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Vintage Epiphone Guitars

Electric guitars and basses manufactured by the Epiphone Guitar Company

The Epiphone company of New York, USA, was created by the Stathopoulos family, making various musical instruments with the first electric guitar in 1935. In many ways, it was just like rivals Guild and Gibson; a very highly respected guitar manufacturer, producing superb jazz boxes for the top end of the US market. Guitars like the Emperor and Broadway established a fine reputation, which still stands with vintage guitar collectors today. But tragedy occured, with the death of Epaminondas Stathopoulos; the driving force behind Epiphone at the time.

Epiphone Granada

Chicago Musical Instruments; the CMI-period

The Epiphone plant at 210 Bush Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan

The Gibson Kalamazoo guitar factory. Gibson occupied a whole block; their main address was Parsons Street (top), Epiphone instruments were built side by side, but the company was officially situated on Bush Street; just the other side of the block (below).

But perhaps the best known guitars built by Epiphone were those manufactured at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant - the CMI period. CMI bought out a struggling Epiphone in 1957, buying tooling, parts, and even unfinished instruments. Production of hollow-bodied jazz guitars and acoustic (upright) basses began immediately. But before long Epiphone was producing new lines, unrelated to the output of previous years. Thinline semi acoustics like the Epiphone Casino, Sorrento, Riviera and Sheraton were soon joined by solid bodies like the Epiphone Wilshire, Crestwood and Coronet; all distributed to dealers that wanted Gibson-quality instruments, but did not qualify to be Gibson stockists themselves.

1967 Epiphone advert featuring a psychedelic fish playing an Epiphone Riviera

Gibson ran a whole block in Kalamazoo giving their address as Parsons Street, whilst Epiphone were officially situated on Bush Street; just the other side of the block. The instruments were made side by side, both using the same woods, construction methods, and many of the same components. Numerous Epiphone models had a direct Gibson equivalent that sold at more or less the same price; for example the Epiphone Casino and the Gibson ES330 - or the Epiphone Rivoli and the Gibson EB2 bass. Unlike today, the 1960s US-built Epiphone line was aimed at exactly the same market as the Gibson equivalent instruments.

Epiphone guitars quickly found favour in the mid-1960s music scene; bands like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Animals and the Kinks all played Epiphones, along with many more. But as the decade ended, CMI gave way to Norlin, and Epiphone production went to Japan.

1970s Epiphone

Epiphone guitar catalogs

Have a look at some vintage Epiphone guitar catalogs

1970s Epiphones were primarily made in Japan; they were no longer rebranded Gibson guitars, and although still good quality they were aimed at a lower price-point, to compete with the very many imports that were taking so much market share in the financially troubled early seventies. Epiphone chose (arguably) the best of the Japanese manufacturers Matsumoku to build their guitars, and although some of the very earliest designs were not widely regarded by musicians at the time, they rapidly improved, and along with a little celebrity use over the years (Kurt Cobain, Noel Gallagher etc.) are now both collectable and rapidly increasing in price.

The very first 1970s Japanese Epiphones (1802T / 1820 solid body guitar / bass, and 5102T / 5120 semi-acoustic guitar / bass) were similar to pre-existing guitars branded Aria, Conrad, Commodore, Eros, Univox (plus numerous others). Yes, the Epiphone versions had slightly improved appointments but were functionally indistinct. But with every year that passed, these models (and all new releases) improved both in function and appearance, whilst also gradually reverting to the classic Epiphone designs of the 1960s. By the mid 1970s Matsumoku were producing some outstanding Epiphones!

1971 Epiphone 1802T / ET-270 solid body electric guitar
Have a closer look at this 1971 Epiphone 1802T

Towards the very end of Norlin's tenure, a few Epiphone guitars were produced at the Kalamazoo and Nashville plants: tentative issues of the Epiphone Doublecut / Spirit; but almost immediately this model was rebranded as the Gibson Spirit.

Today's Epiphone guitars are typically reissues of the 1960s Gibson and Epiphone instruments made in Kalamazoo - but being made in China and Korea these are typically very much cheaper - though generally good quality instruments.

Latest Epiphone Updates

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.
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
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 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.
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.
Gibson EB2 bass guitar wiring illustrationSchematic and simplified wiring illustration for the 1960s single pickup Gibson EB2 and Epiphone Rivoli bass guitars. The original EB2 and Rivoli basses were very similar indeed, both being made side by side in Gibson's Kalamazoo plant in Michigan, USA. Differences were purely cosmetic, and electronically they were identical: a Gibson EB humbucker, one volume control, one tone control, and a baritone push button switch.
1966 Epiphone Granada E444T A closer look at a 1966 Epiphone Granada. The non-cutaway Granada was the Epiphone version of the Gibson E120T thinline hollowbody. Both were built side by side in Gibson's Kalamazoo plant, and were the least expensive hollowbodies in their respective ranges. Sales of the Epiphone version were never huge (see Epiphone Granada shipping figures, at least compared to the Gibson, even when an otherwise identical cutaway model, the E444TC, was added. No Gibson cutaway version was released.
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Vintage Epiphone guitars for sale

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Epiphone Firebird Electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst - with EPI HARDSHELL CASE

Epiphone Firebird Electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst - with EPI HARDSHELL CASE

Carmichael, California, 956**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$689

Brand new condition. Bought it, planned to mod it, never did. It sat on the shelf. I had intention to use it in specific videos with 3 guitars for a specific player's parts, but never got to it and I've moved on. It has zero wear, zero blemishes, zero modifications and it's like brand new. Fully functional and cosmetically mint
I went through 3 units from the dealer before accepting this one. The first two had issues - one had a broken truss rod, the second one had the bridge mounted off ... more
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Epiphone Prophecy Futura  AS IS READ

Epiphone Prophecy Futura AS IS READ

Torrance, California, 905**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Used guitar in working order .Shows signs of wear - dings and scratches .Crack on the back side ( see pics ) .This guitar came out of pawn ( we are pawn shop ) , so I do not know the history of it .Looks like some repairs were done on the neck ( may be ? ) .See the pics for more details . Due to above reasons this guitar being SOLD AS IS FOR PARTS OR REPAIRS ONLY !!!NO REFUNDS OR RETURNS PLEASE BID ACCORDINGLY... more
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1964 Epiphone Crestwood - White, Stripped

1964 Epiphone Crestwood - White, Stripped

Lake Stevens, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1575

This listing is for a 1964 Epiphone Crestwood husk. The finish has been stripped, not sanded. There are no cracks to the wood. The finish was taken off. My hunch is that it was exposed to some surface moisture, which caused it to flake. It probably came off very easily. So it has full contours with no overs sanding. it probably came off very easily. So it has full contours. It has the narrower nut which Epiphone earlier than the Gibson-branded models. The profile is medium slim. There is a small... more
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1965 Epiphone Olympic Special (Melody Maker) Electric Guitar Original Cherry

1965 Epiphone Olympic Special (Melody Maker) Electric Guitar Original Cherry

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

A few notes: This guitar is all original and very clean with the exception of the knobs, vibrato arm, pickguard ($90 Chandler) and pickguard screws. Both pots date 1964. The pickup worked upon removing electronics from the original gassed pickguard. It now does not work and I cant get a reading on my meter. I tested with a different pickup and everything worked, so its definitely a pickup issue only. A period correct vintage replacement will cost between $100-$150 and is super easy to install. ... more
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Epiphone Kirk Hammett "Greeny" 1959 Les Paul Standard (Early IGC Model)

Epiphone Kirk Hammett "Greeny" 1959 Les Paul Standard (Early IGC Model)

Spring Hill, Tennessee, 371**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$919

Used Epiphone Kirk Hammett "Greeny" 1959 Les Paul Standard. Condition is Used. Shipped with UPS Ground.

Epiphone Kirk Hammett "Greeny" '59 Les Paul Standard ?? Greeny Burst (Early IGC Model)
Excellent Condition ?? USA Pickups ?? 9 8 lbs ?? Hardshell Case Included

Up for sale is an Epiphone Kirk Hammett "Greeny" 1959 Les Paul Standard in Greeny Burst, part of the Inspired by Gibson Custom line ?? and one of the early IGC (Inspired by ... more
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1965 Epiphone Olympic - Cherry Red

1965 Epiphone Olympic - Cherry Red

Morgantown, Pennsylvania, 195**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

1965 Epiphone Olympic - Cherry Red

Set up well and plays great. Nice player given it??s age


Weight is only 5 9 lbs. The pickups have been changed to Fender Custom Shops and it recently had a professional refret. Original pickups not included


Overall, the condition is very good. The body has some light wear and checking throughout. Minor dings and scratches but nothing major and no signs of repairs. There is some buckle wear on the back. The back... more
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Epiphone 1963 Firebird V Electric Guitar - Ember Red - Bad Tuning Peg

Epiphone 1963 Firebird V Electric Guitar - Ember Red - Bad Tuning Peg

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

$305


For Repair
Solidbody Electric Guitar with Mahogany / Walnut Neck, Mahogany Body, Laurel Fingerboard, 2 Humbucking Pickups, and Maestro Vibrola - Ember Red
Heavy play-wear and scratches throughout. The 3rd string tuning peg does not function and probably needs replaced. Fully functioning electronics. The factory case is in good condition. New strings not included
We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with paid shipping back for any reason. Send us a message within 30 days of ... more
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Epiphone Vintage Electric Guitar With Case

Epiphone Vintage Electric Guitar With Case

Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$299

Nice guitar with great looking case
Please see photos for exact description
Any questions feel free to ask
... more
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Epiphone Inspired by Gibson IGC 1957 SJ 200

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson IGC 1957 SJ 200

Charlotte, North Carolina, 282**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Here I has an Epiphone Inspired by Gibson IGC 1957 SJ 200
I buy, repair and resell musical instruments. I generally receive shipping damaged guitars from the factory or a distributor. I also receive store returns or open box items
This guitar came to my shop with no electronics, tuners, strings, saddle, nut, truss rod cover. I placed a everything on this guitar. The electronics are Fishman. The only blemish that I could find on this guitar can be seen in the photo of the back of the neck.... more
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Epiphone JB 1955 LP Standard Electric Solidbody Guitar, Copper Iridescent

Epiphone JB 1955 LP Standard Electric Solidbody Guitar, Copper Iridescent

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

$153


Condition
There is a structural crack in the neck at the headstock joint
S / N: 24121530525
We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with paid shipping back for any reason. Send us a message within 30 days of purchase should you want to return it. We will send you a prepaid shipping label via the email address associated with your eBay account to send your purchase back for a full refund. If you pay for shipping yourself to return an item, we will be unable to reimburse the ... more
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ORIGINAL 1966 EPIPHONE CASINO ELECTRIC GUITAR IN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE CONDITION

ORIGINAL 1966 EPIPHONE CASINO ELECTRIC GUITAR IN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE CONDITION

Harrison, Arkansas, 726**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6950

This is a fully original 1966 Epiphone Casino Gibson, USA made in Kalamazoo, MI, in exceptionally fine condition. The original sunburst finish has very little playing wear, only a few insignificant nicks or dings and perhaps some light scuff marks. We just acquired this guitar from the original owner who played it very little, never taking it out of the house, or even changing the strings. He believes these are the original strings, with the wound 'G'! The numeral '2' is stamped on the back of ... more
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Epiphone JB 1955 LP Standard Electric Solidbody Guitar, Copper Iridescent

Epiphone JB 1955 LP Standard Electric Solidbody Guitar, Copper Iridescent

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

$110


Condition
There are structural cracks sprouting from both ends of the nut. There may also be fine blemishes on various parts of the instrument that are not photographed. These blemishes do not show well in photos, if at all.
S / N: 24121528847
We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with paid shipping back for any reason. Send us a message within 30 days of purchase should you want to return it. We will send you a prepaid shipping label via the email address associated with ... more
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1963 Epiphone Casino Sunburst

1963 Epiphone Casino Sunburst

North Richland Hills, Texas, 761**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

Beautiful 1963 Epiphone Casino electric guitar in near-mint condition. All original w plenty of fret life left on original frets. Currently set up w 11??s; action is GREAT! No buzzes on fingerboard. Volume and tone controls work without any issues. OHSC. Very nice guitar; made famous by John Lennon of the Beatles. Payment Method PayPal Only. Lower 48 States. Absolutely No International Buyers
Local pick up only.... more
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Used Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard - Factory Burst

Used Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard - Factory Burst

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1039


Used Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard - Factory Burst
A used Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard. This is a showroom model that has seen almost no use and is in fantastic condition. The guitar will ship with all original factory documentation and packaging. Additionally, before shipment our luthiers will provide a professional inspection and full setup, so it arrives ready to play. If you have any questions about this instrument or any of our great gear, please send us a message!
... more
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1982 Epiphone Spirit II USA Electric Guitar Body, Hull, Carcass Vintage Sunburst

1982 Epiphone Spirit II USA Electric Guitar Body, Hull, Carcass Vintage Sunburst

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

NOTE: This guitar was only parted out due to it not being all original. It played excellent, all pots, switch and truss rod operate properly. All this needs is a set of pickups and tuning pegs to be perfectly playable. No headstock or neck joint issue or repairs
1982 Epiphone Spirit II USA Electric Guitar Body, Hull, Carcass Project
Vintage Sunburst
Weight: 6 Pounds, 13 Ounces as you see it
60s Neck Profile
Comes With: Original Pots, Switch (all still wired) Original 70s / 80s ... more
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Washburn HB-30 Hollow Body Electric Guitar and Vintage Epiphone Case.

Washburn HB-30 Hollow Body Electric Guitar and Vintage Epiphone Case.

Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 639**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$648

Hollow body electric, played well. Sounds and looks great. The case has some wear and tear on the outside but it??s a hard case and it??s cultured / traveled with personality. I can always send more pictures of either. Ask for more if you want. I??m trying to upload a video of playing it but so far it hasn??t worked.... more
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Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar Mint Condition!

Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar Mint Condition!

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

$1000

For sale is a Epiphone 1959 ES-355 electric Semi Hollowbody electric guitar with original Hardshell Case in Mint Condition. Classic White finish, Ebony fretboard. Gorgeous guitar.
Shipping in the Continental United States only. This guitar is also available for local pickup at my shop in North Eastern Pennsylvania, 18643. Message me with questions. Thanks for looking!... more
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Epiphone Les Paul Standard 1960 Inch Sunburst Guitar Empty Husk Repaired

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 1960 Inch Sunburst Guitar Empty Husk Repaired

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

Up for sale is an Epiphone Les Paul Inspired by Gibson Standard 1960 empty husk. It was cracked at the nut and repaired. It was glued with Titebond and is totally solid. There's no movement. The repaired area is smooth to the touch. The frets are excellent. The truss rod functions fine and the neck holds true under string tension. The overall finish is very clean. Just what is shown is included. I will ship well packaged in a proper box  Thanks for looking and please ask any questions. ... more
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Epiphone ES-339 Semi-Hollow - Blonde Dot Neck with Epi Case-Brand New Condition

Epiphone ES-339 Semi-Hollow - Blonde Dot Neck with Epi Case-Brand New Condition

Redondo Beach, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

This is a Beautiful Pre-Owned Blonde Epiphone ES-339 in Brand New Condition All the tone and feel of a 335 with a slightly smaller and more comfortable body
The body Top, Back and Sides, are Layered Maple in a Beautiful Blonde Gloss Finish It has Single-Ply Cream Binding Top and Back The Hand Rolled Bound Neck is Mahogany with a Rosewood Fingerboard It has (22) Medium Frets in Brand New Condition The Dot Inlays are Faux Abalone The Neck Shape is a very comfortable Medium "C" The Pickups ... more
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1999 Epiphone USA Collection John Lennon Limited Edition 1965 Casino Sunburst

1999 Epiphone USA Collection John Lennon Limited Edition 1965 Casino Sunburst

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4599

This listing is for a
1998-1999 Epiphone USA John Lennon Limited Edition 1965 Casino in mint condition
Serial #328393
It is completely original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case, COA and hangtags. Not to be confused with the later (and lesser) "Inspired By" line of Lennon instruments, this top-tier Casino was born of an agreement between Gibson USA and Yoko Ono, limited to 1965 instruments worldwide
To create this faithful iteration ... 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