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YAMAHA | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Yamaha advertisement (1972)

The Care We Take on the Outside Sells a Lot of People. The Care We Take in Here Sells a Musician

Yamaha Acoustics

Image shows the view out of a Yamaha acoustic, describing some of the production process for Yamaha acoustic guitars:

You and your guitar are a couple. Stay together and you'll find out exactly what kind of stuff you're both made of. That's why all Yamaha folk and classic guitars are made to mellow. They become richer with time. Because you're going to become, we hope, richer with time. Our wood, for example, sits outside for seven or eight years. And not just to season in the Sun. But to soak up the rain. (Like great whiskey, watered-down wood won't mellow) only about 10% of 30 types of wood make it. And what's left is hand selected, fitted and framed.

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    Yamaha advertisement (1972) The Care We Take on the Outside Sells a Lot of People. The Care We Take in Here Sells a Musician

    Other related vintage advertisements

    Yamaha Acoustics - Get Into The Woodwork
    Yamaha Acoustics - Get Into The Woodwork
    Early seventies Yamaha advert from Guitar Player magazine

    Yamaha Acoustics

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    1975 Yamaha L6. Solid Spruce & Solid EIR, made in Hamamatsu, Japan

    1975 Yamaha L6. Solid Spruce & Solid EIR, made in Hamamatsu, Japan

    Atlanta, Georgia, 303**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1094

    Yamaha L6, made in Hamamatsu Japan, April1975
    Specs:
    Top: Solid Ezo Spruce
    Back: Solid East Indian Rosewood
    Sides: 3 Layer Laminated East Indian Rosewood
    Neck: Mahogany
    Fretboard: Ebony
    Bridge: Ebony
    Saddle: Bone
    Nut: Bone
    Bridge Pins: Bone
    Scale Length: 25 5 in
    Nut Width: 1 75 in
    Action under E1 string (12th fret): 2 4 mm
    Action under E6 string (12th fret): 2 9 mm
    Condition:
    This guitar is nearly flawless. Cosmetically it is about as good as it ... more
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    Yamaha SG1500 vintage electric guitar Japan 1976, New Frets, Pots, Tuners

    Yamaha SG1500 vintage electric guitar Japan 1976, New Frets, Pots, Tuners

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

    $2300

    When Yamaha introduced the highly acclaimed
    SG2000 they also introduced a SG1500. This first SG1500 is very close to the original SG2000, but with a set neck instead of the through neck, chrome hardware instead of gold plated, dot inlays instead of block inlays
    Here the heaviest of the Yamaha SG range the phenomenal rare and all original 1st issue Yamaha
    SG-1500, 1976, good condition for its near 47 years in delicious Cherry Sunburst. A true Rock Beast! Not many of these about anymore,... more
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    Yamaha FG-110 Red label - 1967 Made Japan (EXCELLENT CONDITION)

    Yamaha FG-110 Red label - 1967 Made Japan (EXCELLENT CONDITION)

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

    $400

    Yamaha FG-110 Red label - 1967 Made Japan (EXCELLENT CONDITION). Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.... more
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    Yamaha ? FG-110 Vintage 1969 Acoustic Guitar  Nippon Gakki Red Label

    Yamaha ? FG-110 Vintage 1969 Acoustic Guitar Nippon Gakki Red Label

    New Rochelle, New York, 108**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $299

    Yamaha
    FG-110
    Vintage 1969
    Acoustic Guitar
    Nippon
    Gakki Red Label

    Overall Very Good Condition
    Some scratches, scuffs
    See photos
    ... more
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    Yamaha FG1500 acoustic guitar 1971 FG 1500

    Yamaha FG1500 acoustic guitar 1971 FG 1500

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

    $7900

    First, this guitar is over 50 years old. It sounds beautiful, warm and bright, really amazing. Strings are old but it still holds tune perfect. Hard to let it go, but personal reasons force possible sale. Action is low. It's been loved it's whole life, very good condition. Please see all pics. A few bumps and light scratches. The bridge has been replaced by previous owner, but a good job there. No other repairs that I can see. The case is a Larivee and fit is perfect.
    Local pick ... more
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    YAMAHA FG365SE acoustic-electric guitar made in Taiwan 1980s fair with hard case

    YAMAHA FG365SE acoustic-electric guitar made in Taiwan 1980s fair with hard case

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

    $750

    YAMAHA FG365SE acoustic-electric guitar made in Taiwan early 1980s with vintage hard case in fair condition
    This is a vintage pretty rare model Yamaha FG365SE Electric Acoustic Guitar with Solid Spruce Top and Built in active electronics in fair condition
    This guitar has been played, aged with tons of character .
    Shaved Bone saddle , nice action , straight neck , plays with a wonderful rich tone plugged and unplugged.

    Featuring:
    Solid spruce top , Beautiful dark ... more
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    Yamaha SJ400S acoustic guitar ( size 000 ) made in Taiwan 1982-1983 excellent

    Yamaha SJ400S acoustic guitar ( size 000 ) made in Taiwan 1982-1983 excellent

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

    $1575

    Yamaha SJ400S acoustic guitar ( size 000 ) made in Taiwan 1982-1983 excellent condition with hard case

    Beautiful vintage Yamaha guitar with Road runner hard case with key
    This guitar may only show mild scratches and very few scuffs and small dings no cracks , straight neck , functional truss rod , great action , plays great with beautiful vintage Yamaha tone , excellent frets , excellent fret board
    It barely shows any fret-wear , no cracks , nothing peculiar, good set of ... more
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    1974 Yamaha SA-60 Super Axe Vintage Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Natural w /  Case

    1974 Yamaha SA-60 Super Axe Vintage Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Natural w / Case

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

    $1400

    Up for sale, a 1974 Yamaha SA-60 "Super Axe" in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and warranty card. Introduced in 1973 and produced at the Nippon Gakki factory in Japan, the SA-60 was the second highest tiered offering in the early Super Axe lineup, with features and specifications mirroring an ES-335
    The semi-hollow maple body features a full maple centerblock, and acoustically the instrument has a bright, ... more
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    1973 Vintage Yamaha FG-300

    1973 Vintage Yamaha FG-300

    Reidsville, North Carolina, 273**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1299

    This is a beautiful vintage Yamaha FG-300 acoustic guitar, made in Japan in 1973. It comes with a sturdy Yamaha hard case and has a jumbo body type with 20 frets and a 6-string configuration. The guitar is part of the Yamaha FG series and is a professional-level instrument. The guitar has a great sound quality. It is an ideal choice for musicians who are looking for a vintage guitar with a great sound
    Shipping to the lower 48 States Only!... more
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    1977 Yamaha SA1200S (SA-1200 S) - Brown Sunburst - w OHSC - Made in Japan - Prem

    1977 Yamaha SA1200S (SA-1200 S) - Brown Sunburst - w OHSC - Made in Japan - Prem

    Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2150

    Yamaha Super Axe SA-1200S
    1977- Made in Japan
    Ebony Fingerboard!
    SN#: 001317
    Weight: 8lbs 9 oz
    Nut: 1 66
    Thickness of the Neck First Fret: .84 & 1 0 at the Twelfth
    Comes with Original Hard Shell Case
    $$ Professionally setup for optimal tone and playability Truly Stage or Studio Ready! (Including Fret Work, Intonation, Truss Rod and Action)
    Get ready for an inspired musical journey when you place this Yamaha semi hollow SA-1200S in your hands, built in 1977 at ... more
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    Yamaha Dynamic Guitar No. 80 Solid Wood 1960s Ezo Spruce  /  Flamed Maple

    Yamaha Dynamic Guitar No. 80 Solid Wood 1960s Ezo Spruce / Flamed Maple

    Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $999

    This is a true gem that doesn??t come along very often! The stunning Model 80 is constructed of SOLID premium woods, no laminates here! You can see the maple flame inside the guitar. The top is very rare (and now protected) Ezo spruce which only grows on the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido. The climate in Hokkaido creates very tight grain structure that is perfect for guitar tops. You almost never find this wood on new guitars and even in the 1960??s it was reserved for the top of the ... more
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    Yamaha L-12SN 1977

    Yamaha L-12SN 1977

    Shorterville, Alabama, 363**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2200

    This is a 1977 Nippon Gakki Made in Japan L-12SN. These guitars do not come up on the market very often. This is a beautiful guitar that has been well taken care of. There is a few minor dings (see pics) but I had to look hard to find them. Due to the price of this guitar I wanted to make sure every flaw had a picture. The sound board is solid and has developed what looks to be a crack but I??m unsure (see pics). It does not change the sound of this guitar. it??s is simply amazing. I have 50 ... more
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    1980 Yamaha SG2000 Santana Designed Guitar with OHSC, Push / Push Coil Taps

    1980 Yamaha SG2000 Santana Designed Guitar with OHSC, Push / Push Coil Taps

    Woodbury, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $3800

    1980 Yamaha SG2000 Santana Designed Guitar with OHSC, Push / Push Coil Taps
    Santana fans, feast your eyes! We have a unique and rare guitar to share with you today. This Yamaha SG2000 was developed with the input of none other than the legendary riff slinger extraordinaire, Carlos Santana. The tones that this guitar puts out can be heard on his landmark record ??Moonflower??
    The set neck, mahogany body, and brass sustain plate under the bridge were all items that Carlos insisted on for ... more
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    1970s Yamaha Superjam 500 Tele Electric Guitar Made In Japan With Hard Case

    1970s Yamaha Superjam 500 Tele Electric Guitar Made In Japan With Hard Case

    Lake Elsinore, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $949

    1970s Yamaha Superjam 500 Tele Electric Guitar Made In Japan With Hard Case. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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    Vintage Yamaha FG 300 Red Label Acoustic Guitar Japan W /  Original Case NICE !!

    Vintage Yamaha FG 300 Red Label Acoustic Guitar Japan W / Original Case NICE !!

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

    $1799

    Very nice 1 owner original guitar. There are a few nicks here and there and the pick guard is lifted some from age. But usually you see these old Yamaha FG models worn out. Has a beautiful sound and plays great. Comes in the Original Case. View pictures for more details. Thanks
    ... more
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    Yamaha L-15 Handmade in Japan Nakamoto 1980

    Yamaha L-15 Handmade in Japan Nakamoto 1980

    Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $2500

    Absolutely fabulous guitar handmade by famous luthier Terry Nakamoto! He is the same luthier who built guitars for John Denver in the 1980??s and many others. This guitar BOOMS with sound, it??s one the best sounding guitars to ever come through my shop. It plays great with nice low action
    The saddle has been brought down on this guitar, dropping the action to a nice 0 060?? and 0 080?? at the 12F (1st and 6th string respectively). The saddle and nut are both real bone. The top is crack ... more
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    1979 Yamaha SG700 Electric Guitar w /  Push-Push Coil Taps, Cherry Sunburst Finish

    1979 Yamaha SG700 Electric Guitar w / Push-Push Coil Taps, Cherry Sunburst Finish

    Woodbury, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1200


    1979 Yamaha SG700 Electric Guitar w / Push-Push Coil Taps, Cherry Sunburst Finish, OHSC
    For sale we have a true piece of music history. This stunning 1979 Yamaha SG700 electric guitar quickly earned a reputation as being a ??Les Paul Killer?? when it was first released. This guitar has had a headstock crack professionally repaired. It??s tough to even see, and completely smooth to the touch. Many players even believe that a guitar with a repaired headstock sounds better, due to the ... more
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    1985 Yamaha SE700E Right Handed Electric Guitar w /  Hard Case Made in Japan

    1985 Yamaha SE700E Right Handed Electric Guitar w / Hard Case Made in Japan

    Forked River, New Jersey, 087**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $700

    Up For Sale Today:
    1985 Yamaha SE700E Right Handed Electric Guitar
    6 String
    Made in Japan
    Serial # LKHN034
    Comes w / aftermarket Hard Case
    Neck and Middle Pickup are wired in series by original owner (the neck pickup can't be isolated)
    Pre-owned in good condition
    Shows wear from age and normal use (scratches / scuffs)
    Neck is in good shape with low action
    Frets are in good shape
    Please see pictures for more detail and feel free to ask any questions as we'd be ... more
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    1980??s Yamaha CJ818SB Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

    1980??s Yamaha CJ818SB Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

    Harbor Beach, Michigan, 484**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $850

    This is a vintage guitar and shows signs of playing and age. It has a few small tally carved into the back on the bottom of the guitar. It is fit with electronics which do work and it sounds fantastic.
    ... more
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    1973 Yamaha FG-200 Natural Gloss Finish Jumbo Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

    1973 Yamaha FG-200 Natural Gloss Finish Jumbo Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

    Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $350



    1973YamahaFG-200Natural Gloss FinishJumbo DreadnoughtAcoustic Guitar
    Used - Good Condition
    The FG heritage extends back to the 1966 release of the FG-180, the first production acoustic guitar by Yamaha. This FG-200 you see here before your eyes was made in Taiwan seven years after that sometime in 1973. The Taiwanese made FGs are not as sought after as there "red label" counterparts, but can still deliver an incredible tone even after all these years. This FG-200 features a ... more
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    Find more Yamaha 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.