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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1980)

Lab Series. They've never sounded so good

Gibson Lab Series L11 amplifier, Gibson Lab Series L2 amplifier, Gibson Lab Series L3 amplifier, Gibson Lab Series L4 amplifier, Gibson Lab Series L5 amplifier, Gibson Lab Series L7 amplifier, Gibson Lab Series L9 amplifier

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 (60w 1x12" combo), L4 (200w 2x15" bass head/cabinet), L5 (100w 2x12" combo), L7 (100w 4x10" combo), L9 (100w 1x15" combo) and L11 (200w 4x12 lead stack).

Thanks to the pound doing so well against the dollar, we've been able to lower the R.R.P. of Lab Series by a full 25%
Check out the prices, then check out Lab Series at your nearest dealer. At these prices, even your bank manager should make nice noises

Gibson advertisement (1980) Lab Series. They

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson Lab Series L5 - A new instrumental album featuring a man, his guitar, and our amplifier
Gibson Lab Series L5 - A new instrumental album featuring a man, his guitar, and our 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 d...
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 L3 - It
Gibson Lab Series L3 - It's no big thing. 'Til you turn it on.
March 1979 advert for a new amp in the Lab Series line up. The L3 was the smallest amp in the Lab Series range: a 60w combo with a single 12" speaker. It was also slimmed down in terms of controls....
Gibson Lab Series L2 - Employment Assurance
Gibson Lab Series L2 - Employment Assurance
"Whether you're a star, a sideman, a session player, or a serious student, the Lab Series works"
Gibson Lab Series L7 - It
Gibson Lab Series L7 - 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 - "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...

2024 Vintage Guitar price guide 2024 Vintage Guitar price guide

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Gibson Lab Series L11, Gibson Lab Series L2, Gibson Lab Series L3, Gibson Lab Series L4, Gibson Lab Series L5, Gibson Lab Series L7, Gibson Lab Series L9

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Vintage 1950s Gibson ES-175D ES-175 Wide Bevel Pickguard Guard 1958 1959 PAF 57

Vintage 1950's Gibson ES-175D ES-175 Wide Bevel Pickguard Guard 1958 1959 PAF 57

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

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson ES-175 c 1959 Wide Bevel Pickguard
Original late 50's - early 1960's PAF equipped Gibson ES-175D wide-bevel pickguard
This will fit your late 50's or early 60's ES-175 DOUBLE Humbucking model perfectly
The REAL DEAL in killer shape! This is a very cool vintage guard in that it shows the old imprint of a name sticker / emblem "Lousie" if viewed from an angle!
Great ... more
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Vintage 1962 Gibson J-50 Natural

Vintage 1962 Gibson J-50 Natural

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4999

Here's a killer original 1962 Gibson J-50 in original Natural finish
Guitar plays and sounds incredible with classic vintage Gibson J-50 tone
Guitar is completely original, it appears the tuner buttons have been replaced as they are in great shape
Tone is OUT OF THIS WORLD. A wonderful recording guitar
It has one fairly large professionally repaired top crack, somewhat hard to see in the photo but you can see it in person. Common on a vintage Gibson acoustic
Comes with ... more
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GIBSON FIREBRAND 335 SOLID BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR - Rare! Clean / Excellent Shape!

GIBSON FIREBRAND 335 SOLID BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR - Rare! Clean / Excellent Shape!

Grandview, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500


GIBSON FIREBRAND 335-S STANDARD SOLID BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR
Beautiful and gently used Gibson Firebrand 335-S Solid Body
Please view all photos. Please let me know of any questions
Free UPS Shipping (US only), fully insured, solid packaging
New to eBay, but needing to sell my guitar
Thank you for taking the time to view :)... more
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1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom a stunning White Les Paul like Randy Rhodes played.

1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom a stunning White Les Paul like Randy Rhodes played.

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

$5495

This is a very beautiful 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom in its now extremely desirable "Alpine White" refinish by Bob Peterson from Angel Guitars. Its original body & neck bindings are in great shape. Its ebony fingerboard has its original pearl block inlays & frets. It even has its original 8-digit serial # starting to show once again as the finish is starting to age. It's got a mixed set of Humbuckers from the 90's that sound great. Pickgard is original. Pots are new. The Tuners, ABR-1 ... more
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Early 1900s Gibson Oval Hole Made For William Tonk Bros Rosita Mandolin W T & B

Early 1900s Gibson Oval Hole Made For William Tonk Bros Rosita Mandolin W T & B

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 495**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This is an early example of a Rosita model mandolin. This mandolin was likely produced in the 1900 to 1915 range given that it has an oval sound hole. This mandolin was manufactured for William Tonk and brothers. I did some reading and I just read recently that this was manufactured by Gibson for William Tonk & brothers.

This model was produced by Gibson in Kalamazoo for a variety of manufactures and distributors at the time. It was sometimes called a Washburn, and it was also ... more
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1959 Gibson LG acoustic guitar

1959 Gibson LG acoustic guitar

Tucson, Arizona, 857**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1875

Incredible 1959 Gibson LGBeautiful condition It definitely has been treasured Sounds greatOriginal case also in beautiful condition A rare find and a true treasure... more
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1950s Gibson Tailpiece, Likely From An ES 175, Original

1950s Gibson Tailpiece, Likely From An ES 175, Original

Bradley, California, 934**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700

Original Gibson tailpiece from the 1950s, I have not cleaned or modified it, what you see is what you will get, I believe it is from an es 175 but you will have to do your own research, thanks for looking
... more
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Gibson GA-18 Explorer 1x10 Tube Amplifier with tremolo 1950s 1960s

Gibson GA-18 Explorer 1x10 Tube Amplifier with tremolo 1950s 1960s

Brooklyn, Connecticut, 062**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

Outstanding example of a gibson tweed! Dead quiet with zero issues. Wood pedal for tremolo looks cool as heck.
I currently have a weber speaker in there, but you can choose the original jensen if you want. I don't really hear a difference between them, I was just scared of blowing out the original one. I had a tech install a 3 prong cable as well. Local pickup in Brooklyn, CT only.... more
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1968 Gibson ES-330TDC Cherry w / HSC

1968 Gibson ES-330TDC Cherry w / HSC

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

$6395

1968 Gibson ES-330 In Cherry Red Finish
This Guitar Is Located At Imperial Vintage Guitars Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Light Cosmetic Playwear And Finish Checking Throughout
Added Bigsby Tailpiece
2" Binding Patch On Treble Side Of Neck At 1st Fret
Original P-90 Pickups And Electronics
Original Frets Low But Fully Playable

1 9 / 16" Nut Width
Neck Depth At 1st Fret: 0 79 "
Neck Depth At 12th Fret: 1 09 "
... more
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1944 Gibson L-7 Acoustic Archtop - Rare WW2 Era Guitar

1944 Gibson L-7 Acoustic Archtop - Rare WW2 Era Guitar

Piedmont, South Carolina, 296**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4599

This 1944 Gibson L-7 is a rare World War 2 era example. Gibson made very few archtops during the war, and most were lower end models, primarily L-50s. This one shows the typical war era tailpiece with the rosewood crossbar instead of metal, due to steel being in limited supply since it was needed for the war effort. This example is remarkable for still having an adjustable truss rod, which was not the case for most war era Gibson guitars. Interestingly it also features a rosewood fretboard ... more
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Vintage Gibson 70s-80s TP-6 Guitar Tailpiece Bridge Orig. Adj. Screws / Inserts

Vintage Gibson 70's-80's TP-6 Guitar Tailpiece Bridge Orig. Adj. Screws / Inserts

Centralia, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Here we have an original Vintage Gibson TP-6 Tailpiece Bridge with Original Adjustable Mounting Screws and Inserts. These were introduced in the mid 1970's and were available through much of the 80's on Les Paul Standards and Customs and SG GT's and Customs (as well as on other models). They are direct replacements for regular Stop Bar Bridges. Their claim to fame was that they could be fine-tuned with the small adjustment screws on each string. Here's your opportunity to put that nice vintage ... more
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1971 Gibson EB-0 Bass Walnut w / OHSC

1971 Gibson EB-0 Bass Walnut w / OHSC

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

$1395

1971 Gibson EB-0 In Walnut Finish
This Bass Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Repaired Headstock As Shown
Finish Shows Some Cosmetic Playwear Including Small Dings, Marks, And Scratches Throughout
Original Hardware And Electronics
Made In Kalamazoo, MI
Mahogany Body And Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard And Dot Inlays
Original Humbucker Pickup In Neck Position
Original Frets Low But Playable
30 5" Scale Length
1 ... more
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Used 1967 Gibson ES-355 TDC Stereo Electric Guitar with Hard Case

Used 1967 Gibson ES-355 TDC Stereo Electric Guitar with Hard Case

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15000

This is a Used 1967 Gibson ES-355 TDC Stereo Electric Guitar. We are selling this on consignment for a customer of ours. Gorgeous Guitar. I'd consider it to be in Great to Excellent Condition. The quality of the Condition is surprising considering it's age. The only modifications that were added are a Bigsby Trem, and the original owner installed a make-shift 23rd Fret. It actually works well. I'm sure this can be removed if needed. Guitar is set up and plays great. Comes with the Original ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Patent Number No. PAF Pickup 7 56k

Vintage 1960's Gibson Patent Number No. PAF Pickup 7 56k

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$975


Purchased From Vintage Correct Parts in Chicago. Pickups reads 7 56k. The description below comes from VCP
" This is a "pre T-top" mid 60's Patent Number PAF. It's bargain priced as it's had a few repairs
" This fantastic-sounding pickup came to us with a bad "slug" side coil and some old tape applied to the baseplate. We sent this off to Brandonwound pickups for some TLC. He was able to wind a new slug-side bobbin and age it to match the original screw-side bobbin. The windings on... more
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Antique 1920s Gibson Junior Tenor Banjo Style MB-JR Kalamazoo Michigan

Antique 1920s Gibson Junior Tenor Banjo Style MB-JR Kalamazoo Michigan

East Brady, Pennsylvania, 160**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Selling as pictured
Banjo is autographed by Joe Rodger??s JR
... more
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1973 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom With Original Case And Extras Cherry Sunburs

1973 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom With Original Case And Extras Cherry Sunburs

Aurora, Colorado, 800**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Please see pics. Solid condition. No cracks, no repairs, honest natural wear from being played. Plug and play from the case, it has wear , scuffs and dings all over it as one should expect. The guitar pickups match that are currently in place and does come with extras that at some point got replaced for some reason or another. This was not mine, I bought this from the original owners wife after his passing. I??m not accepting offers or trades. The guitar tuners have been replaced but the ... more
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1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Tobacco Burst LP-All Original & Excellent!

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Tobacco Burst LP-All Original & Excellent!

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4999

This listing is for a
1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in Tobacco Burst
9 3 lbs
Very nice, very clean '73 Deluxe!
This guitar is in original condition, no mods, which as you know, is rare for an LP Deluxe from this era. A great many of these had the mini humbuckers converted to full size humbuckers, so to find one unmolested in this type of condition is a feat these days
Guitar plays great and the neck is straight. The frets show a small amount of wear (pictured) but nothing major ... more
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Vintage Original Gibson 1950s - 1960s M-69 PAF Ring Set with Screws 

Vintage Original Gibson 1950's - 1960's M-69 PAF Ring Set with Screws 

Henderson, Tennessee, 383**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$499

Vintage Original 1950's - 1960's Gibson M-69 PAF Ring Set w / Screws.
Gibson M-69 Neck Pickup Ring (MR-491) is an original Gibson M-69 neck pickup ring from the 1950's. The pickup ring is period correct for many Gibson models with Humbuckers made in the late 1950's or 1960's It has the code " MR491" on the inside, so this is for the neck pickup position.
Gibson M-69 Bridge Pickup Ring (MR-490) is an original Gibson M-69 neck pickup ring from the 1950's. The pickup ring is period ... more
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1969 Gibson J-50ADJ Natural w / HSC

1969 Gibson J-50ADJ Natural w / HSC

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

$3795

This Guitar Is Located At our Brick'n'Mortar Store In San Diego, CA
1969 Gibson J-50ADJ In Natural Finish
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Cosmetic Playwear Including Dings, Marks And Scratches
Lacquer Checking Throughout
Top Cracks Near Bridge As Shown
Bridge Appears To Have Been Reset And Lightly Oversprayed In That Area
Made In Kalamazoo, MI
Sloped-Shoulder Body With Mahogany Back And Sides And Spruce Top
Mahogany Neck With ... more
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1967 Gibson ES-330 TD

1967 Gibson ES-330 TD

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

$6595

1967 Gibson ES-330 TD, Sunburst finish, Two P-90's withChrome covers, Original Kluson tuners, Light weight, Fun to play! Very Good condition, 1960??s Victoria hard case
... more
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Find more Gibson Lab Series L11, Gibson Lab Series L2, Gibson Lab Series L3, Gibson Lab Series L4, Gibson Lab Series L5, Gibson Lab Series L7, Gibson Lab Series L9 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.