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OVATION | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Ovation advertisement (1969)

My Name's on these Guitars

Ovation Acoustics

Ovation advertisement from the June 1969 issue of Guitar Player, featuring country artist Glen Campbell

My name’s on them because they're the same 6-string and 12-string Ovation Roundbacks I play on the Glen Campbell Goodtime hour. Not just the same brand, but duplicates of the guitars ovation customised for me. I think you'll like them for the same reasons I do. Full, honest sound. Better projection. Faster response. And the pleasure in playing a beautiful instrument. These are the finest guitars I've ever played, and they’re mighty satisfying. Ask Ovation to tell you more.

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    Ovation advertisement (1969) My Name

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    1970s Ovation USA Vintage 1111-4 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar - AS IS - See Photos

    1970s Ovation USA Vintage 1111-4 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar - AS IS - See Photos

    Saint Albans, Maine, 049**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $250

    This was an estate sale find it is missing a string and has some cracking on the lamanite on the front of guitar see photos for more accurate condition this is being sold as is it needs to be tuned but the sound is amazing please message me with questions or offers
    The Ovation USA Vintage 1111-4 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar is a professional-grade instrument crafted in the United States in 1971. This right-handed guitar features a 6-string configuration, making it ideal for professional ... more
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    Ovation 1112-4 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar (Six String) w /  Hard Case and Strings

    Ovation 1112-4 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar (Six String) w / Hard Case and Strings

    Groveland, Florida, 347**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $600

    The 1973 Ovation 1112-4 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar is a vintage six-string instrument known for its rich tone and classic design. This right-handed guitar features a brown dreadnought body, making it a timeless choice for acoustic guitar enthusiasts. The set includes a hard case for protection and easy transport, making it a complete package for any musician looking to add a vintage gem to their collection MORE PICS TO COME! We just got this in and had to tend to an emergency!... more
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    Vintage Ovation 1970s Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case Amber Velvet Interior

    Vintage Ovation 1970's Brown Deep Bowl Guitar Hard Case Amber Velvet Interior

    Surprise, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $350

    As seen in photos.
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    Ovation Artist 1121-6 Right Handed Acoustic Guitar - American Made Early 1970s

    Ovation Artist 1121-6 Right Handed Acoustic Guitar - American Made Early 1970s

    Burnsville, Minnesota, 553**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $420

    PAWN AMERICA KEY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS :
    Brand: OvationType: Acoustic GuitarNumber of Frets: 20Model: 1121-6Body Type: Single CutawayString Configuration: 6 StringSeries: ArtistBody Material: Sitka SpruceHandedness: Right-HandedBody Color: NaturalFretboard Material: EbonyModel Year: Early 1970sMPN: 1121-6Country / Region of Manufacture: United States What's Included :
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    Rare Taylor Guitar Bass leather shoulder strap NICE Gibson Fender Ovation Ibanez

    Rare Taylor Guitar Bass leather shoulder strap NICE Gibson Fender Ovation Ibanez

    Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $60

    Very nice strap. Barely used. The only wear it has is from storage. Excellent quality. Leather front and back. Make this yours!
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    Vintage 1970??s Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar with Original Case

    Vintage 1970??s Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar with Original Case

    Canyon, Texas, 790**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1295

    overall decent condition, see all pics for cosmetics, has 1 broken knob, some cracks to pickguard around output jack, dings scratches and wear to body as shown - all electronics work - good neck, plays good, original case - $85 S / H to U S.


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    1981 Vintage Ovation 1617-4 Natural Acoustic / Electric + OHSC- She??s a Beauty!

    1981 Vintage Ovation 1617-4 Natural Acoustic / Electric + OHSC- She??s a Beauty!

    Salem, Oregon, 973**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $795

    Excellent condition original carrying case great sound all in tact belly of guitar resonates beautiful sound... more
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    ovation 1121-1 Artist vintage Deep bowl acoustic guitar USA 1976 excellent /  case

    ovation 1121-1 Artist vintage Deep bowl acoustic guitar USA 1976 excellent / case

    Lake Oswego, Oregon, 970**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1200

    ovation 1121-1 Artist vintage steel string acoustic guitar made in USA 1976 tobacco burst in excellent condition with original hard case

    This beautiful vintage rare model from 1976 in tobacco burst features a deep bowl version with only one small ding on the top , no cracks , no checking in the finish , straight neck , low action , new strings , no bellying , firm bridge , excellent frets, excellent fretboard, all original condition, set up professionally plays great with beautiful ... more
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    1970s Ovation Breadwinner Electric Guitar Brown Mahogany + OHSC

    1970's Ovation Breadwinner Electric Guitar Brown Mahogany + OHSC

    Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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    Another quality Guitar from Lovies Guitars, please google us for deals and additional photos on our website.
    Lovies Guitars is proud to present this 1970s Ovation Breadwinner in a classy Brown Mahogany natural finish. A true cult classic, the Breadwinner is known for its futuristic ergonomics, lightweight feel, and unmistakable tonal character. With its unique body shape, comfortable contoured design, and Ovation??s innovative onboard electronics of the era, this model remains ... more
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    1985 Ovation 12 String Anniversary Edition Guitar Model 2985 - Very Clean!

    1985 Ovation 12 String Anniversary Edition Guitar Model 2985 - Very Clean!

    Ossining, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1500

    The 1985 Ovation 12 String Anniversary Edition Guitar Model 2985 is a highly collectible acoustic-electric guitar, designed for right-handed players. Made in the United States, this hollow body guitar features a sunburst finish and 22 frets. Known for its unique 12-string configuration, this limited edition model offers a rich and full sound, making it a sought-after choice for musicians and collectors alike. With its classic design and premium craftsmanship, the Ovation 12 String Anniversary ... more
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    1984 Ovation M#1661 in Original Case - Pristine Condition

    1984 Ovation M#1661 in Original Case - Pristine Condition

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

    $1150

    The only sign of use is some very slight wear on the leg rest and back.... more
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    APPLAUSE Acoustic Guitar late 1970s Ovation company Kaman incredible sounding

    APPLAUSE Acoustic Guitar late 1970's Ovation company Kaman incredible sounding

    Medford, Oregon, 975**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $140

    The APPLAUSE Acoustic Guitar, made by Ovation in the late 1970s under the Kaman brand, is known for its incredible sound quality. This vintage guitar has a unique design and is part of the Applause series, known for its high-quality craftsmanship. With a 6-string configuration and a sleek body color, this guitar is a must-have for any guitarist looking for a classic and exceptional sounding instrument from the 1970s.... more
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    Ovation Preacher 1281 Electric Guitar 1975 Natural Mahogany w / Original Hard Case

    Ovation Preacher 1281 Electric Guitar 1975 Natural Mahogany w / Original Hard Case

    Galesburg, Illinois, 614**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $1499

    This 1975 Ovation Preacher 1281 in natural mahogany is a mid-1970s solid-body electric with traditional double-cutaway styling and straightforward electronics tuned for punchy, mid-forward tone. Built with a mahogany body and a bolt-on mahogany neck, it has a 24 75" scale that yields comfortable string tension and easy bends. The ebony fingerboard with 22 frets provides a snappy attack and a smooth, fast-playing surface. Its HH pickup configuration supplies a full, powerful voice suitable for ... more
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    1975 OVATION APPLAUSE GUITAR, NATURAL. USA MADE, RESTRUNG, CLEANED, TUNED.

    1975 OVATION APPLAUSE GUITAR, NATURAL. USA MADE, RESTRUNG, CLEANED, TUNED.

    Livonia, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $300

    Ovation Applause Guitar, Natural in Color. Serial Number Research Indicates This Guitar was Built in New Hartford Connecticut in 1975. New Strings, Guitar Cleaned, Serviced as Needed. See pictures, Very Good Condition for 50 Years old! Will Include older (Original?) case, it's Worn, but Protected Guitar! Also a Metal Stand. LOCAL PICKUP ONLY AT THIS TIME, DO NOT WANT TO RISK DAMAGE Thanks, Paul
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    Ovation celebrity model CS-245 12string acoustic electric guitar 1980s

    Ovation celebrity model CS-245 12string acoustic electric guitar 1980s

    Hatfield, Pennsylvania, 194**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $595

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    Ovation celebrity model CS-245 12string acoustic electric guitar 1980s

    Ovation celebrity model CS-245 12string acoustic electric guitar 1980s

    Hatfield, Pennsylvania, 194**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $585

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    1968 Ovation USA Acoustic Guitar Shiney Bowl Sunburst with OHC Very Rare.

    1968 Ovation USA Acoustic Guitar Shiney Bowl Sunburst with OHC Very Rare.

    Pikeville, Tennessee, 373**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $600

    For Sale Vintage Ovation Deluxe Balladeer. Serial # denotes 1968. Very Rare. I have never seen another one that was a sunburst. It has a finish crack on bottom bowl. And rosette has issues. These don??t affect the playability. If you have never played a shiny bowl you are missing out. Has a natural loud sound like it is plugged in. Truly handmade in the factory. Comes with OHSC
    Sorry no international sales. I will ship to lower 48 and the buyer is responsible for shipping ... more
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    1969 Ovation 12 String Acoustic Guitar Made In USA Shiny Bowl With HSC

    1969 Ovation 12 String Acoustic Guitar Made In USA Shiny Bowl With HSC

    Pikeville, Tennessee, 373**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $500

    1969 Ovation 12 string Shiny Bowl. Has a crack in finish. Doesn??t affect the playability. Comes with hard shell case
    Sorry no international sales. Will only ship to the lower 48... more
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    Vintage 1970s Ovation Viper Guitar With Hardshell Case

    Vintage 1970s Ovation Viper Guitar With Hardshell Case

    Traer, Iowa, 506**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $975

    Vintage 1970s Ovation Viper guitar in great condition comes with hardshell case. May have small scratches or chips. Normal wear. Plays beautifully
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    Vintage 1970s Ovation Hard Guitar Case Brown Plush Lining WITH BACKSTAGE PASSES!

    Vintage 1970s Ovation Hard Guitar Case Brown Plush Lining WITH BACKSTAGE PASSES!

    McHenry, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    $350

    Has backstage passes from 1980s concerts, including Bob Seeger, The Cars, Foghat, Waylon, and more. Vintage used condition with scratches / scuffs / dings / slight corrosion on metal and other wear. Inside is clean.... more
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    Find more Ovation Acoustics at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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    1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

    1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass The Hagstrom Swede bass, or model HB 903, was only built in small numbers: just 1479 basses shipped between 1971 and 1976. Unlike the current range of Hagstrom guitars, the 1950s-1980s Hagstroms were built in Sweden. This example comes from 1973 and is pretty typical: translucent cherry finish, mahogany body, mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. It's a really nice bass, beautifully appointed with a very wide tonal range, and a great playing feel. It is relatively heavy though for a mahogany instrument, mostly due to its thick solid body. Very cool bass, and certainly one of the very best basses produced by Hagstrom.

    1973 Shaftesbury 3400

    1973 Shaftesbury 3400 This example of the Shaftesbury 3400 was produced by Japanese manufacturer Matsumoku who made some great quality guitars in the 1970s and 1980s. This is a slightly later example, and has some features not seen on earlier 3400s. Although nice guitars, these are not in the same league as the Gibson Les Paul it was emulating (no set neck, no carved maple top); but they are far better than many of the entry-level Les Paul copies available in the mid-1970s - for example the Shaftesbury 3400 has gold plated hardware, a solid body bound front and back, Maxon brand humbuckers and nice inlaid neck and headstock.

    1971 Epiphone 1802T

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    1971 Shaftesbury 3400

    1971 Shaftesbury 3400Shaftesbury was a brand distributed by Rose-Morris in the UK - generally imported guitars from Italy or Japan. This guitar, model 3400 was produced by Matsumoku in Japan, and was one of the earliest Les Paul copy guitars, debuting in the UK in 1969, although the same guitar was also sold as the Univox U1982 'Rhythm and Blues' by Merson in the USA as early as 1968. It was also available in different territories under different marques, most obviously the Aria 5522 (Japan), Jedson Jet 4444 (UK, Dallas Arbiter), with no doubt many more examples worldwide.

    1981 Gibson Victory MVX

    1981 Gibson Victory MV-XThe Gibson Victory MV-X, or Victory 'Multi-Voice' 10, was so-named because of the 10 distinct switch settings: although on first glance this guitar is very much a 'super-strat', with its three-pickup 5-way switch wiring configuration, the original advertising, sounds like... all of 'em underlines that this isn't just a Stratocaster copy, having the sounds of both Gibson humbuckers and Fender single coils available with a flick of a switch. The model was short-lived, with the first instruments shipping from Kalamazoo in Summer of 1981, and the last (excluding any stragglers) leaving Nashville by early 1982. This one was stamped on August 3rd 1981 in Kalamazoo.

    1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogue

    1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogScan of 1970 Epiphone guitar catalogue produced by Rosetti for the UK market. Undated but most likely from mid-late 1970, this was the first UK catalogue to show the new range of Japanese (Matsumoku) Epiphone guitars. Interestingly, these pages show the Epiphone solid bodies with a single-sided Fender-style headstock layout - a feature quickly replaced with a typical two-sided Epiphone headstock almost immediately. Epiphone electric guitars: 9520, 9525; bass guitars: 9521, 9526; acoustic guitars: 6730, 6830, 6834

    A World of Guitars by Rosetti - 1971

    1971 A World of Guitars by Rosetti catalogueScan of 1971 Rosetti catalogue (UK) featuring guitars from from numerous manufacturers worldwide: guitars by Epiphone, Hagstrom, Levin, Hoyer, Egmond, Eros, Moridaira, Kiso-Suzuki, Schaller, and Tatra.

    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

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    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