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FENDER | CATALOGUES | 1964 1965 | PAGE 4

Fender Showman, Dual Showman, Twin Reverb, Super Reverb and Vibroverb amplifiers

Fender 1964/1965 catalog page 4

Fender 1964/1965 guitar catalogue. Page 4. The first of two pages dedicated exclusively to Fender amps (there are a few included amongst the guitars on page 3). Details of six high-end Fender guitar amplifiers. Although this catalogue does not include every amplifier in the 1964 Fender line, it squeezes more models into the same space than the previous 'Downbeat' Fender catalogue, of late 1963. Models shown are the Fender Showman with 2 15" speakers; Fender Dual Showman, with either one 12" or one 15" speaker; 2 x 12" Fender Twin Reverb; Fender Super Reverb with 4x10" speaker configuration; and 1x15" Fender Vibroverb.

1964 1965 Fender guitar catalog page 4 - Fender Showman, Dual Showman, Twin Reverb, Super Reverb and Vibroverb
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Fender Showman, Twin, Super, and Vibroverb amps for sale

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1959 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Vintage Tube Amp, 100% Original Circuit

1959 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Vintage Tube Amp, 100% Original Circuit

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

$40000

Up for sale, a 1959 Fender "High Power" Tweed Twin 5F8-A in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order. This Twin features a 100% original circuit, original tweed, and an immaculate control panel, loaded with a pair of era-correct Jensen P12N alnico magnet speakers
Occupying a very narrow window in Fender's golden age, the 5F8-A Twin was the pinnacle of Tweed era evolution and unmatched in power and headroom, first available in late 1957 and retired by January, 1960. This ... more
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Vintage 1955 Fender Twin Amp Tweed  Guitar Amp Combo - Ry Cooder Collection

Vintage 1955 Fender Twin Amp Tweed Guitar Amp Combo - Ry Cooder Collection

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

$30000

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }Legendary musician, songwriter, composer and producer Ry Cooder is known across the guitar world as not only being one of the great guitarists of all time, but also a prolific collector of instruments. Whether it be vintage Gibson acoustics, funky Teisco electrics from the 1960's, or modern customs by Danny Ferrington, these instruments have a pedigree like few others. Never one to be afraid to tinker, Ry's instruments often have modifications and ... more
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Fender 1957 Tweed Super Amp Amplifier, Dwight Twilly, Girls, Scuba Diver

Fender 1957 Tweed Super Amp Amplifier, Dwight Twilly, Girls, Scuba Diver

Tulsa, Oklahoma, 741**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$24950

Fender 1957 Tweed Super Amp Amplifier, Dwight Twilly, Girls, Scuba Diver, were all recorded when Bill Pitcock Played through this amp while recording these songs with Dwight Twilly. This particular amp is featured in this month's issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine ,written by Dave Hunter. There is recent proof of a similar 1957 Tweed Super having sold through Heritage Auctions for just over $31, 000 00 . See photo of ad that also ran in vintage Guitar magazine several times in the previous issues.... more
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1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A  Guitar Amplifier

1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Guitar Amplifier

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

$19500

This is a 1958 5F8 Tweed Twin chassis. Serial #A00053
Obviously, its pretty rough, but it works, and it screams.
When I got it (chassis only), it had been neglected for years and was a mess. It needed a full cap job, new 3 prong cable, fuse holder, a few of the pots replaced, 1 input jack, the rectifier socket, and little bit of wiring cleanup work.
After all that, and installing a full new set of Tung Sol tubes, she fired right up. The transformers and all the Astrons and components... more
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1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Vintage Tube Amp 2x12 w /  Jensen P12N

1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Vintage Tube Amp 2x12 w / Jensen P12N

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

$14000

Up for sale, a 1958 Fender "High Power" Tweed Twin 5F8-A in excellent condition and in perfect working order. This Twin features a very original circuit, rehoused in an replica speaker cabinet and loaded with a pair of era-correct Jensen P12N alnico magnet speakers
Occupying a very narrow window in Fender's golden age, the 5F8-A Twin was the pinnacle of Tweed era evolution and unmatched in power and headroom, first available in late 1957 and retired by January, 1960. This example was made in... more
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1959 Fender Bassman 5F6-A Amplifier Amp Vintage Tweed and Super Clean!

1959 Fender Bassman 5F6-A Amplifier Amp Vintage Tweed and Super Clean!

El Cajon, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9500


1959-1960 Fender Bassman 5F6-A Amplifier

This vintage Bassman has the original tweed covering, grill cloth and all of the main components are original. Some capacitors have been changed. One of the speakers was bad and has been replaced, but the same style Jenson from the same year was used. The code on the tube chart has worn off but the Chassis Code is "BM02387" which dates it to 1959. Three speakers date to 1960 and one is from 1959. See photos for the rest of the stamps and ... more
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1982 Fender Super Champ Pro Series Wood Cabinet European Version w / Cover

1982 Fender Super Champ Pro Series Wood Cabinet European Version w / Cover

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

$8295

1982 Fender Super Champ Super Pro Series
Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Purchased From A Longtime Collector Who Owned Many Pristine And Rare Examples Of Various Fender Amplifiers
Some Cosmetic Surface Wear Visible Throughout, Small Joint Separations In Cabinet As Shown
Extremely Rare, 1 Of 50 Made
European Export Model With Switchable Voltage (Currently Set To US 120V)
Upgraded ... more
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1959 Fender Tweed Super Amp

1959 Fender Tweed Super Amp

Huntington Beach, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

Up for sale we have a extremely cool and clean 59 Fender Tweed Super. It was sent back to Fender in Nov. 1962 and re covered (See RA # on bottom of cabinet) The brown Tolex has held up well as has the chrome on the face of the chassis. All lettering is clean and 100%. The grill is the original that came with the amp in 1959. Both P10 R speakers are original to the amp and are dated 220935. All transformers are original and perform as they should. I bought the amp from a famed amp tech (Robert ... more
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1967 Fender Super Reverb Black Panel Vintage Tube Amp w /  Cover & Ftsw

1967 Fender Super Reverb Black Panel Vintage Tube Amp w / Cover & Ftsw

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

$7500

Up for sale, a 1967 Fender Super Reverb in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original two-button footswitch and a padded slip cover. A unique Super Reverb with a story to tell, this amp was owned by Robin Pecknold and featured heavily on the first Fleet Foxes album before being acquired by Phil Ek (who produced Fleet Foxes' eponymous debut). Since 2008, Ek has used this Super Reverb on (by his accounting and loosely speaking) "100 records " One of a select few ... more
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Vintage 1949 Fender V-Front Super Guitar Amp Combo

Vintage 1949 Fender V-Front Super Guitar Amp Combo

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

$7500

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }
We have a truly super vintage piece in stock, this vintage 1949 Fender Super Amp - a wonderful timepiece that's a prime example of classic iconic amp craftmenship   Hard to find and always high in demand, late 40's Fender amps are true treasures  Leo Fender created an amazing line of tubes that have become legends that produces tones that are still sought after   The Super eveolved from the Dual Professional, renamed the Super in 1947   This is ... more
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Vintage 1954 Fender Super Guitar Amp Combo - Stephen Stern Collection

Vintage 1954 Fender Super Guitar Amp Combo - Stephen Stern Collection

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

$7000

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }
Here at Truetone Music, we are fortunate to have close relationships with some of the most prolific guitar builders   One that stands above the rest is the legendary Stephen Stern, Senior Masterbuilder at the Gretsch Custom Shop   Over the years, he was also responsible for D'Aquisto, Benedetto and Fender Custom Shop builds   During his career, he amassed an impressive collection of gear   Now, select pieces have become available for the first ... more
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1964 Fender Vibroverb Amp 1x15 JBL

1964 Fender Vibroverb Amp 1x15 JBL

Cortlandt Manor, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

1964 Fender Vibroverb Amp in excellent condition
All necessary safety and circuit integrity upgrades have been performed, including a full cap job, grid resistors on the output stage (a critical safety omission in the AA763 circuit corrected in the AB763 circuit), 3-prong power cord, clipped "death cap" and rebuilt bias section. All replacement parts are of the highest quality for best possible tone and durabilty
The grill cloth has been replaced, the speaker is a vintage JBL 130A frame ... more
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1958 Fender Bassman 5F6-A Amplifier Amp Vintage Tweed and Super Clean

1958 Fender Bassman 5F6-A Amplifier Amp Vintage Tweed and Super Clean

Waipahu, Hawaii, 967**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

We are proud to present this gem of an amp, an early 1958 Fender Bassman 5F6-A amp with all original transformers and included, the coveted Astron yellow caps. Only the loaded chassis is for sale and will include a set of hand selected vintage tubes. It has just been run through by our tech and has a clean bill of health. Once again, this chassis retain all of its original transformers, and it has had no invasive circuit modifications in its history, something uncommon in many of the bassmans ... more
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Fender Brownface Super Amp 1962

Fender Brownface Super Amp 1962

Redding, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5950

Original 1962 Brownface Fender Super with original brown Oxford Speakers that came in the 1963 vibroverb. It has the tube chart, dog bone handle, and 3 prong cable. Includes a vibrato switch and 2 amp covers. Amazing vibrato! I have owned it since 2006 and it has had moderate use, mostly in the home studio and local clubs. The amp is a bit too heavy for me and it is a loud 40 watts. It breaks up nicely and has incredible tone. I own several 1960's Brownface Fender amps and a 1956 tweed and... more
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1956 Fender Twin - Low-Watt - Original Transformers

1956 Fender Twin - Low-Watt - Original Transformers

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

$5499

1956 Fender Twin
Exceptionally rare amp. Low watt model - approximately 40 watts
- Transformers are original
- Cab is a repro by Armadillo Amp Works
- New Webers recommended by Weber for this amp specific
- Freshly serviced. Runs fantastic like any well maintained tweed amp
- Sounds wonderful
- Amp lives in my office in Downtown Sacramento. Typical meet would be M-Th, 8-5??pending meeting schedules
- Weekend meetings could be arranged for serious buyers.... more
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1954 Fender Super Tweed Wide Panel Vintage Tube Amp 2x10 w /  Jensen P10R, 5D4

1954 Fender Super Tweed Wide Panel Vintage Tube Amp 2x10 w / Jensen P10R, 5D4

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

$5000

Up for sale, a 1954 Fender Super in exceptional condition, complete with the original pair of Jensen P10R alnico 10" speakers and a pair of USA Tung Sol 5881 power tubes. A "Wide Panel" Tweed amp, this particular iteration of the Super is one of the earliest examples of the 5D4 circuit, only available from 1954-55. The Tweed Super is the baby brother of the Bassman in many respects, offering the same harmonic rich, dynamic tones in a more studio friendly and portable enclosure. The low end is ... more
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SUPER RARE 1956 Fender Pro Tube Amp & Pro Extension Cabinet Set

SUPER RARE 1956 Fender Pro Tube Amp & Pro Extension Cabinet Set

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

$4999

Very rare 1956 Tweed Pro set

- 15?? Fender Pro with 15?? tweed Pro extension cabinet
- Pro amp appears to have been painted black at some point, but stripped
- Transformers are original!
- Vintage Jensen P15N sounds great. I don??t know these speakers that well, but it looks like a 1952 or 62.
- Amp has been recently serviced and gone through by Skip Simmons. I??m lucky to have him about 30 minutes away. In the past there had been some very shoddy work done. So Skip ... more
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1964 fender twin reverb amplifier

1964 fender twin reverb amplifier

Palmdale, California, 935**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4595

1964 fender twin reverb amplifier. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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1954 Fender Super Tweed Wide Panel Vintage Tube Amp 2x10 w /  Jensen P10R, 5D4

1954 Fender Super Tweed Wide Panel Vintage Tube Amp 2x10 w / Jensen P10R, 5D4

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

$4500

Up for sale, a 1954 Fender Super, retaining the original tweed and boasting a fully restored circuit outfitted with a complete vintage tube set. A "Wide Panel" Tweed amp, this particular iteration of the Super is one of the earliest examples of the 5D4 circuit, only available from 1954-55. The Tweed Super is the baby brother of the Bassman in many respects, offering the same harmonically rich, dynamic tones in a more studio friendly and portable enclosure. The low end is wooly and thick, the ... more
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1965 Fender Showman

1965 Fender Showman

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

$3995

1965 Fender Showman head and 1X15 speaker cab, Four 6L6tubes, Massive sounding rig with a great clean sound, The bass sounds robust! Amazing Fender vibrato, Super cool amp
A word about purchasing any of these rare Vintage amps, ??these amps need to be regularly cared for??. These are very old and may need to be or may have been serviced in thepast. We recommend that any of these amps upon purchase be serviced and thenregularly looked over by a skilled amp tech. Used amps are sold here on ... more
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Find more Fender Showman, Twin, Super, and Vibroverb amps for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass The Hagstrom Swede bass, or model HB 903, was only built in small numbers: just 1479 basses shipped between 1971 and 1976. Unlike the current range of Hagstrom guitars, the 1950s-1980s Hagstroms were built in Sweden. This example comes from 1973 and is pretty typical: translucent cherry finish, mahogany body, mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. It's a really nice bass, beautifully appointed with a very wide tonal range, and a great playing feel. It is relatively heavy though for a mahogany instrument, mostly due to its thick solid body. Very cool bass, and certainly one of the very best basses produced by Hagstrom.

1973 Shaftesbury 3400

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1971 Epiphone 1802T

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1971 Shaftesbury 3400

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1981 Gibson Victory MVX

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1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogue

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A World of Guitars by Rosetti - 1971

1971 A World of Guitars by Rosetti catalogueScan of 1971 Rosetti catalogue (UK) featuring guitars from from numerous manufacturers worldwide: guitars by Epiphone, Hagstrom, Levin, Hoyer, Egmond, Eros, Moridaira, Kiso-Suzuki, Schaller, and Tatra.

1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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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)

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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

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 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