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FENDER | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Fender advertisement (1953)

Instruments get out of date too

Fender Precision bass, Fender Bassman amplifier

Early fifties advertisement underlining the modern features of the Fender Precision bass, and bassman amplifier

Fender advertisement (1953) Instruments get out of date too

Other related vintage advertisements

Fender Precision - Bassmen! Play the original Fender Precision electric bass & Bassman amplifier
Fender Precision - Bassmen! Play the original Fender Precision electric bass & Bassman amplifier
Early fifties advertisement for Fenders first electric bass, the Precision, and its companion amplifier, the Bassman
Fender Precision - Don
Fender Precision - Don't cheat yourself
Early Fender advertisement featuring three guitar/amp combinations: The Precision bass and Bassman amp; the Telecaster guitar and Twin amp, and the three-neck pedal steel and Pro amp.
Fender Precision - Fender fine electric instruments
Fender Precision - Fender fine electric instruments
Early Fender advertisement for four pedal steels, three amplifiers, and three electric guitars. At this point in Fender history, it is the pedal steels that top the page; electric guitars are still...
Fender Precision - The best things don
Fender Precision - The best things don't always need big packages
The electric bass was always designed as a replacement for upright acoustic basses. This late fifties advertisement demonstrates the Fender prcisions portability in relation to an acoustic bass
Fender Precision - From Arbiter the Most Wanted Guitar in Britain Today Telecaster by Fender
Fender Precision - From Arbiter the Most Wanted Guitar in Britain Today Telecaster by Fender
Mid 1960s UK advertisement for Fender guitars and amplifiers. In the early 1960s, Fender had been distributed in the UK by Jennings, but by the middle of the decade Arbiter had won the contract. Th...
Fender Bassman - Get Fenderized
Fender Bassman - Get Fenderized
Heavily promoted advert / Competition for Fender in 1967, giving the opportunity to win a 'bandfull' of instruments. The first prize was a Fender Jaguar and Jazzmaster guitar, Jazz bass, Bassman an...
Fender Precision - The lowdown on the bass
Fender Precision - The lowdown on the bass
The pickup is the real secret to the Precision Bass. At the conception of the electric bass, this pickup was designed to simulate the sound of a true bass. Not overbearing or extremely "bassey" but...
Fender Precision - The Worlds Favorite Road Machine
Fender Precision - The Worlds Favorite Road Machine
Part of a larger series of Fender full colour artwork/cartoon advertisements issued between 1973 and 1974, all with a "Worlds Favourite" theme. The Fender Precision was indeed (and probably still i...
Fender Precision - In Concert
Fender Precision - In Concert
The world's favorite performers appear "In Concert." And 9 out of 10 times the electric bass is a Fender. ABC-TV's "In Concert." Far more than entertainment, it's the ultimate experience in the con...
Fender Precision - Goldilocks and the three bears
Fender Precision - Goldilocks and the three bears
...someones playing my Precision bass right now, said baby bear, "and shes's really cookin'!"
Fender Precision - The Hearty-Roaring, Wide-Ranging Preecision Bass
Fender Precision - The Hearty-Roaring, Wide-Ranging Preecision Bass
Found in virtually all musical environments, the Precision Bass is by far the most prolific of the species Basso Electrica. The frequency of the sighting reflects upon the enormous range of the Pr...
Fender Precision - You Can Take A Fender Anywhere
Fender Precision - You Can Take A Fender Anywhere
Whatever band you play in, you've got to pick up on a lot of musical styles. But you'll never have to pick up more than one electric bass, Because Fender® gives you Rock Bass, Soul Bass, Country...

Fender Precision, Fender Bassman

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1966 Fender Precision Bass Relic Refin Ice Blue Metallic over orig sunburst

1966 Fender Precision Bass Relic Refin Ice Blue Metallic over orig sunburst

Milford, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6600

Fender Precision bass 1966 in relic refinished Silver Blue Metallic over original Sunburst. All 100% original Fender 1966 neck, body, pickups, tuners, pick guard and parts. The neck has been over-sprayed on the original finish. Very resonate, great sustain, no dead spots on the neck, no 12 fret bump common in that era, truss rod fully working, frets in great shape. Weighs 8 4 Ibs with 1 75 "C" neck width. Comes with new Fender hard case. What's the point of buying a real 60's PBass that's ... more
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1961 Fender Precision Bass Slab fingerboard Blonde Relic Refin

1961 Fender Precision Bass Slab fingerboard Blonde Relic Refin

Milford, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

All original except refinished neck and body in relic nitro, original Fender Dupont color, Clay dot markers, original reverse tuners, slab rosewood fingerboard, original nice flame maple neck, repro spaghetti logo decal, original celluloid pickguard & aluminum shield, and pots. What's the point of buying a real 60's PBass that's refinished to look a brand new production model? This bass sounds vintage Fender P-Bass amazing.... more
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Vintage Tweed Fender Bassman logo N O.S. Original - NOT REPRODUCTION!

Vintage Tweed Fender Bassman logo N O.S. Original - NOT REPRODUCTION!

Lake Elsinore, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Sourced from the son of a Fender employee from the 50's
This Logo has never been mounted on an amplifier The REAL DEAL !To be shipped in a USPS small flat rate box.... more
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1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar    Black  /  Maple Neck .Nice

1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Black / Maple Neck .Nice

Painesville, Ohio, 440**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4250

Up for sale is a one owner , original custom color black, 1974 Fender Precision bass guitar with the original case in beautiful condition. The guitar is ALL original and has been in the case since 1984 until now, when the original owner retired playing in polka bands. It's super clean with a few minor chips and scratches from past use and some corrosion on the pickup cover from the owners hand. The guitar is a lightweight tipping the scale at 8lbs 5 oz . It has a attractive flame neck and ... more
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1961 FENDER  125A5A BASSMAN GUITAR AMP OUTPUT TRANSFORMER Vibrosonic 8 ohm RARE!

1961 FENDER 125A5A BASSMAN GUITAR AMP OUTPUT TRANSFORMER Vibrosonic 8 ohm RARE!

Lake Elsinore, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$749

1961 Fender Electric 125A5A Bassman - Vibrasonic Output Transformer 8 ohm.
Working LOUD and CLEAR!
To be shipped in USPS Medium flat rate box.... more
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Vintage Fender  Bass Precision Case  Mid  70s

Vintage Fender Bass Precision Case Mid 70s

Columbus, Ohio, 432**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$165

Mid 70s

P bass case

Alright condition, latches are very wonky, bent no spring, can get one to stay secure, handle is taped up, looks like a spill or water damage, no smell, one end bent


... more
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Vintage Fender Thumb Rest-Tug Bar Precision-Jazz-Telecaster Bass Guitar 1970s

Vintage Fender Thumb Rest-Tug Bar Precision-Jazz-Telecaster Bass Guitar 1970s

Columbus, Ohio, 432**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

Brown

Removed from 75 fender
... more
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Vintage 1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Body w /  Ibanez Neck & Case

Vintage 1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Body w / Ibanez Neck & Case

Laceyville, Pennsylvania, 186**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

Vintage 1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Body w / Ibanez Neck & Case. This will ship with Sign on Delivery as well as fully insured at no extra cost to the buyer. Shipping costs are estimated by eBay based on weight and dimensions of package (I do not put shipping prices in, I only input weight / dimensions). Guitar will ship inside case and packed safely within a box
Please scan photos closely as the images above are of the exact item you will be receiving upon purchase. IF YOU DON'T ... more
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Fender Bassman 50 Amp Head - Vintage Silverface

Fender Bassman 50 Amp Head - Vintage Silverface

South Bend, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

I bought this around 15 years ago on EBay. The previous owner had it professionally serviced just prior to selling and most or all of the potentiometers were replaced. Three of the output capacitors were replaced with Sprague Atom Blue caps. There is also a potentiometer that has been installed to the bass channel, replacing the 1st input jack
I do not remember what this added modification does.
I used this amp for 1 show (Seattle Hempfest 2011) while my main amp was being repaired. ... more
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1955 Fender Bassman Amplifier Cabinet Baffle Board Model 5D6-A Vintage Repair

1955 Fender Bassman Amplifier Cabinet Baffle Board Model 5D6-A Vintage Repair

Honolulu, Hawaii, 968**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$135

1955 Fender Bassman
Amplifier Cabinet Baffle Board
Made in USA
Includes: Baffle Board Only- As Pictured
Original Baffle board with re-issue tweed style grille cloth
This is our original 1955 Fender Bassman Amp Cabinet 4 10 inch speakers cut-out baffle board. The Serial # from the cabinet was 0818. The model number is 5D6-A. I bought the cabinet with baffle board in the 80??s and put it in my garage where termites got to it. I used termite killing spray and wrapped it in plastic ... more
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1970s Vintage Fender Jazz Bass / Precision Bass / Musicmaster USA

1970s Vintage Fender Jazz Bass / Precision Bass / Musicmaster USA

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

$197

Up for sale is a 1970s Vintage Fender Jazz Bass / Precision Bass / Musicmaster Hard-Shell Case!
VERY GOOD working and cosmetic condition!
Buy it Now before anyone else! or Submit Your Best Offer!
SHIPPING: USA: $59 WORLDWIDE: $129... more
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1978 fender precision bass

1978 fender precision bass

Lubbock, Texas, 794**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Here we have a 1978 Fender Precision bass in good working order. It hasn??t been played in about 20 years and could use a good polishing. The serial puts it at 1978 and the pot codes put it to the 5th week of 1978. Has the original case and an old set of strings in the case compartment. There is one little finished crack or blemish on the back of the headstock, I took some pics so you can see it??s not a crack. These are great basses and they simply do not make them this good anymore. Give this ... more
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1965 Fender Bassman Amp Black Face Head (AA165)

1965 Fender Bassman Amp Black Face Head (AA165)

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

$1895

1965 Fender Bassman Amp Black Face Head (AA165)
This Amp Head Is In Very Good Condition Showing Some Signs Of Use On The Tolex (See Photos)
Located At Imperial Vintage Guitars Orange
All Original Iron, Dating to 1965
See Photos For Caps
AA165 Circuit
Tested And Fully Functional
1965 Fender Bassman Blackface Amp Head - Vintage Tube Powerhouse
For sale is a classic 1965 Fender Bassman Amp Head in its sought-after Blackface era configuration. Known for its bold ... more
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Fender 1959 Bassman LTD ?? 45 watt Guitar Amp ?? Tweed 4x10

Fender 1959 Bassman LTD ?? 45 watt Guitar Amp ?? Tweed 4x10

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

$1250

Great conditions
Work perfectly and sounds amazing!

The modern edition of one of the greatest guitar amps ever made. The mighty 4x10" Bassman began life as a bass amp before guitar players discovered its sonic wonders and adopted it as their own. Prized by guitarists everywhere for more than half a century now, it lives on as a must-have guitar amp treasured for its pure sound, workhorse reliability, classic style and uncluttered ease of use. Countless guitar players have ... more
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1979 Fender Precision Bass Antigua FRETLESS Maple Neck Vintage 1970s P-Bass

1979 Fender Precision Bass Antigua FRETLESS Maple Neck Vintage 1970's P-Bass

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4750

1979 Fender Precision Bass Antigua FRETLESS Maple Neck!
This is a very nice 1979 fender Precision bass In Antigua. The serial number and pots date to 1979, but pickups are 1980 so technically a 1980 with the S9 serial number which is common. S9 went from 1979 to 1982 ish. It's a rare fretless maple neck version. The base is super clean with only a few minor scratches and dings as shown. If not for the little spot on the guard, it would be very close to collector grade. The antigua ... more
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1964 Fender Precision Bass, Vintage 64 Pre-CBS | Spaghetti Logo, Natural Refin

1964 Fender Precision Bass, Vintage '64 Pre-CBS | Spaghetti Logo, Natural Refin

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7999

1964 Fender Precision Bass, Vintage '64 Pre-CBS, Natural Refin w Original Case!
Here is a truly great 1964 Fender P-Bass with all Pre-CBS specs including clay dots, L-serial number, spaghetti logo, etc. The bass is all original besides a stripped finish to natural and one added pickguard screw. This bass plays easy and truly sounds amazing. Just a rock-solid Leo Fender era Precision end of story. Comes with the original no-logo, old strap, and some older strings. Check out our ... more
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1971 Fender Telecaster  Guitar P Precision Bass Pot 250K Vintage STACKPOLE Part

1971 Fender Telecaster Guitar P Precision Bass Pot 250K Vintage STACKPOLE Part

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

$195

STACKPOLE, 16th week of 1971, Solid shaft, normal vintage wear, action is easy, pot reads a strong 262 8K on meter, thanks for looking!
... more
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1975 Vintage Fender Precision Bass Lefty P-Bass Excellent All Original

1975 Vintage Fender Precision Bass Lefty P-Bass Excellent All Original

Stafford, Virginia, 225**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5088

Here??s a vintage Left Hand 1975 Fender P Bass in excellent condition. Light scratches on the pick guard are barely visible, pickups, pots are original and tested original spec. It has new strings and was just setup, includes original hard case with inspection tag and warranty card from 1975
This is for sale locally in Northern Virginia and so this item may disappear without notice
Photos tell the story, feel free to ask questions.... more
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Vintage! 70s Fender Bassman Silver Face 10 2-Channel 50-Watt 4x10" Guitar Combo

Vintage! 70s Fender Bassman Silver Face 10 2-Channel 50-Watt 4x10" Guitar Combo

Carpentersville, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

Cville
Some states may require EBAY to collect applicable Internet Sales Tax on our transactions. As of October 1, 2019, a total of 34 states now require the collection of sales tax. In such cases, eBay collects and remits Internet Sales Tax. We do not collect or see this sales tax. Contact your local congressman to eliminate this tax. ThanksReturn PolicyFast Cash and Pawn offers a 7 day return policy from the time you receive your item. Before you send any item back, you must call / email to... more
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Left Handed 1976 FENDER PRECISION BASS

Left Handed 1976 FENDER PRECISION BASS

Waterford, Michigan, 483**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3100

this is an all original 1976 left handed fender precision bass. it is in excellent condition for any age. no significant damage, dings, scratches or marks. I have the original bridge and pickup covers with screws. the only non original parts are the stap locks
again, this one is in excellent condition. it's almost like a new bass! body is ash so it has that mid 70s thick tone.... more
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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 bassRose-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 ZambesiThis 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 AceThe 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 EscortThe 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 CareCatalog 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 FolkThe 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 guitarThe Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalogHagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner PresidentThe President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.