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Four decades of classic acoustic guitar advertising

Old guitar adverts are just so cool.. not only do they show some great old guitars, they demonstrate how and where the manufacturers or distributors were pitching these instruments, and are very much a snapshot of guitar players and the guitar market at that time. Adverts shown here are sorted chronologically - but you can use some of the filters below to narrow down the vintage adverts you are interested in. Only electric guitar adverts are included on this page. See also the advertisements for electric guitars, basses, amps and effects pedals.

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Vintage guitars for sale

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39" Beautiful Guitar need some T L C

39" Beautiful Guitar need some T L C

Strathmore, California, 932**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

This 39-inch acoustic guitar is a vintage beauty that deserves some tender loving care. It features a flat top soundboard style and a 6 string configuration suitable for children. The brand is unknown but its quality speaks for itself
The guitar is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage musical instruments. Its body type is specifically designed for children, making it an excellent gift for young aspiring musicians. Strum the strings and be amazed at the harmonious sound it ... more
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Hamilton USA Guitar Capo Vintage 1970s for 6-String Guitar

Hamilton USA Guitar Capo Vintage 1970's for 6-String Guitar

Spotsylvania, Virginia, 225**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$32

BRAND:
Hamilton USA

SIZE:
Approx : 3?? L X 3?? W X .5?? H

COLORWAY:
Polished Chrome

MATERIAL:
Chromed Steel

DESCRIPTION:

Introducingthe 1970??s Vintage Guitar Capo by Hamilton ?? where timeless design meetsexceptional functionality. Crafted with the utmost care and precision, thiscapo is the perfect accessory for any discerning guitarist seeking to elevatetheir performance while adding a touch of classic elegance to their instrument

... more
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Vtg Small Harmony Ukulele 21??x7??

Vtg Small Harmony Ukulele 21??x7??

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, 719**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$32

This vintage Harmony guitar is a gem for any musician or collector. Measuring 21 inches by 7 inches, it's a small but mighty instrument with a 4-string configuration. Made by Harmony, a trusted brand in the music industry, this guitar is perfect for any acoustic guitar enthusiast. Its vintage look and feel add an extra layer of character, making it a unique addition to any collection
... more
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SPECTACULAR KEVIN RYAN PIERRE BENSUSAN OWNED PROTOTYPE NIGHTENGALE GRAND SOLOIST

SPECTACULAR KEVIN RYAN PIERRE BENSUSAN OWNED PROTOTYPE NIGHTENGALE GRAND SOLOIST

San Fernando, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$34

THE BUY IT NOW PRICE : 3600 US$
STOCK NUMBER: W33C6944
SPECTACULAR KEVIN RYAN PIERRE BENSUSAN OWNED PROTOTYPE NIGHTENGALE GRAND SOLOIST... more
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Vintage Harmony 2948 H1214 Chicago USA Made Archtop Acoustic Guitar Mid Century

Vintage Harmony 2948 H1214 Chicago USA Made Archtop Acoustic Guitar Mid Century

Normal, Illinois, 617**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$36

This is a pretty cool guitar in need of a little work to be a real player. Right now the action is on the high side with the steel reinforced neck starting to curve. Likely will need a neck reset for the action to be perfect. Frets are good as are the tuners, bridge and tailpiece. Being sold as a project or you could leave it as is for a slide guitar or wall hanger. Scale length measures 25 " , overall length is 41 " . There is no case included but it will be well packed
A picture can speak ... more
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VINTAGE LYLE C-640 CLASSICAL ACOUSTIC GUITAR W / CASE & ORIGINAL

VINTAGE LYLE C-640 CLASSICAL ACOUSTIC GUITAR W / CASE & ORIGINAL

Colorado Springs, Colorado, 809**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

Selling a VINTAGE LYLE C-640 CLASSICAL ACOUSTIC GUITAR W / CASE & ORIGINAL

Looks great and needs new strings.
... more
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Vintage Harmony H-162 Acoustic Guitar Neck  Project  Nice Neck 1960s  Needs Work

Vintage Harmony H-162 Acoustic Guitar Neck Project Nice Neck 1960s Needs Work

Eugene, Oregon, 974**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$45

Please see photos. Vintage Harmony H-162 Acoustic Guitar Neck Sold as Project. Nice Neck overall but needs work. To be more specific, end of fingerboard is broken off beyond the 14th fret. Dovetail is mostly still there (rough along edges and chipped at bottom). That said, this is a good looking neck with well preserved finish & attractive rosewood fingerboard. It is straight and the frets have very little wear. There's a bit of finish wear around the edges of headstock but quite minor. ... more
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Vintage New Western Product Inc Kids Country Star Guitar  23?? Rare

Vintage New Western Product Inc Kids Country Star Guitar 23?? Rare

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

$45

Vintage New Western Product Inc Kids Country Star Guitar 23?? Rare
Open box
Original box has scratches, please see pictures
... more
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YAIRI GAKKI CLASSICAL GUITAR FOR REPAIR ONLY AS IS W /  CASE LOCAL PICK AVAILABLE

YAIRI GAKKI CLASSICAL GUITAR FOR REPAIR ONLY AS IS W / CASE LOCAL PICK AVAILABLE

Valparaiso, Indiana, 463**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

YAIRI GAKKI CLASSICAL GUITAR FOR REPAIR ONLY AS IS WITH CASE. This is a great piece for aspiring luthier. All parts included. 2 cracks in the top, needs refinishing and reassembly. Any questions please ask. Good case included.

Please kindly review all photographs and ask any questions prior to bidding, thank you!


Combined shipping available on most items. Feel free to inquire


ZERO (0) Feedback Bidders and Buyers Will Be Cancelled

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vintage yamaha guitar C40

vintage yamaha guitar C40

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

$50

I took out of house clean out dusty crashed , I don't see any thing structural wrong missing string please check photos for condition selling as is for parts not working broken because I don't want it back for any reason hidden detail ect please check photos for condition
... more
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Vintage Emenee Sunburst Tiger, Playable! Plastic Toy Guitar  34"

Vintage Emenee Sunburst Tiger, Playable! Plastic Toy Guitar 34"

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

$59

Vintage Emenee Tiger Sun Burst Toy Guitar! And it works! Cool to display, and fun to play
Good cosmetic condition, showing normal signs of age, use, and wear
Some scratches and surface wear. No major chips, cracks, or abrasions. The piece measures approximately 34 inches long x 12 1 / 2 inches wide x 2 1 / 2 inches deep
Please examine photographs for additional details and information
Please contact me right away, should you have an issue with what you receive. I will correct ... more
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vintage kay acoustic guitar

vintage kay acoustic guitar

Charleroi, Pennsylvania, 150**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$75

This vintage Kay acoustic guitar is a true gem for any musician or collector. With a beautiful tone and classic design, it is the perfect addition to any ensemble or solo performance. The guitar has been well-maintained and has the unique character that only comes with age
The brand of the guitar is Kay and it falls under the vintage series. It is categorized as a musical instrument under the Vintage Musical Instruments, Vintage Guitars & Basses, and Acoustic Guitars categories. This ... more
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Vintage Small Kids Guitar 12" From Czecho-slovakia R Trademarked

Vintage Small Kids Guitar 12" From Czecho-slovakia R Trademarked

Wenatchee, Washington, 988**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$75

This vintage small kids guitar with a 12" size is a rare gem from Czecho-slovakia. Featuring the R trademark, it is a unique piece of history that will add to any collection. The body type is mini and has four strings, making it perfect for kids or those who prefer a smaller instrument. The guitar is perfect for anyone looking for a vintage piece that is still in great condition. This guitar was crafted in Czechia, a country known for producing high-quality musical instruments
The guitar is ... more
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Samick LW-028G SA 6 String Acoustic Guitar

Samick LW-028G SA 6 String Acoustic Guitar

Bradenton, Florida, 342**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$75

Samick LW-028G SA 6 String Acoustic Guitar

Please refer to photos for flaws. There are scuff marks throughout. It is also missing a few stings.
... more
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Vintage Prelude Acoustic Guitar Student Beginner  Taiwan

Vintage Prelude Acoustic Guitar Student Beginner Taiwan

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

$77

comes withs case, strap and guitar - as pictured... more
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Vintage Kay Acoustic Parlor Guitar

Vintage Kay Acoustic Parlor Guitar

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

$79

You are bidding on a vintage Kay ? acoustic parlor guitar with bag in as found condition no headstock logo and no markings inside, the guitar has scuffs, missing strap button, two tuning peg button post are bent, will need new strings, holding low E string at 1st and 12th fret there is a 1 / 32'' gap in the middle, guitar measures 38 1 / 2'' 18'' body 13 3 / 8'' lower 9 5 / 8'' upper 3'' deep, 24'' scale 18 frets.... more
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Vintage 1960??s Wooden Acoustic Guitar Body 18??

Vintage 1960??s Wooden Acoustic Guitar Body 18??

North Canton, Ohio, 447**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$80

Vintage 1960??s Wooden Acoustic Guitar Body 18??.

THIS PIECE CAME FROM A HIGH END ESTATE SALE

KEPT IN A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT!

SEE PHOTOS FOR EXACT DETAILS ON CONDITION! ANY DEFECTS OR FLAWS WILL BE SHOWN IN PHOTOS! :)

SHIPS NEXT DAY!

THANKS FOR SHOPPING! :)
... more
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Vintage 1960??s Ergmond Acoustic Guitar

Vintage 1960??s Ergmond Acoustic Guitar

Sparta, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$85

Needs new strings, & could use refinishing
I don??t know a lot about the market, but am glad to answer anything I can for you
Measures 36 75??x 12 75??

See photos, ask questions, & make offer!
Thanks for looking!!!

We use recycled boxes & packing materials whenever possible in an effort to save the planet
... more
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VINTAGE STELLA HARMONY 933 ACOUSTIC GUITAR Fender headstock

VINTAGE STELLA HARMONY 933 ACOUSTIC GUITAR Fender headstock

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$88

1969 Harmony Stella Model Number 933 Acoustic Guitar. These are the models with the Fender Style Headstocks . These are very cool and pretty rare. This one has been around as you can see. Newer tuning pegs, lots of wear, scratches but overall in good shape. Sold as-is.... more
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Vintage1962 Silvertone Parlor Guitar, Structurally Sound

Vintage1962 Silvertone Parlor Guitar, Structurally Sound

Windber, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$89

Looks like the paint stuck to something and smeared very solid sound is good has a soft case that goes with it
... more
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1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

1971 Epiphone 1820 (ET-280) bassBy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

1981 Gibson MarauderProduction of Bill Lawrence's Gibson Marauder began in 1974, with production peaking in 1978. But by 1980 the model was officially discontinued, though very small numbers slipped out as late as spring 1981. Over 7000 examples shipped between 1974 and 1979, and although no totals are available for 1980 and 1981, it is unlikely production reached three figures in either of these years. These final Marauders were all assembled at the Gibson Nashville plant, and had some nice features not available through the later years of production, such as a rosewood fretboard, and in this case, an opaque 'Devil Red' finish. It's a great looking and fine playing guitar!

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

1971 Pick Epiphone catalogWhen Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo to the Matsumoku plant in Japan, a whole new range of electric, flattop and classic acoustic guitars was launched. Between late 1970 and 1972 the new models were launched and refined. This 'folder' catalog contains various inserts released over these years detailing four electric six-strings (ET-270, ET-275, ET-278, and thinline EA-250), three bass guitars (ET-280, ET-285, and thinline EA-260), three folk/steel acoustics, four jumbo flattop acoustics, two 12-string jumbos, four classic acoustics, and a banjo.

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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

1961 Hohner Zambesi

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

1963 Vox Super Ace

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

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalog Hagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner President The President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for the Les Paul Personal / Professional