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FENDER | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Fender advertisement (1972)

Famous Fenders From Forty-nine Fifty

Fender Acoustics

The Fender F-series acoustic range debuted in 1972, and this advertisement was a part of the promotion. The series comprised 11 models, 5 classic (FC-10 3/4, FC-10 FC-20, FC-30, FC-40), and 6 steel string (FC-15, FC-25, FC-35, FC-45, FC-55-12, FC-65). As of February 1972, the FC-10 3/4 was the least expensive guitar in the entire Fender range at $49.50, although other guitars in the series went as high as $149.50

Fancy indeed. Don't confuse these beauties with the run-of-the-mill low-priced guitar. They are fenders. With the quality and performance that the name implies.

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    Fender advertisement (1972) Famous Fenders From Forty-nine Fifty

    Fender Acoustics

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    Late 1970 s / 80 s Fender Stratocaster Hard Case - Vintage and in GREAT condition

    Late 1970 s / 80 s Fender Stratocaster Hard Case - Vintage and in GREAT condition

    New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $250

    This very serious Vintage Fender Hard Case is amazing. Probably a collector's item. But still in perfect condition if someone needs a solid hard case for their stratocaster!
    only serious buyers welcome
    pickup only
    no returns.... more
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    Vintage 1973 Fender Stratocaster Guitar Body, Original, No Mods, 1970s USA Strat

    Vintage 1973 Fender Stratocaster Guitar Body, Original, No Mods, 1970s USA Strat

    Wrentham, Massachusetts, 020**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1499

    1973 Fender Stratocaster guitar body, aged natural finish, all original with no mods
    Very nice condition with minor finish wear, the worst of which is some chipping along the base (pic 4). None of it gets into the wood. This guitar was treated well
    It weighs 5lbs, 4oz and comes exactly as pictured. Please ask questions before purchase
    ... more
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    1956 Fender Deluxe 5E3 Tweed

    1956 Fender Deluxe 5E3 Tweed

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

    $8499

    A 1956 Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3
    Serial Number D01469. Recently fully serviced by one of Portland's finest vintage amp gurus. Power cable was replaced with modern 3-prong cable. Output Transformer was replaced with a Soursound PT-108. Original Power Transformer was repaired and now fully functional. New input jack. After a little TLC, this amp now sounds exactly as it should, full of crunchy goodness that will make you weak in the knees. In very good overall condition. A piece of ... more
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    1981 Fender USA Bullet Deluxe Guitar With Original Case

    1981 Fender USA Bullet Deluxe Guitar With Original Case

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

    $1375

    Very nice condition 1981 Fender USA Bullet Deluxe guitar in its original Fender hard case. Made in USA. It's probably the cleanest one I have ever seen. Not flawless but super nice. Comes with original Fender manual and warranty card.
    Buyer pays $60 shipping and insurance.
    Thanks for looking!
    ... more
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    1979 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail Figured Ash

    1979 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail Figured Ash

    San Francisco, California, 941**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1899

    Here's a 1979 Fender Stratocaster. It's a hardtail with a beautifully figured Ash body and Maple neck. It's all original except for a replaced pickguard. The pots and pickups are all dated 1978 and the body has a January 1979 date. Everything works perfectly, it plays great and sounds killer. It's a heavy weight at over 11 pounds. It comes with the original hard shell case. Thanks for looking!... more
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    1966 Fender Mustang

    1966 Fender Mustang

    Redlands, California, 923**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3300

    1966 Fender Mustang comes with case and original owners strap that he used. It has been professionally set up and is all original except a missing Tremelo bar. The high e string is chipped in half but in no way affects its playability
    ... more
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    Vintage 1966 Fender Musicmaster  dakota refin w /  Original Case

    Vintage 1966 Fender Musicmaster dakota refin w / Original Case

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

    $2500

    All original pre CBS 1966 Fender Musicmaster guitar in Dakota Red an old refin with original wiring and black bottom wax sealed pick-up. True authentic sound. excellent condition with original hardcase.... more
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    1974 Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Tube Amp Head Vintage Rare Works!

    1974 Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Tube Amp Head Vintage Rare Works!

    Honolulu, Hawaii, 968**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1085

    1974 Fender Bassman 100
    Tube Amplifier Head
    Electric Guitar / Bass Amplifier Head
    Made in USA
    This 1974 Fender Bassman 100 was used quite extensively in the late 80??s and 90??s by touring rock bands from the mainland. They rented these amps from XSDB Sound Company for putting on shows in Hawaii. When I bought this amp from XSDB, I used it briefly and then added it to my collection. The original amp cabinet was beat up and needed major repairs so I trashed it. I had my cabinet ... more
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    Fender Tail amp /  case logo 1963 Black / silver

    Fender Tail amp / case logo 1963 Black / silver

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

    $100

    Fender Tail amp / case logo 1963 Black / silver. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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    1967 Vintage Fender Pro Reverb ?? Blackface (AA165 Circuit) - Excellent Condition

    1967 Vintage Fender Pro Reverb ?? Blackface (AA165 Circuit) - Excellent Condition

    San Marcos, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2450

    1967 Fender Pro Reverb ?? Blackface (AA165 Circuit)
    Condition: Excellent vintage shape
    Mods & Maintenance:
    Ground switch and death cap professionally removed (a common and smart safety mod)Grounded 3-prong power cord installedAll other electronics remain originalTubes:
    Loaded with vintage RCA 6L6 power tubesVintage preamp and rectifier tubes throughout (all tested and functioning properly)Speakers:
    (1) Fender Special Design C12NA (dated 49th week of 1966)(1) Jensen Special ... more
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    *All Original*  Vintage American 1978 Fender Musicmaster + Original Fender Case

    *All Original* Vintage American 1978 Fender Musicmaster + Original Fender Case

    Elizabethtown, Kentucky, 427**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1350

    Listing Includes:

    * All Orginal *


    (1) Vintage American 1978 Fender Musicmaster Electric Guitar

    Features:

    - Brazilian Rosewood Fretboard
    - Roasted Maple Neck

    This beautiful guitar is a REAL ??Relic??- that is naturally aged with ORIGINAL finish that was Olympic White that has turned to the highly desired & gorgeous ??T V. Yellow?? patina color. Has all the mojo and smells to prove it! ... more
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    1968 Fender Telecaster Custom

    1968 Fender Telecaster Custom

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

    $21000


    Greetings

    Up for grabs is a killer 1968 Fender Custom Tele
    This is a GOOD ONE!

    No issues , all original with original buldwin "Fender" export case

    The Feb '68 " B " neck on this tele is outrageous - you will NOT put it down.

    It is a fabulous playing and sounding guitar

    Email with any questions!

    Thx for looking
    ... more
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    1971  /  1978 Fender telecaster

    1971 / 1978 Fender telecaster

    Naples, Florida, 341**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3595

    1971 / 1978 Fender Telecaster. Plays great and sounds great ! The original fender RARE Flame neck is 1978 is straight with good feet life left. The original Fender awesome flame body is 1972 and has a non pro pool cavity. 1978 pickups, as well as bridge and saddles , neck plate, control plate, knobs and strap buttons. The tuners are newer, as well as 3 way switch, pickguard and non original pots and cap. Weight of guitar is approx 7 5lbs. Come with addition pickguard and new humbucker ... more
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    1981 Fender Lead II USA Fullerton California Maple & Lightweight

    1981 Fender Lead II USA Fullerton California Maple & Lightweight

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

    $799

    NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING!!!LOWER 48 UNITED STATES ONLY SALES!!!
    Guitar is fully functional and has been modified to DiMarzio pickups as well as being routed for humbukers this guitar was originally a dual single coil pickup configuration the back of the neck has also been rough sanded although most of the original finish remains in tact on the neck the body is now refinished to the green When we got this guitar it had active EMG setup and we deactivated it with the DiMarzio setup also ... more
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    1960s Rare Fender Double Neck Pedal 2000 Lap Steel Guitar with Legs and Case

    1960's Rare Fender Double Neck Pedal 2000 Lap Steel Guitar with Legs and Case

    North Hollywood, California, 916**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $4500

    H&R Jewelry & Loan Co
    Our address is 6422 Lankershim blvd, N. Hollywood CA 91606
    Hours of operation: Mon-Sat 9:00 A M ?? 6:00 P M PT
    Hello and thanks for checking out another great auction from HRPawn!We hope you enjoy the photos and information presented herein. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for a prompt and friendly response
    1960's Rare Fender Double Neck Pedal 2000 Lap Steel Guitar with Legs and Case
    Up for sale we have a Rare Fender Double Neck... more
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    Vintage 1963 Fender Stratocaster Neckplate 90000 Series - Telecaster Strat Tele

    Vintage 1963 Fender Stratocaster Neckplate 90000 Series - Telecaster Strat Tele

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

    $795

    Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
    A fantastic and original
    Vintage 1963 Fender Neckplate and Screws!
    This is a very rare early 1963 Neckplate in the "90, 000" serial range that is the last of the numerical neckplates that preceeded the "L series" neckplates introduced later in 1963
    Serial reads: 94344
    Correct for your 1963 Strat, Tele, P-BASS or Jazzmaster
    Great condition!
    Get that magical 1963 Fender BACK TO STOCK!
    Get it back to stock, ... more
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    Vintage USA Fender Amp Logo Plate Badge Emblem

    Vintage USA Fender Amp Logo Plate Badge Emblem

    Sussex, Wisconsin, 530**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $75

    One vintage Fender USA Metal Logo Plate
    Signs of wear but overall clean and no damage that effects use
    Measurements in photos
    Shipped with USPS Priority Mail
    Thank you
    ... more
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    Fender Amp Reverb Unit Logo 1963 Original Vintage Silver Showman Bandmaster Bass

    Fender Amp Reverb Unit Logo 1963 Original Vintage Silver Showman Bandmaster Bass

    Mason, Tennessee, 380**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $150

    Original hard to find vintage fender logo from 1963. This is the first version Fender flourish logo that has a silver painted finish as opposed to the later Chrome plated finish. These logos were only used briefly for approximately 1 year. These can be found on fender piggyback amplifiers, Bassman, Bandmaster, Tremolux, Showman from the period and they were also used on the Reverb unit. These are very difficult to find nowadays and are not available as a reproductions. Observe the crosshatching ... more
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    1964 FENDER ELECTRIC 125P1B TUXEDO PRINCETON GUITAR AMP POWER TRANSFORMER 606445

    1964 FENDER ELECTRIC 125P1B TUXEDO PRINCETON GUITAR AMP POWER TRANSFORMER 606445

    Bridgeport, Connecticut, 066**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $600


    1964 FENDER ELECTRIC INC. 6G2 PRINCETON (Tuxedo), Guitar amp 125P1A Schumacher power transformer. EIA code 606420 for April 1964. Working rust free unit. These also came in 6G2 brown Princetons and vibro Champs before the 125P1B
    Transformer has been tested with the following results
    No load voltages are as follows:
    Phase to phase red to red 713VAC
    Yellow to yellow 5 6VAC
    Green to green 7 VAC
    NOTE* This listing is for the transformer only. The pictures of the Amps are for... more
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    Fender Bassman 70 2-Channel 70-Watt Guitar Amp Head 1977-1980 1980 - Silverface

    Fender Bassman 70 2-Channel 70-Watt Guitar Amp Head 1977-1980 1980 - Silverface

    Haltom City, Texas, 761**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $999

    The Fender Bassman 70 is a vintage guitar amp head produced from 1977 to 1980. This 2-channel amplifier delivers 70 watts of power and features a classic Silverface design. Made in the United States, this model is part of the renowned Bassman series known for its rich tone and versatility. Perfect for guitarists looking for a reliable and iconic amp to enhance their sound, the Fender Bassman 70 is a sought-after piece of musical equipment for enthusiasts and collectors alike.... more
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    Find more Fender Acoustics 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.