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HAGSTROM | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Hagstrom advertisement (1973)

The Swede ...it took us a long time to make

Hagstrom Swede

Like most things that come out of Sweden, Hagstrom guitars are painstakingly engineered and designed with one thing in mind; perfection. For two years we have dedicated ourselves to quality and craftsmanship in one guitar. The 'Swede' is our answer. Equipped with two anti-hum highly sensitive pick-ups, equalizer control giving sharp, mellow or deep tone instantly, slim wide ebony neck designed to give you loads of stretch room. The contoured back is shaped to fit you. With Hagstrom's world patented H expander stabilizer (which eliminates the problem of neck warpage) and a perfect intonation bridge with the ability to adjust each string horizontally and vertically, you have the ultimate. You have the 'Swede'. Available in limited quantities in natural wood grain, cherry and black. Exclusive dealers are now being appointed as supply permits. We invite you to go to your nearest Hagstrom dealer and pick up a 'Swede' and try it. We know you'll agree with us that it's one of the world's great guitars. You're big surprise will be when they tell you the price

Hagstrom advertisement (1973) The Swede ...it took us a long time to make

Other related vintage advertisements

Hagstrom Swede - The Swede - for the select few
Hagstrom Swede - The Swede - for the select few
Early seventies for the Hagstrom Swede featuring Domenic Troiano (Mandala, Bush, James Gang)
Hagstrom Swede - Now thats a good ad.
Hagstrom Swede - Now thats a good ad.
Black and white advert for the Hagstrom Swede guitar and bass
Hagstrom Swede - The difference between a rod and a rail
Hagstrom Swede - The difference between a rod and a rail
Advert not just for the Swede, but for Hagstom guitars in general. It highlights the famous Hagstrom rail truss rod that is responsible for their low neck actions, and easy playability, but also fo...
Hagstrom Swede - What Ampeg is bringing to America isnt just another guitar
Hagstrom Swede - What Ampeg is bringing to America isnt just another guitar
One of the few full-colour Hagstrom offerings; this mid 1970s advertisement for the Hagstrom Swede was placed in the US, by American distributor Ampeg. It shows a nice Swede in natural finish.

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Hagstrom Swede

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Hagstrom Deluxe neckplate c 1960??s Gold original vintage Sweden Viking impala!!

Hagstrom Deluxe neckplate c 1960??s Gold original vintage Sweden Viking impala!!

Middlebury, Connecticut, 067**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$75

Up for auction is a very nice vintage gold Hagstrom neck plate. It is an excellent shape with no issues!! It should be an excellent addition to someone??s vintage instrument I included a picture of the bass that had this neck plate. The auction is for the neck plate only!! Feel free to reach out to me if any questions. US bidders only!! Happy bidding!!... more
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1960s Hagstrom VIKING Hollowbody Sunburst made in Sweden

1960's Hagstrom VIKING Hollowbody Sunburst made in Sweden

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1590


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1960's made in Sweden Hagstrom Viking in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with good frets. It's all original and 100% complete. A later soft shell case is included. This Viking is in great shape with minor nicks + dings and other minor cosmetic wear including some blemishes in the finish on the top of the headstock. The treble side of the nut has a small additional notch near the high E ... more
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1965 Hagstrom VIKING I Thin Hollowbody Electric Guitar made in Sweden w / Case

1965 Hagstrom VIKING I Thin Hollowbody Electric Guitar made in Sweden w / Case

Rochelle Park, New Jersey, 076**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

PLEASE READ ALL DISCLAIMERS AND POLICIES BELOW BEFORE PLACING YOUR BID / OFFER
WE HAVE DESCRIBED THIS ITEM TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY. BY PLACING A BID ON THIS ITEM YOU ARE ACKNOWLEDGING AND ACCEPTING OUR AUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
WE OFFER WORLDWIDE SHIPPING!
PLEASE DO NOT PAY UNTIL WE HAVE SENT YOU AN INVOICE!
ALL OF OUR ITEMS THAT OFFER FREE SHIPPING ONLY APPLY TO THE LOWER 48 STATES, EXCLUDES: ALASKA, HAWAII, PUERTO RICO PLEASE REQUEST A SHIPPING RATE
-
OUR SHIPPING... more
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Hagstrom Ultra Swede Electric Guitar Gloss Red Used With Hard Case

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Electric Guitar Gloss Red Used With Hard Case

Unionville, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Electric Guitar Gloss Red Used.
Guitar is estate fresh check out my other guitars from same collection. None smoking home . Don??t think he ever took this out of the studio. Comes with orig case might show normal wear looks nice to me . He had so much stuff I don??t think he played this much. What you see here is what I send you. Case has keys inside . Guitar looks even better in person! I do not know where this was made . Maybe you hagstrom experts know from the serial ... more
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1965 Hagstrom VIKING I Thin Hollowbody Electric Guitar made in Sweden W / HSC

1965 Hagstrom VIKING I Thin Hollowbody Electric Guitar made in Sweden W / HSC

Berkeley, California, 947**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

Up for sale is a killer Hagstrom Viking I serial number 646556 Made in 1965-66 in Sweden.
This vintage guitar is All Original
It is a very lightweight full hollow body guitar that has a wonderful vibe   Slender fast taper neck and a unique tobacco burst finish paired with a set of Hagstrom vintage screen pickups   These pickups have a sound all of their own that is more reminiscent of a gold foil pickup than a P90 or DeArmond. Nice and airy sounding, but has an edge to them as ... more
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Hagstrom Super Swedeelectric guitar RARE color

Hagstrom Super Swedeelectric guitar RARE color

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

$750

Hagstrom Super Swedeelectric guitar RARE color
AMAZING SHAPE no scratches or dings. Comes with Hard Case
... more
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Hagstrom SWEDE Electric Guitar 6 String w /  Hard Case (Used) Cherry Red

Hagstrom SWEDE Electric Guitar 6 String w / Hard Case (Used) Cherry Red

Suffolk, Virginia, 234**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$895

Hagstrom SWEDE Electric Guitar 6 String w / Hard Case Cherry Red
22 FretsS / N: IK12060431
Preowned: Good Condition (Tested & Working)
If you may have any questions or concerns, Please message me prior to purchase Thank you
... more
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1960s Hagstrom Viking Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Made by Albin Hagstrom Sweden

1960s Hagstrom Viking Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Made by Albin Hagstrom Sweden

Hicksville, New York, 118**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

1960s Hagstrom Viking Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Made by Albin Hagstrom Sweden
Hey there! You are looking at a Hagstrom Viking from the 1960s! Hagstrom is an excellent luthier from Sweden that makes excellent guitars and this is one of them. The Viking is known to be one of their best and most desirable models
The guitar itself is fair condition being very clean, yet there is checking cracks across the body which do not affect playability. The guitar still sounds great with a straight ... more
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Hagstrom Acoustic Guitar Sweden for Restoration -E354

Hagstrom Acoustic Guitar Sweden for Restoration -E354

Mount Tabor, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

Hagstrom Acoustic Guitar Sweden for Restoration .no cracks .just the paint shows some kind of damage but stil good .I am not an expert on instruments so I think sounds good but needs new strings it has a little hit on the back shown in the last picture . please ask any question before buy it .listed as a restoration if needs some repair maybe not I don't know for me sounds good conditions shown in the pictures .... more
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Hagstrom Ultra Swede Ultralux - Red

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Ultralux - Red

Jackson, Mississippi, 392**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$549

This ultra-cool Hagstrom Ultra Swede has the "Ultralux" ultra-thin neck profile for a fast and easy-playing guitar! The cherry red finish over a flamed maple top looks great as well!

This guitar is in great shape and plays well with no functional issues. The humbuckers give this guitar a great sound, with an extra toggle switch for split coil settings! This guitar comes with a gig bag (not pictured) for added protection

Feel free to reach out with any questions, ... more
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Hagstrom button Volume knob 1970S . swede / Viking

Hagstrom button Volume knob 1970'S . swede / Viking

Dannelbourg, 57***, FRANCE

€35

Hagstrom button Volume knob 1970'S . swede / Viking . Only average but fonctional .... more
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Vintage 1970s 1970 Hagstrom Swede Electric Guitar PROJECT AS IS PARTS REPAIR

Vintage 1970s 1970 Hagstrom Swede Electric Guitar PROJECT AS IS PARTS REPAIR

North York, Ontario, M3B***, CANADA

$600

Vintage 1970s 1970 Hagstrom Swede Electric Guitar PROJECT AS IS PARTS REPAIR. Made in Sweden. Early Serial Number. No Cracks. Missing some binding on the neck as seen. Missing parts as seen. SOLD AS IS PARTS REPAIR. Overall in good cosmetic condition as seen in photos
Will ship in 4 business days after payment received. Shipping will be 38 dollars flat rate across Canada and the continental United States. International bidders please inquire about price prior to bidding. Will combine ... more
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1969 HAGSTROM I BASS - made in SWEDEN - BROOMSTICK NECK

1969 HAGSTROM I BASS - made in SWEDEN - BROOMSTICK NECK

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£777


1969 HAGSTROM I BASS - made in SWEDEN
:+ alder body with red plastic covering on back(has wear & 1 repair) and PLEXI top (has some small crack)
+ maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, skinny dimensions
+ missing 1 pickup
+ missing 1 tuner cover
+ bridge pickup has a repaired crack
... more
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60s HAGSTROM BASS BRIDGE COVER LOGO - made in SWEDEN

60's HAGSTROM BASS BRIDGE COVER LOGO - made in SWEDEN

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

1 plastic logo for bridge cover
... more
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1969 HAGSTROM I BASS - made in SWEDEN - SUPER SLIM NECK

1969 HAGSTROM I BASS - made in SWEDEN - SUPER SLIM NECK

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€750

1969 HAGSTROM I BASS - made in SWEDEN
:+ alder body with red plastic covering on back(has wear & 1 repair) and PLEXI top (has some small crack)
+ maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, skinny dimensions
+ missing 1 pickup
+ missing 1 tuner cover
+ bridge pickup has a repaired crack
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more
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Find more Hagstrom Swede at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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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 bassRose-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 ZambesiThis 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 AceThe 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 EscortThe 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 CareCatalog 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 FolkThe 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 guitarThe 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

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalogHagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner PresidentThe President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.