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FENDER | BASS | MUSTANG | 1969 MUSTANG

1969 Fender Competition Mustang bass

Solid-body short scale electric bass guitar

Fender Mustang Bass | Catalog Appearances
1969 Competition Mustang Bass

The Fender Mustang bass was the four string counterpart to the Mustang guitar that debuted in 1964. The bass version followed in 1966, although the competition finishes (red, burgundy and orange) were only available between 1969 and 1973. This was on of Fender's first (along with the Coronado) shorter scale bass (just 30" compared to the 34 1/2" scale of the Fender Jazz and Precision. The Competition finish refers to the stripes on the top corner of the body, a feature (like the Mustang name) of American sports cars that certainly appealed to the US guitar buying public. Have a listen to this bass through various vintage amps here.

1969 Fender Competition Red Mustang bass with Fender Bassman 100 amplifier - front view
1969 Fender Competition Red Mustang bass with Fender Bassman 100 amplifier - reverse view
Fender Mustang bass pickup detail
Model: 1969 Fender Competition Mustang
Pickups: One split coil pickup
Scale: 30"
Body: Laminate poplar body, polyester finish with stripes
Neck: Maple neck. Rosewood fingerboard. 19 frets. Width at nut 1 5/8". Bolt-on, four screws.
Hardware: Open gear tuning keys. 1 volume and tone control. Chrome hardware throughout.
Weight: 3.39 kg

Fender Mustang bass parts

The Mustang, in true Fender tradition was a simple bass: a poplar or ash body with bolt-on maple neck and (initially) rosewood fingerboard, one single coil pickup like the Precision, a Mustang bridge and Fender open gear tuning keys. The pots on this bass have the code 3046617 which dates them to the 17th week of 1966, manufactured by Stackpole (304); Fender bought a lot of 1966 pots that were gradually used over the following few years. Like all Fenders it was made from easily assembled parts, not requiring any skilled luthiery whatsoever. See the 1969 Fender Mustang parts list.

Fender Mustang bass control knobs
The Fender Mustang bass had the simplest of controls for it's single pickup: one volume and one tone. Pots are 250K audio taper, both mounted to a chromed metal plate.
Fender Mustang bass neckplate
The serial numbers for Mustang basses were stamped into the neckplate as shown here. From mid-1976 this changed to a decal on the headstock. All Mustang basses had four bolts holding the neck to the body.
Fender Mustang bass rosewood fingerboard
The truss rod adjustment can be seen at the base of the neck, and is to some extent accessible, although it best adjusted when the neck is removed. Note the thumbrest positioned below the strings rather than above, as was the case for later Mustangs.
Fender Mustang bass bridge
The Mustang bass is strung through the body, via the heavy duty bridge. Note also the string mute (without felt mutes).
Fender Mustang bass pickups reverse view
Although somewhat faded, note the 1969 datestamp on the reverse of the pickups

1969 Fender Competition Mustang bass pricing

ManufacturerModelPickupsScale1969 Price
HarmonyH25130"$139.50
FenderPrecision134"from $279.50
 Jazz234"from $339.50
 Coronado230"$469.50
 Mustang130"$229.50
GibsonEBO130"$275
 EB3130"$390
 Melody Maker bass130"$240
GuildJetstar bass130"$245
KalamazooKB130"
Rickenbacker4001234"$429.50

The 1969 US list price for the Fender Competition Mustang bass was $229.50, a great price for a bass of this quality, especially when compared to other models available at this time.

Prices above come from the Harmony 1969 catalogue, Gibson price list 1-9-69, Fender price list 15-5-69, Guild price list 15-6-69, Rickenbacker price list 1-2-69

Although the Mustang bass was included in all Fender catalogues during its production, and several in Competition finish, only the 1970 catalogue showed it with matching coloured headstock (1970 Fender catalogue); the 1969 Fender catalogue still described the standard Red, White and Blue finishes.

Fender Competition Mustang bass headstock
The Competition finish included a matching coloured headstock in 1969. The vast majority of Mustang basses before and after this time simply had a natural finished headstock.
Fender Competition Mustang bass reverse headstock
Reverse headstock detail.
Fender open gear tuning keys
The Mustang was fitted with Fender-branded open gear tuning keys, with eliptical keys.
1973 Fender Musicmaster bass with Fender Bassman 100 amplifier
1973 Fender Musicmaster bass with Fender Bassman 100 amplifier

Note the neck code 17MAR69B. 17 is the model code for the Mustang bass, not part of the date - just March 1969. The letter B indicates a neck type, in this case a width at nut of 1 5/8"

Fender Mustang bass soundclips

1969 Fender Competition Mustang bass played through a 1964 Ampeg B-15N. B15 channel 1, volume 5 bass 5 treble 5, mic'd with a Shure SM57, into a M-audio mobile pre USB interface.

1967 Kalamazoo KB bass
1964 Ampeg B-15N

Played fingerstyle

Guitar: volume 10, tone 10. Even played fingerstyle with flatwound strings, the Mustang has plenty of midrange snarl.
Guitar: volume 10, tone 0. Turn the tone down and you still get a very useable tone, but about as fat as this bass can go.

And with a pick

Guitar: volume 10, tone 10. With a pick the Mustang grunts and snarls... probably what most players want from it!
Guitar: volume 10, tone 0.
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Fender Mustang bass for sale

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Fender Mustang Bass 1966 - Dakota Red

Fender Mustang Bass 1966 - Dakota Red

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

$4699

This is a neat early Mustang Bass from Fender. This 1966 model sports a Dakota Red finish with all original parts and electronics.
The bass and original case are extremely clean. There is checking on the body and headstock, as well as some light dings and topical scratches. The back of the neck has a finish blem where it rests in the case as many of these do. The foam for the mutes has long since disintegrated. There is no damage or any major dents
The bass plays quite well up and down ... more
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Vintage 1974 Fender Mustang Bass Dakota Red

Vintage 1974 Fender Mustang Bass Dakota Red

Tarzana, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2299

Vintage 1974 Fender Mustang Bass Dakota Red
Up for sale, here's an incredible Player's grade Original 1974 Fender Mustang Bass in a beautiful Dakota Red (body only) refinish with an incredible Mojo
7 2 Lbs, 30?? short scale. "F" neck plate with low serial (early 1974) 388XXX
When it comes to "Players" instruments, it means you get a true vintage guitar that has been really well played for years from diverse stages to smoking bars, and might've been slightly modded but still keeping ... more
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1969 Fender Mustang Bass Racing Stripe All Original

1969 Fender Mustang Bass Racing Stripe All Original

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

$7500

Here is a once in a lifetime chance to own one of the racing striped matching color headstock Mustang bass guitars from 1969


The "60s" sound of this model is an advantage of this age, and the rich sound can easily be recognized as that old beautiful tone .

The exterior of the instrument is in good condition, with weather checks and other signs of age

On a scale of one to 10 with one being garbage and 10 being the best I would say this is a ... more
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1968 Fender Mustang Bass White

1968 Fender Mustang Bass White

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

For sale is the iconic 1968 Fender Mustang Bass in a captivating White finish, complete with its original hard-shell case. While the case shows some wear, it remains in good condition and fully functional, providing the protection this vintage instrument deserves
This bass has seen a lot of playing time, which has only added to its character. Despite its journey, it remains in good condition and perfect working order. The wear tells a story, with scratches, dings, finish checking throughout,... more
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1967 Fender Mustang Bass Vintage Short Scale Bass Dakota Red w /  Case

1967 Fender Mustang Bass Vintage Short Scale Bass Dakota Red w / Case

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

$5400

Up for sale, a 1967 Fender Mustang Bass in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This genuine vintage Mustang Bass has a smooth, broad natural acoustic response, and plugged in, the instrument offers a complex low midrange character and articulate growl. Strung with roundwound 45-105 strings on the 30" scale, the bass sits well in a mix with ample punch and roundness, approximating the thump of a P Bass with the Tone knob ... more
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1971 Fender Mustang Bass Natural Refin w / OHSC

1971 Fender Mustang Bass Natural Refin w / OHSC

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

$1995

1971 Fender Mustang Bass
This Bass Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Original Finish Stripped To Natural
Neck Converted To Fretless
Added Seymour Duncan P-Bass Pickups
Original Pots
Original Tuners, Bridge And Hardware
Stamp On Heel Removed
Made In Fullerton, CA
Poplar Body
Maple Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard And Dot Inlays
30" Scale Length
1 60" Nut Width
Neck Depth At 1st Fret: 0 87 "
Neck ... more
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Fender Mustangs - 1974 Guitar & 1975 Bass

Fender Mustangs - 1974 Guitar & 1975 Bass

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

$7500

FENDER MUSTANGS - 1974 GUITAR & 1975 BASS

For your consideration is this sequential, matching 3-Tone Sunburst set of Fender Mustangs. We are hoping to sell these 50 year old guitars as a set and are not considering them separate at this time. These guitars will not be on display at our store, they will be kept in our humidity controlled guitar storage room in their cases. Due to the limited number of pics allowed in a listing, we have attached a video that shows more of these ... more
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1966 Fender Mustang Bass Daphne Blue

1966 Fender Mustang Bass Daphne Blue

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

$4861

Up for sale is a super cool and wonderful sounding 1966 Fender Mustang Bass in its original Daphne Blue finish. Short scale 4 string bliss! Neck is stamped 17DEC66B, visible pots are coded 3046631 dating to the 31st week of 1966. Pickup is replaced and is from a 1980s Fender Bullet Bass and one pot has been worked on and has a partially open back. Overall in very good condition and comes with a vintage non original case. Weight: 7lbs. 9oz
... more
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1966 Fender Mustang Bass (Hard Case Included)

1966 Fender Mustang Bass (Hard Case Included)

Bend, 977**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

This vintage 1966 Fender Mustang Bass is a classic piece for any bassist. With its iconic design and versatile sound, this bass is perfect for any level of player. The brand is well-known and highly respected in the music industry, and this instrument is sure to impress

The bass comes with a hard case for easy transport and protection. It has been well-loved and played, but still produces a quality sound. This instrument is a great addition to any collection or live performance setup... more
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1971 Fender Mustang Bass Competition Red Vintage Short Scale Bass, 100% Original

1971 Fender Mustang Bass Competition Red Vintage Short Scale Bass, 100% Original

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

$4800

Up for sale, a 1971 Fender Competition Mustang Bass in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Featuring a Competition Red finish, this particular color is essentially Candy Apple Red with a (uniformly yellowed) Olympic White racing stripe
The bass has a rich, round acoustic voice with smooth sustain and a touch of growl in the top end. There's a certain pluck and punch unique to this bass that's particularly appealing and... more
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1973 Fender Mustang Bass

1973 Fender Mustang Bass

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

$4395

1973 Fender Mustang Bass, Vintage Olympic White, Rosewoodboard, Strong Mustang pickup! Weighs 7 lbs 6 oz, Great vibe, Cool bass, VG+, GigBag
... more
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Fender Mustang Bass competition von 1971 in "candy apple red" mit OHC!

Fender Mustang Bass competition von 1971 in "candy apple red" mit OHC!

Hamburg, 22***, GERMANY

€4500

Vor mehr als 15 Jahren habe ich diesen Bass vom Erstbesitzer gekauft. Der Bass wurde viel gespielt (siehe Bild von der linken Halsseite!) und funktioniert auch heute noch wunderbar, die Bünde sind noch lange nicht abgespielt. Lediglich die Hülse für die E Saite auf der Rückseite wurde erneuert (siehe Bild), ansonsten ist das Instrument in absolutem Originalzustand (3, 5 KG!). Die Lötstellen sind unberührt, die original Nitro Candy Apple Red Lackierung ist sehr schön erhalten und nicht ... more
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Fender Mustang Bass 1978

Fender Mustang Bass 1978

Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2000

Restoration project. Refinished in Fiesta Red Nitro. New bridge and scratchplate and regret. Rest original. Currently has La Bella flatwound strings. Sounds incredible. Original scratchplate included.
Pick up only in Manchester area.... more
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Fender Mustang Bass 1971 Sunburst

Fender Mustang Bass 1971 Sunburst

Trani, 76***, ITALY

€3850

Wonderful and rare Fender Mustang Bass from 1971 in classic Sunburst finish
100% original, with cool authentic relic look. Real vintage mojo!
One of the best short scale bass ever made
Saddles, rusty and blocked, replaced for a full functional instrument (originals are included).
The neck is straight and comfortable without issues / damages
Sounds full and warm
Comes with original Polverini case (for the Italian market)
... more
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Fender 1975 Vintage Mustang Bass

Fender 1975 Vintage Mustang Bass

Adelaide, SA, 5***, AUSTRALIA

AU $4295

Fender 1975 Vintage Mustang Bass
CBS era Made in Fullerton, USA
Serial number 646698
Completely factory original bass apart from pickup upgrade
Had a Dimarzio P Bass pickup installed in the 90s, original brass shield plate is still installed. Original pickup is not included
Paint is all original with no touchup or repairs, Nitrocellulose top coat shows plenty of lacquer checking
New strings fitted, plays and sounds great, frets are in good shape and finish has plenty of player... more
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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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1961 Hofner Colorama I

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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

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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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

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1963 Vox Super Ace

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1966 Vox New Escort

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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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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.