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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1979)

Gibson Guitars. To the Tune of $399 and Up

Gibson Marauder, Gibson S-1, Gibson The Paul, Gibson The SG, Gibson G3 bass, Gibson Grabber bass, Gibson Ripper bass

Gibson electric guitars begin with the Marauder at $399. And it begins where most of its competitors leave off—with high power electronics, a full range pan pickup potentiometer and the same craftsmanship you'll find in even the most expensive Gibsons.
The Paul and The SG come from two of the most respected traditions—legendary SG and Les Paul lineage. They're priced like some of Gibson's imitators. Except they're the real thing.
You've been hearing the Gibson S-1 for a few years now, on quite a few hits. Those famous artists could afford the most expensive guitars, but they chose the same model that fits a working man's budget.
Gibson basses have been on their fair share of best sellers too. The Grabber, Ripper and G-3. Their sliding pickup, sound switching and fresh body styles deliver a rich range of sound. For a modest price range.

Gibson advertisement (1979) Gibson Guitars. To the Tune of $399 and Up

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson Ripper - The Ripper. Designed To Rip Your Ears Off
Gibson Ripper - The Ripper. Designed To Rip Your Ears Off
1974 Gibson bass advertisement. This ad was widely used in 1974. First, an enlarged double-page version was used in the January '74 issue of Guitar Player, effectively announcing the model. The bas...
Gibson Grabber - We dont promise you fantasies
Gibson Grabber - We dont promise you fantasies
The bass featured is an interesting model, with very red tortoiseshell pickguard, and the engraved bridge cover positioned upside down (presumably to allow the Gibson logo to be the correct way rou...
Gibson Marauder - No one ignores the Marauder
Gibson Marauder - No one ignores the Marauder
You don't monkey around with Gibson's new Marauder. It's an evil power machine. Designed to shatter. WIndows. Nerves
Gibson Marauder - KISS Knows looks Aren
Gibson Marauder - KISS Knows looks Aren't Everything
Rolling Stone calls Paul Stanley, "A sensuous purveyor of thunderous chords" His Gibson Marauder guitar helps Paul attain that acclaim. The action is fast. And the neck has one of the smoothest fre...
Gibson S-1 - Before Gibson Designed The S-1, Ron Wood Had His Guitars Customized
Gibson S-1 - Before Gibson Designed The S-1, Ron Wood Had His Guitars Customized
1976 advert for the S-1, featuring Ron Wood and Rod Stewart. A very similar advert was put out in 1977; compositionally identical, though with updated picture of Ron Wood, and without Rod Stewart
Gibson Ripper - Try Gibson for a change of bass
Gibson Ripper - Try Gibson for a change of bass
A mid seventies (1977) advert featuring the Gibson Ripper and Gibson G3 bass guitars
"Sometimes it pays not to follow tradition. We didn't when we designed our new basses. We just followed the a...
Gibson S-1 - Before Gibson Designed The S-1, Ron Wood Had His Guitars Customized
Gibson S-1 - Before Gibson Designed The S-1, Ron Wood Had His Guitars Customized
1977 advert for the S-1, featuring Ron Wood. A very similar advert was put out the previous year; featuring Ron Wood, alongside Rod Stewart
The guitars that Ron Wood has played with Jeff Beck. R...
Gibson Ripper - It Sounds Like Peter Ceteras Playing A Lot Of Basses
Gibson Ripper - It Sounds Like Peter Ceteras Playing A Lot Of Basses
But hes playing a lot of bass. A Gibson

If the Gibson Ripper that Peter plays had just one sound, it would be an excellent bass. But, the Ripper is loaded with excellent sounds. The Q System...
Gibson The SG - An SG. For Half A G
Gibson The SG - An SG. For Half A G
Here's a great old guitar tradition for a grand old price. Actually, half a grand. $499.50 to be exact. "The SG" guitar by Gibson.
Gibson SG guitars have been playing sellout concerts and hit ...
Gibson The Paul - And Now For My Next Number.....
Gibson The Paul - And Now For My Next Number.....
Advert announcing the newly launched the "Paul" solid body electric. This advert from early 1979 shows Mr. Les Paul himself promoting the instrument.

This was, of course before the model was...
Gibson The SG - The Firebrands. Hot New Brands at a Price that Doesn
Gibson The SG - The Firebrands. Hot New Brands at a Price that Doesn't Burn.
Advert for two new versions of two established Gibson models: "The SG" Deluxe and "The Paul" Deluxe. In 1980 Gibson decided on a new branding concept for its instruments; there would be three serie...

2025 Vintage Guitar price guide 2025 Vintage Guitar price guide

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


Vintage guitar parts for sale

Gibson Marauder, Gibson S-1, Gibson The Paul, Gibson The SG, Gibson G3, Gibson Grabber, Gibson Ripper

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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-175 "narrow bevel" Single PAF Pickguard Guard ES175 65

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-175 "narrow bevel" Single PAF Pickguard Guard ES175 65

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

$245


Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson ES-175 "Single PAF" Narrow Bevel Pickguard
Original 1960's Gibson ES-175D narrow bevel pickguard
Original Mounting Bracket included!
This will fit your mid / late 60's ES-175 single Humbucking model perfectly
The REAL DEAL in killer shape!
Great original condition with minimal pickwear and almost zero warping
the wide bevel on this looks amazing, perfect for ... more
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One Gibson Logo 1970s-80s Bass Side TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD #2

One Gibson Logo 1970's-80's Bass Side TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD #2

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

$80

This one shows wear, but it's in good vintage shape.
7 % sales tax will be added to all items shipped inside the state of Florida. 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 declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
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Vintage 1970s Gibson S-1 Guitar or G-3 Bass MIDDLE Pickup 5 45

Vintage 1970's Gibson S-1 Guitar or G-3 Bass MIDDLE Pickup 5 45

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

$280

This came from the middle position of a 1976 Gibson S-1. Same pickup as used on G-3 Basses. Reads 5 45 ohms on my meter with full length for (S-1) wire. I can't guarantee that it will read the same on yours, but I do guarantee that it works as it should. It's in good shape, but there's some wear on the cover. Original Springs and screws included.
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 ... more
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Gibson 1962 ES-125 Hollowbody Guitar Sunburst w /  Case "Good Condition"

Gibson 1962 ES-125 Hollowbody Guitar Sunburst w / Case "Good Condition"

La Plata, Maryland, 206**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Body Material: Maple
Inlays: Dot
Number of Frets: 20
Scale Length: 24 75 inches
Nut Width: 1 688 inches
Neck Material: Mahogany
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Finish / Color: Sunburst
Bridge Pickup: P-90
Neck Pickup: P-90
Case: Hardshell
Serial #: 536227
Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz
Each scale varies in accuracy. The weight of the guitar in questions may vary + / - 5oz from our scale to yours. This weight differential does not warrant a return of the item. Please ... more
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Vintage 1959 Gibson Centralab Pot 250k Les Paul Junior Special ES-125 1960

Vintage 1959 Gibson Centralab Pot 250k Les Paul Junior Special ES-125 1960

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

$125

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
1959 Gibson / Centralab 250k tone pot
Excellent condition and vintage tone!
Date codes of 134914 (14th week of 1959)
These 250k tone pots were used in P-90 guitars of the late 1950's / early 1960's. This is the correct tone pot for your Les Paul Junior, Special or ES-125
Correct for a host of vintage Gibsons !
Nothing sounds like these vintage pots
Also amazing when ... more
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vintage usa 1974 Gibson speed knobs for les paul s1 marauder es 335 175 sg rippe

vintage usa 1974 Gibson speed knobs for les paul s1 marauder es 335 175 sg rippe

Smithfield, Rhode Island, 029**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$139



from RetroGuitarParts vintage guitars + parts.
archtop and jazz specialist!
click on "see other items" to check out our many new Gibson USA parts!
vintage 1984 CTS Gibson varitone 3-position switch with orig chicken head knob
Yowza! This is a matched set of 4 early 70's Gibson knobs. Fits usa 1 / 4" shafts
This is one of the nicest sets I have found. "Vintage near mint" condition with only VERY minor signs of player wear. Awesome set. Correct for a ... more
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Gibson Vintage 1950 Control Harness Pots Solid Shafts ES-125 150 1951

Gibson Vintage 1950 Control Harness Pots Solid Shafts ES-125 150 1951

Petaluma, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$185

** Vintage Gibson 1950 Control Harness 1951 *
Good Condition No CapSee PhotosShipping Lower 48 $17 00030925 1We ship Worldwide... more
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Vintage 1976 GIBSON Marauder Neck PICKUP with Screws and Springs 5 95

Vintage 1976 GIBSON Marauder Neck PICKUP with Screws and Springs 5 95

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

$300

This came from the neck position of a 1976 Gibson Marauder. Reads 5 95 ohms on my meter with full length (for Marauder) wire. I can't guarantee that it will read the same on yours, but I do guarantee that it works as it should. It's in really nice shape for the age. Original springs and screws included.
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 ... more
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1960s-1970s Vintage Gibson Reflector Volume Knob EB-0 / SG / Les Paul Custom

1960s-1970s Vintage Gibson Reflector Volume Knob EB-0 / SG / Les Paul Custom

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$97

Up for sale is a 1960s-1970s Gibson Les Paul / ES / EB Reflector Volume Knob!
VERY GOOD working and cosmetic condition!
Buy it Now before anyone else or Submit Your Best Offer
SHIPPING: USA - $9 WORLDWIDE - $25
We Ship Overseas!... more
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1966 Gibson ES-120T Electric Guitar Repair Free Original Condition W / HSC CLEAN!

1966 Gibson ES-120T Electric Guitar Repair Free Original Condition W / HSC CLEAN!

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Vintage, One Owner, Amazing Condition & Repair Free
1966 Gibson ES-120T Hollow Thinbody Electric Guitar
With Hard Case Pictured
This Guitar Is Completely Original Without Change, Repair Or Refinishing
If you think you're seeing something of concern not described below, please ask
Condition Description & Flaws Noted:
This is a Vintage & Amazingly Clean 1966 Gibson USA ES-120T that's absolutely beautiful and plays even better! This guitar was professionally gone over... more
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Vintage 1980 GIBSON Marauder Neck PICKUP Corvus Futura L6-S Deluxe Challenger

Vintage 1980 GIBSON Marauder Neck PICKUP Corvus Futura L6-S Deluxe Challenger

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

$260

This came from the neck position of a 1980 Gibson Marauder. Reads 5 95 ohms on my meter with full length (for Marauder) wire. I can't guarantee that it will read the same on yours, but I do guarantee that it works as it should. It's in good shape, but there's some wear on the black cover. Original springs and screws included.
Ssales 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 ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Black Yellow Plush 16" Hard Case ES-175 J-45 J-50 ES175 66

Vintage 1960's Gibson Black Yellow Plush 16" Hard Case ES-175 J-45 J-50 ES175 66

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

$795

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1960's Gibson 16 inch (lower bout) Hard Case
Now's the time to get a correct case for your vintage 60's Gibson archtop or flattop!
This is correct for ANY Gibson Archtop or Flattop from the 1960's with a 16" lower bout
Models include: ES-175, ES-175D, L-4, L-50, J-45, J-50, Hummingbird and others!
This is the mid 60's version with the flat black tolex exterior. ... more
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Gibson G3 Grabber

Gibson G3 Grabber

New Orleans, Louisiana, 701**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

This electric guitar is a must-have for any music enthusiast. The brand is Gibson, and the model is G3 Grabber. It's perfect for those who want a high-quality instrument to elevate their sound. The guitar is designed to provide a comfortable playing experience, with a focus on tone and performance.

The G3 Grabber is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their guitar collection. It's a versatile instrument that can be played in a variety of musical settings. Whether ... more
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Gibson Marauder S1 Neck Plate Chrome 2nd  Quality

Gibson Marauder S1 Neck Plate Chrome 2nd Quality

La Mesa, California, 919**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

Gibson S1 Marauder neck plate .Used good condition some scratchs and pitting may not clean up completely! 2nd quality . Get it while they last gb2 13 2
... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-175D Pickguard Wide Bevel Top Mount Version 1964 1965

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-175D Pickguard Wide Bevel Top Mount Version 1964 1965

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

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-175 Pickguard
Get your vintage early 60's PAF 175 back to stock!
Correct for your early - mid ES-175D This is the "top mount" screw-hole version. This also has the "wide bevel" that was used up until late 1966 when all Gibson archtop guards went to the "narrow" bevel
Good original condition!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP ... more
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Vintage 1976 Gibson Marauder electric guitar dark burgundy in original hard case

Vintage 1976 Gibson Marauder electric guitar dark burgundy in original hard case

San Carlos, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1499

This vintage Gibson Marauder electric guitar from 1976 is a rare find for any musician. With a dark burgundy body made of alder and a rosewood neck, this guitar is perfect for those who appreciate the quality of their instruments. It comes with a hard case for safekeeping, and has 22 frets and a 6 string configuration.

The guitar is a right-handed model and belongs to the Marauder series, making it a valuable addition to any collection. The brand name Gibson speaks for itself in ... more
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1950 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case

1950 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case

Harrisonville, Missouri, 647**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6995

1950 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case






Description
1950 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case
This great 2 owner guitar guitar came in my store today and I just had to have it. This beauty was purchased new in Ojai, Califonia by a Mr. James Hollis, who was a country musician and ealry member of the California Old Time Fiddlers Asscoaition, District 8. Jim moved to Ventura, Ca. after ... more
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1970s Gibson BASS Guitar Bridge Cover EB-0  / 3 Ripper T Bird Vintage USA Part

1970's Gibson BASS Guitar Bridge Cover EB-0 / 3 Ripper T Bird Vintage USA Part

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

$225

Steel construction, chrome finish, normal light vintage wear original vintage patina, measures 4 5 / 8 inches between mounting holes, original vintage Gibson part thanks for looking
... more
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Gibson ES-125 (1956) Sunburst Hollow Body Electric Guitar with Hard Case

Gibson ES-125 (1956) Sunburst Hollow Body Electric Guitar with Hard Case

Crosby, Minnesota, 564**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

Gibson ES-125 (1956) Sunburst Hollow Body Electric Guitar with Hard Case. Condition is Used. Local pickup only.... more
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1975 Vintage Gibson L6-S / S-1 Midnight Special Neck Plate Nickel 1970s

1975 Vintage Gibson L6-S / S-1 Midnight Special Neck Plate Nickel 1970s

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

$89

Steel construction, nickel finish, normal light vintage wear with patina, original 1970s USA Gibson part, (1) plate only, no mounting screws, thanks for looking!
... more
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Find more Gibson Marauder, Gibson S-1, Gibson The Paul, Gibson The SG, Gibson G3, Gibson Grabber, Gibson Ripper at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Recent posts on vintage guitar and bass

1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass The Hagstrom Swede bass, or model HB 903, was only built in small numbers: just 1479 basses shipped between 1971 and 1976. Unlike the current range of Hagstrom guitars, the 1950s-1980s Hagstroms were built in Sweden. This example comes from 1973 and is pretty typical: translucent cherry finish, mahogany body, mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. It's a really nice bass, beautifully appointed with a very wide tonal range, and a great playing feel. It is relatively heavy though for a mahogany instrument, mostly due to its thick solid body. Very cool bass, and certainly one of the very best basses produced by Hagstrom.

1973 Shaftesbury 3400

1973 Shaftesbury 3400 This example of the Shaftesbury 3400 was produced by Japanese manufacturer Matsumoku who made some great quality guitars in the 1970s and 1980s. This is a slightly later example, and has some features not seen on earlier 3400s. Although nice guitars, these are not in the same league as the Gibson Les Paul it was emulating (no set neck, no carved maple top); but they are far better than many of the entry-level Les Paul copies available in the mid-1970s - for example the Shaftesbury 3400 has gold plated hardware, a solid body bound front and back, Maxon brand humbuckers and nice inlaid neck and headstock.

1971 Epiphone 1802T

1971 Epiphone 1802T The Epiphone 1802T was the early name given to the Epiphone ET-270 and derived from an existing Aria guitar, also the 1802T. This was the first of the 1970s Epiphone solid bodies made in Japan by Matsumoku.The model evolved somewhat over its short production run: the very earliest examples were very similar to the Aria, sharing the same body shape, hardware, and clear-coated neck with Fender-style headstock with decal logo. By the time it was designated the Epiphone ET-270 it had been upgraded with the classic Epiphone-style headstock, with nice inlaid logo, and Epiphone 'E' motifs on the truss rod cover and scratchplate. This example from 1971 is somewhere in between with the Epiphone-style headstock, but with silk-screened logo, and no 'E's.

1971 Shaftesbury 3400

1971 Shaftesbury 3400Shaftesbury was a brand distributed by Rose-Morris in the UK - generally imported guitars from Italy or Japan. This guitar, model 3400 was produced by Matsumoku in Japan, and was one of the earliest Les Paul copy guitars, debuting in the UK in 1969, although the same guitar was also sold as the Univox U1982 'Rhythm and Blues' by Merson in the USA as early as 1968. It was also available in different territories under different marques, most obviously the Aria 5522 (Japan), Jedson Jet 4444 (UK, Dallas Arbiter), with no doubt many more examples worldwide.

1981 Gibson Victory MVX

1981 Gibson Victory MV-XThe Gibson Victory MV-X, or Victory 'Multi-Voice' 10, was so-named because of the 10 distinct switch settings: although on first glance this guitar is very much a 'super-strat', with its three-pickup 5-way switch wiring configuration, the original advertising, sounds like... all of 'em underlines that this isn't just a Stratocaster copy, having the sounds of both Gibson humbuckers and Fender single coils available with a flick of a switch. The model was short-lived, with the first instruments shipping from Kalamazoo in Summer of 1981, and the last (excluding any stragglers) leaving Nashville by early 1982. This one was stamped on August 3rd 1981 in Kalamazoo.

1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogue

1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogScan of 1970 Epiphone guitar catalogue produced by Rosetti for the UK market. Undated but most likely from mid-late 1970, this was the first UK catalogue to show the new range of Japanese (Matsumoku) Epiphone guitars. Interestingly, these pages show the Epiphone solid bodies with a single-sided Fender-style headstock layout - a feature quickly replaced with a typical two-sided Epiphone headstock almost immediately. Epiphone electric guitars: 9520, 9525; bass guitars: 9521, 9526; acoustic guitars: 6730, 6830, 6834

A World of Guitars by Rosetti - 1971

1971 A World of Guitars by Rosetti catalogueScan of 1971 Rosetti catalogue (UK) featuring guitars from from numerous manufacturers worldwide: guitars by Epiphone, Hagstrom, Levin, Hoyer, Egmond, Eros, Moridaira, Kiso-Suzuki, Schaller, and Tatra.

1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

1971 Epiphone 1820 (ET-280) bassBy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

1981 Gibson MarauderProduction of Bill Lawrence's Gibson Marauder began in 1974, with production peaking in 1978. But by 1980 the model was officially discontinued, though very small numbers slipped out as late as spring 1981. Over 7000 examples shipped between 1974 and 1979, and although no totals are available for 1980 and 1981, it is unlikely production reached three figures in either of these years. These final Marauders were all assembled at the Gibson Nashville plant, and had some nice features not available through the later years of production, such as a rosewood fretboard, and in this case, an opaque 'Devil Red' finish. It's a great looking and fine playing guitar!

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

1971 Pick Epiphone catalogWhen Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo to the Matsumoku plant in Japan, a whole new range of electric, flattop and classic acoustic guitars was launched. Between late 1970 and 1972 the new models were launched and refined. This 'folder' catalog contains various inserts released over these years detailing four electric six-strings (ET-270, ET-275, ET-278, and thinline EA-250), three bass guitars (ET-280, ET-285, and thinline EA-260), three folk/steel acoustics, four jumbo flattop acoustics, two 12-string jumbos, four classic acoustics, and a banjo.

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

1981 Gibson Specials Pre-Owners Manual'Gibson Specials' was part of the June 1981 pre-owners manual series, but unlike the other folders contained a mish-mash of different guitars: limited editions, test marketing and close outs. "You will find the unusual, the brand-new, and the bargain within this folder". End of line 70s guitars like the Marauder, S-1, and L-6S Custom mixed in with brand new models the The V, The Explorer and the Flying V Bass.
It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass Rose-Morris were selling Shaftesbury-branded Rickenbacker copy instruments from the late 1960s right through the 1970s. The 3263 bass was one of the first models, (alongside the 3261 six string and 3262 twelve string) available from late 1968 until about 1974. The earliest incarnation was a set neck bass, produced very briefly in Japan. But production quickly moved to Italy. This bolt-on neck example was built by Eko, in Recanati, using the same hardware and pickups as fitted to Eko, and Vox basses built around the same time. It's certainly a fine looking bass, and not a bad player either.

1961 Hohner Zambesi

1961 Hohner Zambesi This very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super Ace The Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of 47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

1966 Vox New Escort The Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin Care Catalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger Folk The Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar The Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price 18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music