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Vintage Ampeg amps, guitars and basses

Music instruments manufactured and distributed by Ampeg

Ampeg amplifiers

B15N
VT22
VT40

Vintage Ampeg advertising

137

Amplifier advertisements originally published from 1968 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Ampeg advertisements

Ampeg Amplifiers - The look of kinetic sound

Ampeg Amplifiers - The look of kinetic sound (1968)
Ampeg amplifiers - shock troops of the new wave of sound
[more]

Ampeg SVT - Ampeg Amps - Built to be Worked Hard

Ampeg SVT - Ampeg Amps - Built to be Worked Hard (1971)
Early seventies advertisement for the Ampeg SVT featuring the Rolling Stones; from left to right: Mick Jagger, Mick Taylor, Kieth Richards, Charlie Watts
[more]

Ampeg VT-22 - Ampeg Adventure Comics

Ampeg VT-22 - Ampeg Adventure Comics (1971)
In this issue: the amp that short circuited the world - comic-style Ampeg advert for the 100 watt 2x12 VT-22 all-valve guitar combo
[more]

Ampeg VT-40 - Feel the sound

Ampeg VT-40 - Feel the sound (1972)
Early seventies surrealistic Ampeg ad for the VT-40 - "Delusions of Grandeur"
[more]

Ampeg VT-22 - Ampeg VT-22. 80 Pounds of Undying Devotion

Ampeg VT-22 - Ampeg VT-22. 80 Pounds of Undying Devotion (1972)
Gazing upon the inevitable soccer field of human emotion; Devotion; stands alone on the sidelines of posterity. It cannot be seen with the eye; or seized with the hand; but peel away the ever chang...
[more]

Ampeg Amplifiers - A Little Softer than Your Average Act of God

Ampeg Amplifiers - A Little Softer than Your Average Act of God (1972)

[more]

Ampeg Amplifiers - When The Performance is Over, Our Amps Show What They

Ampeg Amplifiers - When The Performance is Over, Our Amps Show What They're Made Of (1975)

[more]

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Vintage Ampeg amps for sale

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VINTAGE ORIGINAL 1960s AMPEG ROCKET 2 GS-12 TUBE AMP WITH ORIGINAL PAPERWORK

VINTAGE ORIGINAL 1960's AMPEG ROCKET 2 GS-12 TUBE AMP WITH ORIGINAL PAPERWORK

Scranton, Pennsylvania, 185**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

UP FOR AUCTION IS A VINTAGE ORIGINAL 1960's AMPEG ROCKET 2 GS-12 TUBE AMP WITH THE ORIGINAL FOOTSWITCH AND PAPERWORK. THE CONDITION IS AS PICTURED, WHICH IS OVERALL REALLY NICE FOR ITS AGE. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS THE AMP DOES NOT HAVE ANY SOUND. THE POWER LIGHT AND THE TUBES LIGHT UP BUT LIKE I SAID IT DOES NOT PRODUCE ANY SOUND. I AM ASSUMING IT IS SOME SIMPLE DUE TO THE FACT THE AMP's  ELECTRONICS ARE SO CLEAN. IT DOES HAVE SOME OTHER SMALL ISSUES. THE HANDLE IS BROKEN AND THE SPEAKER COVER... more
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1969 Ampeg B-12XTC

1969 Ampeg B-12XTC

Rock Hill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1450

This 1969 Ampeg B-12XTC is in great condition. The grill cloth has been recently replaced with period-correct ampeg replacement. The speakers are newer Warehouse C 12-n (Jensen clone). All the tubes are new. The two prong plug was replaced with a grounded plug. Sounds and looks great. The only issue is that these amps are known to have a ticking sound when the tremolo is engaged (enabled with a footswitch) due to the funky circuit they used. You can buy replacement modules specifically made for ... more
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Vintage Ampeg B-15N Portaflex 1x15" Bass Combo, 1967

Vintage Ampeg B-15N Portaflex 1x15" Bass Combo, 1967

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

$2000

Description:
Pre-owned, in very good condition. Very clean overall for its age, recently serviced and working perfectly. Small scratches on cab, small tear on back of tolex. Platform with wheels has been installed, wheels rolling smoothly, latches for cab all working well  
Original 2-prong power cable still installed, hardwired XLR from head to cab is newCab has desired JBL D-130F speakerAll tubes except rectifier are original Ampeg tubes and are testing well. ... more
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1970s AMPEG SVT AMPLIFIER HEAD SIDE HANDLES SET OF (2) EXCELLENT ORIGINAL SHAPE

1970s AMPEG SVT AMPLIFIER HEAD SIDE HANDLES SET OF (2) EXCELLENT ORIGINAL SHAPE

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$75

FREE USA SHIPPING!
These came off of a 1971 SVT amplifier head. They are in fine original condition with some wear but are still solid and complete. There's some minimal wear and oxidation on the chrome covers but no pitting. All the mounting screws turn freely with maybe a hint of surface rust on the screw threads. The mounting nuts are original, too. Besides this set I have (2) additional sets of these for sale that came off the 8x10 speaker cabinets that I used with the amp head "back in ... more
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AMPEG B15N BASS AMP SERVICED - SOUNDS EXCELLENT!!! 1960s PORTIFLEX TUBE AMP

AMPEG B15N BASS AMP SERVICED - SOUNDS EXCELLENT!!! 1960s PORTIFLEX TUBE AMP

Saint Cloud, Minnesota, 563**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

SOUNDS PERFECT, WORKS PERFECT!!THREE PRONG UPDATED NEW FILTER CAPS. (COUPLING CAPS ARE ORIGINAL)DEATH CAP REMOVED THERE IS COSMETIC WEAR, PLEASE SEE PHOTOS
THIS AMP SOUNDS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! IF YOU'RE IN THE MARKET FOR A READY TO USE VINTAGE AMP, THIS IS YOUR BEST BET
FAST SHIPPING!MORE ELECTRONICS - HERE!... more
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Ampeg V-4B 2-Channel 100-Watt Bass Head 1970s Pro Serviced

Ampeg V-4B 2-Channel 100-Watt Bass Head 1970s Pro Serviced

Andover, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1650

Early Magnavox era V-4B. Pro serviced by AzTech Electronics of Boston in April 2019 (see service receipt in photos) and used sparingly ever since. Stored and occasionally played in a climate controlled rehearsal room. All functions working as of January 2024, though pots are a bit scratchy from lack of frequent use
Ships worldwide. Package will be large (double boxed), heavy, delicate, and fully insured, and so shipping cost will be substantial.... more
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Vintage 60s Ampeg Jupiter II 720SN Twin Guitar Combo Amp - Vintage Stereo Wonder

Vintage 60s Ampeg Jupiter II 720SN Twin Guitar Combo Amp - Vintage Stereo Wonder

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

$1900

Vintage 60s Ampeg Jupiter II 720SN Twin Guitar Combo Amp - Vintage 60s Stereo Wonder-Amp
Step back into the golden era of amplification with the Ampeg Jupiter 720SN, a vintage gem renowned for its rich tonal character and distinctive features. This handwired beauty boasts a pair of 12" Jensen speakers, delivering a warm and full-bodied sound that has captivated musicians for decades. With two independent channels and stereo input capabilities, the Jupiter 720SN offers versatile connectivity ... more
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Ampeg ReverbRocket II 1968

Ampeg ReverbRocket II 1968

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

$1195

Ampeg J12R ReverbRocket II "Golden Glo "
Approx. time of manufacture: 1967-1968
Power Requirement: 120v standard attached cable
Speaker: Original CTS 12" speaker
Operational Condition: Fully-functioning. Even the Ampeg lucite logo panel still lights up in a pinkish red!
Cosmetic condition: Good to Very Good with some light marks in the tolex, etc. There is some pitting, oxidation, light rust on the control panel
" Rare" is a pretty overused word in the vintage guitar market ... more
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AMPEG J-12-A Guitar Amplifier *VINTAGE*

AMPEG J-12-A Guitar Amplifier *VINTAGE*

Staten Island, New York, 103**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$550

Hello, you are buying one used, vintage Ampeg J-12-A Guitar Amplifier. Everything works. Will need a cleaning and checkup, of course. No guarantees or warranties, sold AS-IS. Thank you for looking.
The AMPEG J-12-A Guitar Amplifier is a vintage piece of musical equipment that exudes classic style and nostalgia. As part of the renowned Ampeg brand, this amplifier model is known for its reliable performance and rich sound quality. Perfect for vintage guitars and basses, this amplifier is a ... more
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Vintage AMPEG VT-22 Tube Amp 2 12s 2 channel 100 watts w / Reverb

Vintage AMPEG VT-22 Tube Amp 2 12s 2 channel 100 watts w / Reverb

Tomball, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

If you're looking at this amp you know what you're buying
I've had this amp for almost 10 years and out of all my gear it is my most prized possession. But I am a little in a bind and need some cash and can't justify having 3 amps at the moment, I already have a small practice amp and a gigging amp
There's two details about this amp you need to know:
There is some crackling whenever you turn the volume knobs and also some crackling and static when you play it. Most likely the tubes ... more
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1970s Ampeg B-15S Extension Cabinet 8 Ohm Original Excellent Condition RARE

1970s Ampeg B-15S Extension Cabinet 8 Ohm Original Excellent Condition RARE

Milford, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Here's a VERY rare opportunity to own a B-15S 15" extension cabinet. Most of the time you see cabinets that were stripped of the amplifier. This was manufactured as an extension cabinet. This is not an orphan cabinet from a complete amplifier. You can see its fitted with the original cups on top that the steel feet would sit in rather than having the shock mounts for the amp chassis. The cabinet is in original cosmetic condition however I am doubting the speaker is original. Its not very ... more
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1970s AMPEG V-4 SPEAKER CABINET PLATE W / MOUNTING BRADS AND SERIAL NUMBER

1970s AMPEG V-4 SPEAKER CABINET PLATE W / MOUNTING BRADS AND SERIAL NUMBER

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$49

FREE USA SHIPPING!
This came off of a 1973 Ampeg V-4 speaker cabinet. It's in great original condition with minimal wear and lies almost perfectly flat. There's some minimal surface surface scratches but all graphics and the serial number are clear & strong. It comes with the (4) original mounting brads.
FREE USA SHIPPING and no returns because the pics and description speaks for itself. The Bass Palace will be listing more parts, basses & guitars during September so check back ... more
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1970 Ampeg BT-15 Portaflex - 50 Watts - 1x15 Bass Combo - With Trolly

1970 Ampeg BT-15 Portaflex - 50 Watts - 1x15 Bass Combo - With Trolly

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1100

Amps are local pickup only at our Dayton, Ohio store!
We will NOT ship any amp, No Exceptions! Do Not Ask!
Please contact us before buying to arrange pickup details!
A 10% Re-Stocking fee on ALL canceled orders and non pickups after 5 days
1970 Ampeg BT-15 Portaflex. This is a 50 Watts solid state bass combo with a 15" speakers. This one works great and is loud and clear. Includes the hard to find trolly! (10)
... more
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Vintage Ampeg SVT 8x10 8 x 10?? Empty Speaker Cabinet Flat Back 8 x 10 Iowa iL WI

Vintage Ampeg SVT 8x10 8 x 10?? Empty Speaker Cabinet Flat Back 8 x 10 Iowa iL WI

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 524**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$299

Ampeg Speaker Cabinet... more
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Ampeg G100 Guitar Amp 1970s

Ampeg G100 Guitar Amp 1970s

San Bernardino, California, 924**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$299

This vintage Ampeg G100 guitar amp from the 1970s delivers powerful sound with its solid state technology and 20W power output. The combo amplifier features one speaker and is perfect for musicians looking for a reliable and quality sound for their guitars or basses. The brand, Ampeg, is known for producing high-quality amplifiers and this model, the G100, is no exception. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, this guitar amp is a great addition to your collection
... more
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1957 AMPEG JET 10 GUITAR AMPLIFIER PP EL84 THE RAREST GUITAR AMP YOULL OWN ..

1957 AMPEG JET 10 GUITAR AMPLIFIER PP EL84 THE RAREST GUITAR AMP YOU'LL OWN ..

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

$8995

If you have to ask pricing, You can't afford this Rich Boy toy .
1957 AMPEG JET 10 GUITAR AMPLIFIER PP EL84 THE RAREST GUITAR AMP YOU'LL OWN .. I have owned this amp for years, But have never attempted to turn it on. The amplifier is completely original And I know better than to try to turn it on. The Capacitors are now 65 years old.
I got this amplifier from an old guy that was the Original owner, He stated That he had bought it from an old electronics shop when he was a Kid, He said ... more
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Vintage Ampeg V-4 Guitar Tube Amplifier Head

Vintage Ampeg V-4 Guitar Tube Amplifier Head

Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, 186**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

This is an amazing sounding head. Has new tubes and has been gone over and cleaned by a professional. Pick up only and I??m firm on the price. Not really wanting to part with this head but I need to.
Message with any questions.
... more
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Vintage 1965 Ampeg G-12 Gemini I Guitar Tube Combo Amplifier w /  Footswitch

Vintage 1965 Ampeg G-12 Gemini I Guitar Tube Combo Amplifier w / Footswitch

Henderson, Nevada, 890**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

For your consideration, a vintage 1965 Ampeg Gemini 1
Tube Amplifier in great used condition
This item is tested, and it works
It may need some love and attention and tuning
I am not an expert. This item is being sold as described
Look at pictures for more details
Feel free to contact me
Thanks
... more
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1970S AMPEG V2 GUITAT AMP HEAD

1970'S AMPEG V2 GUITAT AMP HEAD

Eastham, Massachusetts, 026**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

THIS AMP IS IN PERFECT CONDITION. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED COMPLETELY, FROM FILTER CAPACITORS TO EVERYTHING ELSE TO PERFECTION. IT IS 110 PERCENT FUNCTIONAL. BY THAT I MEAN THAT IN ADDITION TO WORKING PERFECTLY UP TO FACTORY SPECS, IT HAS ONE ENHANCED FEATURE, REVERB! YOU WILL NOTICE ON THE REAR THERE ARE 2 KNOBS. ON THE STOCK AMP THE REVERB CONTROL HAS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR DEPTH OR DWELL, JUST REVERB. THE 2 KNOBS CONTROL THESE FEATURES, GIVING MUCH MORE CONTROL OVER THE SPECTRUM OF REVERB SOUND ... more
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1966 Ampeg Gemini II Vintage Blue Checkerboard 1x15 Tube Combo Guitar Amplifier!

1966 Ampeg Gemini II Vintage Blue Checkerboard 1x15 Tube Combo Guitar Amplifier!

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 495**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Just in at Tone Chasers Music is this 1966 Ampeg Gemini II. This amp is in very good condition with the pictured scuffs and scratches being the most significant signs of wear. The pictured footswitch and caster set are included   Tested, functional, and as pictured
Available to view at Tone Chasers Music 121 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I ONLY ACCEPT PAYMENTS FACILITATED THROUGH EBAY  I SHIP USPS FLATRATE TO 48 STATES ONLY. I ONLY SHIP INTERNATIONALLY USING THE EBAY GLOBAL ... more
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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