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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1953)

They're Tops... Les Paul, Mary Ford and their Gibsons

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Very early advert for the Les Paul Guitar. This was only a year after the models introduction, and at this point, the instrument was simply called the Les Paul model

Gibson advertisement (1953) They

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson Les Paul Standard - Gibson Les Paul Model
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Gibson Les Paul Model
It's a sensation! This very early advertisement for the Les Paul Model (latterly known as the Les Paul Standard) features Les Paul himself playing the gold-topped P90 equipped guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Les Paul Says: It
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Les Paul Says: It's Gibson
A most important part of our recording equipment This interesting mid-fifties advert shows Les Paul at work recording guitar with his wife Mary Ford looking on. The advert shows the original gold-t...
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Daddy of
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Daddy of 'em All
1969 advert for the two re-released Les Paul models, the Custom and the Standard

Les Paul may not have invented amplified music, but he perfected it almost single-handed. He started a revolu...
Gibson Les Paul Standard - The Most Les
Gibson Les Paul Standard - The Most Les
"Les Paul's silver anniversary is your golden opportunity". Advert for the 25th anniversary Les Paul guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Vintage Voltage. 30th Anniversary Les Paul Standard
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Vintage Voltage. 30th Anniversary Les Paul Standard
An advertisement for a short-lived limited edition model to celebrate 30 years of Les Paul's work with Gibson guitars

The shape of '52 that shattered all the molds; the classic gold top, The...
Gibson Les Paul Standard - American-made. World-played.
Gibson Les Paul Standard - American-made. World-played.
This advertisement was widely used circa 1982-1984. It features the American map guitar that appears on the cover of the 1983 Gibson catalogue, alongside the ES-335 dot, and Les Paul Standard.

2024 Vintage Guitar price guide 2024 Vintage Guitar price guide

Need the value of your guitar? The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2024 is out now: Amazon


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Gibson Les Paul

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1958 Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway TV Yellow Electric Guitar

1958 Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway TV Yellow Electric Guitar

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14995

This is a 4 digit serial number Gibson Les Paul Double Cut in TV Yellow. The heel has been professionally repaired (common among older Double Cuts). It has had a fret job. Original TV yellow finish. One marker dot has been replaced. The guitar plays great up and down the neck. Minimal fret buzz on the upper registries. Original pickups, one pot has been replaced If you're local to the SF Bay Area, feel free to stop by the shop and check it out in person!
Layaway plans are also available. ... more
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Lifton Banjo Guitar Case Logo Oval Badge Gibson Martin Les Paul or Mastertone

Lifton Banjo Guitar Case Logo Oval Badge Gibson Martin Les Paul or Mastertone

Cookeville, Tennessee, 385**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$79

Lifton Guitar Banjo or other instrument case logo badge
Very Good Vintage Condition original Lifton case logo / badge
... more
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Vintage 1960 Gibson Centralab Pot 250k Les Paul Junior Special ES-125 1960

Vintage 1960 Gibson Centralab Pot 250k Les Paul Junior Special ES-125 1960

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

$125

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
1960 Gibson / Centralab 250k tone pot
Excellent condition and vintage tone!
Date codes of 1346005 (5th week of 1960)
These 250k tone pots were used in P-90 guitars of the late 1950's / early 1960's. This is the correct tone pot for your Les Paul Junior, Special or ES-125
Correct for a host of vintage Gibsons !
Nothing sounds like these vintage pots
Also amazing when ... more
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Vintage 1954 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Model / Jenson C12N Speaker - Original Foot Ped

Vintage 1954 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Model / Jenson C12N Speaker - Original Foot Ped

Martinsburg, West Virginia, 254**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Model 1954 - Vintage Jenson C12N Speaker - Original Foot Pedal
This Amplifier has recently been serviced! The following has been done
A heavy duty 3 prong cord was installed
All new filter capacitors
2 carbon comp resisters
Potentiometers have been cleaned, lubed
Tube sockets have been cleaned
Please keep in mind! This amp doesn??t have a hum balance in its stock wiring configuration to get rid of any unwanted hum turn the second channel to the ... more
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Vintage 1978 Gibson Les Paul Artisan 3-Pickup Walnut Electric Guitar w /  OHSC

Vintage 1978 Gibson Les Paul Artisan 3-Pickup Walnut Electric Guitar w / OHSC

Windsor, Colorado, 805**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5200

100 percent original with original pickups and pots dated to 1978. Original chainsaw case is included!
... more
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Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

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

$10695

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 With original hang tag and blank guarantee card returnable to Kalamazoo
Being offered from the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC

CONDITION AND PRICING PLEASE READ:
All electronics work and are original . very clean guitar. The Frets are ok but here is what my luthier said. The neck is slightly bowed on low E side and straight on high E side which he states can be fixed by replacing frets and compensating for ... more
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Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 1972 Original

Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 1972 Original

Mount Shasta, California, 960**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11747

Up for sale, a 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with original parts also includes original red lined hardshell case. A best-of-both-worlds scenario for players who want vintage wood and pickups but an otherwise near mint and fresh-feeling instrument, this Les Paul retains a pair of ?70s Gibson T Top humbuckers and vintage Grover ??bullseye?? Rotomatic tuners. The instrument boasts modern gleaming gold Gibson hardware and plastic parts ... more
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Gibson Les Paul Firebrand 80s

Gibson Les Paul Firebrand 80s

Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

Brought this one back from the dead polishing and scrubbing. What it lacks in cosmetics it makes up for in playability and sound. Great action , killer sounding pickups, and you dont have to worry about scratching it. It has alot more mojo than a normal studio. Contact us with questions Mad Music St Pete Fl 12- 5 m- sat... more
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Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus, VINTAGE LES PAUL, 1994 Classic Plus, with Case!

Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus, VINTAGE LES PAUL, 1994 Classic Plus, with Case!

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

$3499

1994 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus. This is an excellent guitar, I've had it a while, and the 90s LPs are my favorite. This one is 30 years old, and has been played so it has dings and scratches as it should for the age and the fact it's a played guitar. 500t and 496R pups and this thing is loud. The 90s guitars are the Good Wood Erra, and are becoming more and more popular as people realize and understand how great a guitar these are. This is the original R0. Custom Shop open in 1993, ... more
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1955 Gibson GA-5 Les Paul Junior Amp

1955 Gibson GA-5 Les Paul Junior Amp

Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

I bought this from a friend's family. It looks old, but it sounds really good and doesn't have any issues. I play guitar and have a couple other vintage amps that I use regularly, so I'm letting this one go
I would say that this amp doesn't need too go to the amp doctor. It's working well as it sits and has a 3 prong cable already
It's small enough to easily box up and ship. I'll most likely use ups to ship it and make sure it's packed up really well. I may remove the tubes for shipping,... more
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Gibson Les Paul Custom 1972 - Gold

Gibson Les Paul Custom 1972 - Gold

Englewood, Florida, 342**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8500

This stunning electric guitar from Gibson is a true gem for any musician. With its custom design and high-quality materials, it's sure to exceed your expectations. The body color is a beautiful gold finish that shines under any lighting The brand is Gibson, and the model is Custom. It's part of the Gibson Les Paul series, which is known for its exceptional tone and versatility. This guitar is perfect for any musician who wants to take their talent to the next level. It's a must-have for any ... more
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Gibson Les Paul Custom Vintage 1979 Wine Red

Gibson Les Paul Custom Vintage 1979 Wine Red

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

$3995

Visit my ebay store for more great deals on guitars and drums
Ships within the Contiguous USA via UPS Ground for FREE
Guitar is fully functional with no issues.
Cosmetic Condition-Good, showing moderate wear with plenty of nicks, scratches, hardware oxidation buckle rash and finish fading. Bridge pickup, bridge, tailpiece, strap buttons, volume and tone knobs are not original
Neck-straight, Slim profile, low action, frets are in good shape with life left.
Weight-10 pounds, 7 ... more
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Vintage 1959 Gibson P-90 P90 Pickup 8 03k HOT Dogear Les Paul Junior Special 60

Vintage 1959 Gibson P-90 P90 Pickup 8 03k HOT Dogear Les Paul Junior Special 60

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

$995

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
One KILLER Vintage Gibson 1960 "dogear" P-90 pickup
From an all original 1960 Gibson - vintage dogear P-90s are PURE magic .and 1960 is one of the most magical years of them all! They have ALL the attributes of killer p-90 pickups:
Fully original and never rewound, identical magnets, original windings, double black leads - absolutely killer!
Screaming hot output at 8 ... more
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1980 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop

1980 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop

Keene, New Hampshire, 034**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3750

1980 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop. Three piece Maple neck. One piece Mahogany body with Maple top. Finish has nice lacquer checking and vintage patina. DiMarzio DLX humbucking pickups. Upgraded Gotoh Tuneomatic bridge. Chrome hardware. Grover Deluxe tuning machines ( one is gold ) Recent fret level. Plays and sounds great. Weight is 10 lbs 6-1 / 2 oz. Original hardshell case with purple lining and one broken latch. Pickguard is included but has piece cracked off near screw hole. Shipping will be $100... more
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Vintage 1953 Gibson Kluson "No Line" Tuner Set Les Paul Standard Goldtop 1955 54

Vintage 1953 Gibson Kluson "No Line" Tuner Set Les Paul Standard Goldtop 1955 54

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

$895

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1950's Gibson / Kluson "no-line" tuner set
Correct for your 1952-1957 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop
This is a very rare chance to snag a rare set of original 1950's Klusons This is a VERY clean set that has been professionally re-tipped with the best repro tuner tips in the world! The now impossible to find "Uncle Lou" tips!
All tuner casings are stamped PAT ... more
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1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Tobacco Sunburst

1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Tobacco Sunburst

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11999

Just in is this great 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior
Quick Details
Weight 7 8lbs
Nut Width 1 69
Depth at 1st fret 0 88
Depth at 12th 1 00
This is a great playing and sounding 1957 Les Paul JR
The Tobacco burst finish shows its wear and age with dings and small chips on it to be expected from a guitar this vintage. The clear also has some light rash or burn to it so there is light spotting or dimples in the lacquer. It is mostly on the back and bottom of the guitar. We tried ... more
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1950s Gibson Les Paul Case

1950's Gibson Les Paul Case

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2695

Rare case. All latches and handle are good. There is a little water damages up top inside.... more
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Gibson Les Paul 1959 Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged - Gibson Garage Made 2 Measure

Gibson Les Paul 1959 Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged - Gibson Garage Made 2 Measure

New Albany, Mississippi, 386**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6900

2022 Gibson Les Paul 1959 Murphy Lab - Ultra Light Aged

I configured this guitar through the Gibson Garage in Nashville, TN in 2022.

The flame top is handpicked from the wall at the Gibson Garage.

The finish color is Green Lemon Fade.

The guitar has the following factory upgrades:
Grover Rotomatic Tuning Machines
Dunlop Strap Locks
Nickel Jackplate

The guitar has been played occasionally in a home setting. I attempted to capture ... more
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Vintage 1958 Gibson Centralab Pot 250k Les Paul Junior Special ES-125 1959

Vintage 1958 Gibson Centralab Pot 250k Les Paul Junior Special ES-125 1959

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

$125

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
1958 Gibson / Centralab 250k tone pot
Excellent condition and vintage tone!
Date codes of 134808 (8th week of 1958)
These 250k tone pots were used in P-90 guitars of the late 1950's / early 1960's. This is the correct tone pot for your Les Paul Junior, Special or ES-125
Correct for a host of vintage Gibsons !
Nothing sounds like these vintage pots
Also amazing when ... more
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Vintage Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom Stoptail Tailpiece - Aluminum Featherweight!

Vintage Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom Stoptail Tailpiece - Aluminum Featherweight!

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

$895

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson 1968 - 1970 Les Paul Custom Gold Stoptail
Rare and correct for that awesome 1966-1970 Gibson LPC Black Beauty!
Also correct for a stoptail ES-345 or ES-355!
This is an awesome original gold plated aluminum stoptail
Featherweight, just like a 1950's Tailpiece, these are in fact largely interchangeable with a 1950s stop tail - the only minor difference is the ... more
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Find more Gibson Les Paul 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.