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FENDER | TELECASTER

Fender Telecaster

Single cutaway solid body Fender electric

Two Fender Telecasters: left- Sunburst 1960 Fender Telecaster Custom, right- Lake Placid Blue Telecaster, early 1970s
Two Fender Telecasters: left- Sunburst 1960 Fender Telecaster Custom, right- Lake Placid Blue Telecaster, early 1970s

The Fender Telecaster, along side the Fender Stratocaster, and Gibson Les Paul is one of the most recognized and well-loved guitars of all time, having been in continuous production since 1950. Initially named the Fender Broadcaster, the Telecaster named was applied in 1951, and has been a mainstay of rock and particularly country music ever since. Tonally it is characterized by it's 'twang' - a brightness of sound that differentiates it from the previously mentioned models, and one that has given it it's own unique voice amongst the panoply of models that would follow.

1969 Fender Lovin

Fender Telecaster catalog description

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

This is the guitar that started it all! For two decades the telecaster has produced record breaking sounds in every field of music. You name it Â…rhythm, blues, rock or country, Â…the Telecaster is a legend.

Two adjustable pickups in conjunction with a three position switch and tone control (use Fender 150 light Gauge strings if you like) produce a lead tone that can't be equalled. A change of the switch to the rhythm pickup gives mellow jazz sounds too!

Other Telecaster features include a fast action truss rod reinforced neck (available with a maple fingerboard) adjustable bridges for both length and height. A specially designed Fender/Bigsby Tremolo giving smooth action is now available as an option.

Custom models feature a beautiful, highly polished Sunburst finish and the top and bottom edges of the solid-body are trimmed with white contrasting binding. Standard models are finished in natural blonde. All models are trimmed with white pickguard. Metal parts are heavily chrome plated and will retain their like new appearance over a long period of time. Telecasters are available in selected custom finishes, left-hand models.

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

Vintage Fender Telecaster advertising

Electric guitar advertisements originally published from 1953 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Fender advertisements

Fender Telecaster - Don

Fender Telecaster - Don't cheat yourself (1953)
Early Fender advertisement featuring three guitar/amp combinations: The Precision bass and Bassman amp; the Telecaster guitar and Twin amp, and the three-neck pedal steel and Pro amp.
[more]

Fender Telecaster - Fender fine electric instruments

Fender Telecaster - 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 Telecaster - Listen

Fender Telecaster - Listen (1959)
Late fifties telecaster / twin amp advertisement
[more]

Fender Telecaster - From Arbiter the Most Wanted Guitar in Britain Today Telecaster by Fender

Fender Telecaster - From Arbiter the Most Wanted Guitar in Britain Today Telecaster by Fender (1966)
Mid 1960s UK advertisement for Fender guitars and amplifiers. In the early 1960s, Fender had been distributed in the UK by Jennings, but by the middle of the decade Arbiter had won the contract. Th...
[more]

Fender Telecaster - Pick A Winner

Fender Telecaster - Pick A Winner (1968)
...From Fender's famous Telecaster Trio. (left) Fender 6 String Solid Body TELECASTERS are now available with the popular Bigsby Tremolo Unit. Adjustable pickup and adjustable dual bridge highlight...
[more]

Fender Telecaster - Groovy Naturals

Fender Telecaster - Groovy Naturals (1968)
1968 advert announcing the telecaster thinline guitar - available in ash or mahogany finishes
[more]

Fender Telecaster - Fender. What more need we say

Fender Telecaster - 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 Telecaster - The 1948 Telecaster. The 1972 Telecaster

Fender Telecaster - The 1948 Telecaster. The 1972 Telecaster (1972)
Don't be surprised if there's a 2001 A.D. Telecaster
[more]

Fender Telecaster - The Worlds Favorite Love Machine

Fender Telecaster - The Worlds Favorite Love Machine (1973)
Love makes the world go round. Music sets the mood, heightens the emotion and provides the beat. Love takes two. Fender guitars and amps are compatible?made for each other. If you really want to ma...
[more]

Fender Telecaster - The Worlds favourite Recording Machine

Fender Telecaster - The Worlds favourite Recording Machine (1973)
Early seventies Fender advert featuring the telecaster guitar but primarily promoting Fender amplifiers
Fender amps are the number one selling amps in the world. For business and pleasure, turn ...
[more]

Fender Telecaster - You get there faster on a Fender (Fender Telecaster guitar)

Fender Telecaster - You get there faster on a Fender (Fender Telecaster guitar) (1974)
Colourful 70s illustrated advert for the Fender Telecaster guitar and Twin Reverb Amplifier; part of the 'You get there faster on a Fender' series that proved popular in the early/mid 1970s. The Te...
[more]

Fender Telecaster - Goldilocks and the three bears

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

Rosewood solid body Fender Telecaster

1972 Fender Rosewood Telecaster

In the late 1960s a number of companies were trying out rosewood as a potential body material. Among the best known are the solid rosewood Stratocaster presented to Jimi Hendrix, and the rosewood Telecaster presented to George Harrison, both in 1969. Harrison used his for the final Beatles album, Let it be, and the film of the same name, most famously playing it on the Apple studio roof concert, before giving it to Delaney Bramlett shortly afterwards. Steve Cropper of Booker T and the MGs was another rosewood Tele player of the early seventies.

This period had spawned a number of new Teles; the paisley models in pink and blue, the Telecaster thinline, and now the rosewood version. The rosewood and thinline were the work of Roger Rossmeisl (a designer for Rickenbacker until 1962, then with Fender - he also designed the Coronado) and Phillip Kubicki.

Rosewood had been used for a very long time for fret boards, but only when used to make bodies was the gorgeous natural grain really apparent. The body itself was made of a rosewood front and back, with a thin maple sandwich between the two. Some later instruments had some hollowing out to reduce weight. The neck again was rosewood, without a separate fretboard (although the prototypes did have this).

Regular production continued until 1972, however there have been numerous reissues of this classic guitar ever since, from Fenders numerous factories worldwide.

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Fender Telecaster for sale

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1978 Olympic White Fender Telecaster

1978 Olympic White Fender Telecaster

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

$3700

Here is a 1978 Fender Telecaster in original Olympic White! Although it has been played, it is quite clean for its age. The pickup is an all original save for rewound neck pickup. This was rewound by Five Star Guitars luthier Ian Pender. There is less than normal wear for the era, and the body is very clean with only a few scattered dings in the finish. Original color has faded / yellowed slightly. Pot codes (only one is visible) date to ??78. There is a stamp / tag in neck pocket that matches ... more
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original 1958 Fender Telecaster Blonde

original 1958 Fender Telecaster Blonde

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

$37900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1957 Fender Telecaster in its original Blonde finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the nut. It even has its original tweed hardshell case and original "ashtray" cover for the bridge. This Tele looks great with nicks + dings, finish checking and other cosmetic wear including a very small area where the finish is worn off from the corner of the headstock on ... more
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1977 Fender Telecaster Custom Natural finish with Fender soft case

1977 Fender Telecaster Custom Natural finish with Fender soft case

Laguna Niguel, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Good condition 1977 Fender Telecaster Custom in natural finish with maple neck / fingerboard Guitar has the usual nicks, scratches, marks, worn thru finish spots, fading, finish checking consistent with instruments of this age Someone prior to me has removed the serial number decal on the headstock, but the other location underneath the original pickguard has the serial # on it Not a stripped to natural finish, but an original natural finish. I mention this as I have noticed some sellers ... more
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1968 Fender Telecaster Custom

1968 Fender Telecaster Custom

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

$21000


Greetings

Up for grabs is a killer 1968 Fender Custom Tele
This is a GOOD ONE!

No issues , all original with original buldwin "Fender" export case

The Feb '68 " B " neck on this tele is outrageous - you will NOT put it down.

It is a fabulous playing and sounding guitar

Email with any questions!

Thx for looking
... more
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1977 Fender Telecaster

1977 Fender Telecaster

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

$4300

Hello

For sale is a 1977 / 78 Fender Telecaster in Olympic White which has warmed into a butterscotch
This looks like Real deal 52 blackguard now!!
100% original with hang tags , manual and OHSC

No ISSUES!!!

This Tele sounds great and plays effortlessly

It is V E R Y clean as well!

... more
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1976 - 1979 Fender Telecaster

1976 - 1979 Fender Telecaster

Las Vegas, Nevada, 891**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

I purchased this guitar several years ago . It was listed on eBay as a 1979 . The seller had replaced the pickguard and control plate . I do NOT have the original pick guard or control plate . When looking up the serial number , it turns out the guitar was made between 1977 and 1978. At least the neck was ?? so I??ve stated this guitar would be 1977-1979. I??ve pictured all of the dings and dents that stood out . It seems the guitar has been repainted black , in picture , you can see what looks ... more
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1969 FENDER Telecaster Bass Guitar  All original second owner First was my uncle

1969 FENDER Telecaster Bass Guitar All original second owner First was my uncle

South Plainfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10500

Whoever wants better pictures let me know. I did this on the fly this morning. I??ll take better pictures and send them to whoever is interested. My uncle bought this telecaster Bass Guitar brand new in 1969. The original white pick Guard broke within the first month. They were not made very strong, so it was replaced with a black pick guard same era. There is a stamp on the neck but I??m not taking it apart unless I have to the serial number on the back is the original serial number and the ... more
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Fender Telecaster Deluxe - 1974

Fender Telecaster Deluxe - 1974

Gunnison, Colorado, 812**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3799

This Fender vintage guitar from 1974 is a must-have for any serious musician. With its solid body and 6 string configuration, it's perfect for both beginners and professionals alike. The right-handed dexterity makes it easy to play, and the brand is known for producing high-quality instruments. This guitar is a classic model and is perfect for collectors who want to add a vintage instrument to their collection. It's been well-maintained and is in excellent condition, ready to be played and ... more
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Fender Telecaster Thinline - Original 1973 Model - Very Good Condition

Fender Telecaster Thinline - Original 1973 Model - Very Good Condition

Homestead, Pennsylvania, 151**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

A vintage 1973Fender Telecaster Thinline in excellent condition w / ohsc, serial #38xxxx. I hadthe guitar professionally refretted in the 90's. No fretwear present. The neck date stamp is very light and hard to read. Thevolume pot was replaced, 304-6617, and the tone pot is original 137-7218. The guitar pickupdates are light, the neck pickup is 25073 and bridge pickup is 25072. Inexcellent condition with some neck and body wear. See photos. Verylight guitar weighing 7 0 lbs. The original case ... more
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Vintage Fender Telecaster Custom Olympic White 1978

Vintage Fender Telecaster Custom Olympic White 1978

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4999


Vintage Fender Telecaster Custom Olympic White 1978
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
A magnificent playing Tele Custom finished in an ultra cool Olympic White. Superb action with a smooth, comfortable feel & killer tone! Professionally set up by the experts here at Cream City Music, so it's ready for action straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Wonderful condition for its age with only some very minor nicks, chips, dents, dings & ... more
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Fender Telecaster 1978 White  /  Blonde Vintage

Fender Telecaster 1978 White / Blonde Vintage

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4499

Message me first to discuss a deal watch video of this actual guitar, copy and paste link youtube com / watch?v=YgFK3Uytkso&t=5s
This Fender Telecaster was bought and stored by the original owner. Frets and condition are the best I have ever seen from 1978. Picture of the tuner shows made in West Germany which is how to authenticate the tuners from the 70's. Certificate is stamped and dated. Incredible find, museum piece. I'll hang onto it if someone doesn't buy it, these just keep going... more
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1977 Fender Telecaster all original beautiful cream color

1977 Fender Telecaster all original beautiful cream color

Willis, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

1977 Fender Telecaster. Excellent example of this sought after guitar. All original. 8 5 lbs. best one I have ever owned. Thinning the herd. Comes with HSC. 4500 00... more
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1966 Fender Telecaster Candy Apple Red Metallic Custom Color 100% original

1966 Fender Telecaster Candy Apple Red Metallic Custom Color 100% original

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

$21500

Greetings

For sale is a 100% original 1966 MAPLE CAP Fender Telecaster in a very vibrant Factory Metallic Candy Apple Red over Firemist Gold
This guitar is just an INSANE Telecaster.
Wonderful " B " Neck profile that plays really great
The guitar still has its original "Large Frets" found only for a short time betweem 1965-1966
It retains its factory wiring with the "dark circut" still in place as well but is an easy mod if the new owner wants more tonal options
The ... more
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Fender Telecaster Thinline - Original 1973 Model - Beautiful Condition

Fender Telecaster Thinline - Original 1973 Model - Beautiful Condition

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

$6350

This beauty from Fender has resided with me for almost 50 years, respectfully cared for and not played nearly enough
This Telecaster is in overall excellent condition.
There are 2 small blemishes as shown in the photos. One on the top of the neck head and a slight split on the pick guard
Two original Humbuckers combine with the semi-hollow body to make a warm, unique sound, or set it really rock and roll too
If you know guitars, you will appreciate the high standing this model ... more
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1976 VINTAGE Fender Telecaster Custom CBS era

1976 VINTAGE Fender Telecaster Custom CBS era

Fountain CO 80817, 808**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

This is a real vintage Fender Telecaster. All parts on it are original. Action is low and it plays fantastic. It has an ash body and maple neck. There are a few scuffs you can see in pictures but looks great. Plenty of fret life is left on frets. It has a a Weighs 9lbs 2oz. Nut is approx 1 5 / 8 " . It comes with a hard Fender style case but not the original case. Three different shipping options... more
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1971 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar with OHSC 100%

1971 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar with OHSC 100%

Birmingham, Alabama, 352**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8500

Weighing in at 7 1 lbs, this is a 100% original 1971 Fender Telecaster
Serial # 313404
Neck date: April 71
Pots date: 34th week of '66
It appears that the guitar started its life in the Muscogee county school system in Columbus Georgia. It has a sticker on the back of the headstock and by the neck plate saying as much
The body of the guitar has some cosmetic wear that can be seen in the pictures. I guess the kids were a little rough with it! It has very little fret wear, I would... 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 Telecaster 1973 Black / White Maple Neck Fullerton, CA

Fender Telecaster 1973 Black / White Maple Neck Fullerton, CA

New Port Richey, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10500


This one of a kind 1973 Fender Telecaster is 50 years young. I am the only owner and have treated it with the utmost care. I bought this guitar in the spring of 1974 at my local music store and it comes with the original hard shell Fender case and plays so sweet. It has normal wear signs of a guitar that is 50 years old but has seen very little gigging and was used mostly for studio and home use. I am truly sad that I have to sell this dream guitar but it??s that time. It is Black with a ... more
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Vintage Fender Telecaster Rebel Creek Band 1978

Vintage Fender Telecaster Rebel Creek Band 1978

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999


Vintage Fender Telecaster Rebel Creek Band 1978
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
A super cool, true vintage Tele previously owned by the guitar player from the Rebel Creek Band, as evidenced by the custom paint job on the body. A smooth player with classic Tele tone & a cool vibe! Professionally set up & ready to play straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches & finish wear. The ... more
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1953 Fender Telecaster Vintage Electric Guitar Blackguard Butterscotch w /  Case

1953 Fender Telecaster Vintage Electric Guitar Blackguard Butterscotch w / Case

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

$28000

Up for sale, a 1953 Fender Telecaster in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with a tweed thermometer case. This early "Blackguard" Telecaster has been refinished in a vintage-accurate shade of nitro lacquer Butterscotch Blonde, featuring a combination of vintage and modern electronics and hardware. Perhaps most impactful to a certain group of players, this Tele was crafted with a more slender neck than most, measuring just a hair over 1 9 / 16" at the nut with a soft ... more
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Find more Fender Telecaster for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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

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roger Comment left 5th August 2015 04:04:07 reply
Hi!!! I have a 1969 fender telecaster made in U S A all original hardware on it I've been many opinion on what it would be worth but never really had a real price on it can you tell me ?
Eloi Hache Comment left 17th March 2015 04:04:39 reply
I have a 1968 Fender Telecaster, sunbust with ashbrown neck. Original as it was bought. Can anybody tell me what would be its value if I decide to sell it.
arni biluk Comment left 9th February 2015 22:10:00 reply
I am the original owner of a 100% original 1968 CANDY APPLE RED FENDER TELECASTER - 44 years ago I put some varathane on the neck because the neck was starting to get wear from bending strings - it looked like Eric Clapton's Slowhand guitar - most of it has worn off from playing but close to the frets there are still signs of the varathane - there are no issues with the neck - it has been perfect except for the wear - how much does this affect the value - should i get a master luthier to try remove the varathane or leave it as is - if I sell it the buyer would not even notice the varathane but I can't sell for big $ without disclosing - any help would be appreciated - thx arni - gimli manitoba canada
Eloi Hache Comment left 25th October 2014 07:07:01 reply
I have a 1968 telecaster guitar with case, sunbust with ashbrown neck. Original. Can you tell me what is the value of that guitar if I decide to sell it.
Tony Temple Comment left 15th July 2013 23:11:01 reply
Interesting reading. Thank you.

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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.