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FENDER | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Fender advertisement (1954)

Synchronized tremolo action

Fender Stratocaster

Early Fender advert highlighting the Stratocasters tremolo - 'a flick of the wrist means live, tremolo action' - perfect pitch

>First again in the field of amplified music... the thrilling new 'Stratocaster' by Fender!
Years ahead in design - unequalled in performance.. a flick of the wrist means live, tremolo action - perfect pitch. You've a new thrill in store for you when you play this revolutionary new instrument. Three separate pick-ups, a special tone control circuit, a new surface mounted plug receptical all mean faster action, better, clearer music... whether you play it 'straight' or while using the revolutionary Tremolo Action lever. The Stratocaster features advanced dsign in body too! Here is an instrument actually 'comfort contoured' for you! Its engineered to fit the artists body... designed to be 'part of the player'.
See the new, revolutionary Fender Stratocaster at your dealer soon... play it... and be the first to experience this new amplified music thrill!

Fender advertisement (1954) Synchronized tremolo action

Other related vintage advertisements

Fender Stratocaster - Fender fine electric instruments
Fender Stratocaster - 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 Stratocaster - The most imitated guitar in the world
Fender Stratocaster - The most imitated guitar in the world
Early sixties Fender advert for three guitars and one bass - the Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Stratocaster and Jazz bass, highlighting the design and components that made these guitars: bridges, pickups, etc
Fender Stratocaster - Quality Means Confidence
Fender Stratocaster - Quality Means Confidence
Early sixties advert for the Fender Jazz bass and the Stratocaster guitar
Fender Stratocaster - Olé
Fender Stratocaster - Olé
Fender advert from the middle of 1966 for Fender guitars. Featuring the Stratocaster and Jaguar solid-bodies, the Coronado semi-acoustic and the Concert acoustic.
Fender Stratocaster - Fender. What more need we say
Fender Stratocaster - Fender. What more need we say
just that Fender guitars are played by stars the world over - from big-beat blues to folk music, c&w to acid rock. The greatest guitars in the world
UK Dallas Arbiter (Fender distributor) fe...
Fender Stratocaster - How To Pick a Guitar
Fender Stratocaster - How To Pick a Guitar
Body
The back is contoured to rest snugly and comfortably on your rib cage and to get your arm in a natural position over the strings.
The upper body is scooped away to let your hand hang...
Fender Stratocaster - The Worlds Favourite Flying Machine
Fender Stratocaster - The Worlds Favourite Flying Machine
Soar higher, cruise easier with that far out feeling... Fender Take command and experience the full sound spectrum. You'll go to places you've never been before, with more highs - more lows, and ...
Fender Stratocaster - You Get There Faster on a Fender
Fender Stratocaster - You Get There Faster on a Fender
Fender Stratocaster guitar, and Quad Reverb amplifier. Another one of Fenders early to mid-seventies adverts featuring brightly coloured illustrations, and equally colourful text
Bumpwell Blue...
Fender Stratocaster - Goldilocks and the three bears
Fender Stratocaster - Goldilocks and the three bears
...someones playing my Precision bass right now, said baby bear, "and shes's really cookin'!"
Fender Stratocaster - Its A Business Machine
Fender Stratocaster - Its A Business Machine
It's a business machine. It doesn't matter whether the sound you're into is soul, country or rock. You can't take your band to the top until you take care of business first. And that means picking ...

Fender Stratocaster

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1959 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Guitar Pre-CBS, Matador Red Lacquer (Riggio)

1959 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Guitar Pre-CBS, Matador Red Lacquer (Riggio)

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

$25500

Up for sale, a 1959 Fender Stratocaster in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a tweed hardshell case. Unique in its presentation, this Stratocaster hails from early in the 1959 model year, with a body-only refinish in Fender's custom color Matador Red (the progenitor of Fiesta Red). Executed by Riggio Custom Guitars, what sets this finish apart is the use of genuine New Old Stock nitro lacquer from the 1950s, still stable and viable after many decades and utilized ... more
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1974-5 Fender Stratocaster a cool moded Hardtail Strat ready to go gigging.

1974-5 Fender Stratocaster a cool moded Hardtail Strat ready to go gigging.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495

This is an unusual Parts-a-caster from 1974-5. It??s a factory Hardtail Strat w / a very high grain ash body that??s now stained a see-thru Walnut & looks pretty decent. Its 3-bolt now 4-bolt maple neck has a brass nut & is quite clean. Its white pickgard has a set of 3 different pickups: a single flat pole pickup up top, a single staggered pole perhaps original pickup in the middle position & a great sounding Humbucker in the lead position. Its F-tuners, its hardtail bridge & ... more
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1957 Fender Stratocaster

1957 Fender Stratocaster

Sacramento, California, 958**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$34000

Up for sale is a 1957 Fender Stratocaster with two tone sunburst all original finish and original case. A great sounding light stratocaster amazingly resonant. Original electronics with untouched original solder joints with exception of neck pickup when rewound. The neck pickup was rewound in the late 1970??s by W L Van Zandt himself in Dallas Texas(who later founded Van Zandt pickups). He rewound this pickup before his well known company started in the 1980??s. About the same time, this ... more
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Original 1957 Fender Stratocaster   Clean Tweed Case

Original 1957 Fender Stratocaster Clean Tweed Case

Henderson, Nevada, 890**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30000

One of the nicest Strats that has come along. Perfect soft "V" neck that is straight and true, truss rod works fine. It was very professionally refretted without touching the finish on fret board. Wire is just slightly taller than original so plays perfecto! The only other thing that was touched and not original is the body finish. That said it looks exactly like an original finish in every detail and is nitro lacquer. Electronics are untouched and even retains the original pickup lead tape. I ... more
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1965 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Cady Apple Red Custom color Original 65

1965 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Cady Apple Red Custom color Original 65

Ladera Ranch, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$48000

1965 Fender Stratocaster early custom color Candy Apple red 100 % Original, nothing touched, all the solder Joints are untouched. Gray bottom pickups have the original winds, Green pick guard early 65' pot dates. No routes, extra holes, touchups or repairs. The original Large frets are in great shape. A true collector grade instrument. Comes with the original no logo black case. This is an Extremely rare Vintage guitar. Buyer is responsible for all shipping.... more
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Used Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster - Fiesta Red w /  Rosewood FB

Used Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster - Fiesta Red w / Rosewood FB

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1760

ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer
Used Fender American Vintage II 1961 ... more
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1961 Fender Stratocaster Pre-CBS Vintage Guitar Slab Board, 100% Original, Case

1961 Fender Stratocaster Pre-CBS Vintage Guitar Slab Board, 100% Original, Case

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

$45000

Up for sale, a 1961 Fender Stratocaster in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. An early slab board example with untouched solder joints and original windings on all three pickups, this Strat has a 12 / 60 body date and January, 1961 neck date
The alder body yields an extremely lively and pronounced natural acoustic tone with a crisp, balanced quality and an underlying sonic breadth. Via the three-way selector switch, ... more
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1982 Fender Fullerton American Vintage 1957 Stratocaster Olympic White

1982 Fender Fullerton American Vintage 1957 Stratocaster Olympic White

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

$4999

p @media screen and (max-width: 560px){ } @media screen and (max-width: 780px){ } @media(min-width: 930px){ } @media(min-width: 1200px){ } a a#fav:hover{ color: #fcbf45; } a @media screen and (max-width: 560px){ a } a a a a a a a a a Add us to your Favorite Sellers! ??
Questions? We can help!
Contact us today!
30-Day Money Back
Guarantee
... more
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1983 Squier By Fender SST-50 JV Stratocaster (Japan Vintage) - MIJ - Demo -

1983 Squier By Fender SST-50 JV Stratocaster (Japan Vintage) - MIJ - Demo -

Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1499

1983 Squier By Fender
JV Stratocaster SST-550
Black
Made In Japan
Serial: JV40860
Weight: 7 lbs 6 oz's!!
Nut Width: 1 66 "
Neck Thickness:0 85" 1st - 0 92" 12th
All Original Electronics with Vintage Style Black Bobbin Pickups!
$$$ Professionally Set Up and Dialed in for Optimal Tone & Playability
Up for sale at The Guitar Dude we have this sweet and nice vintage Squier JV Stratocaster. These made in Japan builds are a veritable collectors choice when it comes ... more
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FENDER STRATOCASTER USA VINTAGE 1983

FENDER STRATOCASTER USA VINTAGE 1983

Redwood City, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1275

Here's a beautiful Vintage 1983 Fender Stratocaster made in USA .Creamy and dreamy
Very good condition, no major dings or scratches barely visible few minor inclusions, close to mint condition Notice that this 1983 guitar solid body has no cavity on the back of the guitar and front as well , adding to a more beefy Strat sound Set up with .011 strings. Great tones and playability!Comes with a hard shell Fender USA case.... more
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Used Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster - Mocha w /  Maple FB

Used Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster - Mocha w / Maple FB

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2090

ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer
Used Fender American Vintage II 1973 ... more
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1974 Fender Stratocaster Blonde with Original Hardshell Case Vintage American

1974 Fender Stratocaster Blonde with Original Hardshell Case Vintage American

El Cajon, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000


1974 Fender Stratocaster
The serial number is "569223" which dates it to 1974. The pots date to November 1973 (137-7345) and the pickups have 1974 date codes. This one has the rare original blonde finish! The body is in very good condition overall, but has some small dings, scratches, scuffs and wear. Nothing out of the ordinary for a vintage guitar and no cracks or structural issues
The neck is straight and it was recently re-fretted by one of the top luthiers at Taylor Guitars! I'm ... more
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Fender Stratocaster MIJ 1984-1987 w /  Emerson S5-B 5-Way Strat Wiring Harness

Fender Stratocaster MIJ 1984-1987 w / Emerson S5-B 5-Way Strat Wiring Harness

Kearny, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$950

Fender Stratocaster MIJ 1984-1987 w / Emerson S5-B 5-Way Strat Blender Wiring Harness and Gig Bag
All original except for upgraded wiring harness, only flaws are 2 of the tuners are missing back plates (does not effect tuning) and a couple of scratches (as shown in pictures)
... more
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1980s Vintage : FENDER GUITAR parts list 17 AXES @ Stratocaster / Telecaster / Bass

1980s Vintage : FENDER GUITAR parts list 17 AXES @ Stratocaster / Telecaster / Bass

Columbia, South Carolina, 292**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$165

ALL PAGES HAVE INFO ON THE BACK, IF YOU SEE (1) ON THE TOP, THERE IS A 3RD PAGE, THE ERIC CLAPTON MODEL HAS 4 PAGES,
Inventory Shelf 2
... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster 6-String Electric Guitar (White)

Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster 6-String Electric Guitar (White)

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

$2024

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1979 Fender Stratocaster With Original Hardshell Case

1979 Fender Stratocaster With Original Hardshell Case

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

$2899

Revolution Music is proud to present this Beautiful, 1979, Black on Black Fender Stratocaster in great condition. This vintage beast oozes with mojo. There is honest wear throughout. The guitar has some kinks, scratches, & chips. It sounds amazing. Original Hardshell Case with 2 broken latches included.

WE HAVE A BRICK AND MORTAR STORE - PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR STOP BY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS  


Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground or ... more
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Vintage Fender 1967 Neckplate Stratocaster Telecaster Jazzmaster P-Bass Strat 68

Vintage Fender 1967 Neckplate Stratocaster Telecaster Jazzmaster P-Bass Strat 68

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

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage 1967 Fender "F" Neckplate
Stamped serial is 190315
This killer neck plate dates to the very low production year of 1967
Very rare and in nice shape with the original mounting screws
Correct for your 1967 or 1968 Strat, Tele, P-BASS or Jazzmaster
Great condition!
Get that magical Fender BACK TO STOCK!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
... more
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Vintage 1965 Fender Stratocaster Telecaster Mustang etc Neckplate

Vintage 1965 Fender Stratocaster Telecaster Mustang etc Neckplate

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

$375

Vintage 1965 Fender Stratocaster Telecaster Mustang Precision Jazz Neckplate==Ships Worldwide==
If you are considering a purchase, please take a minute and read our feedback !!!
We strive to achieve 5 star service !! PLEASE contact us if there are ANY problems (SEE RED BELOW)!! THANKS !!
Payment within 3 days please==We pack extremely well and ship quickly as possible!
PLEASE NOTE: Normal handling time is 3 business days or less, but we are out of town on buying trips once or twice a... more
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Used Fender 70th Anniv American Vintage II 1954 Stratocaster - 2-Color Sunburst

Used Fender 70th Anniv American Vintage II 1954 Stratocaster - 2-Color Sunburst

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2380

ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer
Used Fender 70th Anniv American Vintage II 1954... more
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1985 Squire MIJ Fender Stratocaster Olympic White

1985 Squire MIJ Fender Stratocaster Olympic White

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

MIJ. Used but in great condition. The 5 way switch does not work in the down (bridge) position. I didn??t want to replace it as it is the original switch. It does have scratches chips and dings after all it is from the 80s. Please and sounds amazing. The neck profile is awesome nice low action, straight neck all electronics work and sound great. DOES NOT COME WITH THE CASE MIGHT HAVE A BAG WHEN SHIPPED. Any questions, comments, or concerns just let me know
... more
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Find more Fender Stratocaster at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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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.