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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1978)

A new instrumental album featuring a man, his guitar, and our amplifier

Gibson Lab Series L5 amplifier

One of the earliest publicity pieces for the Lab Series amplifiers placed in mid 1978. Unlike the majority of adverts for these amplifiers to follow, this one is short on text, letting the images do the talking. Ronnie Montrose is featured playing his Gibson doubleneck EDS-1275, and the 2x12" Lab Series L5.

The ad highlights Montrose's newly released fusion album Open Fire, released in January 1978

Gibson advertisement (1978) A new instrumental album featuring a man, his guitar, and our amplifier

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson Lab Series L5 - LAB Series
Gibson Lab Series L5 - LAB Series
June 1978 advertisement for the Lab Series amplifier range, picturing the 2x12" Lab Series L5 combo.
Gibson Lab Series L5 - Employment Assurance
Gibson Lab Series L5 - Employment Assurance
"Whether you're a star, a sideman, a session player, or a serious student, the Lab Series works"
Gibson Lab Series L5 - It
Gibson Lab Series L5 - It's got to be about the best tranny amp I've ever heard – damn it, it's got to be one of the best apps I've heard, tranny or not!
This 1980 advert for the Lab Series amplifier range was published in Guitar Player in 1980, and is made up of quotes by Gary Cooper (who proffered the title), Alan Holdsworth, and Whitesnake's Bern...
Gibson Lab Series L5 - Try my sound.. See if you like it!
Gibson Lab Series L5 - Try my sound.. See if you like it!
This interesting advert from June 1980 features Jimmy Messina and the Lab Series L5. Like many of the other Lab Series ads, it includes quotes from the artist describing the amp, but also gives one...
Gibson Lab Series L5 - Lab Series. They
Gibson Lab Series L5 - Lab Series. They've never sounded so good
December 1980 United Kingdom advert for the Lab Series amplifiers - available at a big discount due to the favourable exchange rate. Models listed are the: L2 (100w 1x15" bass head/cabinet), L3 (60...
Gibson Lab Series L5 - "My Lab Series amp takes all the bumps, and still gives a smooth performance."
Gibson Lab Series L5 - "My Lab Series amp takes all the bumps, and still gives a smooth performance."
This Lab Series advert featuring bluesman B.B. King and his L5 appeared in Guitar Player magazine in May and August 1981 - just one of many 'artist' adverts for the amp line. King's bassplayer, Joe...

Gibson Lab Series L5

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1978 Greco EG500 Les Paul Standard, Fretside, Gibson Truss rod, All Braided Wire

1978 Greco EG500 Les Paul Standard, Fretside, Gibson Truss rod, All Braided Wire

Wilmington, Delaware, 198**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$945

1978 GRECO EG500 (BEST YEAR in my opinion) Gorgeous Paint work in True Jimmy Page Style!! Looks like a Jimmy Page Artist model!!!
1978 Greco EG500 (was told by original owner it is a EG600) I wasn't sure so I just called her one step down to be safe)Hand Carved Fretside Binding!2 Screw Gibson Style Truss Rod CoverUSA Style Brass Nut Truss Rod Adjustment! (uses Gibson Wrench!)70's Style Norlin Era pancake Body with 1pc. Back!!2Pc. Book Matched top with some mild Flame! Gorgeous!!Sealed Greco ... more
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1966 Gibson J-200

1966 Gibson J-200

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

$10900

1966 Gibson J-200, Attractive Tobacco Sunburst finish, Soughtafter model, Floral design on pickguard, Tune-o-matic bridge, Beautifully flamed mapleback, Gorgeous instrument! One owner, EC+, Original hard case.
... more
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1960s GIBSON EB 2  /  EB3 BASS TUNER works with Guild Rick etc.

1960's GIBSON EB 2 / EB3 BASS TUNER works with Guild Rick etc.

Salina, Kansas, 674**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$135


1960's Gibson tuner.... more
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Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass 1968 Walnut, Original, 2 Pickup, VeriTone

Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass 1968 Walnut, Original, 2 Pickup, VeriTone

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

$2700

1968 GIBSON EB-3 SHORT SCALE BASS GUITAR, ALL ORIGINAL, WALNUT, 2 PICKUP, VERITONE
Gibson's EB-3 bass guitar was released in 1961 and wasproduced through 1979, sporting the familiar sharp double-cutaway solid bodysimilar to the SG. As an upgrade to the EB-0, which also makes the EB-3 a moredesirable collectors' piece, the EB-3 sports dual humbuckers on its solidmahogany body with a metal cover over the bridge pickup and a 4-position rotarytone switch
A fantastic opportunity to buy a ... more
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1958 Les Paul Standard Neck Gibson factory installed in 58 on 53 Goldtop see ad

1958 Les Paul Standard Neck Gibson factory installed in 58 on 53 Goldtop see ad

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

$96395

From the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC

1958 53 Goldtop Les Paul electric guitar sn. 8 3078
It has a 1958 Gibson factory installed neck (put on in 1958) on a 1953 Les Paul Goldtop
If you own a $400, 000 00 58 Les Paul that needs a 1958 original neck, then this guitar is for you!
I have priced it for just that. I will consider reasonable best offers
Ok here is the history of this guitar as told by the original owner. I am the second owner and While I had... more
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1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

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

$8995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more
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Gibson ES-335 1967 - Dark Sunburst

Gibson ES-335 1967 - Dark Sunburst

Rancho Mirage, California, 922**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12999

Up for sale we have a beautiful 1967 Gibson Es-335 (Serial #103403) with original Bigsby vibrato and Dark Sunburst finish in 100% original condition. The guitar Includes its original hard-shell case and is in excellent condition and perfect working order. There is slight lacquer checking throughout the body and two small dings on the upper left front and back. This stunning guitar was purchased from Norm??s Guitars in L A. in 1996 and has lived in a climate controlled smoke-free studio in its... more
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Gibson L-48 1953 Vintage Archtop Acoustic Guitar & HSC.

Gibson L-48 1953 Vintage Archtop Acoustic Guitar & HSC.

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

$1950

Gibson L48 1953 Vintage Arch top Acoustic Guitar & HSC .
Very good condition. A few light scuffs / dings. No cracks or repairs,
It has Non-original vintage style open back tuners. Great full sound with a comfortable medium profile Mahogany neck. The neck is very clean without any dings or nicks. Rosewood fret-board in good condition with a new set of Martin strings. .10??s.
Comes with very nice hardshell case that fits perfectly.
FON. Y483 .
... more
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1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom - PAFs - Lightweight - Original Hardshell Case

1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom - PAFs - Lightweight - Original Hardshell Case

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

$69000

The best sounding late 50's paf Les Paul Custom we have ever had and there has been dozens over the years. Most likely due to the exceptionally light weight mahogany. These typically weigh in the 10lb plus range and have never witnessed one this light before! Guitar is mostly all original and has a double white bobbin paf in the neck position. Very light clear coat on back of neck that is only detectable by a slightly darker coloration under a black light. Pro refret with larger wire. A few ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-175D "narrow bevel" Pickguard Guard ES-175 1966 1967 68

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-175D "narrow bevel" Pickguard Guard ES-175 1966 1967 68

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

$245

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson ES-175D Narrow Bevel Pickguard with the original mounting bracket
Original 1960's Gibson ES-175D narrow bevel pickguard
This will fit your mid / late 60's ES-175D double Humbucking model perfectly
The REAL DEAL in killer shape!
Great original condition with minimal pickwear and almost zero warping
An incredible and rare part
Perfect for the restoration of your ... more
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Vintage 1963 Gibson "Short" Vibrola Tailpiece Epiphone SG Special Standard Trem

Vintage 1963 Gibson "Short" Vibrola Tailpiece Epiphone SG Special Standard Trem

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

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1960's Tremolo Vibrola Unit in NICKEL finish (rare!)
Correct for your mid 1960's Gibson or Epiphone
These are frequently found on Firebirds, SG Specials, but also Standards, Melody Makers, various Epiphones and many others!
100% original but does NOT include the arm that mounts into the string retaining comb. Ideal for mounting on a vintage Gibson that is being ... 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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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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1975 Gibson Banjo RB-250 Rare Pre-war Replica Arch Top Conversion

1975 Gibson Banjo RB-250 Rare Pre-war Replica Arch Top Conversion

Studio City, California, 916**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

1975 Gibson Banjo RB-250 Rare Pre-war Replica Arch Top Conversion
One owner5-ply rock maple rimMetallurgic reproduction of authentic pre-war arch top brass tone ringRailroad spikes at 7th and 9th fretsKeith tunersSampson walnut bridgeAVS case (has broken latch lock )
... more
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1961 Gibson J-45 Sunburst

1961 Gibson J-45 Sunburst

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

$4700

1961 Gibson J-45 Sunburst 
SETUP & INSPECTED BY OUR TECH TEAM
Tech Notes: Awesome piece, sounds and plays great with medium action and near flat relief   When it came to our shop there appeared to be a few structural repairs done, mainly the two cracks around the pickguard and some bracing glue ups   When it got to us we had a few things we needed to do, including a bridge reglue, a bridge plate repair ( added a missing piece and added an additional piece of maple on top for ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-330 Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line 1965 J-45 Dove J50

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-330 Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line 1965 J-45 Dove J50

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

$345

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson / Kluson Double Line Tuner Set
Correct for your mid 1960's Gibson ES-330, J-45, Epiphone Casino and others!
Great shape -- totally original and includes all the original mounting hardware, ferrules and screws!
SUPER RARE!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE... more
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1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior

1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior

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

$9995

1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior, Double Cutaway, Cherry Red, Bigfull feeling neck, Powerful sounding P-90 pickup, Tortoise pickguard, Superficial hairline on neck by heel that was not a repair, Rings out nicely, Playssuper great, VG++ condition, Newer Gibson hard case
... more
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1964 Vintage Gibson J50 ADJ Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar excellent condition

1964 Vintage Gibson J50 ADJ Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar excellent condition

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

$6300

1964 Vintage Gibson J50 ADJ Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar excellent condition
This 59 ½ year old guitar Vintage Gibson J50 ADJ was barely played! Awesome condition. The pictures don??t do her justice. There are very few signs of use or age for that matter. Please see the pictures
SN#168237 places her at 1964 almost 60 years old. The action is on the lower side, and she has a straight neck, rounded shoulders and a sweet body! Just grab her by the G string and you won??t want to let go.... more
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Vintage 1960 Gibson Melody Maker Sunburst Electric 6-String Guitar w OG Case c-x

Vintage 1960 Gibson Melody Maker Sunburst Electric 6-String Guitar w OG Case c-x

Owensboro, Kentucky, 423**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

Vintage 1960 Gibson Melody Maker Sunburst Electric 6-String Guitar w OG Case c-x
Please refer to the pictures to view item condition.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please feel free to message us.
The "c-x" in the title is for our store reference only and does not pertain to the item.
What is shown in the pictures is what is included with the item.
Shipping address can NOT be changed after purchase.
Shipping to domestic USA only, excluding ... more
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1964-65 Left handed Gibson Melody Maker D guitar+amp RARE!!!

1964-65 Left handed Gibson Melody Maker D guitar+amp RARE!!!

Woodland Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5600

For sale rare Lefty 1964 Gibson Melody Maker!!!
Here's a rare lefty 1964- 65 Gibson Melody Maker in Cherry finish. Absolute sleeper of a guitar here, that will turn into your new favorite! This is probably a one of a kind as I never have seen another Left Handed before and also this is in mint condition. No breaks, cracks, repairs. All original parts!!! This ones just got it. One strum acoustically and you in know and feel how good of a guitar this is. It's loud, snappy, and resonant. ... more
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Find more Gibson Lab Series L5 at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

1971 Epiphone 1820 (ET-280) bassBy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

1981 Gibson MarauderProduction of Bill Lawrence's Gibson Marauder began in 1974, with production peaking in 1978. But by 1980 the model was officially discontinued, though very small numbers slipped out as late as spring 1981. Over 7000 examples shipped between 1974 and 1979, and although no totals are available for 1980 and 1981, it is unlikely production reached three figures in either of these years. These final Marauders were all assembled at the Gibson Nashville plant, and had some nice features not available through the later years of production, such as a rosewood fretboard, and in this case, an opaque 'Devil Red' finish. It's a great looking and fine playing guitar!

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

1971 Pick Epiphone catalogWhen Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo to the Matsumoku plant in Japan, a whole new range of electric, flattop and classic acoustic guitars was launched. Between late 1970 and 1972 the new models were launched and refined. This 'folder' catalog contains various inserts released over these years detailing four electric six-strings (ET-270, ET-275, ET-278, and thinline EA-250), three bass guitars (ET-280, ET-285, and thinline EA-260), three folk/steel acoustics, four jumbo flattop acoustics, two 12-string jumbos, four classic acoustics, and a banjo.

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

1981 Gibson Specials Pre-Owners Manual'Gibson Specials' was part of the June 1981 pre-owners manual series, but unlike the other folders contained a mish-mash of different guitars: limited editions, test marketing and close outs. "You will find the unusual, the brand-new, and the bargain within this folder". End of line 70s guitars like the Marauder, S-1, and L-6S Custom mixed in with brand new models the The V, The Explorer and the Flying V Bass.
It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass Rose-Morris were selling Shaftesbury-branded Rickenbacker copy instruments from the late 1960s right through the 1970s. The 3263 bass was one of the first models, (alongside the 3261 six string and 3262 twelve string) available from late 1968 until about 1974. The earliest incarnation was a set neck bass, produced very briefly in Japan. But production quickly moved to Italy. This bolt-on neck example was built by Eko, in Recanati, using the same hardware and pickups as fitted to Eko, and Vox basses built around the same time. It's certainly a fine looking bass, and not a bad player either.

1961 Hohner Zambesi

1961 Hohner Zambesi This very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super Ace The Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

1966 Vox New Escort The Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin Care Catalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger Folk The Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar The Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalog Hagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner President The President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

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