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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1982)

American-made. World-played.

Gibson ES-335 dot, Gibson Les Paul Standard

This advertisement was widely used circa 1982-1984. It features the American map guitar that appears on the cover of the 1983 Gibson catalogue, alongside the ES-335 dot, and Les Paul Standard.

Gibson launched the ES-335 dot in 1982, after discontinuing the ES-335TD and ES-335 Pro the year before. Unlike the 80s 335 with block inlays, the 335 dot was based on a 1961 model - obviously with dot position marker inlays, but also with a mahogany (rather than maple) neck. It did, however replace the trapeze tailpiece for a more useful stop tailpiece.

Gibson advertisement (1982) American-made. World-played.

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson Les Paul Standard - They
Gibson Les Paul Standard - They're Tops... Les Paul, Mary Ford and their Gibsons
Very early advert for the Les Paul Guitar. This was only a year after the models introduction, and at this point, the instrument was simply called the Les Paul model
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Gibson Les Paul Model
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Gibson Les Paul Model
It's a sensation! This very early advertisement for the Les Paul Model (latterly known as the Les Paul Standard) features Les Paul himself playing the gold-topped P90 equipped guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Les Paul Says: It
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Les Paul Says: It's Gibson
A most important part of our recording equipment This interesting mid-fifties advert shows Les Paul at work recording guitar with his wife Mary Ford looking on. The advert shows the original gold-t...
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Daddy of
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Daddy of 'em All
1969 advert for the two re-released Les Paul models, the Custom and the Standard

Les Paul may not have invented amplified music, but he perfected it almost single-handed. He started a revolu...
Gibson Les Paul Standard - The Most Les
Gibson Les Paul Standard - The Most Les
"Les Paul's silver anniversary is your golden opportunity". Advert for the 25th anniversary Les Paul guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Vintage Voltage. 30th Anniversary Les Paul Standard
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Vintage Voltage. 30th Anniversary Les Paul Standard
An advertisement for a short-lived limited edition model to celebrate 30 years of Les Paul's work with Gibson guitars

The shape of '52 that shattered all the molds; the classic gold top, The...

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 ES-335 dot, Gibson Les Paul

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1998 Gibson Les Paul Classic Goldtop  1960 RI - Left Handed - Slim Neck

1998 Gibson Les Paul Classic Goldtop 1960 RI - Left Handed - Slim Neck

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2495

* Scroll down to see 55 HD images of this guitar **
Here's a LEFT HANDED 1998 Gibson Les Paul Classic in a factory original Goldtop finish
It is in very good condition and has light playwear for a 25+ year old guitar.
The top is very clean - just a few micro indents on the edge near the binding - see video
The back has a few light clear coat scratches and a few light indents
She has the original Gibson USA pickups and the pots are clean with no scratchiness
Frets are ... more
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1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Sunburst w /  Gibson Case

1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Sunburst w / Gibson Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

Vintage original Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in original Tobacco Sunburst finish
This example features a vintage 1978 Gibson P-90 pickup in the neck and a vintage Dimarzio Super Distortion in the bridge position. Makes for a fantastic variety of tones from warm and mellow on the neck to bright and screaming on the bridge. A wonderful guitar for recording or live with lots of different tones. Basically she's a tone machine
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in ... more
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2 Vintage late 1970s Gibson Black Speed Knobs SG L6-S Les Paul RD Marauder G-3

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

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

$90

This listing is for two original Black Gibson Guitar / bass knobs from the 70's. These are in nice shape with minor nicks scratches, and dings. Not too yellowed. Correct for many 70's or early 80's Gibson Guitars and Basses
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or ... more
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Vintage 1968 CTS 500k Pot Set - Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop Black Beauty 69

Vintage 1968 CTS 500k Pot Set - Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop Black Beauty 69

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

$495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage 1968 Gibson / CTS Matched 500k pot set!
Correct for your Les Paul Standard Goldtop or Custom of the same era
These are the rare CTS pots found only in 1968 and belong in your first year re-introduced 68 Les Paul!
Pots are all matched and date to the 43rd week of 1968 (1376843)
Perfect functioning condition.
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE ... more
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Vintage 1970s Gibson Deluxe Keystone Tuner Set Es-335 Les Paul Standard Flying V

Vintage 1970s Gibson Deluxe Keystone Tuner Set Es-335 Les Paul Standard Flying V

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

$245

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1970's thru 1980's Nickel "Gibson Deluxe" Keystone tuner set
Ready for your 70's or 80's ES-335, Flying V, Les Paul Standard and others These are SUPER RARE! This set is 100% stock with all the original mounting bushings
Please note One of the treble-side tuners has a broken shaft. This could be repaired, but that tuner is non-functioning at the moment. Set ... more
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Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

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

$4695



Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar with a Cherry Sunburst Finish! This guitar has the tone and playability you would expect from a Les Paul Custom. Plugged in, this axe has some really nice meaty growls and great vintage overtones! Really shimmery highs that don??t get harsh. It plays great, has a comfy neck and a quick ... more
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1981 GIBSON Les Paul Logo Guitar TUNER NICKEL Vintage Part 1982 1983

1981 GIBSON Les Paul Logo Guitar TUNER NICKEL Vintage Part 1982 1983

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

$59

Nickel chrome finish, Gibson logo gear cove (light Gold tint), screw on button, normal light vintage wear, one tuner as shown(1), original early 1980s Gibson thanks for looking!
... more
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? For Sale: 1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom ??Black Beauty?? ?

? For Sale: 1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom ??Black Beauty?? ?

Danbury, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$85000


? For Sale: 1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom ??Black Beauty?? ?
An absolute gem from 1960 ?? this Les Paul Custom Black Beauty is a stunning example of Gibson??s craftsmanship during the golden era
Specs and Condition:
All original tuners, pickups (PAFs), pots, Bigsby B7 Tremolo, and bridge
Frets have been professionally replaced at some point for ideal playability
Original finish, binding, and hardware verified under UV black light
Minor touch-up about, the size of a... more
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Vintage 1954 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Model / Jenson C12N Speaker - Original Foot Ped

Vintage 1954 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Model / Jenson C12N Speaker - Original Foot Ped

Martinsburg, West Virginia, 254**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Model 1954 - Vintage Jenson C12N Speaker - Original Foot Pedal
This Amplifier has recently been serviced! The following has been done
A heavy duty 3 prong cord was installed
All new filter capacitors
2 carbon comp resisters
Potentiometers have been cleaned, lubed
Tube sockets have been cleaned
Please keep in mind! This amp doesn??t have a hum balance in its stock wiring configuration to get rid of any unwanted hum turn the second channel to the ... more
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Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

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

$10695

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 With original hang tag and blank guarantee card returnable to Kalamazoo
Being offered from the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC

CONDITION AND PRICING PLEASE READ:
All electronics work and are original . very clean guitar. The Frets are ok but here is what my luthier said. The neck is slightly bowed on low E side and straight on high E side which he states can be fixed by replacing frets and compensating for ... more
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2022 Gibson GEMINI 1959 Les Paul replica Murphy Lab PROTOTYPE #1 BOTB  page 116

2022 Gibson GEMINI 1959 Les Paul replica Murphy Lab PROTOTYPE #1 BOTB page 116

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

$24900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 2022 Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Ultra Heavy Aged replica of the "Gemini" 1959 Les Paul seen on page 116 + 117 in the Beauty of the Burst book. This is Prototype #1 with its certificate of authenticity. The top is highly figured and the fretboard is BR. The original hardshell case is also included. The weight is 9 lbs. 1 oz
We are happy to ship internationally
... more
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1970s 5 / 8" Gibson Nickel Plate Guitar Tuner BUSHINGS for Les Paul Flying V S-1

1970's 5 / 8" Gibson Nickel Plate Guitar Tuner BUSHINGS for Les Paul Flying V S-1

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

$130

This is an original set of 6 Gibson Schaller nickel plated 5 / 8 inch guitar tuner bushings. These were found on many Gibson guitars from the 70's. They usually came on the guitars with the Schaller made "Floral" tuners, but I've seen these bushings on some guitars with the Kluson made "Gibson Deluxe" tuners. These are in good shape
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. ... more
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Vintage 1984 Gibson Les Paul Studio Standard Guitar With Chainsaw Case

Vintage 1984 Gibson Les Paul Studio Standard Guitar With Chainsaw Case

Waterville, Maine, 049**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2250

1984 Gibson Les Paul Studio Standard with chainsaw caseTuners had been changed to Schaller, but original Gibson Deluxe now on guitar6 small extra holes on back of head stock, partially visible Pickups are not original. The Neck position is a 1988 Gibson Bill Lawrence HBR "The Original " The Bridge position is a Kent Armstron HPAN-1
There is some cosmetic flaws such as, minor buckle rash on backside, clearcoat peeling on back of neck, and lots of natural checking All of these really only add ... more
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2024 Gibson CS 1957 Les Paul "CME Spec" ?? LEFTY ?? Murphy Lab ?? Candy Apple Blue

2024 Gibson CS 1957 Les Paul "CME Spec" ?? LEFTY ?? Murphy Lab ?? Candy Apple Blue

Asbury Park, New Jersey, 077**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5900

2024 Gibson Custom Shop
1957 Les Paul "CME SPEC "
Left Handed
Murphy Lab Candy Apple Blue
w 59' Carmelita Neck
Serial 741699
OHC
Extraordinary
Extraordinary player
Incredible tone
No repairs
Has a small paint chip on the back of the headstock (VOS finish is insanely brittle)
Has typical low usage finish pick marks on top
Very few on planet
Purchased new on 10 / 14 / 24
Carrying on Orville Gibson??s historic pursuit of sonic excellence and aesthetic... more
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1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard Employee Guitar Cherry w /  Pat # Pickups, Case

1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard Employee Guitar Cherry w / Pat # Pickups, Case

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

$17000

Up for sale, a 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard, complete with the original hardshell case. Ostensibly an employee-made guitar from Gibson??s Kalamazoo, MI factory, this Les Paul SG has two notable and unusual features, namely an SSN stamped into the mahogany in lieu of a traditional serial number, and factory-installed Grover Pat. Pending Rotomatic tuners (instead of Klusons)
Weighing 7lbs 5oz and balancing well on a strap, this SG features Honduran mahogany body and neck construction with ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson featherweight Les Paul Wraparound Tailpiece  /  chrome

Vintage 1960s Gibson featherweight Les Paul Wraparound Tailpiece / chrome

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$585

Vintage 1960's Gibson chrome Les Paul / SG Special Wraparound Tailpiece Bridge
Weighs 32 grams.
smooth with no notching, some finish wear.
Shipped with full insurance... more
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1984 Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom Ebony Black

1984 Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom Ebony Black

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

For Sale: 1984 Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom ?? Ebony Black
Includes Original Hard-Shell Case
Up for grabs is a rare and highly collectible 1984 Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom in classic Ebony Black. Made for only a few short years, the Studio Custom is a unique hybrid between the Les Paul Studio and Les Paul Custom??offering high-end appointments in a more stripped-down aesthetic
What Makes It Special?
This model features:
3-ply top body binding for that premium Custom ... more
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Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

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

$4495



Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar with a Cherry Sunburst Finish! This guitar has the tone and playability you would expect from a Les Paul. Plugged in, this axe has some really nice meaty growls and great overtones! Really shimmery highs that don??t get harsh. It plays great, has a comfy neck and a quick action. This ... more
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Gibson Les Paul Custom 1972 - Gold

Gibson Les Paul Custom 1972 - Gold

Englewood, Florida, 342**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8500

This stunning electric guitar from Gibson is a true gem for any musician. With its custom design and high-quality materials, it's sure to exceed your expectations. The body color is a beautiful gold finish that shines under any lighting The brand is Gibson, and the model is Custom. It's part of the Gibson Les Paul series, which is known for its exceptional tone and versatility. This guitar is perfect for any musician who wants to take their talent to the next level. It's a must-have for any ... more
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1978 Gibson Les Paul Standard Vintage Guitar Cherry Sunburst, Time Capsule, Case

1978 Gibson Les Paul Standard Vintage Guitar Cherry Sunburst, Time Capsule, Case

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

$5800

Up for sale, a 1978 Gibson Les Paul Standard in collector-grade, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the "chainsaw" hardshell case. This exceedingly well-kept vintage Les Paul boasts a vibrant Cherry Sunburst nitro lacquer finish, loaded with a pair of T Top humbuckers
Tonewoods include a mahogany body, carved three-piece maple top, three-piece maple neck, and bound rosewood fingerboard, and this Les Paul weighs 10lbs 13oz. The T Top humbuckers offer a a ... more
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1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

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

1973 Shaftesbury 3400

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