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FENDER | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Fender advertisement (1972)

The lowdown on the bass

Fender Precision bass

The pickup is the real secret to the Precision Bass. At the conception of the electric bass, this pickup was designed to simulate the sound of a true bass. Not overbearing or extremely "bassey" but a true bass sound that is rich in tonality and defines each bass tone. The Precision Bass split pickup offers true bass tonality with maximum clarity and projection. This is why the Precision Bass is the most widely used bass instrument for recording sessions

Fender advertisement (1972) The lowdown on the bass

Other related vintage advertisements

Fender Precision - Bassmen! Play the original Fender Precision electric bass & Bassman amplifier
Fender Precision - Bassmen! Play the original Fender Precision electric bass & Bassman amplifier
Early fifties advertisement for Fenders first electric bass, the Precision, and its companion amplifier, the Bassman
Fender Precision - Instruments get out of date too
Fender Precision - Instruments get out of date too
Early fifties advertisement underlining the modern features of the Fender Precision bass, and bassman amplifier
Fender Precision - Don
Fender Precision - Don't cheat yourself
Early Fender advertisement featuring three guitar/amp combinations: The Precision bass and Bassman amp; the Telecaster guitar and Twin amp, and the three-neck pedal steel and Pro amp.
Fender Precision - Fender fine electric instruments
Fender Precision - Fender fine electric instruments
Early Fender advertisement for four pedal steels, three amplifiers, and three electric guitars. At this point in Fender history, it is the pedal steels that top the page; electric guitars are still...
Fender Precision - The best things don
Fender Precision - The best things don't always need big packages
The electric bass was always designed as a replacement for upright acoustic basses. This late fifties advertisement demonstrates the Fender prcisions portability in relation to an acoustic bass
Fender Precision - From Arbiter the Most Wanted Guitar in Britain Today Telecaster by Fender
Fender Precision - From Arbiter the Most Wanted Guitar in Britain Today Telecaster by Fender
Mid 1960s UK advertisement for Fender guitars and amplifiers. In the early 1960s, Fender had been distributed in the UK by Jennings, but by the middle of the decade Arbiter had won the contract. Th...
Fender Precision - The Worlds Favorite Road Machine
Fender Precision - The Worlds Favorite Road Machine
Part of a larger series of Fender full colour artwork/cartoon advertisements issued between 1973 and 1974, all with a "Worlds Favourite" theme. The Fender Precision was indeed (and probably still i...
Fender Precision - In Concert
Fender Precision - In Concert
The world's favorite performers appear "In Concert." And 9 out of 10 times the electric bass is a Fender. ABC-TV's "In Concert." Far more than entertainment, it's the ultimate experience in the con...
Fender Precision - Goldilocks and the three bears
Fender Precision - Goldilocks and the three bears
...someones playing my Precision bass right now, said baby bear, "and shes's really cookin'!"
Fender Precision - The Hearty-Roaring, Wide-Ranging Preecision Bass
Fender Precision - The Hearty-Roaring, Wide-Ranging Preecision Bass
Found in virtually all musical environments, the Precision Bass is by far the most prolific of the species Basso Electrica. The frequency of the sighting reflects upon the enormous range of the Pr...
Fender Precision - You Can Take A Fender Anywhere
Fender Precision - You Can Take A Fender Anywhere
Whatever band you play in, you've got to pick up on a lot of musical styles. But you'll never have to pick up more than one electric bass, Because Fender® gives you Rock Bass, Soul Bass, Country...
Fender Precision - Fenders new dimension Precision Bass Special
Fender Precision - Fenders new dimension Precision Bass Special
The Precision Bass Special was a step up from the regular 1980 P-bass. It featured a new split-coil pickup design, with both active and passive modes; one of the first active Fender bass guitars, "...

Fender Precision

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1966 Fender Precision Bass

1966 Fender Precision Bass

Encinitas, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12000



1966 Fender P-Bass in factory custom color Candy Apple Red !

Beautiful golden age P-bass that plays and sounds incredible

All original save for a repro pickup cover and the original owner had diamonds inlaid on the fingerboard but has since been replaced with factory dot inlays

This is a FANTASTIC Fender bass and you will not be disappointed

Thank you for looking!
... more
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Vintage 1975 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst w Original Hardshell Case

Vintage 1975 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst w Original Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Here is an exceptional example of a 1975 Fender Precision Bass in original Sunburst finish
It's remarkably clean, plays great, and has that signature 1970s Fender P-Bass tone. Warm, fat and percussive
Completely 100% original .all electronics, pots, pickups, tuners, finish, etc
Comes with nice clean original hardshell case, too
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted
International Buyers ? ... more
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Fender Elite Precision Bass I 1983 3-Color Sunburst w / Rosewood Fingerboard

Fender Elite Precision Bass I 1983 3-Color Sunburst w / Rosewood Fingerboard

Galesburg, Illinois, 614**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

The 1983 Fender Elite Precision Bass I is a standout instrument that embodies the essence of Fender's craftsmanship and innovation. Sporting a striking 3-Color Sunburst finish, this bass not only looks stunning but also features a solid alder body that delivers a warm and resonant tone. The Elite series is known for its advanced electronics, and this model is no exception, equipped with a powerful active pickup system that provides a wide range of tonal options, making it versatile enough for ... more
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FENDER 1959 PRECISION BASS WITH CASE, Intl Buyers Welcome

FENDER 1959 PRECISION BASS WITH CASE, Int'l Buyers Welcome

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 354**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17500

A friend of mine asked me to list this vintage bass in my online shops to give it maximum exposure. Here is the history of this vintage instrument It was purchased in 1975 from Gattuso Music in Canton, Ohio. They had a recording studio as part of the business and the bass was used as the in-house bass for most of their clients. My friend used it as his main bass until the late 1980's. At that time he decided it was too valuable to for everyday use, so he retired it and it has been in the ... more
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Pre Owned 1983 Fender Precision Bass Maple Neck Cherry Sunburst With Gig Bag

Pre Owned 1983 Fender Precision Bass Maple Neck Cherry Sunburst With Gig Bag

Santa Monica, California, 904**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }Are you ready a vintage bass that gives you the low end tone you want   Yes, vintage as in the early 80's (after all, that is 40 years ago)   Here for sale is this fantastic Fender Precision Bass from 1983   
What else happened in 1983?  Return of the Jedi was released, the Global Positioning System (GPS) was made available for civilian use, McDonald's introduced the McNugget. and Men at Work??s single Down Under topped the charts (well, at least... more
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1953 Fender Precision Bass

1953 Fender Precision Bass

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

$31500

1953 Fender Precision Bass, Attractive Butterscotch Blondefinish, Beautifully grained Ash body, Black Guard, Stunning example, Signed byTadeo Gomez TAD 2-6-53 in the neck pocket, Fantastic feeling neck, Fabulousinstrument, Both Covers, EC, Original Brown gig bag.
... more
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1959 Fender P Precision Bass Natural Refinished

1959 Fender P Precision Bass Natural Refinished

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7499

As seen in the video, for sale is a 1959 Fender Precision Bass with a non-original case. This bass guitar has some wear but remains in perfect working order, playing and sounding amazing. There are scratches, dings, and wear throughout, as well as extra holes on the pick-guard and on the top. The finish has been stripped down to natural, and the headstock has a repaired crack that goes down the middle of it. While the repair is not the prettiest, it is solid
This bass comes from my personal ... more
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1966 Fender Precision Bass Guitar  sunburst

1966 Fender Precision Bass Guitar sunburst

New Orleans, Louisiana, 701**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000

This 1966 Fender Precision Bass Guitar American made, is a rare gem for any musician. The beautiful warm tone perfect for studio or live gigs .This Bass can be heard on the Iconic album "Blue Moon Risin Walter Wolfman Washington and the roadmasters, No other Bass sounds better in the studio!... more
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1978 Fender Precision / Jazz Bass Case

1978 Fender Precision / Jazz Bass Case

Allston, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Great condition Fender Bass Case from 1978. Orange felt interior.
... more
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FENDER SQUIRE PRECISION BASS  1983  Made in Japan   MIJ  P-BASS 3 Tone Sunburst.

FENDER SQUIRE PRECISION BASS 1983 Made in Japan MIJ P-BASS 3 Tone Sunburst.

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$999

This is 1983 Fender Squier Precision Bass SQ Series made in Japan , is very clean for its age as you can tell from the pictures. It sounds and plays great !
It??s very rare to find in this condition.
No original Case included ,but it will be shipped in non original hard case .... more
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Vintage 1981 Fender Precision bass cherry sunburst

Vintage 1981 Fender Precision bass cherry sunburst

Roanoke, Virginia, 240**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3250

This vintage Fender Precision Bass guitar is a true gem for any musician. Made in 1981, it features a beautiful cherry sunburst finish that is sure to catch the eye of any guitar enthusiast. The solid ash body and maple neck make for a sturdy and comfortable instrument, while the 4-string configuration and 20 frets provide plenty of possibilities for musical expression This guitar comes with a hard-shell wooden case, making it easy to transport and protect your precious instrument. Don't miss ... more
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1966 Fender Precision Bass Mocha Brown

1966 Fender Precision Bass Mocha Brown

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4800

... more
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1965 Fender Precision Bass - Pristine All Original

1965 Fender Precision Bass - Pristine All Original

Downers Grove, Illinois, 605**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15000

Up for sale, a 1965 Fender Precision Bass in 100% original, time capsule-clean condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case, polish cloth, strap, and unopened case keys.
A transitional example from mid-1965, this bass retains a number of Pre-CBS-era features including reverse gear, long stem tuners, an L-prefix neck plate, a deep red nitrate tortoise pickguard and a transitional split-coil pickup with one black bobbin and one gray bobbin. Most notably, ... more
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1978 Fender Precision "Fretless" Bass a near mint all original w / a thinner neck.

1978 Fender Precision "Fretless" Bass a near mint all original w / a thinner neck.

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

$4375

Just in is another incredible 1978 Precision ??Fretless?? Bass w / all the right features in exceptionally clean shape, its has an original Sunburst finish over a nice lightweight Ash body, its Rosewood Neck is a very rare ??A?? spec neck w / a 1 5 / 8?? nut like a Jazz Bass, is dated to 1978 & is super clean, its original Black pickgard pulls this all together making it one of Fender??s best & last great Post-CBS P Basses, its split pickup is super smooth w / that quintessential warm ... more
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1964 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Sherwood Green (Riggio) w /  Case

1964 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Sherwood Green (Riggio) w / Case

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

$10800

Up for sale, a 1964 Fender Precision Bass in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with its original receipt / layaway paperwork from '64 and a vintage hardshell case. Featuring a stunningly accurate body-only refinish in Sherwood Green courtesy of Riggio Custom Guitars, this Precision Bass is a deeply resonant instrument, channeled through the original black bobbin pickup. This bass has lived in the Pacific Northwest for its entire life, complete with the original layaway... more
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Vintage 1966 Fender Precision Bass w /  Original Hardshell Case NEAR MINT

Vintage 1966 Fender Precision Bass w / Original Hardshell Case NEAR MINT

Boca Raton, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15100

Offered here is a true closet queen.
An Original 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sunburst finish
Comes in its original case and is in NEAR MINT Condition It has been stored in its case and never played by me as long as I've owned it, which is 40+ years It also has its original vintage Fender guitar strap Located in the U S. for easy shipping
See photos for accurate description.
An Original 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sunburst finish.... more
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1974 Fender Precision Fretless P Bass and OHSC

1974 Fender Precision Fretless P Bass and OHSC

Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Here is a near Mint Fretless Fender Precision Bass and its original hard shell case in good condition. The neck is arrow straight and the chunky flatwounds are set super low for playing ease. No buzzing or other noises - just cool, thunder under the stage bass with that uniquely fretless bass sound. Ask questions.... more
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1983 FENDER PRECISION BASS 62 OR 57 REISSUE 250K CTS POT ALSO FOR R / I JAZZ BASS

1983 FENDER PRECISION BASS 62 OR 57 REISSUE 250K CTS POT ALSO FOR R / I JAZZ BASS

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$59

FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is a nice original 1983 Fender CTS pot in superb condition. I've had it for quite awhile and guarantee it came out of a 1983 Fender '62 Reissue Precision Bass. 8312 date code for the 12th week of 1983. Parts like this are getting difficult to find and remember, it's over 40 years old! Of course you can also use it in 'regular' 1983-84 USA P & J basses
FREE USA SHIPPING and a 30-day return privilege if you are not happy for any reason. The Bass Palace will be ... more
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1958 Fender Precision Bass

1958 Fender Precision Bass

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

$30500

1958 Fender Precision Bass, Early ??58 with a Two tone burst, Anodized pickguard, Maple neck, Both Covers, Spaghetti logo, Wonderfulinstrument from the family of the original owner, VG++, Original tweed hardcase.
... more
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1953 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Butterscotch Blonde w / HSC

1953 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Butterscotch Blonde w / HSC

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

$14995

1953 Fender Precision Bass In Butterscotch Blonde Finish
In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Heavy Cosmetic Playwear Throughout
Body Partially Painted Black And Stripped As Shown
Extra Screw Holes Around Body Indicating a Previously Mounted Custom Pickguard
Older Re-Decal
Non-Original Pickguard
Original Cloth Wiring With One Changed Pot And Tone Capacitor
Original Pickup
Original Tuners And Bridge
Neck And Body Dated February 1953 And Signed By ... more
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Find more Fender Precision 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.