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Vintage Fender Guitars

Guitars, basses and amps made by Fender

Vintage Fender guitars

Vintage Fender guitars for sale in a vintage guitar store

Fender, or the Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company, as it was properly known, was started in 1946, in Fullerton, California, by Leo Fender. The early designs effectively wrote the book on the solid body guitar manufacture; his approach of simple guitars using quality parts, easily assembled (most specifically the replaceable neck) proved an immediate sauces. Guitars like the Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar and Precision bass have barely changed since their very first inception; Fender simply got it right first time round.

Along with Gibson, Fender was probably one of the best known guitar manufacturers in the world. They were right at the forefront of the guitar boom of the 1950s and 60s, and have managed to maintain leading positions ever since.

However, these two companies were not always in as direct competition as might be assumed; yes they both made guitars, basses and amplifiers, but both tended to play to their strengths; Gibson's expertise was it's luthiery; they stuck to high end electric-acoustics, semi-acoustics and skillfully made solid bodies, whilst Fender excelled at electronics; they made amplifiers and easily built solid body basses and guitars.

Fender guitars

1953 Fender advertisement for the Telecaster guitar, Precision bass, Twin and Bassman amplifiers
1953 Fender advertisement for the Telecaster guitar, Precision bass, Twin and Bassman amplifiers. See more vintage Fender adverts

Gibson did not take Fender too seriously at first; Fender were just an amplifier company that made a few guitars. They didn't regard the solid-body Broadcaster launched in 1950 as a serious musical instrument, lacking the depth of tone of a Gibson electric-acoustic. But music was changing, guitarists wanted different sounds, and music was getting louder. Fenders instruments proved to be more appropriate for the emerging musical scenes. Over the next decade Fender created a number of solid-body guitars that defined genres. Guitars like the Stratocaster, Telecaster and Precision and Jazz basses proved to be exceptionally popular and have stayed in production ever since.

Others came and went, but still very nice guitars: the Electric XII, Coronado and Starcaster for example.

But of course the biggest sellers would always be the lower priced models, the Mustang, Duo-Sonic, Musicmaster and Bronco

You could argue that it was the Stratocaster wielding Jimi Hendrix that was the biggest advertisement for Fender guitars; after seeing, and hearing one in the hands of Jimi, a lot of guitarists, including Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton swapped to a strat!

Fender bass guitars

Fender invented the solid body electric bass, and have made a variety of different models. Like the guitars they were exceptionally simple; typically an ash body, with a bolt-on maple neck and single coil pickups. Simple, but very well-done simple. Read more about Fender bass guitars here.

Fender amplifiers

Older Fender amplifiers have a great reputation and still have a lot of users today. Vintage Fender valve amps like the Fender Bassman, Fender Deluxe and Fender Twin Reverb are really highly regarded guitar amplifiers, offering rich vintage tones that modern amps can't easily replicate, both for live and studio use.

Latest Fender Updates

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.
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!
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.
1969 Fender Mustang bass, Competition Red finish The Mustang bass debuted in 1966 as (along with the Coronado) Fender's first shortscale bass, however the Competition finishes were not seen until 1969. It was effectively the same instrument, with sports stripes, and initially a matching coloured headstock. The competition colours were Red, Orange and Blue (although blue was officially called Burgundy). Have a closer look at this 1969 Fender and check out the soundclips through various vintage amplifiers.
1973 Fender Musicmaster bassPictures, description and soundclips from a 1973 Fender Musicmaster bass. The Musicmaster bass changed very little between it's introduction in 1970, and it's deletion in the early 1980s. Although often regarded as a student bass, the Musicmaster was of high enough quality, both in terms of components and build, to sell to student guitarists and more advanced players looking for an affordable shortscale bass.
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Fender guitars for sale

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Fender ® Stratocaster  ~  Mary Kaye White  ~  Custom Built Guitar.

Fender ® Stratocaster ~ Mary Kaye White ~ Custom Built Guitar.

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

A Guitar that plays like a dream, and looks like a dream. Selling for less than I should
Previous owners notes,

I build, repair, and modify electric guitars. Among my occupational hazards is a tendency to collect electric guitars. I have run out of room to store my guitars and am selling many of them as a result

All of these guitars are technically used. I take good care of my guitars so they are in generally excellent condition. Please view my other auctions
I ... more
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1959 Fender Duo Sonic w /  Original Hardshell Case

1959 Fender Duo Sonic w / Original Hardshell Case

Framingham, Massachusetts, 017**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

1959 Fender Duo Sonic Electric Guitar (USED)
Our Notes: This guitar comes to us from a customer whose husband passed away recently and we are selling some of his instruments on her and her family??s behalf. This is a 1959 Fender Duo-Sonic featuring some unoriginal hardware. There is a pencil marked date code on the end of the neck which reads ??1-59?? indicating this guitar was made in 1959. First, the body appears to have been repainted at some point. Guitars of this model and year should ... more
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Vintage 1973 Fender Telecaster Blonde w /  Original Hardshell Case

Vintage 1973 Fender Telecaster Blonde w / Original Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4999

Vintage original 1973 Fender Telecaster in stunning original Blonde finish
With a real 1950s vibe, this '73 Tele is a killer sounding and playing example that is very clean and looks amazing
Original pickups are warm and strong with classic vintage tele tones
Guitar is just under 8 and 1 / 2 pounds
Guitar is completely original with the exception of one of the tone pot which is changed to a newer one. The volume pot is dated '73, and the serial number dates the guitar to '73 ... more
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fender stratocaster usa 1974

fender stratocaster usa 1974

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

$4462

fender stratocaster usa 1974. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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1955 Fender Stratocaster See through Blonde

1955 Fender Stratocaster See through Blonde

Encinitas, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$23500

Greetings!!
For sale is an incredible 1955 Fender Stratocaster
Beautiful see through blonde over ash restored by Joe Riggio This guitar is absolutely incredible
It plays effortlessly and the pickups are absolutley phenominal with loads of response and sparkling clarity
At some point different tuners were installed but originals are back on and extra holes fille. An extra string tree hole was also filled
Really REALLY nice neck profile on this one as well
1 volume pot ... more
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1961 Fender Jazzmaster Pre-CBS Vintage Guitar Blonde Ash, One-Piece Body w /  Case

1961 Fender Jazzmaster Pre-CBS Vintage Guitar Blonde Ash, One-Piece Body w / Case

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

$8500

Up for sale, a 1961 Fender Jazzmaster in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. A unique vintage example with a one-piece ash body, this Jazzmaster was re-necked at the Fender factory in 1963, as evidenced by the unique markings Fender made in this era with the tip of a soldering iron, present in the neck pocket. This Fender factory re-neck job was clearly done on a tight timeline with just the word "rush" marked in the pocket
Complete with vintage ... more
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1962 Fender Stratocaster Olympic White Refin Pre-CBS w / HSC

1962 Fender Stratocaster Olympic White Refin Pre-CBS w / HSC

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

$21995

1962 Fender Stratocaster In Olympic White Finish
This Guitar Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Older Professional Body Refinish In Nitrocellulose Lacquer Shows Natural Checking Throughout
Professionally Refretted With Era-Correct Size Fretwire
Cosmetic Headstock Cracks Near Tuners As Shown
Aged Reissue Mint Green Pickguard
Original Black Bottom Pickups
Original Cloth Wiring And Electronics
Stackpole Pots Date To 18th ... more
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Original Fender Stratocaster 1973

Original Fender Stratocaster 1973

Kittredge, Colorado, 804**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5200

Original Fender Stratocaster 1973
There is no more famous guitar than the Stratocaster and this one??s a beauty with a natural finish and one little ding
... more
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Vintage! 1977 Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar Black + OHSC

Vintage! 1977 Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar Black + OHSC

Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495



Vintage! 1977 Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar Black + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1977 Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar with a Black Finish! Keith Richards and Rich Robinson fans rejoice! This 1977 Fender Tele Custom has seen it all, with decades of natural wear to prove it. The combination of the original wide range hum bucker and the traditional single coil bridge pickup is remarkably versatile, allowing for ... more
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1983 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster Olympic White

1983 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster Olympic White

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

Just in is this beautiful 1983 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster
Quick Details
Weight 9 0lbs
Nut Width 1 65 "
Depth at 1st fret 0 85
Depth at 12th fret 0 93
This is at the tale end of the Original Dan Smith Stratocasters before changing to an inferior tremolo and 2 knob model design with input jack on the pickguard
These models are becoming more and more rare and are hard to find in Olympic white and as clean as this particular one
The finish has started to slightly ... more
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Used Fender 70th Anniversary American Vintage II 1954 Stratocaster - Sunburst

Used Fender 70th Anniversary American Vintage II 1954 Stratocaster - Sunburst

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2079


Used Fender 70th Anniversary American Vintage II 1954 Stratocaster - 2-Color Sunburst
A used Fender 70th Anniversary American Vintage II 1954 Strat. 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 ... more
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Vintage 1968 Fender Mustang Red w /  Original Hard Case

Vintage 1968 Fender Mustang Red w / Original Hard Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3199

Vintage original 1968 Fender Mustang in original Red finish
A real nice example that is pretty clean for the age. Original red finish is unfaded and nice and vibrant
Has that vintage 1960s look
Neck date is 16 MAR 68 B. Neck is nice and straight and plays well all the way up and down, no buzz or issue. Tremolo works great and guitar stays in tune.
Original pickup controls are on and off and out of phase making for a real wide variety of tones
A classic vintage Mustang... more
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62 AVRl   Fender Jaguar tortoise  Pickguard  USA Celluloid  Reissue only

'62 AVRl Fender Jaguar tortoise Pickguard USA Celluloid Reissue only

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

$119

AVRI Reissue Fender Jaguar celluloid / nitrate pickguard / For American Vintage Reissue's Jaguars Made in the USA / Will not fit the pre cbs and 60's 70's original Jaguars only the USA reissue's This old reissue is the perfect replacement for your USA AVR JaguarBeautiful tortoise pattern / Period correct wide bevel , truss rod scoopColor looks different in different lighting / This guard will only fit the reissue JaguarsPlease check out the picturesThank you for looking
... more
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1966-67 Fender Musical Instruments Catalog 30 Pages Vintage With 50th Anv Pick

1966-67 Fender Musical Instruments Catalog 30 Pages Vintage With 50th Anv Pick

Loveland, Colorado, 805**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

Catalog was well taken care of I will call I pristine condition no Rips no tears no folding of corners etc comes with a really cool 50th anniversary vendor guitar pick
... more
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LEFTY! Vintage 1985 Fender Stratocaster Strat Electric left Handed Guitar Relic

LEFTY! Vintage 1985 Fender Stratocaster Strat Electric left Handed Guitar Relic

Littleton, Colorado, 801**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

The serial number E801232 on a Fender Stratocaster indicates that the guitar was manufactured in Japan (headstock says made in USA there is a 50 / 50 shot it was, the 80??s were a weird time for Fender- to say it nicely- during the 1980s. Specifically, the "E" prefix generally denotes a production date between 1984 and 1987. For this serial number, it's likely that the guitar was made in the mid-to-late 1980s, around 1985 or 1986. Fender Japan guitars from this period are known ... more
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Fender Squier Bullet 1 Sunburst Electric Guitar Japan Made 1980s

Fender Squier Bullet 1 Sunburst Electric Guitar Japan Made 1980s

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

$440

ebay template Fender Squier Bullet 1 Sunburst Electric Guitar Japan Made 1980s




Description


Used
This guitar is nice for its age. There is cosmetic wear from being played, and a layer of paint is chipped off by the top guitar strap holder. This guitar has been professionally set up and gone through, And just got back from the shop, and it's ready to play
... more
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1974 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Electric Guitar Sunburst w /  Case, Hangtag

1974 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Electric Guitar Sunburst w / Case, Hangtag

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

$5300

Up for sale, a 1974 Fender Stratocaster in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case and the original inspection hangtag. Featuring an alder body and one-piece maple neck, this Strat has a natural acoustic tone that offers an overarching balance and liveliness with a glassy treble cut. Plugged in, the trio of staggered pole gray bobbin single coil pickups excel at delivering a range of traditional Strat tonalities. The bridge pickup offers bite and sparkle,... more
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Fender Stratocaster 1962 Natural Slaboard / veneer Transition month

Fender Stratocaster 1962 Natural Slaboard / veneer Transition month

Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

For sale an amazing fender stratocaster dated July 1962, as you can see on the photo the Brazilian rosewood fretboard touches the truss rod slightly making this guitar a transition from slaboard to veneer which happened between June and July 1962, also this strat was stripped to natural from its original factory custom fiesta red colour and never refinished. All parts plastic and hardware are original except for new frets done long time ago and still in great shape, no buzzing whatsoever and a ... more
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Ocean Turquoise Repainted Fender Music Master 1960s made [SN 45535] Plays Great

Ocean Turquoise Repainted Fender Music Master 1960s made [SN 45535] Plays Great

Lynchburg, Virginia, 245**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000


Up for sale is a
Ocean Turquoise Repainted Fender Music Master 1960s made [SN 45535] Plays Great
Please see the pictures for a more detailed view of the items condition
We stand behind everything we do 100%. Please ask us any question. Everything pictured is included in the listing
If you are going to pick the item up at our store please mark the item as "local pick-up" when paying.
* Internationally buyers, Our shipping charge does not cover, and has absolutely nothing to... more
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Used Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom - Black w /  Maple FB

Used Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom - Black w / Maple FB

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2040

ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer
Used Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster... more
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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

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

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

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

1966 Hagstrom guitar 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.