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FENDER | BASS | PRECISION | 1972 PRECISION

1972 Fender Precision bass

Classic Fender bass in black

1972 Fender Precision bass - front view
Model: 1972 Fender Precision bass
Body: Ash(?, maybe Alder) body, 1 3/4" deep, 13" wide, overall length 45 3/4"
Neck: One-piece maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays. 20 frets
Scale: 34"
Width at nut: 41mm, 1 5/8"
Weight: 4.16kg
Hardware: chrome plated
1972 Fender electric guitar and amplifier catalog

Beyond the major revamp of 1957, the Fender Precision bass didn't actually change significantly over the next decades. However there were numerous small cosmetic changes, many lasting a few years only, that can be used to help date these basses.

The early 70s Precision has the larger 'Precision' decal, neck-plate serial number, longer G-string saddle screw, a slightly narrower 1 5/8" width at nut and the finger rest below the strings.

In February 1972, the Precision had a base price (i.e. for Sunburst examples) of $293.50. Black, being a custom color, increased the list price to $307.50. See the Precision in the 1972 Fender catalog.

This is a great playing bass with an absolute classic tone. Check out the demo videos of this bass below.

1972 Fender Precision bass bridge detail
Bridge detail. With the cover removed, the bridge is accessible. The unit is held in place with five screws. The use of flat bridge saddles came in in 1970, replacing the threaded saddles used prior to this. Between 1970 and 1973, the bridge was also fitted with the longer G string saddle screw (49.5mm vs 40mm), allowing a greater degree of adjustability on that string.
1972 Fender Precision bass pickup detail
Again, with the handrest removed, the black, eight polepiece split pickup is accessible. This pickup style was introduced in 1957, and would remain an essential feature of the Precision for many decades to come, despite having no adjustability of the polepices.
1972 Fender Precision bass - body detail

1972 Fender Precision body detail. The bass has a three-ply, white/black/white scratchplate, with chrome 'ashtray' bridge cover and handrest, and chrome control knobs. The plastic finger rest is held in place with two screws. In '72, the Precision still had this rest positioned below the strings - by 1974 this would be a thumbrest, positioned above the strings.

1972 Fender Precision bass - body detail showing neck joint and fingerrest
The neck is maple with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard. Adjusting the truss rod is almost impossible without removing it from the body. Invariably people attempt the adjustment in situ, causing minor damage to the scratchplate.
1972 Fender Precision bass - controls and scratchplate
The Precision bass controls are simply volume and tone, each topped with a metal knurled knob. Scratchplates are prone to cracking, and broken tips, particularly around the output jack

1972 Fender Precision bass - rear view

Reverse body view, underlining the simplicity of the design: no control panels, no body-through stringing; just a contoured body with bolt-on neck.

1972 Fender Precision bass - pickup detail
The neck is mounted to the body using four 1 3/4" bolts through a metal neck plate (2" x 2.5")
1972 Fender Precision bass - control detail
The neck plate holds the basses serial number - in this case 361049 dates the bass firmly to 1972. There are no other markings, and no Fender 'F'.
1972 Fender Precision bass - headstock and decal detail
Headstock detail showing nut, tuning keys and early seventies-style decal, with large 'PRECISION BASS' model designation and patent numbers - this would be reduced in size in 1976.
1972 Fender Precision bass - reverse headstock and tuning key detail
Reverse headstock, without strap button. The clover leaf tuners were produced in house, though by 1976, they would be made by Schaller in Germany.
1972 Fender Precision bass - headstock decal detail

The larger decal of the period 1969-76 was reduced once the serial number was moved from the neck plate to the headstock. Patents numbers listed apply to various Fender innovations, including: the Telecaster's (?) combined bridge / pickup assembly (2,573,254), two electromagnetic pickups - the latter being the Precision split pickup (2,968,204 and 2,976,755), and the adjustable neck (3,143,028).

1972 Fender Precision bass front headstock detail
Early seventies (until 1977) Fender bass tuning keys were marked with the Fender logo, but also the ® trademark motif.
1972 Fender Precision bass nut detail
1972 Fender Precision rosewood fretboard and nut detail. The nut was molded white plastic.

1972 Fender Precision bass video clips

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1972 Fender Precision bass / 1964 Ampeg B15 (4m 36s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1972 Fender Precision, 1964 Ampeg B-15N

Two absolute icons of bass guitar history: a 1972 Fender Precision (strung with roundwounds) played through a 1964 Ampeg B15. Great bass. Great amp. Great combination. Check out the other videos of this bass through a WEM Dominator, Marshall 20w Lead & Bass and Fender Bassman 100.

Recorded here with an Electrovoice RE-20 (left channel) and a Shure SM57 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1972 Fender Precision bass / 1973 Fender Bassman 100 (silverface) - vintage guitar demo (4m 26s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1972 Fender Precision, 1972 Fender Bassman 100 with 4x12 cab

Here, the Precision is played through a 1973 Silverface Fender Bassman 100. Recorded as above, though now restrung with Labella Deep Talkin' 760FS flatwounds - great strings - not cheap, but worth every cent!

Recorded here with an Electrovoice RE-20 (left channel) and a Shure SM57 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

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Fender Precision Bass Natural 1975 Used Electric

Fender Precision Bass Natural 1975 Used Electric

Wentzville, Missouri, 633**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

The Fender Precision Bass Natural 1975 is a classic electric bass guitar designed for right-handed players. Constructed with a solid body made of solid wood, this bass guitar features a 4-string configuration and comes with a hard case for protection. With its iconic Precision Bass model, Fender delivers a high-quality instrument that is perfect for musicians seeking a reliable and versatile bass guitar for performing or recording music

Not 100% original
Bad ass II bridge ... more
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1974 Fender Precision Bass #624832 - Used

1974 Fender Precision Bass #624832 - Used

Durham, North Carolina, 277**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3095

Store About Policies Contact Store About Shipping Financing Support Contact... more
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Vintage 1978 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Maple With HSC

Vintage 1978 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Maple With HSC

Santa Monica, California, 904**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }
1978   That's the year of Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees, National Lampoon's Animal House and when Ben & jerry's opened their first ice cream shop   It's also when Fender gave birth to this killer Precision Bass   Over the years, it's been modded and played plenty, but is still in good shape - after nearly half a century, it's ready to keep going
There's a lot going with this bass   The first thing to state is that it's the original neck and ... more
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1984 Fender Precision Bass a cool 41 year old all original Black w / a Maple Neck.

1984 Fender Precision Bass a cool 41 year old all original Black w / a Maple Neck.

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

$2995

Just in is this really cool & affordable 1984 Precision Bass w / all the right stuff. It has an original Black finish over an alder body, its Maple Neck is feels great & is super clean dated to May 23rd, 1984. Its has a nice single layer white pickgard & she??s pretty like a Clapton Strat. Its split pickup is super punchy. It has a nice slightly used patina for a 41 year old original. It??s lightweight to at 8 lbs. 11 oz. It??s excellent overall having nice sustain & tone ... more
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Vintage Fender Precision Bass Guitar 1974-75 Black Maple Neck w / DiMarzio & OHSC

Vintage Fender Precision Bass Guitar 1974-75 Black Maple Neck w / DiMarzio & OHSC

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

$2995

Subway guitars is pleased to offer yet another cool '70s Fender bass. This one is a maple neck P-bass, all original except for the DiMarzio pickup which was a very popular upgrade at the time. This bass has definitely been used, but not abused. There are a multitude of small dings and light scratches here and there, and one large larger ding on the upper bout as shown in the pictures. Overall, it is very solid and still ready to rock.
This vintage Fender has recently enjoyed the legendary ... more
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1970s Fender Precision Bass Body w /  Lindy Fralin Pickups, Sunburst w /  Case

1970s Fender Precision Bass Body w / Lindy Fralin Pickups, Sunburst w / Case

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

$1500

Up for sale, a Fender PJ Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a molded hardshell case. This versatile amalgamation combines the body of a mid-1970s Fender Precision Bass, routed to accommodate a PJ pickup configuration, and a satin-finished USA Custom Guitars neck
The traditional tonewood complement of an alder body, maple neck, and thick slab rosewood fretboard results in an resonant, warm acoustic tone with good articulation, providing an ideal platform ... more
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1977 Fender Precision Bass Natural Ash w /  EMG & Badass

1977 Fender Precision Bass Natural Ash w / EMG & Badass

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

$2550

Up for sale, a 1977 Fender Precision bass in excellent condition, outfitted with an early EMG pickup and Leo Quan Badass Bass II bridge. Tonewoods include an ash body and a maple neck capped with a rosewood fretboard. Weighing 10lbs 14oz, the bass has plenty of sustain, punch and power. The EMG P Set pickup is an early example featuring distinctive molded covers and a brass baseplate, running at 9V. From rich grind and growl to thick low end, this pickup delivers the goods. This Precision Bass ... more
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Vintage 1972 Fender Precision Bass Natural With Gig Bag

Vintage 1972 Fender Precision Bass Natural With Gig Bag

Santa Monica, California, 904**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3600

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }
The sound hear around the world - that's what the Fender Precision Bass is   It debuted in the early 50's, and by the early 70's it had evolved   This one that we just took in was built in 1972, the year of Watergate, The Godfather and the debut of Steely Dan   In the time since, it's gone through some changes, bullet pointed below
This is a great vintage bass for players that want a player   It's not for aficionados that crave an all ... more
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1975 Fender Precision Bass in Vintage White w / OHSC

1975 Fender Precision Bass in Vintage White w / OHSC

Highland Park, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4995

This Used 1975 Fender Precision Bass in Vintage White is here on consignment. The neck is straight, the frets are still crowned, and the truss rod functions properly. The nut was changed to brass somewhere along the way, as was the style at the time. Included with the bass is the original hardshell case
This bass has patina'ed perfectly over the years, and it has that Buttery look that is too die for! Paired with the Tortoise Pickguard, this is an absolutely stunning-looking instrument. ... more
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1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck | Black Finish, Original Case

1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck | Black Finish, Original Case

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

$2599

1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck Black Finish, Original Case
Here is a really nice '76 Fender Precision Bass in Black. Fretless maple neck. Interestingly the neck has a "76" serial number but the neck plate also has a late 75 or '76 number. We're guessing that these were either paired at a later date or left the factory this way. Of course you could easily change the serial number plate for one with no serial with no problems. The bass itself is nice and original ... more
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Fender Precision Bass 1970 - Sunburst

Fender Precision Bass 1970 - Sunburst

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

$4950

Here we have a vintage Fender Precision Bass from 1970! This one is original condition with some cool wear around the edges
Specs include an alder body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, pearl dot inlays and tortoise guard. It has a single split P pickup, four saddle top mount bridge, and Fender tuners
The body shows wear around edges and on the back near the F plate. The back of the neck has various nicks and light impressions over its surface and the face of the headstock shows light ... more
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Original Vintage 1960 To 1964 Fender Precision Bass Pickguard And Shield

Original Vintage 1960 To 1964 Fender Precision Bass Pickguard And Shield

Teaneck, New Jersey, 076**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Original pickguard and shield in very good to excellent condition. Some yellowing of the white layers of the chamfered edge
Minimal shrinkage: the next to last photo shows the pickguard on the shield
Shows marks from the chrome pickup cover edges, thumb rest, pots and jack
Shipment within the continental US is $25
I will ship worldwide. You pay actual cost of shipping. I will only declare true Customs value.... more
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1966 Fender Precision Bass- Lake Placid Blue

1966 Fender Precision Bass- Lake Placid Blue

Brookline, Massachusetts, 024**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17000

Selling one 1966 Fender Precision bass in custom color Lake Placid Blue with original case
All original except for a wiring-shielding job (paint in control cavity, and extra wire attached to bridge?) Pickups appear original
Custom color Lake Placid Blue is in very good shape. I bit of "cuff-link" wear above pichguard. Some oxidation on the tuning keys
Four small holes drilled in pickguard (hidden behind the front pickguard cover if installed. Not sure why they were drilled, probably ... more
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Fender precision bass fretless vintage 1976 Mint - all original - Olympic white

Fender precision bass fretless vintage 1976 Mint - all original - Olympic white

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

$4000

Embrace the classic feel of the Fender Precision Bass, a 1976 vintage model that has been meticulously preserved in its original Olympic white finish. This fretless electric bass guitar is a treasure for both collectors and musicians alike, offering an authentic experience with its timeless design and exceptional playability Crafted with the high-quality standards that Fender is known for, this piece boasts a sleek white body that provides a sharp contrast to the traditional wood tones. The ... more
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1975 Vintage Fender Precision Bass Guitar Fretless w /  Natural Finish & HSC

1975 Vintage Fender Precision Bass Guitar Fretless w / Natural Finish & HSC

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

$2900


Nice piece of fairly lightweight three-piece Ash body. Serial number is 634290
There are plenty of small dings and light wear around the edges. Some of the finish has worn off where the arm rests. There is a nice gouge a bit over one inch long on the upper bout on the top
The neck is very clean with no dings or signs of wear. The fingerboard is clean and smooth with very little playing wear. It is currently strung with flatwounds. All parts are original except the bridge cover and ... more
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Vintage 1975 Fender Precision Bass P-Bass W / OHSC Olympic White Aged Relic

Vintage 1975 Fender Precision Bass P-Bass W / OHSC Olympic White Aged Relic

Wilkesboro, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

Vintage early 1975 fender precision bass with super clean original hardshell case. Plays and sounds great! Originally Olympic white which has aged to a beautiful creamy butterscotch color. Overall great shape for the age. Pickguard was changed years and years go to chrome metal one but I will include black pickguard as shown that I got with it. See pictures for details. Nice clean mid 70??s example. Please checkout our other listings.
All items sold as-is. As with any used instrument we sell... more
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1966 Fender Precision Bass Relic Refin Ice Blue Metallic over orig sunburst

1966 Fender Precision Bass Relic Refin Ice Blue Metallic over orig sunburst

Milford, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6600

Fender Precision bass 1966 in relic refinished Silver Blue Metallic over original Sunburst. All 100% original Fender 1966 neck, body, pickups, tuners, pick guard and parts. The neck has been over-sprayed on the original finish. Very resonate, great sustain, no dead spots on the neck, no 12 fret bump common in that era, truss rod fully working, frets in great shape. Weighs 8 4 Ibs with 1 75 "C" neck width. Comes with new Fender hard case. What's the point of buying a real 60's PBass that's ... more
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1961 Fender Precision Bass Slab fingerboard Blonde Relic Refin

1961 Fender Precision Bass Slab fingerboard Blonde Relic Refin

Milford, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

All original except refinished neck and body in relic nitro, original Fender Dupont color, Clay dot markers, original reverse tuners, slab rosewood fingerboard, original nice flame maple neck, repro spaghetti logo decal, original celluloid pickguard & aluminum shield, and pots. What's the point of buying a real 60's PBass that's refinished to look a brand new production model? This bass sounds vintage Fender P-Bass amazing.... more
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1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar    Black  /  Maple Neck .Nice

1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Black / Maple Neck .Nice

Painesville, Ohio, 440**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4250

Up for sale is a one owner , original custom color black, 1974 Fender Precision bass guitar with the original case in beautiful condition. The guitar is ALL original and has been in the case since 1984 until now, when the original owner retired playing in polka bands. It's super clean with a few minor chips and scratches from past use and some corrosion on the pickup cover from the owners hand. The guitar is a lightweight tipping the scale at 8lbs 5 oz . It has a attractive flame neck and ... more
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Vintage 1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Body w /  Ibanez Neck & Case

Vintage 1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Body w / Ibanez Neck & Case

Laceyville, Pennsylvania, 186**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

Vintage 1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Body w / Ibanez Neck & Case. This will ship with Sign on Delivery as well as fully insured at no extra cost to the buyer. Shipping costs are estimated by eBay based on weight and dimensions of package (I do not put shipping prices in, I only input weight / dimensions). Guitar will ship inside case and packed safely within a box
Please scan photos closely as the images above are of the exact item you will be receiving upon purchase. IF YOU DON'T ... more
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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 bass Rose-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 Zambesi This 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 Ace The 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 Escort The 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 Care Catalog 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 Folk The 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 guitar The 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