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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...

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

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Vintage 1965 ( or 1968) Gibson Memphis ES-125 Electric Guitar With Hard Case

Vintage 1965 ( or 1968) Gibson Memphis ES-125 Electric Guitar With Hard Case

Peoria, Illinois, 616**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Vintage 1965 ( or 1968) Gibson Memphis ES-125 Electric Guitar
Not exactly sure of date   According to the Gruhn Spokesperson, It is either 1965 or 1968
She's a Beauty!
Includes Hard Shell Case
Please refer to photos for condition
Ask any questions before bidding
Ships to the Upper 48 States Only
... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line Ring ES-335 Es-175 1965 ,

Vintage 1960's Gibson Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line Ring ES-335 Es-175 1965 ,

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

$345

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1964 - 1965 Gibson / Kluson "double line double ring" tuner set
This vintage and rare original set of tuners is very clean and correct for your mid 1960's Gibson Models include the ES-335, ES-175, SG Standard and many others!
This is a killer looking set with a great patina, while these may appear to have a gold hue in the photos, these are actually nickel that has been ... more
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1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
 
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more
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1961 Gibson ES-125TCD Hollowbody Electric Guitar

1961 Gibson ES-125TCD Hollowbody Electric Guitar

Birmingham, Alabama, 352**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

This is a 1961 Gibson ES-125TCD with its original case
The guitar has a few miles on it, but appears to all original except for a few screws
There are no breaks or previous repairs
The frets are in decent shape and have plenty of life left. The guitar is currently setup with 11's and feels pretty darn good. On the side of the guitar, near the bottom and on the underside, there is some discoloration that can be seen in the pics
On the back of the headstock, there is a tiny extra ... more
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Vintage Gibson 1959 ES-125D Pickguard ES-125td p-90 Tortoise Celluloid 1950s 58

Vintage Gibson 1959 ES-125D Pickguard ES-125td p-90 Tortoise Celluloid 1950's 58

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

$145

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson ES-125d Pickguard
Original late 50's - early 1960's Gibson ES-125 guard
Very cool vintage guard -- correct for your NON cutaway ES-125 or ES-125t
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT

WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Check our feedback and bid with confidence.... more
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Gibson Grabber G3 Electric Bass Guitar with Gig Bag

Gibson Grabber G3 Electric Bass Guitar with Gig Bag

Texas City, Texas, 775**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2050

Gibson Grabber G3 Electric Bass Guitar with Gig Bag2012Serial Number 123520311
Four StringRight HandedSatin Ebony Black Finish
Solid Maple body with carved double-cutaway shapeGrade-A maple neck with a slim, fast profilePowerful G3 Bass pickups in the neck, middle and bridge positionsThree-point adjustable bass bridgeFour chunky Grover tuners with Shamrock key tunersComes with Gig BagOne OwnerPlease see all pictures as they serve as part of the description and condition... more
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Gibson, Marauder, electric guitar, serial # 99134611, vintage, rare

Gibson, Marauder, electric guitar, serial # 99134611, vintage, rare

Tarzana, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Gibson, Marauder, electric guitar, serial # 99134611, vintage, rare.


Sounds great, bought it used appropriately 24 years ago

Please ask any questions and review all pics as there are no returns

Thank!
... more
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1978 Gibson Marauder Made in USA Guitar w /  Original Case

1978 Gibson Marauder Made in USA Guitar w / Original Case

Kahului, Hawaii, 967**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

1978 Gibson Marauder Made in USA Guitar w / Original Case. Serial Number 72638067. Made in 1978 Kalamazoo, MI... more
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Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
... more
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1952 Gibson ES-175 Vintage Archtop Blonde w /  P-90, Case

1952 Gibson ES-175 Vintage Archtop Blonde w / P-90, Case

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

$7800

Up for sale, a 1952 Gibson ES-175 in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a modern hardshell case. This Gibson retains its original natural Blonde nitro lacquer finish, and the fully hollow 16" wide maple body yields all the detail, tonal complexity, and sweet, dynamic tone one demands in a golden age Gibson archtop. Emblematic of the immediate note attack and clarity of maple, but also the smoothness and warmth attributable to the hollowbody construction, the sound is... more
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1980 Gibson The Les Paul Firebrand Electric Guitar Husk Repaired

1980 Gibson The Les Paul Firebrand Electric Guitar Husk Repaired

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$625

Up for sale is a 1980 Gibson USA Les Paul Firebrand empty husk. Has a repaired headstock. It??s ugly but solid. It??s been totally refinished. The neck is straight and holds straight under string tension. It??s been strung up and played without issues. The frets are good. I will ship well packaged in a proper box  Thanks for looking and please ask any questions. Most my items ship the next day if purchased before 8pm EST
... more
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1982 Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe ELECTRIC GUITAR & HSC Ebony

1982 Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe ELECTRIC GUITAR & HSC Ebony

Exeter, New Hampshire, 038**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

1982 Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe ELECTRIC GUITAR & HSC Ebony

Color: Ebony

Weight: 7 lbs, 12 oz

Serial #: 82812526

Condition: Good. For it's age the frets look great! There is some obvious play wear including dings, chips and finish wear. Overall an amazing collector's item! Includes aftermarket tweed hardshell case. Please review all photos
... 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

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

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 catalog Hagstrom 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 President The 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.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for the Les Paul Personal / Professional