Vintage Guitars
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Vintage Gibson guitars

Gibsons are perhaps the most highly-regarded of all vintage guitars

The Gibson plant at 225 Parsons Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan
The old Gibson plant at 225 Parsons Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan, now home of Heritage guitars

Vintage Gibson guitars are very special indeed, and they are held in very high regard by serious players and vintage guitar collectors alike. Especially the guitars made in the main Gibson plant, 225 Parsons Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan. The very best of these guitars were made in the 1950s and 1960s; often referred to as the CMI (Chicago Musical Instruments) period. These Gibsons are the epitome of quality. The best guitars were hand-built. Tops were carved and tap-tuned, a job requiring great skill and experience, and the pieces were assembled and finished by skilled craftsmen, with incredible attention to detail. But even the entry-level Gibson guitars were a step above the majority of guitars available at the time; both in terms of workmanship and components.

Gibson ES300
Late 1940s Gibson ES300

Gibson electric acoustic guitars

But this was a time of big change in the guitar market. Gibson specialised in expensive electric acoustics; high end jazz archtop models like the L5-CES, Super 400, ES-300, ES-350, ES-5, and the very well-known ES-175. These were all large hollow-body guitars with superb clean tones for jazz soloing. But 1955's Byrdland opened the door to a new possibility in guitar design, being the first thinline model.

Gibson endorsers of the 1950s were 'serious' musicians; often guitar virtuosos, in the jazz, pop or bluegrass genres. They would be accompanied by an upright bass, and a drummer using brushes. But the advent of rock 'n' roll changed everything. The necessary increase in volume rendered the jazz box almost obsolete and heralded the rise in popularity of the semi-acoustic and the solid-body.

Jack Bruce basses his sound on Gibson
Jack Bruce basses his sound on Gibson - Gibson advertisement from 1972

Gibson rock guitars

In this time, and under the stewardship of Ted McCarty, Gibson introduced the majority of the iconic models that it is famous for today. The Les Paul in 1952, the ES335, Flying V and Explorer in 1958, the Melody Maker in 1959, the SG in 1961, and the Firebird in 1963. Despite being superb instruments, many of these were too far ahead of their time, and were commercial failures until re-issued years later. Only 98 Flying V guitars were shipped between 1958 and 1959, and only 22 Explorers. The low-production numbers of these models guarantees their desirability to vintage guitar collectors, and if offered for sale could fetch a five or six figure sum, depending on the state of the market.

1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, 1967 Melody Maker bass, 1964 Gibson Atlas IV amplifier

These classic guitars represent Gibson at their best. The quality of materials, workmanship and design placed Gibson guitars of this period right at the pinnacle of American guitar production. When people complain of perceived 'problems' with seventies, eighties or even current Gibson production, it is with these early sixties guitars that the comparison is being made. Gibson went from strength to strength in the early 1960s, selling guitars quicker than they had time to build them. 1965 was their peak year, selling over 83000 instruments. This success, however ultimately proved a huge problem for the company. They expanded to cover demand, even overproducing certain lines, only to find demand dropping in the later part of the decade. By the late 1960s, the American guitar industry was in trouble. Companies were folding and changing hands, and Gibson was no exception. Norlin took charge in December 1969, and immediately introduced numerous new models.

Keith Richards with the Gibson Les Paul Custom, from the 1975 Gibson catalogue
Keith Richards with the Gibson Les Paul Custom, from the 1975 Gibson Les Paul catalogue

The Norlin period

This period is not held in as high regard as the earlier CMI period, and it is true, Gibson produced a lot of low-priced guitars at this time, but the finest instruments are every bit as good as older versions. Guitars like the Citation, L-5S, and Crest are as good as anything Gibson ever built. In 1974 Gibson opened a new plant in Nashville, and some guitar output was moved there. The Nashville plant, especially early on, was unable to compete in terms of quality with Kalamazoo, and some of the seventies bad reputation may have been due to this.

This is the decade Gibson moved away from mahogany, in favour of other woods. The archetypal Gibson solid body sound was rich and dark; it had been produced by Gibson humbuckers, a mahogany body and a glued in mahogany neck. But there was a recognition that a wider tonal range would be greatly appreciated by the guitar buying public. In the early 1970s, electronics wizard Bill Lawrence designed a number of new guitars for Gibson: the L-6S, Marauder, S-1, Grabber bass and Ripper bass; all used maple and or alder, and many were natural-finished giving a distinctly different look to preceding models. They were electronically experimental, using a number of different techniques to achieve greater tonal palettes, from very simple ideas like a moveable pickup, to more in depth multi-position varitone switches.

Gibson RD Standard bass
The Gibson RD Standard bass, circa 1978

Gibson Nashville and Gibson Kalamazoo

The two Gibson plants, Nashville and Kalamazoo, were running in tandem throughout the second half of the 1970s; Nashville built a large proportion of the solid body guitars, including Les Pauls, the L-6S, 335 solids etc, whilst Kalamazoo was the home of basses, hollow bodies, custom order instruments and new product development. A new 'Research and Development' team set to work, their first design taking the name of the group. The all-maple RD series was one of the last instruments to be made entirely at the Kalamazoo plant. But at this time, even necks on a lot of traditionally all-mahogany instruments went maple, for example 70s Les Pauls, SGs and solid-body 335S. The RD was a collaboration between Gibson and Moog (another norlin company); again an attempt to increase tonal range but this time by creating an active instrument with built-in Moog expansion and compression circuitry. The success of the RD Artist lead to other guitars being fitted with the same electronics, most notably the Les Paul Artist and ES-Artist.

The popularity of the electric guitar was declining somewhat in the early 1980s, but with two plants up and running, Gibson had no shortage of production capacity. So Gibson proceeded with the first of several attempts to create a line of products placed somewhere between it's Japanese built Epiphone 'copies' and it's regular Gibson guitars - see the article on non-Gibson Gibsons here. The Gibson Sonex was a range of entry to intermediate level guitars produced at the Nashville plant, using an innovative wood/particle board (resonwood) composite body. The cheapest, the Sonex-180 Deluxe was built in the USA, but actually fitted with imported Japanese pickups and hardware, allowing for an incredibly low launch price. Other models in the series actually used standard Gibson hardware, and the Sonex Artist even had the Moog expansion/compression circuitry of the RD series.

The Gibson Victory series was again all maple with state-of-the-art electronics, this time by Tim Shaw, but still aimed at expanding the range of sounds available from a Gibson. They were passive, save the Artist bass, and even that had a switchable passive mode. These guitars were designed at Kalamazoo, and a few early examples were built there, before production of this line moved to Nashville, at the end of 1981.

Finally in 1984 the Kalamazoo plant closed, and all electric guitar production moved to Nashville. In January 1986 Gibson was sold to it's current owners.

Non-Gibson Gibsons

Gibson was always rightly proud of it's beautifully-built American instruments, but such a large slice of the US guitar market was below the price point of a typical Gibson guitar. Whilst other distributors were importing cheaper guitars from around the world, Gibson attempted (several times) to produce more affordable instruments in the US - typically branded as something other than Gibson, but often with a nod towards the parent brand. These attempts were somewhat successful at first, (notably the 1930s and 1960s Kalamazoo brand) but unable to compete with the mass produced guitars of the 1970s and 1980s. Read more about Gibson's non-Gibson Gibsons: Kalamazoo, Epiphone, Epiphone USA Sonex and Gibson Guitar Co.

Latest Gibson updates on this site

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
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!
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
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
1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for the Les Paul Personal / Professional

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Vintage Gibson guitars for sale

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NOS Gibson Guitar 6 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s  Es 345 335 355 L6

NOS Gibson Guitar 6 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s Es 345 335 355 L6

Lady Lake, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

NOS GibsonGuitar 11 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s
This waspicked up from a former worker at the Gibson Kalamazoo factory. He worked therefrom the 1970??s until they closed in 1984. This is a new oldstock and has neverbeen put on a guitar. This is an 11 position selector switch. I am not surewhich guitar this goes to
... more
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GIBSON TUBE AMP AMPLIFIER 1959 BROCHURE GA Series

GIBSON TUBE AMP AMPLIFIER 1959 BROCHURE GA Series

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

$300


Gibson Amplifier Brochure

Super hard item to find in original stained condition. 1959 Gibson Amplifier Sales Brochure. Tiny water mark on the lower left, barely visible. Only one side of the brochure is shown there are three models on the opposite side
It's currently in a cheap frame, not as shown in the photo, that you should upgrade when you get this
GA 86GA 77GA 40T Les PaulGA 18 T ExplorerGA 20 T RangerGA 30 InvaderGA Super 400GA 200 Rythym KingGA 6 LancerGA ... more
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Gibson GA55 GA 55 ALL ORIGINAL 1957 Guitar Amp Amplifier

Gibson GA55 GA 55 ALL ORIGINAL 1957 Guitar Amp Amplifier

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

$4000


GIBSON GA55 Amplifier 1957All original parts, fully serviced and maintained. I have owned this for about 10 years. There is fading on the dial plate, so a serial number isn't shown there, it may be on the chassis. But the easiest way to determine the date are the speakers, which are Jensen, dated the 8th week of 1957. This is the model without reverb. There is no finer sound for blues than this amp. It never overdrives. Soft smooth tone. This model is noted for it's subtle sound, ... more
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1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom Alpine White

1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom Alpine White

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

$4899

For sale is a vintage gem ?? a 1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom in the iconic Alpine White finish. This guitar comes with a non-original 90's era Gibson hard-shell case, adding to its unique character. Loaded with vintage vibe, the finish has gracefully aged to an enticing vintage white, giving the guitar a ton of character and a distinctive vintage Randy Rhoads vibe
Equipped with the original flip-out speed winders, a feature produced for only a few years, and the renowned Tim Shaw pickups, this... more
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1968 Gibson ES-175DN Factory Natural - 2 Pickup, Vintage Archtop Jazz Electric G

1968 Gibson ES-175DN Factory Natural - 2 Pickup, Vintage Archtop Jazz Electric G

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

$7500


1968 Gibson ES-175DN Factory Natural!
Here is a really great 1968 Gibson ES-175 DN. Dual humbucker and factory natural model! Very desirable finish for these. The guitar plays incredibly well and is a great example of a late 60's ES-175. The 2 Patent Sticker humbuckers sound amazing! The guitar is all original except a pro refret. The bridge ABR-1 and knobs are of the same vintage but usually would have rosewood saddle and witch hat knobs. We have access to ... more
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Gibson GA-18T Guitar Amp.  Built in 1962-63.  Original wood footswitch

Gibson GA-18T Guitar Amp. Built in 1962-63. Original wood footswitch

Lafayette, Louisiana, 705**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1335

Gibson GA-18T. This model was shipped in 1962 and 1963 only. It sounds great; better than many Fenders from a comparable era. Comes with original wooden footswitch for tremolo control. You will enjoy playing this amp.... more
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Lab Series L4, 200-watt bass amp head, vintage Gibson /  Moog amp

Lab Series L4, 200-watt bass amp head, vintage Gibson / Moog amp

Baltimore, Maryland, 212**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$235

Lab Series L4, 200-watt, solid state bass amp The amp dates to the late 1970s or early ?80s. The Lab Series amps were acollaboration between Gibson and Moog
The amp can get loud.
The first channel has standard low, mid, andtreble adjustment knobs. The midrange pot is missing the knob. The pot stillfunctions, just the knob for it is missing. It can be adjusted using a pair ofneedle-nose pliers
Second channel has similar adjustment knobs, aswell as additional pots that fine tune the ... more
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Vintage 1977 Gibson L5-S Electric Guitar w /  Case! Tobacco Sunburst Finish! RARE!

Vintage 1977 Gibson L5-S Electric Guitar w / Case! Tobacco Sunburst Finish! RARE!

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Please see pictures
Excellent condition for a 46 year old instrument but still has a few dings and wear on it. Sounds great and plays amazing. Please closely examine pictures for condition.
... more
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Gibson MELODY MAKER Double Cutaway 1964 Vintage Guitar

Gibson MELODY MAKER Double Cutaway 1964 Vintage Guitar

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

$1973

1964 Double Cut Gibson Melody Maker PLEASE LOOK AT ALL PHOTOS! THE LOW OPENING BID DOES NOT REFLECT THE QUALITY OF THIS INSTRUMENT OR IT'S CURRENT PLAYABLITY! A short time ago, an Ebay member offered to buy outside of Ebay. That member was reported. I only sell through EBAY, in auction style, NEVER a direct sale. This protects me and you!
Original pots were checked, pickup, original tuners and hardware. Plays like any great vintage slab-body of the 1960's. The pickup is great, includes the ... more
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61, 62 Gibson Melody Maker! 60s Open Back Tuners, Tuning Pegs!

61, 62 Gibson Melody Maker! 60's Open Back Tuners, Tuning Pegs!

Spring Valley, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

60's Open Back Tuners, Tuning Pegs! 61, 62 Gibson Melody Maker!
One is broken at the tuning peg, and one has a bent tuning peg
No ferrules or screws! Circa 60's! Right-Handed! Good used condition!Please see pictures and ask any questions before bidding! Bid now or make an offer!
Good luck and thanks for looking. Please check out my other auctions
We Take Pride in Our Packing and Handling and Strive for Full Satisfaction
ONLY Ship to The Listed Address on The Item Order Page. ... more
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1917 Antique Gibson Brand  A Style Mandolin (Needs Work)

1917 Antique Gibson Brand A Style Mandolin (Needs Work)

Falls Church, Virginia, 220**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

1917 Antique Gibson Brand A Style Mandolin (Needs Work)
Please be advised, view our photos of the item and we appreciate your business!
We are located in Falls Church, VA
Our Store Hours Monday - Friday 10 AM to 7 PM Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
WE OFFER LOCAL PICKUP IN STORE!
We do not provide international shipping. Will only ship within the United States Please ask questions you may have before bidding or buying and we will do our best to answer promptly Feel free to check our ... more
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Vintage 1968 Gibson USA SG 100 Electric Guitar Body Husk!

Vintage 1968 Gibson USA SG 100 Electric Guitar Body Husk!

Spring Valley, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Vintage 1968 Gibson USA SG 100 Electric Guitar Body Husk! SN 962542
Kalamazoo Mi Build! Modified to accept Stop Bar Tailpiece and ABR Bridge!
Please see pictures and ask any questions before bidding! Bid now or make an offer!
Good luck and thanks for looking. Please check out my other auctions
We Take Pride in Our Packing and Handling and Strive for Full Satisfaction
ONLY Ship to The Listed Address on The Item Order Page. Tracking Will Be Provided and Uploaded To eBay Once ... more
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GIBSON JUBILEE DELUXE, Rare, Vintage 1969, Rosewood Back and Sides, Superb Tone

GIBSON JUBILEE DELUXE, Rare, Vintage 1969, Rosewood Back and Sides, Superb Tone

Roswell, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3285

GIBSON JUBILEE DELUXE, Rare, Vintage 1969, Rosewood Back and Sides, Superb Tone
It has a Rosewood fretboardand a Spruce top with Rosewood back and sides. The sides may be Brazilian Rosewoodlike what Martin used during the late 1960s. The sides and back have mineralstains because the wood may have been cut near the stump. It is a desiredeffect that gives this guitar a recognizable individuality

CONDITION:
There are finish blemishes, several scratches, a few repaired cracks to the ... more
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1955 Gibson LG-1

1955 Gibson LG-1

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

$2000

Here??s a nice vintage Gibson for your considerations!

I??m not super versed on acoustics but I do believe this to be a LG-1 with the ladder bracing. The FON starts with a W dating this to 1955. Again I??m not super versed on these but as far as I can tell this is all original besides possibly the nut

This guitar is vibe??d out with beautiful checking all around. There is a decent crack on the top bass side as well as a small one on the back too. These appear to be stable ... more
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Gibson Custom 60th Anniversary 1961 SG Les PaulIndian Rosewood (105301)

Gibson Custom 60th Anniversary 1961 SG Les PaulIndian Rosewood (105301)

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4999

Weight: 7 lbs 8 3 oz
Solid BodyMahogany BodyGloss Nitro Lacquer FinishCherry RedMahogany NeckAuthentic '61 Thin Neck ShapeSet Neck12" RadiusIndian Rosewood FingerboardCellulose Trapezoids Inlays22 Medium Jumbo Frets24 75" Scale Length1 6875" Nut WidthNylon NutABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge w / Aluminum Stopbar and Sideways VibratoKluson TunersCustombucker Neck HumbuckerCustombucker Bridge Humbucker2 volume 2 tone3-Way Toggle SwitchGibson .010- 046 StringsHardshell Case Included... more
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Gibson Melody Maker guitar

Gibson Melody Maker guitar

Delray Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$876

This vintage Gibson Melody Maker guitar is a must-have for any guitar enthusiast. With its solid body type and right-handed dexterity, it's a classic model that has stood the test of time. Perfect for those who enjoy playing electric guitars, this Melody Maker is a great addition to any collection. Its timeless design and exceptional sound quality make it a favorite among musicians. Add this vintage gem to your instrument collection today!
This is a 1959 re-issue . This guitar is in Mint ... more
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ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4020

UP FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Original Gibson Hard case .
HAS AMAZING TONE AND SOUND WITH A REAL NICE SMOOTH FEEL AND ACTION ALL TUNERS, ELECTRONICS, GIBSON PICK UPS, SWITCHES, VOL , TONE. WORK REAL WELL ALSO AS SHOWN HAS A TINY HAIRLINE BY INPUT JACK CONSIDERING THIS GEM IS APPROX. 50 YEARS OLD AS SHOWN IN REAL NICE ORIGINAL CONDITION BUT TO BE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME SCUFFS, SCRATCHES AND NORMAL USAGE WEAR .PLEASE REVIEW ALL ... more
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Nice Gibson  /  Epiphone SG G-310 Guitar w /  Matsumoku Pickups -------------- Cool!

Nice Gibson / Epiphone SG G-310 Guitar w / Matsumoku Pickups -------------- Cool!

Munster, Indiana, 463**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

Nice Gibson / Epiphone SG G-310 Guitar with Matsumoku Pickups. Looks, sounds and plays great. The control cavity cover has been replaced with a homemade one. One of the pickup screws is missing. Shipping is $50 to the continental US; all others use eBay's Global Shipping Program. Sorry, no shipping to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.... more
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1926 Gibson L-1

1926 Gibson L-1

Port Townsend, Washington, 983**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

1926 Gibson L-1 with arched back $4950 plus shipping
Very rare and excellent early Gibson flat-top. Apparently over the first few days of building flat-top guitars Gibson used up some carved backs left over from the arch-top model L-1
I have owned and worked on a number of these L-1 guitars and this is the cleanest one I??ve seen
It is also one of the earliest ones based on the FON - 8476, comparing it to all the other ones I??ve had and seen listed
It is completely original ... more
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Tobias Basic 6 String bass guitar Pre-Gibson Quilted Maple??

Tobias Basic 6 String bass guitar Pre-Gibson Quilted Maple??

Woodbridge, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3400

Tobias Basic 6 String bass guitar Pre-Gibson Quilted Maple??
PLEASE NOT SMALL DING ON BODY ( SEE PICTURES) BUT OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION
COMES WITH VINTAGE HARD CASE
BEAUTIFUL GUITAR DEF ONE FOR THE COLLECTION :)... more
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1985 Gibson Les Paul Standard Studio Cherry Sunburst

1985 Gibson Les Paul Standard Studio Cherry Sunburst

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

$2699

Up for sale is a stunning 1985 Gibson Les Paul Studio Standard in its original cherry sunburst finish. Built in the mid 1980s the Studio Standard model features a studio body with binding, slim 60s neck profile also with binding, a wonderful sounding set of ink stamped Tim Shaw humbuckers, dot fingerboard inlays and studio headstock decal. These have become increasingly sought after over the years and are in my opinion every bit as good as a Standard from the same era. Pro setup in house and ... more
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Gibson SB-400 1970 Bass Guitar Rare

Gibson SB-400 1970 Bass Guitar Rare

Nacogdoches, Texas, 759**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

I picked this up years ago . I have a SG EB-3 but this caught my eye. This is a long scale SB-400 which I have never heard of . Based on what I think the serial number is-- hard to see it ( 95309) it's a 1971
This is used and rare guitar and in pretty good shape for the age. Comes with non original case . Everything works as it should what I can see
If you are a bass player you got to buy it. I have been playing for 45 years- got about 20 bass guitars--I like the short scale EB-3 or ... more
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1960??s Gibson LG-1 Acoustic Guitar With Orig Case

1960??s Gibson LG-1 Acoustic Guitar With Orig Case

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

$2800

This vintage Gibson LG-1 acoustic guitar from the 1960s (I don??t know the exact year) but it has been in the family it??s whole life. It was my fathers when he was a young adult (he was born in 1941). It is a true gem for guitar enthusiasts. It features a beautiful sunburst color with a natural body color and a flat top soundboard style. The guitar is in good shape and comes with its original case, making it a must-have for collectors and musicians alike.

The right-handed guitar... more
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Gibson RB100 70s Banjo

Gibson RB100 70's Banjo

Ontario, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

70's model Gibson Rb100 . Near perfect condition for being 50 years old . a few small scratches. One on back of head stock, a smaller one on the back of the resonator and one on its side. Light wear. New drum head. Gotta make room. I have too many banjos / instruments. Case included, strap is not. Gibson banjos getting harder to find Feel free to ask questions
... more
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Gibson Mastertone Copy

Gibson Mastertone Copy

Mount Juliet, Tennessee, 371**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Nice Mastertone copy made from quality components. Beautiful flying Eagle neck with sliding Fifth string capo installed. Comes with hard shell case and tooled leather Duck banjo strap Great sound and playability for a fraction of the price. It's a hoss
... more
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1950s Gibson TB-150 5-string banjo conversion with  early Kulesh tone ring

1950's Gibson TB-150 5-string banjo conversion with early Kulesh tone ring

Morrisville, New York, 134**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

1950??s Gibson TB-150 conversion 5 string banjo, early Kulesh flathead tone ring

This banjo features a very early 20 hole Kulesh tone ring (serial number 54). The rim was cut and the tone ring was press fit to the rim by Steve Huber. The rim thickness is just over 9 / 16 " . By all accounts these are among the best tone rings for reproducing the coveted pre-war sound. The inside of the tone ring is stamped with the ??Gibson USA?? log and the serial number 54 is stamped where it cannot ... more
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Vintage 1920`s Gibson L-1 "Life by the Drop" tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan

Vintage 1920`s Gibson L-1 "Life by the Drop" tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan

Port Murray, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1650

Here is a pretty unique old survivor. A 1920`s Gibson Archtop L-1 - I will start with the guitar specs as it relates to originality as best I am able, please forgive me of any inaccuracies or misses. Original finish. The original mandolin style tuners were replaced with slightly later Klusons from a later flat top Gibson model. Gibson only a few years after this archtop l-1 went to the flat top L-1. The correct tuners are not too pricey and can be found pretty consistently online if you are so ... more
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1950s Kluson Deluxe Nickel tuner Bushings and Mounting screws Fits Gibson

1950's Kluson Deluxe Nickel tuner Bushings and Mounting screws Fits Gibson

Greenwood, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

This listing is for a lot of 1950's Kluson Deluxe mounting hardware. You get six (6) bushings and and twelve (12) mounting screws. This is the style most often seen from about 1956-late 1959. There is still a light dome on the top ring. That became dead flat in late 1959. Plating is oxidized, you can see a flake off the top ring on one of them. But otherwise in good shape. Found on lots of models as they were made by Kluson. Just about every company except Fender used them (Fender made their ... more
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1984 GIBSON LES PAUL "The PAUL" with NEW HARDSHELL CASE

1984 GIBSON LES PAUL "The PAUL" with NEW HARDSHELL CASE

Lexington, Kentucky, 405**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1495

1984 GIBSON LES PAUL "The PAUL" with NEW HARDSHELL CASE
No offers pleaseWe ship to US destinations only
... more
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Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom Wine Red 1978

Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom Wine Red 1978

Brookfield, Wisconsin, 530**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4999


Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom Wine Red 1978
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Authentic vintage vibe & a superb player finished in a gorgeous Wine Red that shows off a bit of flame figuring in the treble-side of the top. The double humbuckers sound terrific & kick out rich, robust tones. The slender profile neck is very comfortable & plays nicely anywhere on the fretboard. Fully inspected & set up by the experts here at Cream City ... more
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How many legs does a tripod have?
orangecrush Comment left 7th January 2017 05:05:37 reply
Do you have more info on the Gibson Corvus
buck rowley Comment left 22nd November 2016 08:08:45 reply
how many models pre 1970 had three pick-ups?
vintage guitar and bass Comment left 5th January 2017 23:11:47 reply
There was the ES-5 Switchmaster, Les Paul Custom, SG Custom and Firebird III and Firebird VII
vintage guitar and bass Comment left 6th January 2017 09:09:14 reply
Not forgetting the three-pickup SG-style Melody Maker of the late '60s
Jamie Moore Comment left 10th February 2014 17:05:32 reply
This is great BUT no mention of Gibson Howard Roberts Custom. Would you have any info about how much one is worth or where to find out how much it's worth? Single pick-up, oval sound hole, great condition circa 1975 with Gibson hard shell case. Can you help??
Lio Comment left 8th November 2013 21:09:16 reply
I have a old Gibson L 3. The lable inside is not very clear but I think it has patented Feb 1st March 30, '06 also number 535/??. It was made in Kalamasoo Mich. The body is in perfect condition with all original parts. The turtle hand guard is so brittle and falling apart is the only part that is not good. The rest of the guitar has no scratch or wear. It has its original hard case in great condition. Just wondering about the price. I want to sell it. This was a gift I received from my late father-in-law. five years ago. I certainly need the money so I am trying to sell it. I will greatly appreciate your help. Thanks.
joe chaisson Comment left 3rd March 2012 21:09:59 reply
i have a 1980 les paul gold top standard and i would like to know what it would be worth?

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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 (seepage 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Coloramawas the name UK distributorSelmergave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and HofnerDiamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respectedMatsumokuplant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IITheHofner Coloramawas the name given bySelmerto a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here)Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

1971 Epiphone 1820 (ET-280) bassBy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). TheMatsumokufactory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the1820 bass(alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

1981 Gibson MarauderProduction of Bill Lawrence's GibsonMarauderbegan 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 theMarauder,S-1, andL-6S Custommixed in with brand new models theThe V,The Explorerand theFlying 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. The3263 basswas one of the first models, (alongside the 3261 six string and 3262 twelve string) available from late 1968 until about 1974. The earliest incarnation was a set neck bass, produced very briefly in Japan. But production quickly moved to Italy. This bolt-on neck example was built by Eko, in Recanati, using the same hardware and pickups as fitted to Eko, and Vox basses built around the same time. It's certainly a fine looking bass, and not a bad player either.

1961 Hohner Zambesi

1961 Hohner ZambesiThis very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super AceTheVox Super Acewas 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-pickupVox 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 Basssupporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

1966 Vox New EscortTheVox New Escortwas Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin CareCatalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger FolkThe Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitarTheSymphonicbass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to theFender Precisionbass, 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-style3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string3261, the twelve string3262and the3263bass.Shaftesburywas the house-brand of major UK distributorRose-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, byEko

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. TheFender Precisionhad 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 StrollerTheVox Strollerwas 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 theVox Clubman IIbass, 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 GibsonES Artistlaunched 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 toLaVonne Musicby 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 PresidentThePresidentwas 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 newJaguar.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manualThe newly designedLes Paul Recordingguitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for theLes Paul Personal / Professional