more
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    Yamaha SJ400S acoustic guitar ( size 000 ) made in Taiwan 1982-1983 excellent

    Yamaha SJ400S acoustic guitar ( size 000 ) made in Taiwan 1982-1983 excellent

    Portland, Oregon, 972**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1575

    Yamaha SJ400S acoustic guitar ( size 000 ) made in Taiwan 1982-1983 excellent condition with hard case

    Beautiful vintage Yamaha guitar with Road runner hard case with key
    This guitar may only show mild scratches and very few scuffs and small dings no cracks , straight neck , functional truss rod , great action , plays great with beautiful vintage Yamaha tone , excellent frets , excellent fret board
    It barely shows any fret-wear , no cracks , nothing peculiar, good set of ... more
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    Yamaha FG1500 acoustic guitar 1971 FG 1500

    Yamaha FG1500 acoustic guitar 1971 FG 1500

    Greenville, South Carolina, 296**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $7900

    First, this guitar is over 50 years old. It sounds beautiful, warm and bright, really amazing. Strings are old but it still holds tune perfect. Hard to let it go, but personal reasons force possible sale. Action is low. It's been loved it's whole life, very good condition. Please see all pics. A few bumps and light scratches. The bridge has been replaced by previous owner, but a good job there. No other repairs that I can see. The case is a Larivee and fit is perfect.
    Local pick ... more
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    Yamaha ? FG-110 Vintage 1969 Acoustic Guitar  Nippon Gakki Red Label

    Yamaha ? FG-110 Vintage 1969 Acoustic Guitar Nippon Gakki Red Label

    New Rochelle, New York, 108**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $299

    Yamaha
    FG-110
    Vintage 1969
    Acoustic Guitar
    Nippon
    Gakki Red Label

    Overall Very Good Condition
    Some scratches, scuffs
    See photos
    ... more
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    1979 Yamaha SG700 Electric Guitar w /  Push-Push Coil Taps, Cherry Sunburst Finish

    1979 Yamaha SG700 Electric Guitar w / Push-Push Coil Taps, Cherry Sunburst Finish

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

    $1200


    1979 Yamaha SG700 Electric Guitar w / Push-Push Coil Taps, Cherry Sunburst Finish, OHSC
    For sale we have a true piece of music history. This stunning 1979 Yamaha SG700 electric guitar quickly earned a reputation as being a ??Les Paul Killer?? when it was first released. This guitar has had a headstock crack professionally repaired. It??s tough to even see, and completely smooth to the touch. Many players even believe that a guitar with a repaired headstock sounds better, due to the ... more
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    1980 Yamaha SG2000 Santana Designed Guitar with OHSC, Push / Push Coil Taps

    1980 Yamaha SG2000 Santana Designed Guitar with OHSC, Push / Push Coil Taps

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

    $3800

    1980 Yamaha SG2000 Santana Designed Guitar with OHSC, Push / Push Coil Taps
    Santana fans, feast your eyes! We have a unique and rare guitar to share with you today. This Yamaha SG2000 was developed with the input of none other than the legendary riff slinger extraordinaire, Carlos Santana. The tones that this guitar puts out can be heard on his landmark record ??Moonflower??
    The set neck, mahogany body, and brass sustain plate under the bridge were all items that Carlos insisted on for ... more
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    Yamaha L-12SN 1977

    Yamaha L-12SN 1977

    Shorterville, Alabama, 363**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2200

    This is a 1977 Nippon Gakki Made in Japan L-12SN. These guitars do not come up on the market very often. This is a beautiful guitar that has been well taken care of. There is a few minor dings (see pics) but I had to look hard to find them. Due to the price of this guitar I wanted to make sure every flaw had a picture. The sound board is solid and has developed what looks to be a crack but I??m unsure (see pics). It does not change the sound of this guitar. it??s is simply amazing. I have 50 ... more
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    1980??s Yamaha CJ818SB Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

    1980??s Yamaha CJ818SB Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

    Harbor Beach, Michigan, 484**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $850

    This is a vintage guitar and shows signs of playing and age. It has a few small tally carved into the back on the bottom of the guitar. It is fit with electronics which do work and it sounds fantastic.
    ... more
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    Yamaha Grand Concert GD-10C Classical w /  HSC

    Yamaha Grand Concert GD-10C Classical w / HSC

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

    $750


    Item: Yamaha Grand Concert GD-10C Classical w / HSC!
    Description: You are purchasing a Yamaha Grand Concert GD-10C Classical w / HSC! The guitar has some discoloration on the rear but this issue is purely cosmetic and does not affect playability. Sounds & plays great without any issues aside from a broken string. Please inquire with any questions prior to purchase
    Shipping: $80 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will vary. ... more
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    YAMAHA SBG3000 vintage solid body electric guitar made in Japan 1984 excellent

    YAMAHA SBG3000 vintage solid body electric guitar made in Japan 1984 excellent

    Portland, Oregon, 972**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $6400

    YAMAHA SBG3000 vintage solid body electric guitar made in Japan 1984 in excellent condition with original vintage Yamaha hard case

    On consignment at our shop in Portland just in time for the holidays, great gift for your loved one
    Rare beautiful vintage Yamaha SBG3000 from Japan vintage guitar with all original components, abalone inlays all around the guitar , very clean top and back , no cracks , very few small minor dings barely seen , barely any noticeable scratches if any , ... more
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    Yamaha FG-312 12 String Vintage Acoustic Guitar - 1980 (electric)

    Yamaha FG-312 12 String Vintage Acoustic Guitar - 1980 (electric)

    Daleville, Alabama, 363**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $450

    The guitar has an acoustic guitar sound hole pick up
    Guitar comes with Road Runner padded case
    1980's Yamaha FG-312 !2-String Acoustic In Natural Finish
    In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
    Some Cosmetic Playwear Throughout (review photos)
    High Action
    Nut Width: 1 88 "
    Neck Depth At 1st Fret: 0 97 "
    Neck Depth At 12th Fret: 1 13 "
    Weighs 5lbs 2oz
    With Gig Bag
    ... more
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    1970s Yamaha Superjam 500 Tele Electric Guitar Made In Japan With Hard Case

    1970s Yamaha Superjam 500 Tele Electric Guitar Made In Japan With Hard Case

    Lake Elsinore, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $949

    1970s Yamaha Superjam 500 Tele Electric Guitar Made In Japan With Hard Case. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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    1981 Yamaha SG2000 Santana designed Guitar w /  Alnico V Pickups, Cherry Sunburst

    1981 Yamaha SG2000 Santana designed Guitar w / Alnico V Pickups, Cherry Sunburst

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

    $3300

    1981 Yamaha SG2000 Santana designed Guitar w / Alnico V Pickups, Cherry Sunburst Finish, OHSC
    Santana fans, feast your eyes! We have a unique and rare guitar to share with you today. This Yamaha SG2000 was developed with the input of none other than the legendary riff slinger extraordinaire, Carlos Santana. The tones that this guitar puts out can be heard on his landmark record ??Moonflower??
    The set neck, mahogany body, and brass sustain block under the bridge were all items that ... more
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    Yamaha FG-412S Vintage Acoustic Guitar Natural (with hard case)

    Yamaha FG-412S Vintage Acoustic Guitar Natural (with hard case)

    Caldwell, Idaho, 836**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $218

    Yamaha FG-412S Vintage Acoustic Guitar Natural (with hard case). Condition is Used. Shipped with UPS Ground.... more
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    1985 Yamaha SE700E Right Handed Electric Guitar w /  Hard Case Made in Japan

    1985 Yamaha SE700E Right Handed Electric Guitar w / Hard Case Made in Japan

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

    $700

    Up For Sale Today:
    1985 Yamaha SE700E Right Handed Electric Guitar
    6 String
    Made in Japan
    Serial # LKHN034
    Comes w / aftermarket Hard Case
    Neck and Middle Pickup are wired in series by original owner (the neck pickup can't be isolated)
    Pre-owned in good condition
    Shows wear from age and normal use (scratches / scuffs)
    Neck is in good shape with low action
    Frets are in good shape
    Please see pictures for more detail and feel free to ask any questions as we'd be ... more
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    Yamaha FG-351B acoustic dreadnought guitar made in Japan 1978-1980 excellent

    Yamaha FG-351B acoustic dreadnought guitar made in Japan 1978-1980 excellent

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

    $1250

    Yamaha FG-351B acoustic dreadnought guitar made in Japan in excellent condition with original Yamaha hard case
    Beautiful vintage Yamaha guitar .
    This beautiful handcrafted vintage Yamaha guitar from Japan 1978-1980 is in excellent condition with a shiny appearance and beautiful rich and balanced tone , it barely shows if any very few superficial scratches in the finish , barely noticeable, no scuffs , no visible dings , no cracks , no damage straight neck , great action , no fret wear , ... more
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    Yamaha FG-312 12-string vintage slotted w / hsc 1980

    Yamaha FG-312 12-string vintage slotted w / hsc 1980

    Lynn, Massachusetts, 019**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $395

    Plays and sounds great, but has a few issues. There's a small hole in the lower bout near the bottom strap button. There's some wood splintered from the inside of the slotted headstock. There's wear in the fretboard in 1st position. Frets also have some wear, but life left. Other than that, the neck is straight, truss turns, action is good. New D'Addarios. Tuned to Eb standard. I *believe* I decoded the serial number correctly as 1980, but feel free to weigh in if I got it wrong. RoadRunner case... more
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    Yamaha MIJ M-340 Concord Maple Sides,  back, fretboard and neck 1978 new case

    Yamaha MIJ M-340 Concord Maple Sides, back, fretboard and neck 1978 new case

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

    $499

    Yamaha 1978 Concord M340 Dreadnought Blonde Maple Japan MIJ Flamed maple sides and back with a spruce top. Tis model was ONLY MNADE in 1978 and 79. I am second owner and first owner bought in 1978. There is some fret wear shown in the pictures but plays so nice and the fret wear shows gentle use. Brand new acoustic strings 12 gauge were put on 6 / 2 / 24
    Let??s review the pics showing the imperfections
    Japan was turning out great Martin dreadnought style guitars during this late 70??s... more
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    1970s Yamaha  SA2000 w Ebony Fretboard (SA-2000) ES-335 Style - Made in Japan

    1970's Yamaha SA2000 w Ebony Fretboard (SA-2000) ES-335 Style - Made in Japan

    Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2750

    1977 Yamaha SA2000 - Original Vintage Beauty
    Serial: 001198
    Nut Width: 1 68"
    Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: 0 80"
    Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .96"
    Comes in Original Hard Case
    Ebony Fretboard!
    Weight: 9 Lbs 1 oz
    $$ Professionally setup for optimal tone and playability Truly Stage or Studio Ready! (Including Fret Work, Intonation, Truss Rod and Action)


    Here is an overall ... more
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    Find more Yamaha Acoustics 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