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FENDER | BASS | JAZZ

Fender Jazz Bass Guitar

Solid body long scale electric bass

Fender Jazz Bass Guitar
Fender Jazz bass. Image taken from the 1970 Fender catalogue
Fender Jazz Bass Guitar
Fender Jazz bass. Image taken from the 1972 Fender catalogue

The Fender Jazz bass (or J-bass) is a classic instrument, as well known and played today as any other bass. It found favour with so many bass players, from legends like Noel Redding of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Jaco Pastorius (who now have signature models) to small time artists who just love that thin neck, and bright sound.

The Jazz bass was launched in 1960; a two-pickup companion to the Fender Precision.

In the late fifties, buyers were still wary of solid-bodied basses, being used to upright acoustic basses, and so string mutes were standard until 1962, giving a more 'upright bass' sound.

As the sixties wore on, this became less relevant, and the Jazz bass was accepted for what it was.

The bass went from strength to strength, and has been made ever since, with only minor changes in half a century of manufacture. Vintage Jazz basses change hands for very large sums; not only are they highly collectable, they are also desirable players instruments, particularly amongst jazz and funk musicians.

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

1969 Fender Lovin

Tops in sound at the bottom of the musical register.. Jazz bass by Fender. Included among its design features are two separate pickups, each having eight pole pieces to capture the full vibration of the string in the magnetic field giving full string tone responses and precluding fading or decay.

The tone and pickup mixing circuit employs a separate volume control for each pickup a single tone control operating both pickups. In this manner, any degree of bass and tremolo may be attained with further tone values increased or decreased by using individual volume controls.

The Jazz Bass "off-set" waist design contributes greatly to playing ease and comfort of the player. It places the arm in a natural position over the strings which facilitates playing technique. In addition, the portability and light weight of the Jazz Bass will be readily appreciated by every bassist. It afford ease of movements on stage and ease of storing. Individual bridges are adjustable for perfect string lengths and heights, and the truss-rod reinforced neck is adjustable to retain alignment. Extremely slender, the comfort feel of this neck is readily noticeable. Binding and inlaid position markers add beauty and make fretting easier.

Available in shaded Sunburst or in selected custom colors. Left-hand models available by special order

Vintage Fender Jazz bass advertising

Electric bass advertisements originally published from 1963 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Fender advertisements

Fender Jazz - The most imitated guitar in the world

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

Fender Jazz - Quality Means Confidence

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

Fender Jazz - The Most Imitated Guitars In The World

Fender Jazz - The Most Imitated Guitars In The World (1965)
Mid sixties Fender advert featuring the Fender Jazz bass, Fender Jaguar guitar, Fender Wildwood acoustic, and a new model, the Fender Bandmaster amplifier.
[more]

Fender Jazz - The Name that Makes the Difference

Fender Jazz - The Name that Makes the Difference (1966)
This mid sixties advert shows a Fender decal being applied to a Jazz bass. Despite the model depicted, this is really an advert for the Fender company rather than any individual model.
[more]

Fender Jazz - Full Color Sound

Fender Jazz - Full Color Sound (1967)
From Fender Musical Instruments, representing the complete musical spectrum with a selection of master-crafted guitars and amplifiers. See the complete line of Fender Musical Instruments at any aut...
[more]

Fender Jazz - Get Fenderized

Fender Jazz - Get Fenderized (1967)
Heavily promoted advert / Competition for Fender in 1967, giving the opportunity to win a 'bandfull' of instruments. The first prize was a Fender Jaguar and Jazzmaster guitar, Jazz bass, Bassman an...
[more]

Fender Jazz - Full Color Sound

Fender Jazz - Full Color Sound (1967)
Advert for the Fender display at the June 1967 NAMM show in Chicago, USA. It features a number of instruments 'representing the complete musical spectrum': a Jazz Bass, a Coronado II electric acous...
[more]

Fender Jazz - Fender. What more need we say

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


Fender Jazz bass catalog appearances

Naturally the Jazz bass, as a mainstay of the Fender line is included in all major catalogues from its launch, a selection of which are reproduced on this site. Click on the images below to see the Fender Jazz in each of these catalogues.

Fender Catalogues: 1960s


1964 1965 Fender Fine Electric Instruments catalog

1964 1965 Fender catalogue - The Jazz bass is on page 2

The Jazz Bass represents the standards by which others will be compared

1965 1966 Fender Fine Electric Instruments catalog

The 1965 1966 Fender catalogue - the Fender Jazz bass was included on page 3

1968 Fender guitar and amplifier catalog

1968 catalogue Fender Musical Instruments on the Go
The Jazz bass appears on pages 8-9

1969 Fender bass catalog

The basses are all on page 4 in this brochure

No matter what kind of music you're playing, the Jazz Bass really grooves

Fender Catalogues: 1970s


1970 Fender electric guitar and amplifier catalog

The Jazz bass appears on page 20

The "thin neck" bass with two pickups for full string tone

1972 Fender electric guitar and amplifier catalog

1972 Fender catalogue
The Jazz bass appears on page 19


Fender Jazz technical information

Fender have published regular list of replacement parts for their instruments, along with part numbers. Some of these parts lists are reproduced here

  • 1968 - photo, parts list, parts illustration, wiring diagram. 5 pages.
  • 1969 - just a simple list of parts. 2 pages.
  • 1976 - photos, parts list an prices. 3 pages.
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1983 Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Fullerton Great Affordable Players Bass Dan Smith

1983 Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Fullerton Great Affordable Player's Bass Dan Smith

Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, 875**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1555

Not reissue! Cool old original affordable vintage 1983 Fender USA Jazz Bass, among the last of its kind for the old Fullerton Fenders. It's a player's bass, but a good one. Overall it's in very clean condition, no big chips or dings, although it does have the usual signs of wear you'd expect when you look closely. Neck is straight, plays great, frets are very clean. Main deal is that the truss rod seems to be stripped I can't get it to turn, and it looks like someone tried to do some repair on ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Special 1980s

Fender Jazz Bass Special 1980's

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

$750

Fender Jazz Bass Special (1984 - 1987) Red, Made in Japan
Had the back of the neck sanded for a sweet smooth feel and added a new pick guard to at flavor.
Body is banged up here and there, I think it's a cool natural relic
Just set up and ready to be loved
... more
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Classic 1983 Fender Jazz Bass 3-Bolt with Ash Body & Bound Maple Fretboard

Classic 1983 Fender Jazz Bass 3-Bolt with Ash Body & Bound Maple Fretboard

Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3983

1983 Fender Jazz Bass -Sienna Burst Finish
Made in the USA
Serial # S865079
Ash Body & Bound Neck!
Classic Medium U Shape Profile Neck
Radius: 7 25
Nut Width: 1 42
Weight: 12 lbs
Measures .80 at the first fret
and .91 at the 12th
Authentic Vintage Mojo, No Fake Aging!
Upgraded Vintage Dimarzio Pickups
Neck is Straight & Truss Rod Works Perfectly
2 Dimarzio Pots 1 CTS Pot
$$$ Professionally Set-Up and Dialed in for Optimal Tone & Playability. ... more
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1978 Fender Jazz Bass killer rare triple black combo Blackgard & Rosewood neck.

1978 Fender Jazz Bass killer rare triple black combo Black'gard & Rosewood neck.

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

$4495

Just in is another incredible late 70??s Jazz Bass w / all the right features in exceptionally clean shape, its has an original Black finish w / a few dings here & there over an Alder body, its rare White Bound 3-bolt ??Rosewood?? Neck is very clean, its original Black pickgard pulls this all together making it one of Fender??s best & last period ??Geddy Lee?? type Jazzes, its 2 pickups are super smooth w / that quintessential ??Jazz Bass?? sound !, its pot codes date to 1978, its so ... more
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1962 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst Pre-CBS

1962 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst Pre-CBS

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$20000

... more
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1974 Fender Jazz Bass Natural w / HSC

1974 Fender Jazz Bass Natural w / HSC

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

$4995

1974 Fender Jazz Bass
This Bass Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Shows Cosmetic Playwear Including Various Marks, Dings, And Scratches
Some Finish Checking Throughout
Lightweight Alder Body With Natural Polyurethane Finish
Maple Neck With Bound Maple Fingerboard And Block Inlays
Original Frets Are Low But Playable
Pickups And Electronics Mostly Original With One Pot Replaced, Original Included
34" Scale ... more
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1972 Fender Jazz Bass Black Rosewood Fingerboard EMGs Baddass Bridge

1972 Fender Jazz Bass Black Rosewood Fingerboard EMGs Baddass Bridge

Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 189**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3900

1972 Fender Jazz Bass Black finish
Rosewood fingerboardWeight: 9 LBSFinish looks originalBody is very worn and looks amazingPickups changed to EMGBridge changed to BaddassStrap buttons are DunlopNeck is straightFrets polishedAction is very nice and easy to playPickguard appears to be aftermarket not originalReally great player No case but will ship in nice new Fender gig bag
D-Town Guitars1109 N Easton Rd Doylestown PA 18902
Mon-Fri 12-8pm Sat 11-3pm EST- closed on Sundays... more
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1966 Fender Jazz Bass With Case

1966 Fender Jazz Bass With Case

Saint Joseph, Missouri, 645**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9500

Up for sale is my 1966 Jazz Bass. I??ve owned this bass for its entire life, except for its first ten years
Low profile oval neck makes this bass play so nice . Everything is original except for the pick guard
Which I replaced some twenty years ago. Not sure about the finish as this is the way I bought it
Some of the finish has worn as shown in the pictures
I believe this is probably a 1966 model, because of the tuning pegs but the neck is dated Nov 65
They don??t make em ... more
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1971 Fender Jazz Bass a groovy example in Sunburst w / a 4 bolt rosewood neck.

1971 Fender Jazz Bass a groovy example in Sunburst w / a 4 bolt rosewood neck.

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

$6995

Another cool one just acquired its a pretty clean & very original 1971 Fender Jazz Bass w / all the right features, its has its original Sunburst finish over a nice Alder body, its White Bound & Block inlaid 4-bolt Rosewood Neck is pretty clean w / a perfect logo & frets, there's no date stamp on its neck typically from this period but she has pot date codes from the 16th week of 1971, its original Tortoise-shell pickgard pulls this all together making it one of Fender??s last great ... more
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1965 Fender Jazz Bass Fiesta Red Relic w /  Case

1965 Fender Jazz Bass Fiesta Red Relic w / Case

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

$7100

Up for sale, a 1965 Fender Jazz Bass in excellent condition, featuring a Fiesta Red relic'd finish and complete with a hardshell case. The body and neck of this instrument are genuine vintage components, and the bass has been fitted with a later set of vintage gray bobbin Fullerton-made Fender pickups, along with a combination of vintage and modern hardware / plastics
Lightweight at 8lbs 8oz, tonewoods include an alder body, maple neck, and dark Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and the ... more
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Vintage 1978 Fender Jazz Bass Natural w /  Original Hardshell Case

Vintage 1978 Fender Jazz Bass Natural w / Original Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2699

Vintage original 1978 Fender Jazz Bass with a nice Natural refinish.
Bass plays and sounds amazing. Neck is straight and plays with a good low action without buzz or issue. Maple neck with mother of pearl block markers makes for a nice present and bright tone
Features a set of Seymour Duncan pickups with a classic vintage Jazz Bass tone.
A real nice vintage Jazz Bass that is perfect for the player. Plays incredibly well
Comes with original Fender Hardshell case, too ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst w /  Case. Rosewood Fret

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst w / Case. Rosewood Fret

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

$5999

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst w / Case. Rosewood Fret. Condition is Used. Local pickup only.... more
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1962 Fender Jazz Bass Black / Reverb. In Excellent Condition.

1962 Fender Jazz Bass Black / Reverb. In Excellent Condition.

Oroville, California, 959**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000

Fender Jazz Bass-Electric Bass guitar, 1962
Made in Mexico. Well kept guitar. It??s black and has the Reverb feature. A real Classic piece
... more
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Vintage 1975 Fender Jazz Bass Guitar Natural Wood White Fretboard Excellent

Vintage 1975 Fender Jazz Bass Guitar Natural Wood White Fretboard Excellent

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Vintage 1975 Fender Jazz Bass in excellent working condition - I bought at Main Drag Music in Brooklyn, NY in 2015 - You can see on the receipt it states it's from 1975
Everything is working as it should - amazing bass! Check out the photos!
... more
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Vintage 1963 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst w Original Case ex-Blue Oyster Cult

Vintage 1963 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst w Original Case ex-Blue Oyster Cult

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12999

Original 1963 Fender Jazz Bass in original Sunburst previously owned by Danny Miranda of Blue Oyster Cult
Bass has a killer neck and superb playability. Neck is nice and straight with a good low action and no buzz or issues. Action is perfect and it is super vibrant and resonant. Nice and light, too
Features original Sunburst finish. Signs of wear and dings to the finish throughout, all honest gigging wear. The logo on the headstock looks like it has been over sprayed. ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Special 1984-1987 Black Medium Scale 32" Active MIJ

Fender Jazz Bass Special 1984-1987 Black Medium Scale 32" Active MIJ

Annapolis, Maryland, 214**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Rare 1986 Fender Jazz Bass Special 32" Medium Scale
Made in Japan
EMG Active Pickups - 9v
This bass is in great playing condition but is definitely road worn
Made in Japan - includes Fender Gig Bag
Shipping within the 48 continental United Sates ONLY
... more
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American Vintage Fender Jazz Bass - Natural Finish 1975

American Vintage Fender Jazz Bass - Natural Finish 1975

Gainesville, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7000

1975 Fender Jazz Bass. All original, including the leather strap that was bought new, back in '75. We bought it new, and have had it ever since. Ready to move it on to a new owner. This is the original case also
I will quote shipping and insurance to the winning buyer. Please ask all questions before buying
For an instrument this old, it is in good condition. The stainless steel string cover (guard) on the front appears to be slightly rough, but I believe it could be buffed to ... more
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Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1972

Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1972

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6499


Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1972
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Killer vintage styling & a superb player thanks to a pro set up from the experts here at Cream City Music. With a comfortable, slender neck & a pair of rich sounding single coils, this gorgeous Jazz Bass is the epitome of classic Fender basses. Professionally inspected & ready to play upon arrival
Cosmetic Condition: Good, honest play wear, just the way we like to see ... more
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1965 Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White 100% Original

1965 Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White 100% Original

Walnut Creek, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$16995

Here is a super cool 100% original L Series 1965 Jazz Bass in Olympic White with matching headstock. All original electronics with untouched solder joints. This bass plays and sounds amazing. I??ve had many Fender Jazz basses over the years and this one plays and sounds the best of them all. Original frets are showing wear. The ??no Fender logo?? OHSC is missing the leather on its handle but is in great shape structurally.
... more
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Vintage 1984 Fender Jazz Bass

Vintage 1984 Fender Jazz Bass

Flossmoor, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Vintage fender jazz bass. Excellent condition plays beautifully. Tones are smooth as can be and easy to play. You won??t be disappointed. See recent appraisal. Happy bidding any questions feel free
... more
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Find more Fender Jazz bass for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Anthony Long Comment left 12th January 2016 13:01:23 reply
I have a 1969 Fender Jazz Bass American made, It is in very good shape except for belt buckle usage My Dad bought in 1969 after he got home from Vietnam I also have the fender bassman amp and the cab with two 15's, He has traveled all over the world with the gear on a USO tour in 1977, just figured that I would share the story with you, Could you tell me the approximate price range for bass and amp? I also have a 1984 strat and a tele B-bender both in excellent shape.

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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

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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

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1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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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

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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.