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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1968)

Including beginners

Gibson Electric Guitars, Gibson Flattops

This advert is designed to demonstrate that Gibson guitars are not just for professional players, but beginners too - featuring, from left to right, a Barney Kessel, SG standard, C-series acoustc, LG-0, ES-335-12, RS-250 banjo, mandolin, Blue Ridge and J200

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    Gibson advertisement (1968) Including beginners

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    Gibson Electric, Gibson Flattops

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    Vintage 1970s Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry Red SG Style

    Vintage 1970s Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry Red SG Style

    Lindenhurst, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $8000

    Up for sale is this stunning vintage Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck electric guitar from approximately 1975, a true icon of rock history famously associated with legends like Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. This cherry red beauty features the classic SG-style solid mahogany body, delivering that warm, resonant tone Gibson is renowned for. The upper neck is a 12-string for those shimmering arpeggios and jangly rhythms, while the lower is a 6-string for powerful leads and riffs??perfect for live ... more
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    1966 Gibson ES-120T Electric Guitar Repair Free Original Condition W / HSC CLEAN!

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

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

    $2100

    Vintage, One Owner, Amazing Condition & Repair Free
    1966 Gibson ES-120T Hollow Thinbody Electric Guitar
    With Hard Case Pictured
    This Guitar Is Completely Original Without Change, Repair Or Refinishing
    If you think you're seeing something of concern not described below, please ask
    Condition Description & Flaws Noted:
    This is a Vintage & Amazingly Clean 1966 Gibson USA ES-120T that's absolutely beautiful and plays even better! This guitar was professionally gone over... more
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    Vintage c. 1957 Harmony H62 archtop electric guitar, USA. Gibson P13 pups

    Vintage c. 1957 Harmony H62 archtop electric guitar, USA. Gibson P13 pups

    Youngstown, Ohio, 445**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1895

    The Harmony H62 (c. 1957)?? Basically the poor musician??s Chuck Berry guitar. Big sexy full-depth round cutaway electric archtop with single coil Gibson pickups. Of course, for one-fifth the price there are a FEW differences. Only 16?? instead 17?? as for the ES 350. And it IS a Harmony and NOT a GIbson. Those Gibson P-13 pups were eventually replaced over in Kalamazoo by the new P-90 and farmed out to other companies. These are darker sounding and a little more primitive, but they just drip ... more
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    70??s Gibson SG SB300 SG Electric Bass Guitar Bridge Tailpiece Nickel

    70??s Gibson SG SB300 SG Electric Bass Guitar Bridge Tailpiece Nickel

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

    $165

    Up for sale is a 70??s Gibson Sam Ash SG electric bass bridge tailpiece. String spacing 2 20??. All the screws move freely. No stripped threads. Works great. Thanks for looking and please ask any questions. Most items ship the next day if purchased before 8EST
    ... more
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    Vintage 1960s Gibson Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst -Rare Orig Alligator Case

    Vintage 1960s Gibson Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst -Rare Orig Alligator Case

    Garden City, Kansas, 678**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3200

    OFFERS WELCOME

    Vintage 1960s Gibson Archtop Electric Guitar ?? Original Sunburst Finish ?? With Original Faux-Alligator Chipboard Case

    This listing is for an authentic vintage Gibson archtop electric guitar, estimated late 1950s??early 1960s based on the silhouette, tortoise pickguard, P-90 style dogear pickup, binding style, gold reflector knobs, and original faux-alligator case

    These guitars are getting extremely hard to find with original finish and case, and... more
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    Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar Dark Cherry 1973

    Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar Dark Cherry 1973

    Charlotte, North Carolina, 282**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2700

    A 1973 Gibson SG Standard in Dark Cherry, built with a solid mahogany body and neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and classic dual humbuckers that deliver iconic vintage sound. It sports a slim-taper neck and chrome hardware, offering easy playability and a bold, cutting tone. The guitar is in good shape with authentic wear from use, reflecting more than five decades of musical history. A true collector??s instrument with enduring style and impressive performance??perfect for both studio sessions and... more
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    1962 Gibson Skylark EH500 Lap Steel electric guitar

    1962 Gibson Skylark EH500 Lap Steel electric guitar

    Point Roberts, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1000


    Original 1962 Gibson Skylark model EH500 lap steel with original case. Beautiful condition for the age . very similar design to the famous Flying V Please see pictures for details on cosmetic condition and email if you need any more.
    Original case has a broken handle which is included.
    Overseas buyers .Please email for exact shipping quote. Sometimes shipping can be cheaper to some countries
    Buyer is responsible for all import costs brokerage fees taxes etc??
    Canadian ... more
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    Gibson EST 1964 / 1969 EB-0 Electric Bass

    Gibson EST 1964 / 1969 EB-0 Electric Bass

    Chesapeake, Virginia, 233**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2000

    PREOWNEDGIBSON EB-0 ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR
    EST. 1964 / 1969, FEATURING RARE FIND, SLOTTED HEADSTOCK
    COMES WITH ORIGINAL CASE! INSIDE OF CASE COND. IS FINE, HOWEVER THE EXTERNAL SHAPE OF THE CASE IS POOR. LOTS OF TEARS AND ATTEMPTED FIXES
    THE GIBSON ITSELF IS IN FAIR SHAPE, SOME DINGS AND WEAR FROM USE. ITEM IS AS PICTURED ABOVE. MESSAGE WITH ANY QUESTIONS!
    * FEDEX SHIPPING ONLY *NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE LOWER 48 STATES *
    ... more
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    Epiphone By Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass

    Epiphone By Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass

    Somonauk, Illinois, 605**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $300

    Excellent condition bass. Fast shipping from Sandwich, Illinois or free pick up from our local showroom. Please check out our other listings for more cool guitars. Flat shipping fee shown is for deliveries within the continental United States
    ... more
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    1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar

    1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar

    Hollywood, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $6900

    Near mint condition, still have an original hard case, this guitar means a lot to me, so please serious inquiries only

    Feel free to ask me any questions
    ... more
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    1959-1960 Vintage Lifton Electric Guitar Hard Shell Case for Gibson ES-335

    1959-1960 Vintage Lifton Electric Guitar Hard Shell Case for Gibson ES-335

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

    $1000

    1959-1960 Vintage Lifton Electric Guitar Hard Shell Case for Gibson ES-335
    Hey there! You are looking at a 1959-1960 Vintage Lifton Electric Guitar Hard Shell Case for Gibson ES-335!
    This is a original, vintage- Lifton guitar case for Vintage ES-335 guitars. The case isn't damaged in anyway- but as you can see it was repainted black a long time ago, looking far different than the original Brown ones you know and love. It's still an amazing case despite its looks. If you want a vintage case... more
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    1971 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar - Goldtop With original case

    1971 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar - Goldtop With original case

    Boynton Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $9000

    The 1971 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar in Goldtop is a highly sought-after classic instrument by Gibson. This solid body electric guitar features a beautiful gold finish with a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard, giving it a timeless and luxurious look. With its 22 frets and 6-string configuration, this right-handed guitar is perfect for playing various genres of music. The guitar also comes with its original case, adding to its value and appeal to collectors and musicians alike. Made... more
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    1963 Gibson SG Junior Refin. Electric Guitar w / Hard Shell Case

    1963 Gibson SG Junior Refin. Electric Guitar w / Hard Shell Case

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

    $4500

    1963 Gibson SG Junior Refin. Electric Guitar w / Hard Shell Case
    Hey there! You are looking at a 1963 Gibson SG Junior Refin. Electric Guitar w / Hard Shell Case!
    This guitar was refinished a long time ago in Pelham Blue. That refinish is fading and is completely faded in some places on the guitar. All of the electronics and parts are original to the guitar. Majority of imperfections apparent in pictures are only in that pelham blue finish. The neck is straight, the action is excellent, ... more
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    1967 Gibson SG Jr Heritage Cherry Electric Guitar w /  Vintage Hard Shell Case

    1967 Gibson SG Jr Heritage Cherry Electric Guitar w / Vintage Hard Shell Case

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

    $6000

    1967 Gibson SG Jr Heritage Cherry Electric Guitar w / Vintage Hard Shell Case
    Hey there! You are looking at a 1967 Gibson SG Jr Heritage Cherry Electric Guitar w / Vintage Hard Shell Case!
    This SG is an incredible example of what makes these vintage SG's so desirable. This SG is ALL original (electronics, parts, etc ) and plays like a dream! This guitar produces a rich tone which rivals many other SG's I've played- and the heritage cherry color is always an appealing addition. The guitar... more
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    Gibson 1965 Melody Maker Double Pickup Cherry Used Electric Guitar

    Gibson 1965 Melody Maker Double Pickup Cherry Used Electric Guitar

    Roseville, Michigan, 480**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1650

    The Gibson 1965 Melody Maker Double Pickup Cherry Used Electric Guitar is a vintage right-handed electric guitar known for its classic design and rich red cherry finish. Made in the United States, this solid body guitar features a solid wood construction and two pickups, delivering a warm and versatile tone perfect for a variety of musical styles. With its iconic design and high-quality craftsmanship, this Gibson guitar is a sought-after choice for musicians looking to experience the magic of a ... more
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    Gibson Electric Dobro Dobrolektric Resonator Guitar WITH HARD CASE OLD VINTAGE

    Gibson Electric Dobro Dobrolektric Resonator Guitar WITH HARD CASE OLD VINTAGE

    Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1500

    Visit My eBay Store: ONE FOR FUN NOW
    Gibson Electric Dobro Dobrolektric Resonator Guitar WITH HARD CASE OLD VINTAGE
    PLAYS AND SOUNDS GREAT!
    Pictures of ACTUAL ITEM YOU WILL RECEIVE!
    JUDGE FOR YOUR SELF AND CONSIDER PICTURES AS PART OF THE DESCRIPTION!
    Shipping and Handling WITH DELIVERY CONFIRMATION.
    CHECK BOTH COMPANIES FOR CHEAPEST SHIPPING RATES!
    THANK YOU for your interest!
    Happy Bidding and Good Luck!
    Check out my other Auctions !
    ... more
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    1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Vintage Electric Guitar w / OHSC

    1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Vintage Electric Guitar w / OHSC

    Sedona, Arizona, 863**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $10900

    1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Vintage Electric Guitar w / OHSC
    In overall Very Good condition with significant signs of wear aging This guitar is a one piece body with has no neck tenon?? and a one-piece neck with no ??Made in USA?? stamp or volute. This one is mid 1969 based on the pot dates, but with all 1968 features and is exceptionally light coming in at only 9 5 pounds. This guitar shows aging and wear but little use of the frets and board. The nut has been replaced with a... more
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    2022 Gibson Original Explorer Vintage Electric Guitar with Original Case

    2022 Gibson Original Explorer Vintage Electric Guitar with Original Case

    Sanger, California, 936**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2000

    2022 Gibson Explorer, antique natural.
    All certificates and factory test pictures are included.
    Quick release strap connector buttons were professionally installed.
    Comes with original case and shoulder strap
    Very lightly used, no damage or blemishes.... more
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    Vintage 1979 Gibson S-1 Electric Guitar Pickguard S1 circa 1979-1981 1970s 80s

    Vintage 1979 Gibson S-1 Electric Guitar Pickguard S1 circa 1979-1981 1970's 80's

    Queensbury, New York, 128**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $139

    Nice original 1980 Gibson S-1 Pickguard. This is the later rare version. Has plenty of scratches but no chips or cracks and comes with its 12 original screws... more
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    Gibson Melody Maker SG 1967 Electric Guitar Pelham Blue  /  Green - Good Condition

    Gibson Melody Maker SG 1967 Electric Guitar Pelham Blue / Green - Good Condition

    Gainesville, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2750

    1967 Gibson Melody Maker in Pelham Blue - in very good condition for its age, especially compared to many of this year / model with much more wear. Same owner since 1988 and parts at the time were said to be original and haven't been replaced so I believe it has the original parts such as strip tuners, Melody Maker pickups, pickguard and switch, pots and knobs, bridge and tremolo. Has been well kept in good climates, played rarely only at home, cleaned and maintained. Has only a few dings - ... 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