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FENDER | MUSICMASTER

Fender Musicmaster electric guitar

Six string short scale solid-body

1958 Fender catalogue

The three-quarter size Fender Musicmaster debuted in 1956, as a new student model in the Fender solid body range. It was joined shortly afterwards by a dual pickup companion model, the Duo-Sonic. Although these 'student' guitars were shorter scale than the Fender standard (22 1/2" vs 25"), they were not 'student' in terms of build quality - in fact very much in line with the Fender professional models such as the Telecaster and Stratocaster. The 1950s Fender Musicmaster was described as three quarter size, but the difference in size was not so great: Fender also suggested these models for more established players with smaller hands. But in truth, most experienced guitarists wanting to play widely spaced chords or the extra speed afforded by closer frets would chose the dual pickup Duo-Sonic - assuming price was not an issue!

Fender always believed that if beginner guitarists chose Fender, they would more likely continue playing Fender guitars as they got older. This fact was demonstrated on the cover of the 1958 'Down Beat' brochure - an adult plays a Fender Stratocaster, whilst a child looks on, Fender Musicmaster in hand. As Fender put it in the 1976 catalog "Begin with a Musicmaster, and graduate to stardom!".

The Musicmaster was clearly a success, remaining in continuous production until 1982.

Fender Musicmaster, 1956-1964

1958 Fender Musicmaster Image Heritage auctions

The Fender Musicmaster in the 1958 Fender catalog
The Fender Musicmaster in the 1958 Fender catalog, alongside the Fender Harvard amplifier

The early Musicmaster, though well-built, was a very simple instrument. Just a single coil pickup in the neck position with one one and one volume control. Bodies were typically Ash, and later alder, finished in a light creamy color: Desert Sand, with a rather fetching gold anodized aluminium scratchplate. Simple, but effective. Necks had 21 fret maple fretboards with Fender's clay dot position markers.

The Fender Musicmaster in the 1960 Fender catalog
The updated Musicmaster in the 1960 Fender catalog, with the Fender Deluxe amp

As with most guitars with a long production run, the Musicmaster was subject to subtle changes in specification over the years. The first remodelling came in 1959: the most obvious changes being the addition of Sunburst as a finish option, and a new rosewood fretboard. The gold aluminium pickguard was replaced by single ply white plastic, and pickup covers changed from white to black. The new version Musicmaster can be seen in the 1960 Fender brochure.

Fender Musicmaster, 1964-1982

The next major update came in 1964. Fender redesigned both the Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic in line with the brand new Fender Mustang. All three models had the same new body shape, and a choice of the old 3/4 size 22 1/2" neck, or a longer 24" neck. The differences between the guitars were purely related to hardware: a single pickup for the Musicmaster, two pickups for the Duo-Sonic and Mustang, and a tremolo for the Mustang. Each model had a new bridge, without cover. The three guitars were all offered in the same three finishes: Red, White or Blue. Interestingly, the list price was reduced (slightly) from $129.50 to $126 at this time - for either scale neck.

1965 Fender Musicmaster Image Heritage auctions

1970 Fender Musicmaster from the 1970 Fender catalogue

Fender Facts 8

The final redesign of the Duo-Sonic and Musicmaster was described in the November 1964 edition of Fender newsletter Fender Facts

Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic Improved

The Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic have recently undergone changes which we believe their performance and appearance. The bodies of both instruments are now contoured similar to that of the Mustang. They are available in red, white or blue finishes with either a 22 1/2 or 24 inch neck.
Both guitars have a full range tone control and in addition, the Duo-Sonic is provided with a three-position switch for each pickup. The middle position turns the pickups off and tone changes will be made on either side of the off position. Eight different tone selections are therefor available, plus the normal tone and volume controls.
The Duo-Sonic dual pickup and Musicmaster single pickup 3/4 or regular size guitars are truly outstanding instruments in their price range and will provide top performance and appearance.


Fender Musicmaster Timeline

1956

Model launch. 22 1/2" scale Desert Sand finish. Maple fretboard, gold pickguard

1957

1957 (February) price: $119.50

1958

1958 Fender catalogue

The 1958 Fender 'Down Beat' catalogue shows a child having a guitar lesson on his Fender Musicmaster.

1959

Plastic single ply scratchplate, rosewood fretboard

1960

1960 Fender catalogue

1960 (July) price: $129.50

1961

1961 (July) price: $129.50

1962

1962 (September) price: $129.50

1963

1963 Fender catalogue

1963 (July) price: $129.50

1964

1964 Fender catalogue

1964 (April) price: $129.50. Mid 1964 publicity describe two finish options: white (with black pickguard) or red mahogany (with white pickguard).

Fender Facts 8 - November 1964

Fender Facts 8 (November, 1964) announces the 'Improved' Musicmaster

Late 1964: the Fender Musicmaster is redesigned and brought into line with the new Fender Mustang. 22 1/2" or 24" scale necks now available. Red, White and Blue finishes now available.

1965

1965 Fender catalogue

1965 (December) price: $126 (case $34 extra)

1966

1966 Fender catalogue

1966 (February, July) price: $126 (case $34 extra)

1967

1967 (June, October) price: $126 (case $35 extra)

1968

1968 Fender catalogue

1968 (March, July) price: $134.50 (case $35 extra)

1969

1969 Fender catalogue

1969 (May) price: $154.50 (case $37.50 extra)

1970

1970 Fender catalogue

1970 (April) price: $162.50. Finishes Red (515), White (516), Blue (517)

1971

1971 (January) price: $162.50 (case $39.50 extra)

1972

1972 Fender catalogue

1972 (February) price: $162.50 (case $31/$39.50 extra)

1973

1973 (June) price: $162.50 (case $31/$39.50 extra)

1974

1974 (December) price: $180 (case $34/$45 extra)

Two examples of the Fender Musicmaster from the 1976 Fender catalog

1976

The 1976 Fender catalogue just lists two finish options for the Musicmaster: Black or White. Note both are fitted with a black scratchplate

1977

1977 (December) price: $220 ($250 with case). Black or White finishes only

1981

Wine and Black finishes only

1982

Model discontinued

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Fender Musicmaster guitars for sale

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1964 Fender Musicmaster a cool Desert Sand w / a Rosewood clay dot neck Killer !

1964 Fender Musicmaster a cool Desert Sand w / a Rosewood clay dot neck Killer !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495

This is one of the coolest small guitars that??s an original Musicmaster from May 1954. Its original yellowed Desert Sand finish is in cool patinated shape over a lightweight alder body. Its veneer Rosewood Neck is super comfy w / clay dots & is dated February 1964. Its original single layer pickgard is a bit worn as she??s been played most of her life. Its original pickup was replaced w / a screaming vintage DiMarzio DP-1 from 1982 & she??s got original pots dated to the 20th week of ... more
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1961 Vintage Fender Musicmaster Guitar Pre-CBS

1961 Vintage Fender Musicmaster Guitar Pre-CBS

Sandpoint, Idaho, 838**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3350

1961 Fender Musicmaster guitar. Former owner bought this in the 90??s as an original finish guitar, but it is actually a 30+ year old refinish in Dakota Red. Appears to have originally been Olympic White. Finish checking on both sides does not photograph well. Neck appears to have been over-sprayed with clear at the same time. Volume pot and jack have been replaced, but originals are included in case. Frets have been dressed and crowned and are in great shape with plenty of life left. Some ... more
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1964 Fender Musicmaster Cherry Red | Rare MAHOGANY BODY Pre-CBS duo sonic

1964 Fender Musicmaster Cherry Red | Rare MAHOGANY BODY Pre-CBS duo sonic

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3299


1964 Fender Musicmaster Cherry Red Rare Mahogany Body Pre-CBS!
Really nice and honest vintage Fender Musicmaster in rare Cherry Red with Mahogany body. Fender did a run of guitars with mahogany bodies and cherry finish kind of like Gibson! This was for a short period in 1963-64. Not many were made. This guitar is playing well and sounds excellent. A-neck like most musicmasters of this time period. Really a cool piece of Fender history and yet a very useful guitar at ... more
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Vintage 1978 Fender Musicmaster Guitar - Located In Baton Rouge

Vintage 1978 Fender Musicmaster Guitar - Located In Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 708**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

This vintage 1978 Fender Musicmaster guitar is a true gem for any collector or musician. With its iconic brand, this guitar is a rare find. It has mojo!

Perfect for those looking for a unique addition to their collection, this Fender Musicmaster boasts a classic design and sound that will impress any music lover. Whether you're playing on stage or in your living room, this guitar is sure to turn heads and make a statement. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to own ... more
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Fender Musicmaster 1978 Black Short Scale Vintage Electric Guitar FREE SHIPPING

Fender Musicmaster 1978 Black Short Scale Vintage Electric Guitar FREE SHIPPING

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

$1595

Dave's Guitars Charlotte is proud to offer another vintage Fender offset??this time, a shortscale Musicmaster with tons of mojo in classic Black??and for those looking for vintage Fender tone and playability, look no further!
These retro, funky hipster guitars have been attracting a lot of attention recently and are still very affordable to players of all budgets. Original case and electronics??what more could you want?
This Musicmaster reeks playability. Smooth, fast neck and fretboard ... more
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Fender Musicmaster 1957 - Desert Sand

Fender Musicmaster 1957 - Desert Sand

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3950

1957 Fender Musicmaster
A beautiful example of a naturally worn 50's Fender in a classy finish, Desert Sand. This early version of the student model guitar from Fender has the anodized pickguard to match the class of the finish. The guard has a pleasing amount of wear, with the gold worn off in many spots but especially in the picking area. The lone pickup shows a nice amount of wear and some discoloration around the edges. There are a fair amount of small dents and dings around the body, but... more
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Vintage Fender Musicmaster Sunburst 1963

Vintage Fender Musicmaster Sunburst 1963

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499


Vintage Fender Musicmaster Sunburst 1963
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
A wonderful player with an ultra cool, true vintage vibe. The neck is very comfortable & shows off some nice bird's eye figuring in the back. Professionally inspected & set up by the experts here at Cream City Music
Cosmetic Condition: Good honest play wear - various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches, weather checking & some finish wear. Overall the ... more
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All original 1965 Fender Musicmaster II

All original 1965 Fender Musicmaster II

Livermore, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3600

1965 Fender Musicmaster II in Olympic White which has become a buttery color as the clear top coat has yellowed, this guitar has the all??important Pre-CBS ?L?? serial number, sought after by collectors. In full working order. The original nitrocellulose lacquer on the body has some old crazing, In addition, the Tuner knobs and white pickup cover have an aged yellow color. It is incredibly light at just 5lbs and is very resonant thanks to the old wood and the low string tension as a result of... more
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Fender Musicmaster 1978 Black W / OHSC (Used)

Fender Musicmaster 1978 Black W / OHSC (Used)

Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

Has light wear and scratches from being played. Overall in great condition. Has dings and paint chips on body edges and back (as seen in photos). Has some belt buckle rash on back of body (as seen in photos). Has some dotted finish wear on back of body caused by storing the guitar on top of a coiled instrument cable for a long period of time. Nitro Finish reacts with the plastic shileding and caused the finish to start to strip away. (as seen in photos). Has some scrapes and dings on back of ... more
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1966 Vintage Fender Musicmaster Guitar Pre-CBS

1966 Vintage Fender Musicmaster Guitar Pre-CBS

Livermore, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

1966 Fender Musicmaster guitar. 30+ year old refinish in Dakota Red. excelent condition... more
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1978 Fender Musicmaster Cherry Red w / HSC

1978 Fender Musicmaster Cherry Red w / HSC

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

$1495

1978 Fender Musicmaster In Cherry Red Finish
This Guitar Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Some Cosmetic Playwear Including Various Dings, Marks And Scratches As Shown
All Original Example
Made In USA
Alder Body
Maple Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard And Dot Inlays
Original Frets In Good Condition With Life Left
1 5 / 8" Nut Width
Weighs 8lbs 12oz
With Non-Original Hard Shell Case
... more
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Vintage 1975 Fender Musicmaster White w /  Original Hardshell Case

Vintage 1975 Fender Musicmaster White w / Original Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1799

Vintage original 1975 Fender Musicmaster in original White finish
Guitar plays and sounds fantastic. Original pickup is nice and warm and strong. Neck is straight and plays great all the way up and down. Has a wonderful feel
A perfect example for the player and collector alike.
Comes with original Fender hardshell case
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted... more
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Fender 1972 Musicmaster Mustang P-Bass Telecaster 250K Stackpole Pot

Fender 1972 Musicmaster Mustang P-Bass Telecaster 250K Stackpole Pot

Mason, Tennessee, 380**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$195

Stackpole made for Fender 250k audio pot dated 39th week 1972 also stamped with Fender part number 032367. I got this pot back in the 1990's from a Fender dealer who is going out of business and it has been laying in my parts drawer ever since. You can see that is has been fitted in a guitar at one time as there is solder on the back. In addition there is a set screw mark on the shaft from a knob being fitted. This would be appropriate for Musicmaster, Mustang, Precision Bass or Telecaster ... more
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Vintage 1966 Fender Musicmaster II w /  Original Case

Vintage 1966 Fender Musicmaster II w / Original Case

Cleveland, Ohio, 441**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Appears to be all original. Someone wrote on the guitar, see photos, not too deep so should be an easy fix. All parts of guitar intact. Two end lock pieces on the case will need to be replaced, see photos.
I have many other shoes, purses, collectibles, vintage, movies, games, etc. items listed I am happy to combine shipping if possible (size of items, etc. )
I use Priority Mail shipping unless otherwise stated. I only charge the actual shipping costs and no handling fees.... more
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1956 Fender Musicmaster With Case

1956 Fender Musicmaster With Case

Naples, Florida, 341**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2750

1956 Original Fender Musicmaster guitar and case. It is 68 years old and looks, plays and sounds great. Original finish, electronics and hardware. Everything is original with the exception of 2 tuner buttons. One of the tuning keys is missing a small portion of the tip but it still is usable, works and doesn??t affect playability. Case is missing a handle ?? but I am providing a replacement if new owner desires to replace it. All latches work and case does show wear and tear from years of ... more
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1977 Fender Musicmaster Vintage Offset Guitar Olympic White w /  Case

1977 Fender Musicmaster Vintage Offset Guitar Olympic White w / Case

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

$1800

Up for sale, a 1977 Fender Musicmaster in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This Musicmaster is a sleek, no-frills Fender with the original gray bobbin single coil located in the neck position. The pickup has a cutting tone with a clear, percussive snap and an ideal balance of warmth and classic Fender sparkle. Weighing 7lbs 10oz, this Musicmaster has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike??s Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings, low ... more
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1978 Fender Musicmaster USA Made Olympic White Fully Restored Setup By Pro Shop

1978 Fender Musicmaster USA Made Olympic White Fully Restored Setup By Pro Shop

Tucson, Arizona, 857**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$995

For sale is a 1978 Fender Musicmaster in Olympic white
It has the original with the F-stamp tuning machines, made in Germany by Schaller
The pickup is original, a fender Musicmaster flat pole pickup which is desirable for finger-picking
The bridge has been replaced at some point with a solid brass milled bridge plate, and the body customized to run string-through-body which boosts the sustain and makes the sound much more solid, a lot like a Telecaster's design
The saddles have ... more
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Vintage 1962 Pre-CBS Fender Musicmaster Guitar

Vintage 1962 Pre-CBS Fender Musicmaster Guitar

Oak View, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

This vintage 1961 Fender Musicmaster guitar is a true gem for any musician. Crafted with a solid body type and a natural amber body color, this 3 / 4 size electric guitar features a maple neck material and 6-string configuration. It also comes with a cable and case, making it a perfect addition to any music gear collection. With its professional performance level and right-handed design, this guitar is perfect for any musician looking for an exceptional playing experience. The unit type is in ... more
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1960s Fender Musicmaster Duo Sonic Mustang guitar hard case

1960s Fender Musicmaster Duo Sonic Mustang guitar hard case

Lubec, Maine, 046**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$240

Up for sale is a 1960s Fender short scale guitar hard case. For Musicmaster, Mustang, Duo Sonic. Great shape! Cosmetically, light wear. Nothing unusual. One end crack but that is typical. Fender neck strap intact. No other structural breaks. Interior has light wear. Nothing unusual. All hardware and latches intact and working fine; the center clasp is loose but typical.... more
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Fender Musicmaster 1977 Electric Guitar Black 70s Dimarzio Bridge Humbucker

Fender Musicmaster 1977 Electric Guitar Black 70s Dimarzio Bridge Humbucker

London, UNITED KINGDOM

£1395

Fender Musicmaster 1977 Electric Guitar Black 70s Dimarzio Bridge Humbucker pick upThis is truly a fantastic guitar! Plays a dream! Sounds Brilliant!USA made!It has been modded (in the 70s) with a Humbucker in the bridge. The pick is a lot louder than the single coil and sounds great as a lead option Comes with a padded gigbag... more
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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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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.