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FENDER | BASS GUITARS

Fender electric bass guitars

Vintage basses made by Fender

The first bass guitar

Vintage Fender basses

When it comes to bass guitars, one name looms way above all others, and for very good reason. Leo Fender launched the first commercial solid body electric guitar, the Fender Broadcaster in 1950, and just a year later came out with the Fender Precision bass. At the time, this was a bold step. Bass players played upright acoustic basses, but the Precision offered such clear advantages over an upright: firstly in portability as the advertisement to the right demonstrates, but also by having frets - allowing 'precision' playing.

Naturally the Fender Precision bass took off, and it has been in production ever since.

1958 advertisement for the Fender Precision bass
1958 advertisement for the Fender Precision bass. The Precisions portability is demonstrated here, by showing it inside an upright acoustic bass case.

Other vintage Fender basses

But Fender did produce other bass models; the 1960s saw a massive boom in guitar-buying, and Fender experimented with different ideas. The Jazz bass was another very big sauces, appearing right at the beginning of the decade, and like the Precision, is still in production today. The next basses were less successful; Fender tried a six string version, the Bass VI in 1961, followed by a 5 string bass the Bass V in 1965. Neither sold in particularly large numbers.

Hollow-body guitars were all the rage in the mid 1960s, and inspired by the likes of the Gibson EB2 and Epiphone Rivoli, Fender hired designer Roger Rossmeisl to create the Coronado bass in 1966. Unfortunately they were poorly received, and another commercial flop.

But another bass introduced in 1966 did fare better, the short scale Fender Mustang. Although it had just one pickup and simple controls, it was a great bass, and sold well.

As the Sixties turned into the Seventies, the American guitar manufacturers started receiving real competition from Japan. Combined with a generally poor economic climate in the US, guitar sales were going down. Companies were closing down, or moving production overseas. This lead to the introduction of some low-priced models, the Fender Telecaster bass in 1968 and the Fender Musicmaster bass in 1970.

Many of the basses designed at Fender have changed very little in the following years, a testament to the strengths of the original concepts. They got it right first time around.

Vintage Fender basses

1973 Fender Precision bass advertisement
The Worlds Favorite Road Machine - by the 1970s, the Fender Precision was the bass guitar, widely imitated by just about every other guitar maker big and small. As this advertisement states, "professionals choose a Fender Bass more than any other"

Old Fender basses are very highly prized by collectors and players alike, consequently prices for vintage Fender Precision and vintage Fender Jazz basses can be quite incredible. Pre-1965 instruments are especially desirable; basses built in the period before Fender sold out to CBS. 1970s and even 1980s Fender bass guitars are rapidly increasing in value. As earlier instruments become unaffordable to the majority of musicians, the prices of these basses only increase.

Newer Fenders also sell for good money, and there are some great basses even among the originally less popular models, such as the Musicmaster.

Find out about some of the vintage Fender bass models by following the links below

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Fender bass guitars for sale

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Fender Squier Bronco Bass Guitar. Local Pick Up Only

Fender Squier Bronco Bass Guitar. Local Pick Up Only

Bowling Green, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

Fender Squier Bronco Bass Guitar. Local Pick Up Only
Works and plays great! Comes with soft case


Willing to meet up to 45 minutes outside of Bowling Green, KY
... more
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Fender Precision Bass 1976 Left Handed Rosewood Fretboard

Fender Precision Bass 1976 Left Handed Rosewood Fretboard

West Newton, Massachusetts, 024**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4490

Looking to downsize the herd a bit so I decided to put this up for adoption
I've owned this bass for several years and it's fully functional in great overall condition for it's age. There are signs of aging and usage obviously but nothing major
The bass is all original with no mods with the original case and here's the electronics info:
Top PU reads 106676 (1976)
Bottom PU reads 100675 (1975)
Pots: both read 1377625 (1976)
Pickup plate is there but foam deteriorated and got ... more
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1973 Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White Refin

1973 Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White Refin

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

$3299

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Questions? We can help!
Contact us today!
30-Day Money Back
Guarantee
... more
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Fender Telecaster Bass Left Handed 1977 Warmoth Body

Fender Telecaster Bass Left Handed 1977 Warmoth Body

West Newton, Massachusetts, 024**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2195

Looking to downsize the herd a bit so I decided to put this up for adoption
This bass has a genuine Fender Telecaster Bass neck dated 1977. The body was ordered by Warmoth in clear brown with a WD pickguard and a Fender wide range pickup. This bass turned out fantastic and plays / sounds great
... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass 4-String Bass Guitar 3-Color Sunburst

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass 4-String Bass Guitar 3-Color Sunburst

Bristol, Tennessee, 376**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

This 2023 Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass is used with "used" stamped on the back of the headstock. It is in mint condition and shows no dings, dents, scratches, or any obvious playwear. This bass has been professionally set up and plays great! The neck is straight, the action is low and comfortable, and the frets are in excellent condition. This bass will come complete with the original Fender Vintage-Style Hardshell Case as well as the Certificate of Authenticity, bridge and pickup ... more
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1960 / 70  Fender Precision Bass Pick-up Cover

1960 / 70 Fender Precision Bass Pick-up Cover

Genoa, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

Fender 1960 / 70 Fender Precision Bass pickup cover, Chrome Steel good condition.
... more
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Fender American Vintage Jazz Bass 4-String RH - 3Tone Sunburst With Case

Fender American Vintage Jazz Bass 4-String RH - 3Tone Sunburst With Case

Phoenix, Arizona, 850**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Very Good condition. Will come exactly as pictured. Please look through all pictures.... more
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Fender Precision Bass JR MIM   Short Scale P Bass Mexico  2002-03  ~  No Reserve!

Fender Precision Bass JR MIM Short Scale P Bass Mexico 2002-03 ~ No Reserve!

Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Fender Short Scale Precision Bass P Bass JR MIM Mexico 2002-03 ~ NICE No Reserve! Fender Short Scale Precision Bass P Bass JR MIM Mexico 2002-03 ~ NICE No Reserve!
Here we have one really cool super cool even Fender P Bass JR Or Fender Short Scale Precision Bass Made in Mexico 2002-2003 these rarely seen anymore but super fun ... more
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Fender American Vintage 62 Jazz Bass 1982 Fullerton - Black

Fender American Vintage '62 Jazz Bass 1982 Fullerton - Black

Peekskill, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495

This is a 1982 Fender '62 American Vintage Reissue Jazz Bass made in Fullerton, CA. It has a nitrocellulose Black finish and like an original '62, It has reverse-wind tuners, a visible bridge grounding strip, and a treble-side finger rest. It has a slim C maple neck with a rosewood board that plays comfortably and easily, and overall the bass feels awesome. Its headstock was long ago painted black and relogo'd to match its body. It looks super cool. It has its bridge and pickup covers, and with ... more
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1968 Fender Jazz Bass (All Original) With OHSC

1968 Fender Jazz Bass (All Original) With OHSC

Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 864**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9500

1968 Fender Jazz Bass (All Original) With OHSC

Totally original and ready to roll! A true closet classic. Original paint, original covers, pickups, case, etc!

This bass is being sold as-is due to the nature of its age
... more
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FENDER 1968-72 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE SUPER CLEAN!

FENDER 1968-72 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE SUPER CLEAN!

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$409


FREE USA SHIPPING!
(for a limited time)
This month The Bass Palace will be listing 15 to 20 vintage cases from The Swami's own personal collection. Most of these are in primo condition and some are actually NOS. There are even some seldom-seen ones to be offered. These are the cream-of-the-crop if you are looking for a case worthy of your own special instrument. As an intro I am offering FREE shipping to the lower 48 thru 11 / 15 (a $40-60 savings)! But make no mistake, once the sale ... more
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Squier by Fender Bronco Bass Guitar UPGRADED aero Pickup!Short scale sounds grea

Squier by Fender Bronco Bass Guitar UPGRADED aero Pickup!Short scale sounds grea

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

$175

You are currently bidding on Squier Bronco bass. Red.
Upgraded pickup to Aero 4 pole pickup
Paid $150 + tax for the upgrade. Iykyk! This pickup is killer!
Item in photos item you will receive
Added thumb rest!
Bass is in overall great aesthetic condition! Light pick marks on the pickguard. Paint chip on the front of the upper part of the bass
Sounds amazing! Great budget recording bass.
Check out the pickup replacement company!
[link removed by eBay]
No ... more
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FENDER 1967-71 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE SUPER CLEAN!

FENDER 1967-71 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE SUPER CLEAN!

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$429


FREE USA SHIPPING!
(for a limited time)
This month The Bass Palace will be listing 15 to 20 vintage cases from The Swami's own personal collection. Most of these are in primo condition and some are actually NOS. There are even some seldom-seen ones to be offered. These are the cream-of-the-crop if you are looking for a case worthy of your own special instrument. As an intro I am offering FREE shipping to the lower 48 thru 11 / 15 (a $40-60 savings)! But make no mistake, once the sale ... more
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1984 Fender Jazz Bass (Mex) VGC

1984 Fender Jazz Bass (Mex) VGC

Milford, Michigan, 483**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$525

This Fender Jazz Bass I have owned for 25 years Purchased from a small music store in Columbus Ohio from an older couple
who owned the store. I mostly played it for recording sessions here at my studio I kept in great shape with regular adjustments by Dan Kalcheck at Traverse City Guitar. Plays great and pickups sound great
Asking 525 00... more
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RARE 1984-1987 Fender Japan FujiGen Boxer Series PB-551 Precision P-Bass White.

RARE 1984-1987 Fender Japan FujiGen Boxer Series PB-551 Precision P-Bass White.

Santa Ana, California, 927**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

DESCRIPTION: From my personal Bass collection for your consideration
1984-1987 Fender E serial number Boxer Series PB-551 4 string bass white finish Awesome beautiful color and great sounding playing bass
IF YOU DON'T LIKE PLAYED VINTAGE INSTRUMENTS PLEASE DO NOT BUY BASS IS SOLD AS IS, I WILL NOT TAKE RETURN OR GIVE PARTIAL REFUND
DUE TO REMORSE BUY. IT IS A FINAL SALE, KEEP IN MIND
CONDITION: USED but in fair vintage USED-PREOWNED condition *It has the usual and typical wear and... more
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FENDER 1970-76 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE VERY CLEAN!

FENDER 1970-76 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE VERY CLEAN!

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$389


FREE USA SHIPPING!
(for a limited time)
This month The Bass Palace will be listing 15 to 20 vintage cases from The Swami's own personal collection. Most of these are in primo condition and some are actually NOS. There are even some seldom-seen ones to be offered. These are the cream-of-the-crop if you are looking for a case worthy of your own special instrument. As an intro I am offering FREE shipping to the lower 48 thru 11 / 15 (a $40-60 savings)! But make no mistake, once the sale ... more
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Fender Musicmaster Bass 1972 - Black

Fender Musicmaster Bass 1972 - Black

Peekskill, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1495

This is a vintage 1972 Fender Musicmaster Bass. First introduced in 1971, the Musicmaster bass was built using leftover parts from Fender's guitar line, including its body and 6-pole guitar pickup. It has a short, 30 inch scale, which makes it light (and comfortable to play. This Musicmaster Bass features the small, triangular tuning pegs and was long ago refinished to black with some cool signs of well-earned wear. Its pickup, pots, and hardware are original. This bass is a killer little player... more
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FENDER 1959 PRECISION BASS WITH CASE, Intl Buyers Welcome

FENDER 1959 PRECISION BASS WITH CASE, Int'l Buyers Welcome

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 354**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15000

A friend of mine asked me to list this vintage bass in my online shops to give it maximum exposure. Here is the history of this vintage instrument It was purchased in 1975 from Gattuso Music in Canton, Ohio. They had a recording studio as part of the business and the bass was used as the in-house bass for most of their clients. My friend used it as his main bass until the late 1980's. At that time he decided it was too valuable to for everyday use, so he retired it and it has been in the ... more
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Vintage Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe 1981-1983 Lt. Brown w / original Case

Vintage Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe 1981-1983 Lt. Brown w / original Case

New Orleans, Louisiana, 701**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$899

Plays great. Upgraded pickups and bridge.
Trusty warrior but I finally ??upgraded??
... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1966 Left-Hand Jazz Bass, Rosewood, Sea Foam Green

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Left-Hand Jazz Bass, Rosewood, Sea Foam Green

Sacramento, California, 958**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1590

Super cool American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass. Recently purchased new in May 2024 and it has seen minimal home use. The build is a big step above standard American Fenders and is much closer in quality to Fender Custom Shop. Makes sense given the original price tag of $2500. It even uses the same G&C case as a Custom Shop (sans the CS logo of course )
It shows regular signs of use but I'm OCD so it still looks close to new. The only blemish I could note is a micro chip of finish came off ... more
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Find more Fender bass guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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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.