Vintage Guitars
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions
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

Vintageguitarandbass.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-Hand Guitar, 3-Color Sunburst

Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-Hand Guitar, 3-Color Sunburst

National City, California, 919**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR PRO AUDIO GEAR Free shipping on Domestic orders* 30-day returns moneyback guarantee Customer Support Online Chat Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-Hand Guitar, 3-Color Sunburst
Description
Open Box, Customer Return, May show signs of wear, Guitar has a dent on the headstock

Player's Perspective
Finally, some love for the lefties! And Fender decided to show it in the best of ways with this gorgeous new lefty American Vintage ... more
eBay logo
1974 Fender Stratocaster USA Natural Hardtail Maple neck vintage excellent orig

1974 Fender Stratocaster USA Natural Hardtail Maple neck vintage excellent orig

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

$5475

1974 Fender Stratocaster USA Natural Hardtail Maple neck vintage excellent all original She weighs in at 8lbs .05oz3-way switch sounds awesome very clean example. SN #564607The sought after maple neck is in excellent condition with some minor wear on the frets (see photos)Sounds and looks great and plays so easy. Please feel free to ask questions
Please note that the handling charge is for shipping insurance only. Local pick up is welcome... more
eBay logo
1974 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Electric Guitar Natural, Ash Body Featherweight

1974 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Electric Guitar Natural, Ash Body Featherweight

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

$4600

Up for sale, a 1974 Fender Stratocaster in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Featuring an ash body and one-piece maple neck, this Strat is extremely lightweight for a Stratocaster from any era of Fender production at only 7lbs 1oz (yes, really) with a natural acoustic tone that's has the glassy treble cut, midrange complexity and general liveliness of this classic Fender tonewood pairing. Plugged in, the trio of staggered pole gray ... more
eBay logo
Used Fender 1984-1987 MIJ E- Series Standard Stratocaster (Contemporary / S1) with

Used Fender 1984-1987 MIJ E- Series Standard Stratocaster (Contemporary / S1) with

Hudson Falls, New York, 128**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1299

Gently used  Fender 1984-1987 MIJ E- Series Standard Stratocaster (Contemporary / S1) with a fender locking tremolo. The tremolo arm included is not original but it does allow the tremolo to work properly (pictured) . The sunburst finish looks even better in person. The guitar has had a full setup and it plays and sounds great. Includes a hard shell case Listing and template services provided by inkFrog
... more
eBay logo
Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Aged Natural

Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Aged Natural

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2142

... more
eBay logo
Fender 1959 Stratocaster HVY Relic - Surf Green - Rosewood Fretboard - 2022

Fender 1959 Stratocaster HVY Relic - Surf Green - Rosewood Fretboard - 2022

Fort Mill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3400

Woody's Music Tega Cay has a used Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster in stock and ready to ship
Excellent ConditionFender Custom ShopCase includedSpec Sheet Pictured$75 Shipping to the Continental US

... more
eBay logo
SWEET ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1957 FENDER STRATOCASTER MAPLE TWO TONE ULTRA CLEAN BURST

SWEET ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1957 FENDER STRATOCASTER MAPLE TWO TONE ULTRA CLEAN BURST

Boulder, Colorado, 803**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$44500


Here's a incredible find from some of the finest years of Early Fullerton 1957, Here;s a beautiful original Fender Stratocaster that presents as super clean and nearly 100% This one had some light overspray on the lovely body that lights up with black light and a lovely Pro refin of the neck and the finish on this one is clean and outstanding. Otherwise utterly original in her red lined Koylon tweed case in very nice shape The guitar is in excellent plus condition with nice checking and ... more
eBay logo
Vintage Fender Stratocaster Sunburst 1979

Vintage Fender Stratocaster Sunburst 1979

Brookfield, Wisconsin, 530**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499


Vintage Fender Stratocaster Sunburst 1979
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
An excellent player's grade Strat offering a smooth, comfortable feel & exquisite tone. Professionally set up & ready to play straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Pretty good shape overall with only some mild play wear - various little nicks, chips, dents & dings along with surface scratches, but super cool vibe!
Neck: Nicely rounded maple neck & ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1966 Fender Stratocaster 3-Color Sunburst! w / OHSC

Vintage 1966 Fender Stratocaster 3-Color Sunburst! w / OHSC

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

$15999

1966 Fender Stratocaster! Made in the USA. 3-Color Sunburst finish on double-cut Alder body. Maple neck, topped with a 21-fret Rosewood board, and capped off with a 'large' headstock. Tone supplied by a trio of singlecoils with 3-way switch. Chrome hardware. Guitar has had two minor changes. Professional refret with correct size wire several years ago. Replaced trem block(block ONLY) with a USA Reissue part. All else is original, including 100% untouched electronics. Guitar shows years of honest... more
eBay logo
1965-1966 Fender Stratocaster - Blue Ice Metallic

1965-1966 Fender Stratocaster - Blue Ice Metallic

Lake Stevens, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12000

1965-1966 Fender Stratocaster. The body has been professionally refinished by Joe Riggio in blue ice metallic. One of my favorite 60s colors! Joe absolutely nailed this color and has the exact mix. He did a very light Relic on it with some nice checking and some wear tastefully applied in a few places

Video: https: / / youtu be / Z98Zxk1-DU?si=xfIQ8pNbI4QjoGjK

The neck has a September 1966 date, but it has the smaller pre-CBS headstock. A few small headstock Stratocaster ... more
eBay logo
Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Mocha

Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Mocha

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2142

... more
eBay logo
"Warmoth"  5 AAAAA Flame Maple Stratocaster Neck Lic. by Fender  /  Clapton V

"Warmoth" 5 AAAAA Flame Maple Stratocaster Neck Lic. by Fender / Clapton V

Estacada, Oregon, 970**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$999

"Warmoth" 5 AAAAA Flame Maple Stratocaster Neck Lic. by Fender (ordered it new in 2000}
Clapton Soft V shape / 22 Jumbo 6150 frets ( Like New ) / Warmoth Radius
Kluson Vintage Locking TunersVintage Tint FinishExcellent Condition (over 20 years old)
... more
eBay logo

Find more Fender Stratocaster at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 0 comments on this page so far. Add your comment

Comment on this article

Name
Email address
Anti-spam question - to catch web robots
How many legs does a duck have?

Contact
info@vintageguitarandbass.com

mailing list

Follow

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  YouTube

Other Great Sites

Recent posts on vintage guitar and bass

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

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 catalog Hagstrom 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 President The 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.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for the Les Paul Personal / Professional