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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1973)

Yeah I Paid Some Dues

Gibson ES-355TD-SV

BB King endorsed Gibson products for many years and featured in numerous catalogs and adverts; always playing an ES-355TD-SV or the BB King Lucille guitar - basically an ES-355 but without f-holes, in order to reduce feedback whilst performing. He can be seen here bending a note on an ES-355TD-SV. More about BB King and Gibson.

Later, BB King would go on to endorse the (Gibson/Moog) L5 Lab series amplifier.

Yeah i've paid some dues.
And when I sing about it
Lucille understands.
And she sounds mean and low.
She understands about being happy too.
You see Lucille is like a part of me.
She's a Gibson, brother.

B.B. King

Gibson advertisement (1973) Yeah I Paid Some Dues

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson ES-355TD-SV - Tony Mottola has a New Sound
Gibson ES-355TD-SV - Tony Mottola has a New Sound
Tony Mottola was well respected session and studio musician of the 1950s and 60s, working with dozens of artists, most notably Frank Sinatra. He is shown here advertising the Gibson range of amplif...
Gibson ES-355TD-SV - Tony Mottola
Gibson ES-355TD-SV - Tony Mottola
Gibson produced a number of advertisements across 1965 and '66 focussing on individual endorsing artists - typically jazz musicians, and each with a high end electric acoustic model. The images wer...
Gibson ES-355TD-SV - The Man and the Woman
Gibson ES-355TD-SV - The Man and the Woman
BB King in full flow on his ES-355TD-SV. BB King has used high-end Gibson thin-line hollow bodies like the ES-355 for the best part of the last half century, all called Lucille. This finally result...

2025 Vintage Guitar price guide 2025 Vintage Guitar price guide

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Gibson ES-355TD-SV

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Vintage Gibson Brass Case Badge Cali Girl Burst Goldtop Les Paul Standard 1959 !

Vintage Gibson Brass Case Badge Cali Girl Burst Goldtop Les Paul Standard 1959 !

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$95

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage 1950's Gibson / Lifton Case Badge
Very nice original condition and correct for the restoration of your 1950's or 1960's Gibson Case.
This includes one of the small brad nails for mounting!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Check our feedback and bid with confidence.... more
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Vintage 1970s USA Gibson G-3 Bass Guitar Truss Rod Cover Original

Vintage 1970s USA Gibson G-3 Bass Guitar Truss Rod Cover Original

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Vintage 1970's USA Gibson G-3 Bass Guitar Truss Rod Cover . Two ply, White lettering crisp, light vintage wear, NO CRACKS, VERY Nice Original Vintage Gibson. THANKS for looking!
... more
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Gibson Flying V2 Cherry 1980 w / OHSC (Signed by Paul Masvidal)

Gibson Flying V2 Cherry 1980 w / OHSC (Signed by Paul Masvidal)

Renton, Washington, 980**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

Gibson V2 in Cherry finish made in 1980 with Original Hard Shell Case(Signed by Paul ). this guitar features a solid maple with walnut stringers body, 5-Piece mahogany with walnut stringers neck and ebony fingerboard. Equipped with its original Gibson V2 boomerang humbuckers in the neck position and a bridge position. Controlled by 2 volume, 1 tone pot and a 3-Way toggle switch comprised of all but one original CTS pots dating from the 41st week of 1979 to the 28th week of 1980 (tone pot ... more
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Antique Bowl Back Mandolin With Canvas Case And Gibson Pick See Video

Antique Bowl Back Mandolin With Canvas Case And Gibson Pick See Video

Ashville, Ohio, 431**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

The mandolin, case, and Gibson pick is included

The case is worn, especially at the closing strap end. Obvious worn areas on the mandolin


The item is in used condition and has or may have signs of age, wear, tear, browning, creases, scratches, rust, stains, oxidation, writing, imperfections, blemishes, and distressed areas throughout



Please refer to the pictures before purchasing to avoid a return. We tried to take pictures of all the ... more
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1965 Epiphone Cortez FT-45N Vintage Gibson-made Acoustic Guitar w /  Case

1965 Epiphone Cortez FT-45N Vintage Gibson-made Acoustic Guitar w / Case

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

$2500

Up for sale, a 1965 Epiphone Cortez FT-45N in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original chipboard case. Crafted by Gibson in their Kalamazoo, MI factory, this is essentially the same guitar as Gibson??s B-25N yet with a different headstock shape and pickguard
The Cortez boasts an X-braced solid spruce top, solid Honduran mahogany back and sides, Honduran mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. Offering a tonal depth and projection that ... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson Les Paul Burst Nickel Switch Nut Heavy Knurl 1959 Standard

Vintage 1950's Gibson Les Paul Burst Nickel Switch Nut Heavy Knurl 1959 Standard

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$95

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Original Vintage Gibson 1950's Nickel Switch Nut
Correct for your vintage 1950's or 1960's Nickel Hardware Gibson!
Models include the Les Paul Standard, ES-335, SG and others!
Very rare "heavy knurl, deep skirt" switch nut!
Fantastic and in great shape
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Check our feedback and bid with confidence.
... more
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Vintage 1959 Gibson M-69 PAF Ring set w /  Screws & Springs Les Paul Custom, SG 58

Vintage 1959 Gibson M-69 PAF Ring set w / Screws & Springs Les Paul Custom, SG 58

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$345

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson c 1959 m-69 Ring Set
Complete with original screws and springs!
This is the 1 / 2" bridge ring and the standard short neck ring
1 / 2" bridge ring is correct for Les Paul Customs, SG Customs and Standards and any PAF equipped archtop!
This set has very light wear and a mild patina
Perfect for a vintage Gibson that is very clean!
- original condition with no... more
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Gibson ES335 Dot, Semi Hollow Electric Guitar, Cherry, Vintage w /  Hard Case

Gibson ES335 Dot, Semi Hollow Electric Guitar, Cherry, Vintage w / Hard Case

North Hollywood, California, 916**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

This Gibson ES-335 Dot Semi Hollow Electric Guitar in Cherry is a Vintage must-have for any guitarist. With its beautiful red body color and 6 string configuration, this guitar is perfect for any musical genre. The hard case that comes with it ensures that it stays protected during transport.

The guitar is made in the United States and is a part of the Gibson ES series. It is a right-handed guitar. This guitar is perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality electric guitar that ... more
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1962 Gibson Melody Maker - Great Player - Smoking P-90s !

1962 Gibson Melody Maker - Great Player - Smoking P-90s !

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

For your consideration is this 1962 Gibson Melody Maker in a Sunburst finish. Overall the guitar is in very good shape with only light to moderate play wear. This guitar is a great player! The Kent Armstrong pickups and stacked knobs deliver excellent sound across all playing styles, truly capturing the iconic tones of your favorite players. Playability is excellent with low action & no fret wear
Comes with a Gigbag. (GB-21)
Weight: 6lb 4oz | Nut: W 1 69 H .80 | 12th: W 2 08 H 0 ... more
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VINTAGE GIBSON RECORDING KING ARCH TOP GUITAR TAIL PIECE VINTAGE GIBSON RECORD K

VINTAGE GIBSON RECORDING KING ARCH TOP GUITAR TAIL PIECE VINTAGE GIBSON RECORD K

Fort Mill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$499

Vintage Gibson Record King Arch top guitar tail piece. I believe this tail piece to be 1930's from what research I have done. Tail piece is in good condition but does show your normal tarnish from over the years. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at anytime. Please continue to follow my listings for more vintage guitar parts and accessories to be listed in the following weeks. Thanks... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson PAF Patent Sticker Pickup 7 21k Purple Wire 1959 Les Paul

Vintage 1960's Gibson PAF Patent Sticker Pickup 7 21k Purple Wire 1959 Les Paul

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration, A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1960's DOUBLE BLACK "Patent Number" PAF pickup
This is a Standard Spaced (not archtop spaced) "Patent Number" PAF pickup. Nice mid-wind output reading at 7 21k
Great for neck or bridge application! This PAF is in incredible example, great cosmetic condition . this PAF has never been rewound, never been repaired and is exactly as it left the Gibson factory in ... more
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Gibson Kalamazoo KB bass 1960s

Gibson Kalamazoo KB bass 1960s

Salem, New Hampshire, 030**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

1960s Kalamazoo KB Shortscale bass made by Gibson. Few small chips / dings on body and headstock.
... more
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1969 Gibson Johnny Smith D

1969 Gibson Johnny Smith D

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

$12900

SKU: (#GAT0339)
1969 Gibson Johnny Smith D, Cherry Sunburst, Deluxe Artistmodel, Carved Spruce top, Attractively Flamed Maple back and sides, Ebonyfingerboard with split block inlays, Two Floating Johnny Smith pickups, Goldhardware, Marvelous instrument with fantastic playability, Stunning example! EC+, Clean original hard case with case cover, $12, 900

... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson EBO Chrome Bass Bridge Mute

Vintage 1960's Gibson EBO Chrome Bass Bridge Mute

Roseburg, Oregon, 974**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

Elevate your bass guitar's performance with the Vintage 1960's Gibson EBO Chrome Bass Bridge Mute. This authentic piece of music gear hails from an era where precision and durability were paramount, making it a splendid choice for bassists who appreciate the tactile feel of a classic instrument Crafted by the renowned Gibson brand, this bridge mute is designed to enhance string stability and eliminate unwanted feedback, allowing for a cleaner sound projection. Its sleek chrome finish not only ... more
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Gibson 50??s-60??s Lightweight Gold Stop Tailpiece

Gibson 50??s-60??s Lightweight Gold Stop Tailpiece

Flushing, New York, 113**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Uncle Lou here, and you are admiring a super-clean gold-plated Gibson stop tailpiece from the 50??s-60??s. This thing is near-mint apart from minor pitting, with the majority of the gold plating being fully intact. The proper mold marks as found on all 1950??s stop tailpieces can be seen underneath, so this will go nicely on your vintage Les Paul Custom, ES-345, Explorer, etc. It??s very difficult finding gold parts this clean, as even minimal playing time, or excessive polishing will rub off ... more
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gibson ES -  335 td  1976  semi - hollow guitar all original

gibson ES - 335 td 1976 semi - hollow guitar all original

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

This vintage Gibson ES-335 TD guitar is a rare find for any music enthusiast. With its semi-hollow body type and 6-string configuration, this guitar produces a unique and powerful sound that is sure to impress. The exact year of this guitar is 1976, making it an authentic vintage piece
Finish Details: Original
Body Material: Maple
Body Details: Semi-hollow body with laminated maple top, back, and sides
Neck Material: Maple
Fingerboard material : Rosewood
Neck profile: Medium ... more
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2 Vintage late 1970s Gibson Black Speed Knobs SG L6-S Les Paul RD Marauder G-3

2 Vintage late 1970's Gibson Black Speed Knobs SG L6-S Les Paul RD Marauder G-3

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$90

This listing is for two original Black Gibson Guitar / bass knobs from the 70's. These are in nice shape with minor nicks scratches, and dings. Not too yellowed. Correct for many 70's or early 80's Gibson Guitars and Basses
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or ... more
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Gibson GA-18T Guitar Amp.  Built in 1962-63.  Original wood footswitch

Gibson GA-18T Guitar Amp. Built in 1962-63. Original wood footswitch

Lafayette, Louisiana, 705**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1335

Gibson GA-18T. This model was shipped in 1962 and 1963 only. It sounds great; better than many Fenders from a comparable era. Comes with original wooden footswitch for tremolo control. You will enjoy playing this amp.... more
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Vintage! 1929 Gibson L-3 14-Fret Acoustic Archtop Guitar Sunburst + Case

Vintage! 1929 Gibson L-3 14-Fret Acoustic Archtop Guitar Sunburst + Case

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

$2495



Vintage! 1929 Gibson L-3 14-Fret Acoustic Archtop Guitar Sunburst + Case

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1929 Gibson L-3 14-Fret Acoustic Archtop Guitar with a Sunburst Finish! Let's all just admit that these small-body Gibson L??s are beautiful guitars. They simply are. This latter-era version incorporates some improvements compared to the early-'20s instruments by way of a fast, comfortable neck (supported by a truss rod) and lighter ... more
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Vintage 1970s Gibson Gold Pickup Mounting Screws SG ES L6-S 1975 1976 1977

Vintage 1970's Gibson Gold Pickup Mounting Screws SG ES L6-S 1975 1976 1977

Stanford, Kentucky, 404**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

Vintage 1970's Gibson Pickup Mounting Screws 1975 1976 1977
4 Screws and 4 Spring
As Pictured
0408
... more
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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

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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

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

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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

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)

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1960 Hofner Colorama II

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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1981 Gibson Marauder

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1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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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