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EPIPHONE | ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC GUITARS | CASINO

Epiphone Casino E230T / E230TD

Thinline semi acoustic electric guitar

Epiphone Casino (1960s) | 1980s Reissue | Casino timeline
1967 Cherry Epiphone Casino - E230TDC A vintage Epiphone Casino from 1967, Cherry finish - E230TDC.
Photo ©2007 Andy Brauer
Model Casino E230T / E230TD
Available 1961-69
Pickups One or two single coil dog-ear P90
Scale 24 3/4"
Body Maple top sides, bound. 16" wide (lower bout), 19" long, 1 3/4" thick
Neck One-piece set mahogany with binding, rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot (1961) or parallelogram (1962-69) inlays. 22 frets.
Hardware Tune-o-matic bridge. Tailpiece is either a trapeze, Frequensator or Tremotone vibrola.
Finishes Shaded/Sunburst, Royal Tan, Cherry from 1967

The Epiphone range of the 1960s consisted of several guitars based on the pre-Gibson Stathopoulos-era guitars, and a number closely resembling the Gibson guitars of the same time; all were produced in the same factory in Kalamazoo, MI, USA. The Casino had no pre-Gibson equivalent, and corresponds to the Gibson ES-330 launched the previous year, having the same dimensions and construction, but with different headstock shape and (sometimes) tailpiece. Like the 330, the Casino had a completely hollow body, i.e. without the center maple block present in the 335 / 345 etc. Two variants were available, the single pickup E230T, and the dual pickup E230TD. Both were fitted with P90 pickups (single coil), again just like the ES-330. Initially these had a black bakelite cover, changing to nickel and then chrome-plated brass as the decade wore on.

The 1961 models came equipped with the Tremotone vibrato, which was optional by 1962. The Frequensator tailpiece was used on a number of models - the point being that it would lengthen either the three thickest or three thinnest strings, maximising treble and bass response.

The Beatles famous rooftop performance
John Lennon with stripped Epiphone Casino

The most famous Casino users were Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, and John Lennon and George Harrison of the Beatles, who were given a pair of Casinos in 1965. Both had a sunburst finish, George's had a Bigsby vibrato, whilst John's had a stop tailpiece. Not surprisingly the two years following this were the highest in terms of sales for this model. It was Lennon's of course that had the most use; he was widely pictured with it, and used it extensively live and in the studio. He went on to have the Sunburst finish removed in 1968; stripped down to natural maple. Epiphone make two John Lennon signature Epiphone Casinos - one based on the unstripped 1965 model, and one, the 'Revolution' Casino based on the stripped instrument. Epiphone engineers studied the original guitar to get these signature instruments as exact as possible.

Epiphone Casino vintage advertising

The Casino was more widely promoted in the UK in the 1960s than the US.

Electric guitar advertisements originally published from 1963 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Epiphone advertisements

Epiphone Casino - Give Me the Simple Life... and a Great Guitar

Epiphone Casino - Give Me the Simple Life... and a Great Guitar (1963)
Summer 1963 advertisement for Epiphone guitars, featuring Al Caiola. Caiola was a bandleader, session musician, jazz and pop guitarist who had his own Epiphone signature thinline ' Al Caiola' guita...
[more]

Epiphone Casino - These are instruments that go to the top

Epiphone Casino - These are instruments that go to the top (1964)
British advertisement for Epiphone guitars - placed in UK publication Beat Instrumental by distributor Rosetti in November 1964. The guitars featured represent some of the hollow and semi-hollow gu...
[more]

Epiphone Casino - More and More People Every Day Find Us Just That Little Bit Better - In Every Way

Epiphone Casino - More and More People Every Day Find Us Just That Little Bit Better - In Every Way (1966)
Epiphone (seen 'em on TV lately?). Late 1966 advert from British music magazine Beat Instrumental placed by UK Epiphone distributor Rosetti. The instruments shown were some of the more popular guit...
[more]

Epiphone Casino - Epiphone - world famous quality since 1873

Epiphone Casino - Epiphone - world famous quality since 1873 (1976)
1976 relaunch of the Epiphone Casino from Japanese music magazine Music Life. This is the first of the Epiphone reissues of 1960s instruments, and although never reissued, it also shows a 1960s Epi...
[more]

Epiphone Casino shipping statistics

The earliest Epiphone catalogue to feature the Casino (1961) lists just the single (E230T) and double (E230TD) pickup models - with vibrola as standard. These shipping figures suggest that non-vibrola models were shipped later in the same year. Early finishes were Royal Tan and Shaded (sunburst), and figures do not differentiate between the two. From 1967 Cherry became available (C), and Royal Tan was given the designation RT. From '67 models with no colour code were Shaded

 double pickupsingle pickup 
 E230TDE230TDVE230TDCE230TDVCE230TDRTE230TE230TVTOTAL
1961176153   110 439
1962113211   4512381
1963140169   5215376
1964384235   9715731
1965392305   12828853
1966899456   218821655
19674844543633643910821814
19681861297770 6 468
19697829 33   140
Total28522141440467397641546857

The Casino shipped relatively well in relation to other models, but only about a quarter of the number of the Gibson ES-330s over the same period.

Epiphone Casino catalogue appearances

Epiphone 1961 full line catalog
1961 'guitars, basses, amplifiers' catalogue
The 1961 description mentions humbuckers rather than the single coil P90s more usually associated with the Casino. This anomaly is corrected for the 1962 catalogue
Powerful humbucking pickups with individually adjustable polepieces provide clear tone and wonderful sustain
Epiphone 1962 full line catalog
1962 'guitars, basses, amplifiers' catalogue

Brilliant new guitars in a wide range of finishes - dramatic in appearance and tonal qualities. Ultra-modern, thin-body, double cutaway styling in single and double pickup models - with or without trem-o-tone vibrato
Epiphone 1964 full line catalog
1964 full line catalogue

This is the first catalogue to show the Casino in colour
Epiphone 1966 full line catalog
1966 full line catalogue

Today the electric Spanish guitar is found everywhere... orchestras, combos, jazz bands and as a featured solo instrument. Epiphone electric Spanish guitars suit the need of every player, from the top professional, to the semi-pro, to the amateur

Epiphone Casino reissues

1982 Epiphone Casino reissue1982 Epiphone Casino reissue

Epiphone production ceased at the USA Kalamazoo plant in 1969, and production moved to Matsumoku in Japan. The final list price for the American-made Casino (June 1968) was $395 - $425 (depending on finish and tailpiece). The new Japanese range had no direct equivalent to the Casino; in fact just one thinline electric acoustic guitar was offered, replacing all models, with an uninspiring model designation #5102. But with an October 1970 list price of just $115, this bolt-on neck guitar went a long way in filling the gap for entry level electric acoustics.

As the 70s wore on, reissues of some of the more popular Epiphone models started to appear, though not always with worldwide availability. A good copy of the Casino was advertised in the Japanese press as early as 1976 (see advert), though it was not until 1982 that these became widely available in the United States. These reissues were very close in looks and functionality to the originals, and even had the set neck lacking in earlier Japanese-built Epiphones; though there were some key differences, most notably the pickups under the chrome dogear covers were actually humbuckers rather than single coil P90s. Furthermore the mahogany neck was now a three-piece maple laminate.

Due to the patronage of the likes of the Beatles and Stones, the Casino has today become as iconic an instrument as the Flying V or Les Paul. It is now mass produced in Korea and China, with a very small price tag - at least compared to the original. But there are numerous Casino variants available; other than the basic models, there are more upmarket 'elitist' guitars and the respectable John Lennon signature versions mentioned above.

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1984 Epiphone Casino Vintage Guitar Antique Violin w /  Gibson Case, Japan

1984 Epiphone Casino Vintage Guitar Antique Violin w / Gibson Case, Japan

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

Up for sale, a 1984 Epiphone Casino in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with a vintage Gibson hardshell case. Produced in Japan at the Matsumoku factory, this early Epiphone reissue faithfully captures pre-1964 Casino specs with a full 1 11 / 16?? nut width
An Epiphone produced decades before the ??Elitist?? line was introduced, this Casino has a smooth and lively acoustic tone with plenty of warmth faithfully captured by the stock Maxon-made dogear P-90 pickups. ... more
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Classic 1985 Epiphone Casino - Vintage Sunburst - Made in Japan (Matsumoto) EXC!

Classic 1985 Epiphone Casino - Vintage Sunburst - Made in Japan (Matsumoto) EXC!

Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2275

1985 Epiphone Casino SB (Sunburst)
Beautiful Example - Get Back! John Lennon Vibes
Made in Japan (Matsumoto)
Serial: #5043021
Weight: 6 pounds 12 oz's
Nut: 1 68
Thickness of the Neck at the 1st Fret is .79 and .97 at the 12th
Comes w Original Case Pictured
$$ Professionally setup for optimal tone and playability Truly Stage or Studio Ready! (Including Fret Work, Intonation, Truss Rod and Action)... more
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Epiphone USA Collection John Lennon Signature "1965" Casino 1998-2000 Sunburst

Epiphone USA Collection John Lennon Signature "1965" Casino 1998-2000 Sunburst

Santa Clarita, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4499

Epiphone Casino John Lennon USA Edition "1965" Sunburst. This is number 1, 556 of the limited combined production of 1, 965 Lennon style replicas made between 1998 and 2001. I purchased this rare beauty brand new from Musician's Friend in early 2001. It has spent most of its life in its custom case with the Lennon stencil which came with the guitar. The guitar was made to the original specifications of John's 1965 Casino. Weighs in at a super light 6 pounds, 0 7 ounces. Case candy includes... more
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Vintage 1967 Epiphone e230td Casino

Vintage 1967 Epiphone e230td Casino

Beaumont, Texas, 777**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000

57 year old vintage electric guitar. Amazing condition considering it??s age. Everything works including the knobs, the electronics, and the hardware. Original case and whammy bar. Sure to exceed all expectations.
... more
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1967 Epiphone Casino Vintage Electric Guitar

1967 Epiphone Casino Vintage Electric Guitar

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8695

1967 Epiphone Casino, Stunning Sunburst Finish, Two P-90Pickups with Chrome covers, Beautiful Rosewood fingerboard with Pearl inlays, Vibrola, Original Kluson tuners, Light weight, Sought after, Fine instrument! EC+, Original hard case
... more
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Epiphone 50th Anniversary 1961 Casino E230TDV - Limited Edition - Sunburst

Epiphone 50th Anniversary 1961 Casino E230TDV - Limited Edition - Sunburst

Bellingham, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1795

Epiphone 50th Anniversary 1961 Casino E230TDV - Limited Edition - Sunburst Epiphone 50th Anniversary 1961 Casino E230TDV - Limited Edition - Sunburst
This is a 2011 Epiphone 50th Anniversary 1961 Casino E230TDV in sunburst finish   This is from a limited edition run of 1961 guitars made (this is #116) and very few of those ... more
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Vintage 1968 Epiphone Casino E230TD w /  Case - Cherry 080724

Vintage 1968 Epiphone Casino E230TD w / Case - Cherry 080724

Maumee, Ohio, 435**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6300

This item is in very good condition. There is general wear that is to be expected from a 56 year old instrument. There is a spot of buckle rash on the back. Includes original Gibson hard shell case
... more
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1966 Epiphone Casino Olive Drab Hollowbody Refin w / Bag

1966 Epiphone Casino Olive Drab Hollowbody Refin w / Bag

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

$6995

1966 Epiphone Casino
This Guitar Is Located At IVG Burbank
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Professionally Refinished In Olive Drab Nitrocellulose Lacquer With Original Serial Number Intact
Wiring Harness Replaced With Original Included (See Photos)
All Parts Otherwise Original
Made In USA
Laminated Maple Hollowbody
ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge With Trapeze Tailpiece
Dual Dogear P-90 Pickups With Chrome Covers
Double-Line Kluson Deluxe ... more
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Vintage 1970s EPIPHONE EA-255 (MIJ / Matsumoku) CASINO Thinline Hollow Body Guitar

Vintage 1970s EPIPHONE EA-255 (MIJ / Matsumoku) CASINO Thinline Hollow Body Guitar

Nacogdoches, Texas, 759**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$675

Up for consideration is a nice late 1970s Epi ES-255 Casino, with a stop tailpiece mod. While not the traditional Casino -- i e., fully hollow body with Dog Ear P90s, this guitar is fully hollow beneath the HB pickups, but then it has a solid wood block beneath the bridge, which was just big enough to install a USA stop tailpiece in chrome. These guitars were made from 1976-1979 in Japan by Matsumoko, as an upscale version of the earlier EA-250 casino, with gold parts and a laminated walnut ... more
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Epiphone USA Collection John Lennon ??1965?? Casino Vintage Sunburst w / OHSC, No 73

Epiphone USA Collection John Lennon ??1965?? Casino Vintage Sunburst w / OHSC, No 73

Leeds, LS11***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3459

Epiphone USA Collection John Lennon ??1965?? Casino Vintage Sunburst w / OHSC, No 734
Up for grabs is a clean Epiphone US-Made John Lennon ??1965?? Casino in a Vintage Sunburst finish, complete with its original hardcase??though, unfortunately, the Certificate of Authenticity is not included
In November 1997, a team of engineers from Epiphone and Gibson visited "The Dakota" in Manhattan to examine John's Epiphone Casino. During the examination, measurements were carefully performed, body ... more
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1962 Epiphone CASINO - E230T Single pickup model in Sunburst Finish

1962 Epiphone CASINO - E230T Single pickup model in Sunburst Finish

London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4350


NEW KINGS ROAD VINTAGE GUITAR EMPORIUM, EUROPE'S PREMIER VINTAGE GUITAR RETAILER ARE DELIGHTED TO BE ABLE TO OFFER FOR SALE THIS
1962 EPIPHONE CASINO - E230T SINGLE P / UP SUNBURST
Such a great playing little guitar, even unplugged it really sings. Showing quite a few battle scars, weather checking, and chips and dings to the body, back of the neck and headstock. Some discolouration to either side of the back of headstock, looks like it's been on a guitar wall hanger for ... more
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RARE VINTAGE 1966 EPIPHONE E230TD CASINO SEMI HOLLOW ELECTRIC GUITAR SUNBURST

RARE VINTAGE 1966 EPIPHONE E230TD CASINO SEMI HOLLOW ELECTRIC GUITAR SUNBURST

East Chinnock, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22***, UNITED KINGDOM

£580

This is a rare and stunning vintage Epiphone E230TD Casino electric guitar in rosewood, WITH ORIGINAL CASE, dating back to 1966.
The guitar features a semi-hollow body type and a beautiful sunburst body colour.
Made famous by McCartney / Lennon with rare beautiful is made even more special with the rare tremolo arm attachment.
I have tried to honestly photograph every blemish / mark expected of a guitar this age, and with regards the case I can imagine the 'fluid stains' would ... more
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Find more Epiphone Casino for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 5 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Derek See Comment left 26th February 2018 09:09:00 reply
John's Casino did not/ does not have a stop tailpiece (impossible on a guitar without a center block), but a trapeze tailpiece.
Murray Comment left 11th December 2016 05:05:56 reply
I have a Epiphone Casino 230 TD. In cherry No. 830000. I cannot remember what year it was made. I am thinking of selling it. I hurt my left hand and can't play anymore. Can you tel me what year it was made and what it might be worth. Thanks Murray
Vintage Guitar and Bass Comment left 17th April 2017 19:07:51 reply
Hi Murray, it is hard to be precise without a closer examination of your guitar, but I would suggest 1967/68. Value depends on condition, completeness etc, and most importantly where you offer it for sale, and how quickly you wish to sell. So again impossible to say. A '67 Casino could sell for anywhere between $2000 and $4000, depending on all the criteria above.
Pat Comment left 13th November 2012 08:08:17 reply
I've got a 1970s Epiphone Casino in fair condition. Anyone know what thesr guitars typically go for?
johnny lightyear Comment left 21st September 2012 14:02:03 reply
hey vintage guitar website 1962 Epiphone Casino Kalamazoo Gibson made one pickup version E230T I need a valuation by email are you a dealer?

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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

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1961 Hofner Colorama I

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1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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1960 Hofner Colorama II

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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1981 Gibson Marauder

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1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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1961 Hohner Zambesi

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1963 Vox Super Ace

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1966 Vox New Escort

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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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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 catalogHagstrom 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 PresidentThe 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.