Vintage Guitars
OVATION | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Ovation advertisement (1974)

don't dilly dally... "Dude" da Deacons dynamite

Ovation Deacon 1252

Mid seventies advert for the Deacon. The model shown is an early version with the large single coil pickups, as opposed to the later double coil 12 pole piece version

Ovation advertisement (1974) don

Other related vintage advertisements

Ovation Deacon 1252 - Ovation Solid Bodies - They
Ovation Deacon 1252 - Ovation Solid Bodies - They're Worth A Try
1975 advert highlighting the main features of the Ovation Breadwinner and Deacon solid body electrics
Ovation Deacon 1252 - Ovation solid bodies. Part of the Strawbs
Ovation Deacon 1252 - Ovation solid bodies. Part of the Strawbs' sound.
Mid seventies ad featuring Dave Lambert of the Strawbs and his Ovation Deacon

The Ovation Deacon has the widest tonal range of any electric guitar on the market. This fantastic range makes i...
Ovation Deacon 1252 - Bloody comfortable
Ovation Deacon 1252 - Bloody comfortable
Mid seventies Ovation advert featuring Steve Marriott (Small Faces / Humble Pie) and his Ovation Deacon
Ovation Deacon 1252 - Ovation Solid Bodies - They
Ovation Deacon 1252 - Ovation Solid Bodies - They're Worth a Try
This advert details the Ovation solid body electrics, the Breadwinner and Deacon, with the Deacon pictured.
Ovation Deacon 1252 - How Ovation took a hint from the 50s
Ovation Deacon 1252 - How Ovation took a hint from the 50s
1977 Rose-Morris Ovation advert. Rose-Morris were the UK distributors for Ovation guitars

You remember the Bands of the 50's. The sounds they made were exciting, raunchy and alive. But those...

Ovation Deacon 1252

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Vtg Guitar Tuner Ovation Quartz No 9649 Purchased In 1983 In Case in box

Vtg Guitar Tuner Ovation Quartz No 9649 Purchased In 1983 In Case in box

Huachuca City, Arizona, 856**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

The product is a vintage Ovation quartz guitar tuner, model No 9649, purchased in 1983. It comes in its original case and box, making it a collectible item for guitar enthusiasts. This black tuner is designed specifically for guitars and provides accurate tuning assistance for musicians looking to ensure their instrument is in perfect pitch. Perfect for those seeking a piece of musical history or a reliable tool for their guitar tuning needs. WORKS GREAT AND SENDING 5 FENDER MEDIUM GUITAR PICKS ... more
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Vintage Shaller tuning gears with Ovation logo

Vintage Shaller tuning gears with Ovation logo

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 875**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$80

This listing is for ONE (1) matched set of a pair of Shaller acoustic guitar with the Ovation logo on them
These gears are matched sets with straight posts in good working condition
Width of plate: .605 " Post diameter: .236 " Post height: 1 15"... more
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Ovation Vintage Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case Amber Velvet Interior

Ovation Vintage Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case Amber Velvet Interior

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

Ovation Vintage Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case Amber Velvet InteriorGood Condition Visible Signs of Wear Markings on Case Cracks throughout Case43" in Length See Pictures for More Details... more
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VINTAGE 1980s Ovation Guitar Case in great shape & Blue Lining

VINTAGE 1980s Ovation Guitar Case in great shape & Blue Lining

Daytona Beach, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$125

Vintage 80s Ovation shallow bowl guitar case with a very good condition blue lining and all latches work as they should
Case was on the road for a few years and the exterior shows the normal wear .as shown in the pictures. Still a vintage case that will protect your vintage guitar.... more
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APPLAUSE Acoustic Guitar late 1970s Ovation company Kaman incredible sounding

APPLAUSE Acoustic Guitar late 1970's Ovation company Kaman incredible sounding

Medford, Oregon, 975**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$140

The APPLAUSE Acoustic Guitar, made by Ovation in the late 1970s under the Kaman brand, is known for its incredible sound quality. This vintage guitar has a unique design and is part of the Applause series, known for its high-quality craftsmanship. With a 6-string configuration and a sleek body color, this guitar is a must-have for any guitarist looking for a classic and exceptional sounding instrument from the 1970s.... more
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1977  /  78 Ovation Guitar for parts

1977 / 78 Ovation Guitar for parts

Avon by the Sea, New Jersey, 077**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

1977 / 78 Ovation Guitar for parts
Please look closely at pics
I'm guessing the age by the serial number shown... more
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1977 Ovation Lyrachord Roundback Acoustic-Electric Classic Series Guitar

1977 Ovation Lyrachord Roundback Acoustic-Electric 'Classic Series' Guitar

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

$150

This 1977 Ovation nylon and steel string Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a classic six-string instrument known for Ovation's signature (and patented) Lyrachord Roundback design and high-quality construction. It features a gorgeous and ornate rosette (common on higher-end Classics) and has headstock and neck back with beautiful inlaid stripes. With the body face made of spruce or cedar, and the roundback design (which enhances sound projection, minimizes feedback when amplified, and offers ... more
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1970s Ovation Applause AA14 USA Moosup Conn. Aluminum Fretboard-Sunburst Beauty!

1970s Ovation Applause AA14 USA Moosup Conn. Aluminum Fretboard-Sunburst Beauty!

Longs, South Carolina, 295**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$175

The 1970s Ovation Applause AA14 is a vintage acoustic guitar made in the United States with bronze frets in an aluminum fingerboard. This right-handed dreadnought guitar features a flat top soundboard style and six strings, making it a unique and collectible piece for guitar enthusiasts. With its distinctive features and classic design, this Ovation Applause model from the 1970s is sure to stand out in any vintage guitar collection
Sunburst Color
Great player
Low action
Great play ... more
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Applause AE-38 Ovation Shaped Acoustic Electric Guitar (GREEN BURST) Hard Case

Applause AE-38 Ovation Shaped Acoustic Electric Guitar (GREEN BURST) Hard Case

Grand Prairie, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$280

The Applause AE-38 Ovation Shaped Acoustic Electric Guitar in Green Burst comes in a hard case for added protection. This vintage series guitar is designed for right-handed players and features a classic dreadnought body type with a brown color. With its 6-string configuration and 20 frets, this model offers a versatile and high-quality experience for musicians looking for a reliable acoustic guitar. Hard case has some wear but is still intact and functional. Please see pics
... more
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Vintage 1980s Applause by Ovation Black Electric Guitar | With Hard Case

Vintage 1980s Applause by Ovation Black Electric Guitar | With Hard Case

Canton, Ohio, 447**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$295

Please examine the pictures closely and judge the condition of this item for yourself, as the photos form a significant part of the description. We keep our listings simple, clear, and concise, with no graphics or paragraphs of disclaimers, so the facts are quick and easy to read. What is pictured is what you get, so if you don't see it in the photos, it is not included
Vintage Applause by Ovation Electric Guitar Black With Locking Nut and Hard CaseThis listing is for a black Applause by ... more
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Vintage Ovation 1970??s Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case w / Amber Velvet Interior

Vintage Ovation 1970??s Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case w / Amber Velvet Interior

Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Condition: Good
The exterior of this case does have a few dings in it: two along the ridge of the top mold, a slight crack on the front side, and one of the metal knob feet is caved in a bit. There is also a slight gap between the top and bottom in the back side when closed. See pictures for details.
All that being said, they are all minor flaws and this case functions perfectly and still looks awesome!
This vintage Ovation hard case is a must-have for any vintage guitar enthusiast. ... more
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Ovation 1621-4 Acoustic Guitar W /  Case Parts Repair

Ovation 1621-4 Acoustic Guitar W / Case Parts Repair

Utica, New York, 135**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$325

The top is extremely uneven and roughly repaired. Don??t know if it??s fixable. Lots of good parts And a case. It doesn??t play great. Electronics work, I did have to solder a new battery strap and glue it to the bracket as the original one had corroded from an old 9v left in. Sold completely as is. Ships fully insured
... more
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Vintage Ovation 1970s Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case Amber Velvet Interior

Vintage Ovation 1970's Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case Amber Velvet Interior

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$346

The Vintage Ovation 1970's Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case is a high-quality, single capacity guitar case designed to protect and transport your instrument. Made in the United States, this hard case features a luxurious amber velvet interior to keep your guitar safe and secure. The classic brown color adds a stylish touch to this durable and protective case, making it a perfect choice for any guitarist looking to safeguard their instrument in style.... more
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vintage ovation hard case orange from 1970s in excellent condition with key

vintage ovation hard case orange from 1970s in excellent condition with key

Lake Oswego, Oregon, 970**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

Vintage case fits many vintage ovation guitars from the 1970s and 1980s , deep bowl version , no damage , all latches work in excellent condition, minor cracks near the locks that don??t affect the locking mechanism just cosmetic at this point , original key included

Note; ovation guitar shown in last 2 photos is a vintage deep bowl ovation 1619 and it shows the fitting in the case , as an example , if you have the anniversary 1657 model it will not fit as this is a wider ovation and... more
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Vintage 1970s Ovation Hard Guitar Case Brown Plush Lining WITH BACKSTAGE PASSES!

Vintage 1970s Ovation Hard Guitar Case Brown Plush Lining WITH BACKSTAGE PASSES!

McHenry, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

Has backstage passes from 1980s concerts, including Bob Seeger, The Cars, Foghat, Waylon, and more. Vintage used condition with scratches / scuffs / dings / slight corrosion on metal and other wear. Inside is clean.... more
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Ovation Matrix 1132-1 6-String Right-Handed Acoustic Guitar 1978 Sunburst W Case

Ovation Matrix 1132-1 6-String Right-Handed Acoustic Guitar 1978 Sunburst W Case

Schoharie, New York, 121**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

Has some minor cosmetic defects due to age, see photos. Includes hard case, which is does fit but not perfectly due to the shape of the ovation . not a guitar player but seems to work good, all the tuners work as they should. Needs new strings and label fell off as shown
... more
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Ovation Model 1117-4 Acoustic Project 1970s

Ovation Model 1117-4 Acoustic Project 1970s

Utica, New York, 135**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

Cool vintage ovation project. Comes with original warranty card. This will need the bridge reattached at the very least. Looks like its in pretty decent besides that. I have not strung up to play it to see how the neck is. Bracing feels intact inside. Frets look decent. Sold as is. Lots of photos to look at. Ships fully insured and packaged with care.... more
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Ovation 1661 Balladeer 1982 - 1984 - Sunburst (CMP121012)

Ovation 1661 Balladeer 1982 - 1984 - Sunburst (CMP121012)

Ontario, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$360

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Vintage Guitar Acoustic Ovation Case

Vintage Guitar Acoustic Ovation Case

Kaukauna, Wisconsin, 541**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$389

Overall good condition, some wear pictured, smaller guitar, see measurements



Thanks for looking, we will ONLY ship to your paypal address, no exceptions, price listed is lower 48 USA shipping only, we can ship worldwide, please ask if you have any questions, if you have any issues after receiving, please contact us before you leave neutral or bad feedback, thanks. All shipments professionally packaged, and usually shipped in 1-2 days.




more
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Ovation Artist 1121-6 Right Handed Acoustic Guitar - American Made Early 1970s

Ovation Artist 1121-6 Right Handed Acoustic Guitar - American Made Early 1970s

Burnsville, Minnesota, 553**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$420

PAWN AMERICA KEY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS :
Brand: OvationType: Acoustic GuitarNumber of Frets: 20Model: 1121-6Body Type: Single CutawayString Configuration: 6 StringSeries: ArtistBody Material: Sitka SpruceHandedness: Right-HandedBody Color: NaturalFretboard Material: EbonyModel Year: Early 1970sMPN: 1121-6Country / Region of Manufacture: United States What's Included :
Ovation ... 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