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FENDER | VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

Fender advertisement (1969)

The Heavys From Fender

Fender Solid-State Deluxe Reverb amplifier, Fender Solid-State Super Reverb amplifier, Fender Solid-State Twin Reverb amplifier, Fender Solid-State Vibrolux Reverb amplifier

They drive hard. Featuring 4 Fender solid state amps: Vibrolux/Reverb, Deluxe/Reverb, Twin/Reverb and Super/Reverb

Fender advertisement (1969) The Heavys From Fender

Other related vintage advertisements

Fender Solid-State Twin Reverb - Full Color Sound
Fender Solid-State Twin Reverb - Full Color Sound
From Fender Musical Instruments, representing the complete musical spectrum with a selection of master-crafted guitars and amplifiers. See the complete line of Fender Musical Instruments at any aut...
Fender Solid-State Super Reverb - Great New Sound. Same Old Quality
Fender Solid-State Super Reverb - Great New Sound. Same Old Quality
1967 saw Fender pushing some new lines
Fantastic customized, one-ot-a-kind WILDWOOD guitars: new expanded Coronado Series guitars and basses; the new improved Fender Solid-State Series amps; all...
Fender Solid-State Twin Reverb - Full Color Sound
Fender Solid-State Twin Reverb - Full Color Sound
Advert for the Fender display at the June 1967 NAMM show in Chicago, USA. It features a number of instruments 'representing the complete musical spectrum': a Jazz Bass, a Coronado II electric acous...

Fender Solid-State Reverb, Fender Solid-State Super Reverb, Fender Solid-State Twin Reverb, Fender Solid-State Vibrolux Reverb

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1964 Fender Bandmaster All Original Blackface Amp Head Model AB763 Rare Works

1964 Fender Bandmaster All Original Blackface Amp Head Model AB763 Rare Works

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

$1585

1964 Fender Bandmaster
Tube Amplifier Head
All Original Pre CBS
Electric Guitar Amplifier Head
Made in USA
I purchased this amplifier from my cabinet builder in 1979 in Hawaii. He was the original owner and took very good care of it. I used this amp briefly when I played in a band in the early 80??s. After my short use, I added it to my collection. I took it to my previous amp tech in 2012 who replaced the power cord and replaced two of the filter caps
Recently (June 2025) I... more
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VTG FENDER GUITAR CASE WITH SKB TSA LATCH ORANGE, CALIF.

VTG FENDER GUITAR CASE WITH SKB TSA LATCH ORANGE, CALIF.

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

$300

GOOD CONDITION NEEDS 1 LATCHED TO BE RELACED. SKB TSA LATCHSMOKE / PET FREE HOME
THANKS... more
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Vintage 1953 Fender Champ Lap Steel Desert Fawn 6-String Guitar Working & NR

Vintage 1953 Fender Champ Lap Steel Desert Fawn 6-String Guitar Working & NR

Cumberland, Rhode Island, 028**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$61

Vintage 1953 Fender Champ Lap Steel Desert Fawn 6-String Guitar Working & NR

???? We realize buying a musical instrument like this Vintage Fender Lap Steel Guitar without holding it in your hands is very difficult. We are not musical instrument dealers, nor do any of us play. That??s why we give a 100% unconditional money back guarantee that the high bidder will be totally satisfied with the quality, condition, age, and our description of this Lap Steel, or we will return their ... more
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Fender Stratocaster 1985 Japan Cosmic Jade Green PROJECT Guitar Please Read ALL

Fender Stratocaster 1985 Japan Cosmic Jade Green PROJECT Guitar Please Read ALL

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

$600

This listing is for a right handed Japanese Fender Stratocaster.
Listed as parts or not working although it does work, but it needs attention
Fender Stratocasters offer a versatile and high-quality playing experience for both beginners and experienced musicians. This Japanese Stratocaster has a dual single-coil humbucker in the bottom slot instead of an angled single coil. This instrument is pre-owned, suffers heavy wear, and is sold AS-IS!!!
Serial No. E552408
Guitar was made ... more
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Fender 1966 Sunburst Coronado II Thinline Hollow Body

Fender 1966 Sunburst Coronado II Thinline Hollow Body

Glassboro, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$490

Gibson Dependable
Home of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description: ... more
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Fender 1966 Bound Veneer Rosewood Coronado XII Neck 12

Fender 1966 Bound Veneer Rosewood Coronado XII Neck 12

Glassboro, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$590

Gibson DependableHome of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description: Fender ... more
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Fender 1977 Stratocaster Hardtail Sunburst With Case See Photos

Fender 1977 Stratocaster Hardtail Sunburst With Case See Photos

Costa Mesa, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

Fender 1977 Stratocaster Hardtail Sunburst W / Original Hardshell Case
1977 USA Sunburst Hardtail Stratocaster
2 Original grey bobln pickups neck and middle
Non original custom bridge pickup
Pots are original
Frets are good just a couple small dents in the first and second frets
Truss rod works and is adjustable
Three way switch
Neck is in good condition
Guitar plays nice
Comes with strap and case front same era
Case missing center buckle
This is a ... more
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1961 Fender Blonde Bassman 6G6A amplifier head

1961 Fender Blonde Bassman 6G6A amplifier head

Arcata, California, 955**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

1961 Fender Blonde Bassman 6G6A amplifier head. Serial #BP01087. Recapped and the amplifier tuned in November 1999. Exclusively a home studio amp - no road time since I bought it. Terrific, classic Bassman tone. All channels work fine. I play low volume finger style jazz, so the amp has been used in a mellow fashion. If you are a collector and interested, I saved all of the original replaced caps and will send them along if desired. Also three new Groove Tubes as spares. Amplifier in excellent ... more
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1978 Fender USA Jazz Bass | Maple Neck | - Black Finish - Orig Fender Case

1978 Fender USA Jazz Bass | Maple Neck | - Black Finish - Orig Fender Case

Lake Station, Indiana, 464**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$80

The 1978 Fender USA Jazz Bass with a Maple Neck in a Black Finish is a legendary electric bass guitar designed by Fender. Made in the United States, this solid-bodied instrument features a maple neck and fretboard, providing a classic and high-quality sound. With 20 frets, this 4-string guitar is perfect for right-handed players looking for a versatile and timeless addition to their collection. The original Fender case adds an extra touch of authenticity to this iconic model, making it a ... more
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Fender Performer Bass 1985 brown sunburst with gig bag

Fender Performer Bass 1985 brown sunburst with gig bag

Medford, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2099

Very good condition, front of the body is pretty clean except for some minor scratches at the bottom right, sides and back have normal marks and buckle rash for a 40-year-old instrument. I have done my best to show the wear in the photos, feel free to ask if you have any specific questions. As with any instrument, you will need to set it up to your own preference. The electronics sound good, the pickguard is in good shape. The bottom knob is missing the cap with the Fender "F" label on it. Ships... more
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Rare Vintage Fender Showman Guitar amp powerful. 80s , local pick up, or $ ship

Rare Vintage Fender Showman Guitar amp powerful. 80's , local pick up, or $ ship

South Hamilton, Massachusetts, 019**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

works really good, dust reverb pod but works, missing 1 knobthis amp cuts through, i heard it was 200 watts? not an amp guy, but i love fender
note: its not a marshall this amp does not get dirty, always nice clean sound, i play a strat, and sounds great, has EQ, 2 reverbs.
reason for selling, cant carry it anymore, smaller vehicle, but i love it, but its destroying my little car
my loss your gain local mass pickup prefer, weighs 60+ pounds on casters,
... more
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Vintage: 1960 Fender Stratocaster Body & Bridge + Conversion 60 Neck

Vintage: 1960 Fender Stratocaster Body & Bridge + Conversion '60 Neck

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 554**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12000

Parting with my 1960 Strat. Body & Bridge are original [Note: I believe I had to replace 2 of the Allen screws]. Serial No. 56341. In mid seventies I had the Rosewood fretboard converted to the shorter, Gibson 24 3 / 4" scale. I believe the only way to return to 25 1 / 2" scale would be to remove fretboard & start with new fretboard. The neck has been sanded some & it's a fast player [what I would call thin]. Body has not been refinished-though you may want too. The back of body has ... more
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Fender Champ Amp Blackface 1964 Vintage Guitar Combo Amplifier AA764 - READ

Fender Champ Amp Blackface 1964 Vintage Guitar Combo Amplifier AA764 - READ

Simi Valley, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Welcome to another exceptional listing from The Reliable Pawnbroker! We take pride in offering quality items at great prices. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel, The Reliable Pawnbroker, for real pawn shop deals, rare finds, and behind-the-scenes action!
Fender Champ Amp Blackface 1964 Vintage Guitar Combo Amplifier AA764 - READ
Condition: For Parts AS-IS
- READ DESCRIPTION-
Details:
Unleash the legendary tone of a true classic with this vintage 1964 Fender Champ Blackface ... more
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Vintage Custom Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar w /  Case

Vintage Custom Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar w / Case

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$56

Guitar that my dad had I don??t have it??s history or model. I had a musician friend look at it and he said it felt and played very well. Body is pristine haven??t seen any damage, nice patina and wear on the neck. Comes with a hard case
... more
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1967 Fender Coronado III Wildwood

1967 Fender Coronado III Wildwood

Indio, California, 922**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

The 1967 Fender Coronado III Wildwood is an electric guitar produced by Fender, a well-known brand in the musical instruments and gear industry. This model is a part of the Coronado series, known for its classic design and high-quality craftsmanship. The guitar features a sleek body, a versatile sound, and is perfect for playing a wide range of musical styles. With its vintage appeal and iconic Fender brand, the 1967 Fender Coronado III Wildwood is a sought-after choice for musicians and ... more
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Fender Stratocaster made in USA 1984-1987 Metallic Blue Electric Guitar

Fender Stratocaster made in USA 1984-1987 Metallic Blue Electric Guitar

Rio Vista, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Fender Stratocaster made in USA 1984-1987 Metallic Blue Electric Guitar. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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Vintage 1986 Fender Champ 12 Reverb

Vintage 1986 Fender Champ 12 Reverb

Petoskey, Michigan, 497**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$325

The Vintage 1986 Fender Champ 12 Reverb is a classic guitar amplifier made by the renowned brand Fender in the United States. This model features a unique reverb effect that adds depth and ambiance to your sound, perfect for creating a warm and vintage tone. With its iconic design and high-quality craftsmanship, this amplifier is a must-have for any guitarist looking to capture that classic rock sound from the 1980s.

... more
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1981 Telecaster Fender 6 string

1981 Telecaster Fender 6 string

Lucerne Valley, California, 923**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$165

1981 Fender Telecaster. In excellent condition... more
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1962 Fender Telecaster original parts and body

1962 Fender Telecaster original parts and body

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

$3799

Made in the USA in 1962 original Fender Telecaster alder body and parts and is not wired. Body weighs 4 25 pounds. Fender used the nail hole method to paint this. There is one in the neck pocket, one in bridge rout, and one on the side of the control pocket rout. Bridge has strings through body and top load. All parts are shown in pictures. Working pots are 250K AUD 1961 and 1962. Body comes with everything pictured as : body, neck plate with screws, complete bridge with saddles, control plate,... more
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Vintage Fender Gemini IV acoustic guitar (Made In Korea 1985)  WHITE

Vintage Fender Gemini IV acoustic guitar (Made In Korea 1985) WHITE

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

$100

The Vintage Fender Gemini IV acoustic guitar, made in Korea in 1985, features a classic dreadnought body design in a crisp white color. With 20 frets and a rosewood fretboard, this right-handed 6-string guitar from the Vintage series by Fender is a timeless piece for any musician looking for a high-quality acoustic instrument
$45 95 S / H U S.A. Insured
gOOD CONDITION----TESTED, PLAYS AND SOUNDS GOOD ---ORIGINAL TUNERS ---FACTORY WHITE COLOR ---MODEL GEMINI IV ---see all pictures and ask... more
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Find more Fender Solid-State Reverb, Fender Solid-State Super Reverb, Fender Solid-State Twin Reverb, Fender Solid-State Vibrolux Reverb 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

1971 Epiphone 1802T The Epiphone 1802T was the early name given to the Epiphone ET-270 and derived from an existing Aria guitar, also the 1802T. This was the first of the 1970s Epiphone solid bodies made in Japan by Matsumoku.The model evolved somewhat over its short production run: the very earliest examples were very similar to the Aria, sharing the same body shape, hardware, and clear-coated neck with Fender-style headstock with decal logo. By the time it was designated the Epiphone ET-270 it had been upgraded with the classic Epiphone-style headstock, with nice inlaid logo, and Epiphone 'E' motifs on the truss rod cover and scratchplate. This example from 1971 is somewhere in between with the Epiphone-style headstock, but with silk-screened logo, and no 'E's.

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

1981 Gibson Specials Pre-Owners Manual'Gibson Specials' was part of the June 1981 pre-owners manual series, but unlike the other folders contained a mish-mash of different guitars: limited editions, test marketing and close outs. "You will find the unusual, the brand-new, and the bargain within this folder". End of line 70s guitars like the Marauder, S-1, and L-6S Custom mixed in with brand new models the The V, The Explorer and the Flying V Bass.
It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass Rose-Morris were selling Shaftesbury-branded Rickenbacker copy instruments from the late 1960s right through the 1970s. The 3263 bass was one of the first models, (alongside the 3261 six string and 3262 twelve string) available from late 1968 until about 1974. The earliest incarnation was a set neck bass, produced very briefly in Japan. But production quickly moved to Italy. This bolt-on neck example was built by Eko, in Recanati, using the same hardware and pickups as fitted to Eko, and Vox basses built around the same time. It's certainly a fine looking bass, and not a bad player either.

1961 Hohner Zambesi

1961 Hohner Zambesi This very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super Ace The Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

1966 Vox New Escort The Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin Care Catalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger Folk The Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar The Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music