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GRETSCH | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gretsch advertisement (1955)

"Try this Fast Easy-Playing Guitar" Says Chet Atkins

Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120

An early advertisement for the Chet Atkins 6120 Hollow Body guitar. This model debuted the previous year, and was built to Chet Atkins specifications. It was joined by a Solid Body version, 6121, around this time.

"Listen to the Chet Atkins Country Style electric guitars that Gretsch built for me, if you want to hear wonderful tone", says America's big favorite. "Notice the exciting special-effects you get with the built-in tremolo and pick ups. See how fast and easy playin' it is? That's the slim Miracle Neck that keeps your hands from getting tired. They look beautiful, too, which counts a lot on TV and personal appearances. Those Gretsch people sure know how to build a guitar."

Gretsch advertisement (1955) "Try this Fast Easy-Playing Guitar" Says Chet Atkins

Other related vintage advertisements

Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - The Sound of Superiority
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - The Sound of Superiority
This advertisement shows a broad selection of Gretsch's early 1960s guitar offering, though interestingly, by the time this advert was placed many of these guitars had been redesigned as double cut...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Theres only one thing as comfortable as the back of this guitar
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Theres only one thing as comfortable as the back of this guitar
Early sixties Gretsch adverts were often for Gretsch features in general: in this case the back pad that appeared in a lot of Gretsch guitars that offered extra comfort for the player, and protecte...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Don
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Don't mess up the mix
A simple feature on many Gretsch guitars, but often ignored by other manufacturers was a simple on/off switch for a guitar - allowing the guitarist to carefully set volumes and leave them in posit...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Chet Atkins: the "Personal Touch" built in...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Chet Atkins: the "Personal Touch" built in...
An early 1960s advertisement for three new Gretsch Chet Atkins guitar models, all designed with input from Chet Atkins: the Country Gentleman, Hollow body and Tennessean. These guitars were hugely ...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Chet Atkins Says: Look at it My Way and You
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Chet Atkins Says: Look at it My Way and You'll Play a Gretch Too!
Gretsch advertisement for the Chet Atkins series of hollow body guitars: Country Gentleman, Hollow Body and Tennessean. The advert, as was so often the case between 1963 and 1966, highlights three ...
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - "Gretsch", Says Chet, "Is Where The Authentic Sound Is."
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - "Gretsch", Says Chet, "Is Where The Authentic Sound Is."
Advert for three Gretsch Chet Atkins models, the 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean, 6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody (after 1967, known as the Nashville) and the 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentlemen
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - When you call a guitar a name it better be good
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - When you call a guitar a name it better be good
The Chet Atkins endorsed Gretsch models, The Country Gentleman, Nashville, and Tennessean
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Give Your Sound the Professional Edge
Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 - Give Your Sound the Professional Edge
1972 Gretsch advertisement for three Gretsch semi-acoustic electric guitars: the Country Gentleman, Nashville and Tennesean

When you're serious about your Sound,you treat it right. And yo...

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Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120

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The Fred Gretsch MFG CO. 1957 Custom Guitar original Case and Accessories

The Fred Gretsch MFG CO. 1957 Custom Guitar original Case and Accessories

Sonora, California, 953**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35000

Introducing the stunning Gretsch Electromatic 1957 Custom Guitar, complete with its original case and accessories. This iconic electric guitar boasts a unique red front and black back body color, with a model #6121 and serial #26988. The neck material, number of frets, and body type are all showcased in the detailed photos provided
As a part of the highly sought-after Gretsch brand, this guitar is a must-have for any serious musician or collector. With its classic design and exceptional ... more
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1968 Gretsch Bo custom one off Custom made not a reissue 68 Vintage

1968 Gretsch Bo custom one off Custom made not a reissue 68' Vintage

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

$28000

1968 Gretsch Bo Diddley custom one off Custom made not a reissue 68' Vintage guitar. This was never a production guitar, possibly made for Bo Diddley? Maybe a custom order or an employee made guitar what ever it is its from the late 60' and Gretsch did make it. It is in great shape great flame maple front and back. Burns tail piece one Filtertron & one superrtron sounds and plays great! No repairs, modifications, touchups, overspray or issues, has all the original parts. It does NOT have the... more
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1961 Gretsch Duo Jet previously Randy Bachman owned

1961 Gretsch Duo Jet previously Randy Bachman owned

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

$21000

1961 GretschDuo jet, Previously was personally owned by Randy Bachman from the BachmanTurner Overdrive (BTO) and the Guess Who, Bought by the Gretsch Family and soldthrough Julien??s Auctions March of 2021, Two Fitertrons, Neo Classical inlays, Single cutaway, Chambered body sounds great acoustically and plugged in, Super cool, EC, Original hard case
... more
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1960 Gretsch Silver jet, Previously was personally owned by Randy Bachman

1960 Gretsch Silver jet, Previously was personally owned by Randy Bachman

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

$20900

1960 Gretsch Silver jet, Previously was personally owned byRandy Bachman from the Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) and the Guess Who, Boughtby the Gretsch Family and sold through Julien??s Auctions March of 2021, PAFFitertrons, Silver Sparkle Top, Neo Classical inlays, Single cutaway, Stunning examplefeatured on the auction book??s cover, EC, Original hard case
... more
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1962 Gretsch Champagne Sparkle Jet Double Cutaway 6129T w /  Burns Vibrato, Case

1962 Gretsch Champagne Sparkle Jet Double Cutaway 6129T w / Burns Vibrato, Case

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

$19800

Up for sale, a 1962 Gretsch Duo Jet 6129T in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. An exceedingly rare Gretsch, and one of only a handful of documented examples, this double cutaway Duo Jet features a Champagne Sparkle top and gold appointments, including a Burns vibrato tailpiece
Hailing from the first year when the Jet shifted to a double cutaway body, and far rarer than a typical Sparkle Jet, this Duo Jet has the traditional tonewood ... more
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Rare Vintage 1950s Gretsch Synchromatic Arch Top Acoustic Guitar with Soft Case

Rare Vintage 1950s Gretsch Synchromatic Arch Top Acoustic Guitar with Soft Case

Mount Laurel, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$16675

Selling this incredible and rare 1950's Gretsch Synchromatic. It's in beautiful condition as seen in photos. The action is good, but could certainly bear some tweaking to preference
I have a very nice Taylor soft case I'll be including with this
... more
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1956 Gretsch 6131 Jet firebird Red

1956 Gretsch 6131 Jet firebird Red

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

$14500

Just in is this incredibly clean 1956 Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird
Quick Details
Weight 7 6lbs
Width at nut 1 76
Depth at 1st 0 90
Depth at 12th 0 95
We are so excited to have probably the cleanest 1956 Gretsch 611's out there
This Jet Firebird is all original and in absolutely amazing shape. The paint and finish is all original and in like new shape. There is small finish shrinkage around the neck joint from a neck reset
The Factory installed DeArmond Dynasonic pickups ... more
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1959 Gretsch Duo-Jet

1959 Gretsch Duo-Jet

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

$12900

1959 Gretsch Duo-Jet, Black with Two PAF Filtertrons, Lightweight, Plays extra great with an excellent pro refret, Ebony board with thumbprint inlays, Low action, Sounds fantastic, Hard to find guitar, EC, Nice Originalhard case.
... more
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Gretsch 6120 USA Vintage 1958-59

Gretsch 6120 USA Vintage 1958-59

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 875**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12550

About This Listing
1958 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Model Hollow body Guitar
Here is a priceless piece of AmericanGuitar History. This is considered Gretsch??s upper end model. A Signature Series in today??s World of fame- makes a famous instrument
Stored in a safe and odor freeenvironment for nearly 30 years. It has a fresh neck reset with minor lacquer touchup at the neck joint. Frets leveled, pickups and switches-knobs checked, new strings, with a ... more
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1960 Gretsch Jet Firebird Vintage Electric Guitar

1960 Gretsch Jet Firebird Vintage Electric Guitar

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

$11599

1960 Gretsch Jet Firebird, Great looking vivid Red finish, Two fantastic sounding PAF Filtertron pickups, Ebony fingerboard, 1 67 incheswide at the nut, Weighs 7 Lbs 7 oz, Sounds good acoustically and amped up!Gorgeous and cool, VG++, Original hard case
... more
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Gretsch guitar Vintage 1958 with case and extra parts modified Hollowbody

Gretsch guitar Vintage 1958 with case and extra parts modified Hollowbody

Berkeley, California, 947**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10958

This vintage Gretsch guitar from 1958 is a rare gem for any musician. With its natural body color and 6-string configuration, it's perfect for any right-handed player. The guitar comes with a case and extra parts, making it easy to transport and modify. Its hollow body type gives it a unique sound that's perfect for any genre of music. Whether you're a collector or a player, this Gretsch guitar is sure to impress. Great Vintage condition looks good sounds good.... more
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Gobsmacking clean 1958 Gretsch 6169 ??cowboy?? amp, all orig, stunning condition.

Gobsmacking clean 1958 Gretsch 6169 ??cowboy?? amp, all orig, stunning condition.

Putney, Vermont, 053**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10950

An American icon, from Gretsch & Valco??s golden age of sound. Killer tone, killer looks, and ultra-rare in this crackerjack shape
Made for just a few short years, from late 1955 to 1958, the Gretsch 6169 cowboy amp is now highly sought after, especially one as fine as this. Check out the pics!
Original cream-white grained tolex, solid wood joint-locked cab, brass-studded tooled-leather bands, original 6x11 Rola speakers, brass campfire belt-buckle badge, and of course the ... more
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1974 Gretsch White Falcon

1974 Gretsch White Falcon

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

$10800

1970 Gretsch White Falcon model 7594 PT, Rare version with DeluxeGold Sparkle binding, Falcon inlay on peghead, Special wiring schematic, The insidelabel says 7594 PT which we think might stand for prototype as this is a veryunique variation of this model, Ebony board with block inlays, Gold hardware, TwoFilter??Trons, Vibrato, Excellent condition with hard case
... more
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Gretsch 1957 Chet Atkins w /  Hardcase

Gretsch 1957 Chet Atkins w / Hardcase

Jenison, Michigan, 494**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000


Gretsch 1957 6120 Chet Atkins Signature Electric Guitar
Condition
Moderate wear: Lacquer is sunk in at the back of the headstock, finish checking, average vintage instrument finish wear. Moderate damage: Various dings and dents on front, back, sides, and neck heel
Description
This 1957 6120 has a maple body with 2 ply binding. The F-holes are also double bound. The neck and headstock are single bound and the fingerboard is Brazillian rosewood. The nut and bridge ... more
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1972 Gretsch White Falcon Stereo 7595 Vintage Double Cutaway Guitar w /  Case

1972 Gretsch White Falcon Stereo 7595 Vintage Double Cutaway Guitar w / Case

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

$10000

Up for sale, a 1972 Gretsch White Falcon Stereo 7595 in exceptional condition and in perfect working order. This rare Baldwin-era White Falcon was at the top of Gretsch??s range, with premium features including a tuning fork bridge, T Zone tempered treble frets, dual string mutes, and stereo functionality (separating the bass and treble strings)
Tonewoods include a fully hollow thinline maple body, maple neck, and bound ebony fingerboard, with a lower bout width of 17?? and a body depth of ... more
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1958 Gretsch 6122 Country Gent 1st full year produced w / all earliest features !

1958 Gretsch 6122 Country Gent 1st full year produced w / all earliest features !

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

$9995

This is a wonderful super early 1st example of an all original 1958 Gretsch 6122 Country Gent that??s been enjoyed most of its life. It has a distinctive see-thru Walnut stain over a very figured maple Top example. Its headstock features the Gretsch T logo, its serial # is stamped into the headstock plaque dated to 1958. It??s got Neo-Classic Thumbnail inlaid rosewood fingerboard, a set of powerful ??PAF?? Filter??trons, gold hardware & smooth unsculpted gold plastic pickup bezels, Gold ... more
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1955 Gretsch Country Club Vintage Hollowbody guitar

1955 Gretsch Country Club Vintage Hollowbody guitar

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

$9395

1955 Gretsch Country Club, Hard to find Blonde finish, Gold hardware, Groverimperial tuners, Two DeArmond pickups, Cloud inlays, 17 inches wide body, ??G??Tailpiece, Magnificent instrument, EC, Original hard Tweed case.... more
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1960 Gretsch 6122 Country Gent very rare early production an incredible example.

1960 Gretsch 6122 Country Gent very rare early production an incredible example.

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

$8995

This is a wonderful example of an all original 1960 Gretsch 6122 Country Gent that's been enjoyed most of its life. It has a distinctive see-thru Walnut stain over a very figured maple Top example. Its headstock features the Gretsch T logo, its serial # is stamped into the headstock plaque dated to 1960. It's got Neo-Classic Thumbnail inlaid rosewood fingerboard, a set of powerful Filter'trons, gold hardware & gold plastic pickup bezels, Gold lucite'gard, G's w / gold knobs. It's sporting a ... more
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1955 Gretsch Duo Jet 6128 Black

1955 Gretsch Duo Jet 6128 Black

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

$8639

Up for sale is a stunning 1955 Gretsch Duo Jet model 6128 in Black. This is easily one of the sleekest and coolest vintage Gretsch instruments in the shop right now and is absolutely a current shop favorite. This stunning instrument features a factory G tailpiece, block inlays on a nicely grained rosewood fingerboard, Melita bridge, original DeArmond pickups and a seriously cool vibe. This instrument has had a neck reset in its life as there is evidence surrounding the neck pocket. There is also... more
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vintage Handmade Flamey USA 1953 54 Gretsch acoustic Catseye Antique 70+yrs old

vintage Handmade Flamey USA 1953 54 Gretsch acoustic Catseye Antique 70+yrs old

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

$8440

we sell world wide

Rare Gretsch with catseye sound holes

vintage Handmade by a skilled luthier

Flame USA 1953 54 Gretsch acoustic Catseye Antique 70+yrs old

This was gone thru head to toe
by a quality Luthier

The guitar backing body is super flamey wood

Guitar neck was reset to the perfect angle with LOW action

see photos

fully re-bound. with vintage style binding

Has Early Gretsch Script ... more
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Find more Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollowbody / Nashville 6120 at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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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