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FENDER | STRATOCASTER

Fender Stratocaster

The most famous guitar in the world?

Vintage Fender Stratocaster advertising

Electric guitar advertisements originally published from 1954 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Fender advertisements

Fender Stratocaster - Synchronized tremolo action

Fender Stratocaster - Synchronized tremolo action (1954)
Early Fender advert highlighting the Stratocasters tremolo - 'a flick of the wrist means live, tremolo action' - perfect pitch
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Fender Stratocaster - Fender fine electric instruments

Fender Stratocaster - Fender fine electric instruments (1955)
Early Fender advertisement for four pedal steels, three amplifiers, and three electric guitars. At this point in Fender history, it is the pedal steels that top the page; electric guitars are still...
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - The most imitated guitar in the world

Fender Stratocaster - The most imitated guitar in the world (1963)
Early sixties Fender advert for three guitars and one bass - the Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Stratocaster and Jazz bass, highlighting the design and components that made these guitars: bridges, pickups, etc
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - Quality Means Confidence

Fender Stratocaster - Quality Means Confidence (1963)
Early sixties advert for the Fender Jazz bass and the Stratocaster guitar
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - Olé

Fender Stratocaster - Olé (1966)
Fender advert from the middle of 1966 for Fender guitars. Featuring the Stratocaster and Jaguar solid-bodies, the Coronado semi-acoustic and the Concert acoustic.
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - Fender. What more need we say

Fender Stratocaster - Fender. What more need we say (1971)
just that Fender guitars are played by stars the world over - from big-beat blues to folk music, c&w to acid rock. The greatest guitars in the world
UK Dallas Arbiter (Fender distributor) fe...
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - How To Pick a Guitar

Fender Stratocaster - How To Pick a Guitar (1972)
Body
The back is contoured to rest snugly and comfortably on your rib cage and to get your arm in a natural position over the strings.
The upper body is scooped away to let your hand hang...
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - The Worlds Favourite Flying Machine

Fender Stratocaster - The Worlds Favourite Flying Machine (1973)
Soar higher, cruise easier with that far out feeling... Fender Take command and experience the full sound spectrum. You'll go to places you've never been before, with more highs - more lows, and ...
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - You Get There Faster on a Fender

Fender Stratocaster - You Get There Faster on a Fender (1974)
Fender Stratocaster guitar, and Quad Reverb amplifier. Another one of Fenders early to mid-seventies adverts featuring brightly coloured illustrations, and equally colourful text
Bumpwell Blue...
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - Goldilocks and the three bears

Fender Stratocaster - Goldilocks and the three bears (1975)
...someones playing my Precision bass right now, said baby bear, "and shes's really cookin'!"
[more]

Fender Stratocaster - Its A Business Machine

Fender Stratocaster - Its A Business Machine (1977)
It's a business machine. It doesn't matter whether the sound you're into is soul, country or rock. You can't take your band to the top until you take care of business first. And that means picking ...
[more]

Fender Stratocaster catalog description

1969 Fender Lovin

The following description is taken from the 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog

Looking for that strong, biting sound to make your playing sing? You'll find it in the Stratocaster. Compare and you will see why it has always been one of the favourites with musicians everywhere.

Stratocaster sound is produced by its three adjustable wide-range pick-ups working with two tone controls and a three position switch. Select any of the three positions or even between the natural positions for your own particular sound. For more effects, the Strat has a built-in tremolo (or available without) for variable pitch change.

The Stratocaster contoured body design offers extreme playing comfort ...accomplished by shaping and sculpting the guitar body so it snugs into the body of the player. Also, the front of the guitar is dressed away, providing a firm comfortable arm rest. Its neck is truss-rod reinforced and adjustable for a lifetime of playing pleasure.

Stratocaster pickups are shielded from the noise of lights, signs and other electrical equipment. In addition, six bridges are individually adjustable for string length and height for perfect intonation and custom playing action. It is finished in shaded Sunburst with an attractive white pickguard. It is also available in selected custom colours and left-hand models by special order.

Standard neck width: 15/8" at nut; available 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" by special order

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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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1959 Fender Stratocaster  ~  Sunburst

1959 Fender Stratocaster ~ Sunburst

Sarasota, Florida, 342**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$21999

Genuine 1959 Fender Stratocaster with lots of nice checking and natural patina. Partially refinished (you hardly notice, it is well done). Features pickups wound by William van Zandt and installed in the late 80s. They are exact reproductions of the pickups van Zandt made for Stevie Ray Vaughn. You could hardly get closer to a perfect guitar!
Comes with vintage Stratocaster case.... more
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1974 Fender Stratocaster Blonde with Original Hardshell Case Vintage American

1974 Fender Stratocaster Blonde with Original Hardshell Case Vintage American

El Cajon, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000


1974 Fender Stratocaster
The serial number is "569223" which dates it to 1974. The pots date to November 1973 (137-7345) and the pickups have 1974 date codes. This one has the rare original blonde finish! The body is in very good condition overall, but has some small dings, scratches, scuffs and wear. Nothing out of the ordinary for a vintage guitar and no cracks or structural issues
The neck is straight and it was recently re-fretted by one of the top luthiers at Taylor Guitars! I'm ... more
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1956 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Guitar One-Piece Ash, Blonde w /  V Neck, Case

1956 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Guitar One-Piece Ash, Blonde w / V Neck, Case

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

$45000

Up for sale, a 1956 Fender Stratocaster in excellent condition, retaining its original Blonde nitro lacquer finish and complete with the original tweed case. Produced early in '56, this Stratocaster embodies everything that makes Fender's Pre-CBS golden era a truly magical time for electric guitars, and specifically for a pioneering, space-age instrument like the Strat. Featuring original pickups, hardware and bakelite plastics, this Stratocaster boasts a particularly resonant one-piece ash ... more
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original 1957 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst w / orig. tweed case

original 1957 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst w / orig. tweed case

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$54900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this early 1957 Fender Stratocaster in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with a "V" profile and good frets. All parts are original to this Strat and it is 100% complete along with its original tremolo arm, bridge cover and tweed hardshell case. The neck dates to February 1957, pots dating to January 1957 and the body date of December 1956. The pickup covers and knobs are the earlier "bakelite" ... more
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fender stratocaster gold elite Vintage 1983

fender stratocaster gold elite Vintage 1983

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

$5200

Probably as good as it gets and extremely rare. This is the first time I am showcasing this museum quality limited piece from my private collection here on eBay. Some may have seen it showcased on Reverb. All it has is a tiny minimal tick on the rear in the pics. Otherwise let??s talk about my well kept gem. This has near no play and ai haven??t touched in years only to check here and there. You can tell by the fretboard and all the parts. If you check any site you will find the other 2 issues ... more
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1966 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst

1966 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst

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

$15119

Up for sale is a killer 1966 Fender Stratocaster in its original 3 Tone Sunburst finish. This Strat features a C shaped maple neck w / a nicely grained rosewood fingerboard, neck measurements .87 @ 1st and .91 @ 12th, pearl fingerboard inlays, Kluson double line tuners, large headstock with transition decal, F serial plate, and white pickguard. The neck is stamped 13SEP66B, visible pot codes read 3046610 dating to the 10th week of 1966, original grey bottom pickups are dated to 11-3-66, ... more
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1979 Fender Stratocaster - Blackie

1979 Fender Stratocaster - Blackie

Franklin, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2950

I bought this as is from a music store years ago, as a 1979
Bridge pickup was replaced with a dual blade humbucker
The middle tone control doesn't work
I have been playing it this way, it never bothered me. Never changed anything or did any work on it. Buyer may want to have it serviced or set up for your preferences but I have been playing this way all these years
The finish is dulled and some wear on the edges around the body and bottom neck edge. Tuners were replaced with ... more
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Original 1957 Fender Stratocaster   Clean Tweed Case

Original 1957 Fender Stratocaster Clean Tweed Case

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

$30000

One of the nicest Strats that has come along. Perfect soft "V" neck that is straight and true, truss rod works fine. It was very professionally refretted without touching the finish on fret board. Wire is just slightly taller than original so plays perfecto! The only other thing that was touched and not original is the body finish. That said it looks exactly like an original finish in every detail and is nitro lacquer. Electronics are untouched and even retains the original pickup lead tape. I ... more
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1965 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Electric Guitar Sunburst w /  Case

1965 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Electric Guitar Sunburst w / Case

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

$25500

Up for sale, a 1965 Fender Stratocaster in excellent condition and in perfect working order, 100% original save for a professional refret and new nut, and complete with the original hardshell case. This Strat hails at the tail end of Fender's golden age, with date codes spanning December, 1964-January 1965, featuring a small Pre-CBS-style headstock and early transition logo
Tonewoods comprise an alder body, maple neck and dark, tight-grained Brazilian rosewood fretboard, offering a natural ... more
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1979 Fender Stratocaster

1979 Fender Stratocaster

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

$1500

Completely original usa fender stratocaster great condition original owner original case owners manual great deal must sell asap
... more
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Vintage 1974 Fender Stratocaster White With Black Notes Vintage Hard Case

Vintage 1974 Fender Stratocaster White With Black Notes Vintage Hard Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

This is a KILLER vintage original circa 1974 Fender Stratocaster that has been refinished in a crazy cool White with Black Notes!
Neck is playing fantastic with a good low action, and a fantastic feel. The neck really feels amazing and it's super easy to get around on. It has a few professionally filled holes by the nut that were there previously for a locking trem.
The pickguard, electronics and pickups are USA American Pro II Strat. They sound great, classic vintage Strat tones.... more
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1966 Fender Stratocaster Original vintage guitar

1966 Fender Stratocaster Original vintage guitar

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

$21000

1966 Fender Stratocaster, Sunburst, Gorgeous Rosewoodfingerboard, Big headstock, Gold transition logo, Kluson tuners, Tremolo, Threeway switch, Original Grey back pickups, Super clean, Nice playing near mint Strat!Slightly later Fender hard case in excellent condition
... more
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Vintage 1965 FENDER STRATOCASTER The Real Deal ALL ORIGINAL Dec 64 Neck w / OHSC

Vintage 1965 FENDER STRATOCASTER The Real Deal ALL ORIGINAL Dec '64 Neck w / OHSC

Berkeley, California, 947**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$31995

Fender Stratocaster Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1965), made in Fullerton, California, ALL ORIGINAL serial # L70363, sunburst lacquer finish, alder body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case
This is a superb original example of a "transition" early-CBS era Stratocaster, with some light wear but all original, unmodified, and appearing relatively little used. This Strat was built in Spring of 1965. The neck code is 2 DEC 64B; the pots are coded 137 ... more
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Vintage 1974 Fender Stratocaster Natural

Vintage 1974 Fender Stratocaster Natural

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4995

Vintage original Fender 1974 Stratocaster. Natural hardtail model
Super clean and original. Finish, wiring, pickups, knobs and hardware, all completely original with the exception of one changed pot
Neck is straight with very minor signs of wear. It plays with a good low action and no buzz or issues. Notes are true all the way up and down
All three pickups are original and date coded '74. The pots are original dated '73, one pot is newer. Original pickups have classic vintage Strat ... more
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Vintage 1968 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster

Vintage 1968 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster

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

$399

Vintage 1968 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster
... more
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1985 Lefty Fender Stratocaster Japan E serial #

1985 Lefty Fender Stratocaster Japan E serial #

Ormond Beach, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

This 1985 Lefty Fender Stratocaster serial# E555xxx is near mint. It is one of the earliest made in Japan Fenders. With only very minor scratches and very minimal fretwear in the 1st position frets . Made by FugiGen / Fender Japan, it features a solid white alder body with a maple neck and 21 frets. A maple neck with rosewood fretboard. All original with Alnico pickups, and a full size trem block. This guitar is in amazing shape! Everything works as it should. Pictured without strings because I... more
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1974 1975 1976 Fender Stratocaster Case Very Nice Telecaster

1974 1975 1976 Fender Stratocaster Case Very Nice Telecaster

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 187**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$495

Nice Original Fender Case Mid 70's .All Latches and Handle Work sale final . no returns... more
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1982 Fender Stratocaster American Standard Dan Smith Era

1982 Fender Stratocaster American Standard Dan Smith Era

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

$2100

1982 Fender Strat American. Comes with a hard case but not the original. It does show minor signs of wear but overall very good condition
... more
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1980 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Guitar Black, 100% Original w /  Case

1980 Fender Stratocaster Vintage Guitar Black, 100% Original w / Case

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

$2650

Up for sale, a 1980 Fender Stratocaster in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original molded hardshell case. Produced concurrently with the International Color series, this Black-finished Strat has the same black plastics contrasted with a white three-ply pickguard emblematic of those models
The tonewood complement comprises an ash body and a one-piece maple neck with a significant U-shaped neck profile carve. Acoustically, it's a very ... more
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Find more Fender Stratocaster for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Alice Anderson Comment left 9th February 2015 22:10:24 reply
I'm curious to know how much would my 1997 Fender Stratocaster would cost if I sell it online? Any suggestions?
bezvadim Comment left 10th January 2013 08:08:03 reply
Fender Contemporary Stratocaster HH MIJ, 1985 year of production, all black, serial А041418 what's it value?

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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.