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GIBSON | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Gibson advertisement (1979)

Win a grand guitar

Gibson Lab Series amplifiers

This ad features Mr. Les Paul equipped with a rather nice Les Paul Custom, and sitting on a Lab Series L7 (100w 4x10") amplifier. It was to promote a competition launched a few months earlier (June 1979), with this second advert appearing in September '79. Among the prizes were 10 Les Paul guitars - and all you had to do to enter was to visit your dealer and check out the Lab Series amplifiers...

Your entry in the LAB Series Special Drawing can be worth $5000 more! One of the ten lucky people who win a Gibson Les Paul – the worlds most prized guitar – will also be chosen the Grand Prize Winner! And the Grand Prize is $5000 worth of musical equipment, free from Norlin, the nation's leading musical instruments company.
With the Grand Prize, you can outfit your band, set up your stage, or supplement your studio with your choice of musical equipment from these leading names... Gibson, Epiphone, Moog, Maestro, Pearl, Sennheiser, and of course LAB Series.
All you have to do to enter the LAB Series Special Drawing is listen to a LAB Series amplifier perform. You'll be sold. But you don't have to purchase it to enter the contest. Just fill out the entry form at your LAB Series dealer and send it to us.

Gibson advertisement (1979) Win a grand guitar

Other related vintage advertisements

Gibson Lab Series amplifiers - Lab series. If only you could see how they sound.
Gibson Lab Series amplifiers - Lab series. If only you could see how they sound.
One of the last Lab Series advertisements, from 1981, and one of very few printed in colour. The L-5 is pictured, but the text also highlights the 100w 1x15" L6 bass combo.

Gibson Lab Series

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1959 Gibson ES-125 Sunburst Guitar

1959 Gibson ES-125 Sunburst Guitar

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

$30

Aftermarket case included.
Sold as is.
... more
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Lot of 36 Vintage Guitar Violin Banjo Strings of Various Brands plus Gibson Box

Lot of 36 Vintage Guitar Violin Banjo Strings of Various Brands plus Gibson Box

Yukon, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

Lot of 36 Vintage Guitar, Violin, Banjo Strings of Various Brands plus Gibson Box.

Brands Include:
Gibson
Fender
La Bella
Custom Kraft
Vega
Darco
RAO
D??Merle
The Pro-Formula

The box is for the Gibson strings

Please see photos for type of strings

Photos serve as part of the description
... more
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Vintage 50-60s Gibson Amplifier Bell Knobs  . ( Sold Individually )

Vintage 50-60s Gibson Amplifier Bell Knobs . ( Sold Individually )

Painesville, Ohio, 440**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$39

SOLD INDIVIDUALLY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Up for sale are two Gibson amplifier bell knobs used during the later 50s and early 60s that are mostly found on the tweed amps of the era. VERY hard to find and if you would like more than one, CONTACT ME FIRST BEFORE PURCHASING, so I can adjust the listing. These are my last two so buy before they are gone.
All amps, pickups and speakers are shipped in working condition and must be tested within 72 ... more
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Rare Vintage ELTON Banjo Tuners Gibson Mastertone tuning pegs pancake gear

Rare Vintage ELTON Banjo Tuners Gibson Mastertone tuning pegs pancake gear

Portland, Oregon, 972**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

This lot is for a set of 4 tuners
Rare NOS (New Old Stock) set of vintage Elton tuners, model #760
All turn smoothly. White buttons are pristine
Thank you for your interest
... more
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5 Gibson 2 or B String Mona-Steel  Guitar strings  & Box 1950s

5 Gibson 2 or B String Mona-Steel Guitar strings & Box 1950's

Van Buren, Arkansas, 729**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

Vintage 1950's 5-Gibson Mona-Steel Guitar String B or 2nd plain & a 12 count Box
Some wear and scratches and tear
They may and will have Tarnished Patina rust
I clean with fine sand paper to use
Or case candy
Hype sticker
used open box,   nos
These came from Pawn / Guitar Shop Estate Sale that close in Early 80's and been in storage
See Pictures
... more
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Vintage Bigsby Vintage Tremolo Guitar Part Gibson Kay Harmony

Vintage Bigsby Vintage Tremolo Guitar Part Gibson Kay Harmony

Nicholasville, Kentucky, 403**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

Vintage Bigsby Style Tailpiece. Please feel free to ask any questions

Thanks
... more
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4  Gibson Mona-Steel Guitar String A or 5th Wound & Box 1950s

4 Gibson Mona-Steel Guitar String A or 5th Wound & Box 1950's

Van Buren, Arkansas, 729**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$43

4 Vintage 1950's Gibson Mona-Steel Guitar String A or 5th Wound & a Box
Some wear and scratches and tear
Hype sticker
Case candy or use
I open them to check condition
May & Will have Some Tarnished, spots Patina, Rust
I clean with fine sand paper
See Pictures
... more
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6  GIBSON Electric Acoustic GUITAR Mona-Steel STRINGS E OR 6TH WOUND 1950s BX

6 GIBSON Electric Acoustic GUITAR Mona-Steel STRINGS E OR 6TH WOUND 1950s BX

Van Buren, Arkansas, 729**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

1 / 2 DOZEN VINTAGE GIBSON ELECTRIC Mona-Steel Wound GUITAR STRINGS E OR 6TH WOUND 1950s + box
VINTAGE GIBSON ELECTRIC Mona-Steel Wound GUITAR STRINGS E OR 6TH WOUND 1950s + box
These came from Pawn / Guitar Shop Estate Sale that close in Early 80's
Case candy or used them
New Old Stock never used
I open them to check condition
May & Will have Some Tarnished, spots Patina, Rust
I clean with fine sand paper
See Pictures
Some wear and scratches and tear

... more
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1970s Gibson Schaller Gold Nashville Bridge West Germany (KL66)

1970's Gibson Schaller Gold Nashville Bridge West Germany (KL66)

Greenwood, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

This listing is for one (1) gold 1970's Gibson "Nashville" Tuneomatic bridge made by Schaller. Plating is worn and there is some oxidation typical for the age. Though rusty in appearacnce, saddle screws turn smoothly and are freshly lubricated. Sold as is.
... more
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NOS Gibson Guitar 6 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s  Es 345 335 355 L6 S

NOS Gibson Guitar 6 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s Es 345 335 355 L6 S

Lady Lake, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

NOS GibsonGuitar 11 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s
This waspicked up from a former worker at the Gibson Kalamazoo factory. He worked therefrom the 1970??s until they closed in 1984. This is a new oldstock and has neverbeen put on a guitar. This is an 11 position selector switch. I am not surewhich guitar this goes to
... more
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1960s Gibson Gold Reflector Volume Knob Les Paul SG (KL64)

1960's Gibson Gold Reflector Volume Knob Les Paul SG (KL64)

Greenwood, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

This listing is for one (1) of Gibson "reflector" Volume knob from the early 60's. This has the "short shaft" that allow the knob to slip down over the mounting nut and the skirt buts up against the face. The older knobs have a taller shaft that seats the knob high up, resting on the mounting nut. This has a nice patina and discolor. The gold on the rear has greened. The metal cap is scratched, but lettering is still visible. The clear has aged to a transparent amber. Last picture shows it black... more
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1970s Gibson Chrome Stop Tailpiece (KL77)

1970's Gibson Chrome Stop Tailpiece (KL77)

Greenwood, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

This listing is for one (1) 1970's Gibson stop tailpiece in Chrome. Has wear on the top. It is not lightweight. Sold as is.
... more
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1960s Gibson Adjustable Bridge Saddle with Screws Vintage Original

1960's Gibson Adjustable Bridge Saddle with Screws Vintage Original

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

$50

1960's Gibson Adjustable Saddle with Screws, The gold plating is pretty worn, the saddle has some chips and nicks put still very usable. Please review the photos. Thank you.... more
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vintage Gibson mini humbucker pickup set, bridge and neck. 1972 EMBOSSED logo

vintage Gibson mini humbucker pickup set, bridge and neck. 1972 EMBOSSED logo

Moorhead, Minnesota, 565**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$54

vintage Gibson mini humbucker pickup set, bridge and neck. 1972 EMBOSSED logo. In working condition with values written on backside
-RARE-
These came to me in a box of guitar parts at an estate sale. They really should go to someone getting their 1971-72 era classic back together-as opposed to my whacky builds / restos. I believe the rare part of these to be the embossed logo chrome covers. Do your own research, but while you might find them on a '71 or '73, (embossed logo) most were ... more
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(6) Vintage 1953 Gibson Kluson Deluxe Slotted Tuners Screws 1950s

(6) Vintage 1953 Gibson Kluson Deluxe Slotted Tuners Screws 1950's

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

$55

vintage original 6 slotted screws.
Item condition: Grooves are in good shape, no form of oxidation.... more
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61, 62 Gibson Melody Maker! 60s Open Back Tuners, Tuning Pegs!

61, 62 Gibson Melody Maker! 60's Open Back Tuners, Tuning Pegs!

Spring Valley, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$60

60's Open Back Tuners, Tuning Pegs! 61, 62 Gibson Melody Maker!
One is broken at the tuning peg, and one has a bent tuning peg
No ferrules or screws! Circa 60's! Right-Handed! Good used condition!Please see pictures and ask any questions before bidding! Bid now or make an offer!
Good luck and thanks for looking. Please check out my other auctions
We Take Pride in Our Packing and Handling and Strive for Full Satisfaction
ONLY Ship to The Listed Address on The Item Order Page. ... more
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1993 Gibson Les Paul Tall Shaft CTS Potentiometers Matched Set of 4 Pots (KL76)

1993 Gibson Les Paul Tall Shaft CTS Potentiometers Matched Set of 4 Pots (KL76)

Greenwood, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$60

This listing is for a set of four CTS (4) potentiometers out of a 1993 Gibson Les Paul. They are the tall style, meant to be used with a carved top. The specs of each are:
1- part number 440-70034 318K
2- part number 440-70034 275K
3- part number 440-71079A 391K
4- part number 440-71079A 465K
Each comes with one mounting nut. Lugs are de-soldered. Sprayed out and ready to use. Sold as is.
... more
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1977 Vintage Fender Gibson Guitar Potentiometer CTS 250k Broken

1977 Vintage Fender Gibson Guitar Potentiometer CTS 250k Broken

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

$65


Pulled from vintage parts collection Broken top... more
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vintage 1940s 1950s  Lap steel control plate Gibson ? knobs pots parts

vintage 1940s 1950s Lap steel control plate Gibson ? knobs pots parts

Mesa, Arizona, 852**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$68

Found in a retired luthiers stash. Not sure on brand but has Gibson style metal braided wire.... more
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Vintage 1959 Gibson Melody Maker Black Plastic Strap Buttons 1950s 1960s

Vintage 1959 Gibson Melody Maker Black Plastic Strap Buttons 1950's 1960's

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

$69

Black plastic, nickel screws, normal lot, vintage ware, matching set, original early 60s Gibson parts. Thanks for looking
... more
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Find more Gibson Lab Series 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