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GIBSON | MELODY MAKER | 1964, SUNBURST

1964 Gibson Melody Maker

Solid-body double cutaway electric guitar

1964 Gibson Melody Maker

1964 Gibson Melody Maker

Model: 1964 Gibson Melody Maker, sunburst finish
Pickups: One Gibson PU380 single-coil Melody Maker pickup.
Scale: 24 3/4"
Body: Mahogany body. 17 1/4" long, 13" wide, 1 3/8" thick.
Neck: One piece mahogany with adjustable truss rod. Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot markers. 22 frets. Width at nut 1 5/8"
Hardware: 1 volume and 1 tone control. Gibson GV19 vibrola (optional) and TPBR bridge. Kluson 301V tuning keys
Weight: 2.62 kg
Headstock pitch: 14° (13°?)

Very many guitar players of the 1960s started out on a Gibson Melody Maker; they were indeed fine guitars for the price: high quality wood, a desirable nitrocellulose finish, but with simple electronics, resulting in a lightweight, easy playing, great sounding instrument, but with less tonal range than higher end instruments. Simple, lightweight and pretty effective. The body design did change over the years, and there are three main Melody Maker phases: initially a single-cutaway Les Paul style, then the double cutaway as shown here, and finally the same body shape as the SG series of guitars.

Quality build on an entry level guitar

The Gibson workmanship, materials, construction and finish are every bit as good as many higher end guitars - these were made in the Gibson Kalamazoo plant alongside the SG, Les Paul and ES335 guitars - but without expensive inlays and binding, and using simple controls and cheaper, plastic covered single coil pickups. Just like the majority of 1960s Gibson solid bodies, the Melody Maker was all-mahogany (South American), with a set (glued in) neck. The typical Gibson look is completed with a nitrocellulose sunburst finish. Production costs were kept down by giving these guitars a slightly narrower headstock (most Gibson guitars have two extra glued-on wings to give extra width to the headstock), body routing on the front only, and simplified controls which could be assembled away from the guitar itself. Combined with simple single ply plastic parts and a lower-cost hardware, such as the PU380 Melody Maker pickup, the 1964 Melody maker had a zone 1 price of $127.50, or $146.50 with Gibson GV19 vibrola. By comparison, a single pickup SG Junior was $165 (or $184 with vibrola) at this time.

1964 Gibson catalog

From the 1964 Gibson catalogue

Greatest value ever in a solid body electric with full-sized neck and scale length. Acclaimed by players. teachers and students for its fine sound. Big tone, sensitive pick-up, feather-light touch and beautiful sunburst finish.

The Gibson Melody Maker was produced in large numbers between 1959 and 1970, with almost 25000 single-pickup Melody Makers produced in this time. In 1964 alone 3685 of them were shipped - the second highest shipping figure after 1965 (see the full Gibson Melody Maker shipping figures).

Gibson Melody Maker fitted with TPBR wraparound bridge
Melody Maker guitars were fitted with the TPBR wraparound bridge; nickel plated in this case
The scratchplate of this guitar has the words Melody Maker at the end of the neck
The scratchplate of this guitar has the words "Melody Maker" at the end of the neck
Gibson PU380 Melody Maker pickup
The 1960s Melody Maker guitars were equipped with one (or two) single coil Gibson PU380 pickups
Gold Gibson bell-knobs were fitted to mid 1960s Melody Makers; one volume control and one tone control
Gold Gibson bell-knobs were fitted to mid 1960s Melody Makers; one volume control and one tone control
Gibson Melody Maker heel detail
Gibson Melody Maker heel detail, with centrally-placed strap button
Gibson Melody Maker
The Melody Maker was fitted with the same GP19 Vibrola as fitted to the Gibson SG Special, SG Junior, SG-TV and Kalamazoo KG guitars.
Gibson Melody Maker headstock detail
Gibson Melody Maker headstock detail. The Melody Maker headstock did not flare out like other Gibson models; i.e. no extra 'wings' glued on the two edges.
Gibson Melody Maker reverse headstock detail with Kluson Deluxe tuning keys
Gibson Melody Maker reverse headstock detail with Kluson Deluxe 301V tuning keys
Gibson Melody Maker logo
Silk screened Gibson Melody Maker logo
The serial number stamped onto the reverse of this headstock dates this guitar as a 1964 instrument
The serial number stamped onto the reverse of this headstock dates this guitar as a 1964 instrument
Gibson Deluxe strip tuning keys
Kluson Deluxe strip tuning keys, marked 'Gibson Deluxe'
Gibson Melody Maker truss not
Beneath the truss rod cover. The truss rod is adjustable by tightening the standard Gibson 5/16" hex nut

Melody Maker controls, as described above, are scratchplate mounted. The circuitry is very simple; just a volume and tone control respectively parts BA811 3701 and BA811 3707. In the guitar shown the pots are made by Centralab (they start with the code 134) and are dated to August / September 1964.

Gibson Melody Maker reverse body
Gibson Melody Maker body routes and controls mounted to the scratchplate
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Gibson Melody Maker for sale

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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

$60

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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1963 Gibson Melody Maker

1963 Gibson Melody Maker

Nashville, Tennessee, 372**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1875

Here??s a cool old full size 60s Gibson Melody Maker. It??s been refinished but it looks like that was done long ago because it has plenty of finish wear, light scratches, scuffs and 70s style checking.

The neck is pretty straight and it??s set up for comfy action. Frets show light wear and the fret board has wear between the first 3 frets.

The tuners and electronics have been changed out. A nice Seymour Duncan Hotrail Humbucker has been added. It sounds good! I don??t ... more
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Gibson Melody Maker P-90 pickup, Gig Bag & Strap Locks

Gibson Melody Maker P-90 pickup, Gig Bag & Strap Locks

Palm Springs, California, 922**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$925

Gibson Melody Maker P-90 Pick Up, Gig Bag & Strap Locks. Previously played in excellent condition from a non smoking home. Includes gig bag and Schalller strap locks. Orginally purchased at Haight Ashbury Music Center San Francisco. Sold as is. No Returns. Good luck bidding. Thank You !
... more
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Gibson Limited Run SG Melody Maker Electric Guitar Regular Satin Ebony

Gibson Limited Run SG Melody Maker Electric Guitar Regular Satin Ebony

Wilmington, North Carolina, 284**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

Gibson Limited Run SG Melody Maker Electric Guitar Regular Satin Ebony. In good working and cosmetic condition. Some scratching on the pick guard, see photos. Model No: MMSGSECHI Serial No: 107611315. Includes Gibson gig bag. I'm offering FREE shipping via FedEx within the continental USA.... more
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Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker Satin TV Yellow - P-90 - Tune-o-matic -

Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker Satin TV Yellow - P-90 - Tune-o-matic -

Casselberry, Florida, 327**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1095

2023 Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker - Single P-90 - Tune-o-matic - Satin TV Yellow

2003 Gibson Melody Maker Satin TV Yellow. All stock and original. Works perfect, frets have very minor use for the year. Screaming p90! This is the run of Melody Makers with Nashville tune o matic bridge and stop tail set up for perfect intonation. Neck and truss rod are in great shape. Minor wear, however there are some scratches or sticker residue in the back. Maybe a little bit of both, not really ... more
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Vintage 1959 Gibson Melody Maker

Vintage 1959 Gibson Melody Maker

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

$2500

100% original 1959 Gibson Melody Maker electric guitar. The original owner played it in marching band in the 60??s, the gouge is where he attaches his music stand lol. It sat in the closet for a long time after that until I got it. It plays awesome and is super resonant, even unplugged. No case, will be well packed. The 59 neck and pickup are awesome! Feel free to make offers, thanks
... more
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1959 Gibson Melody Maker Guitar Sunburst Case

1959 Gibson Melody Maker Guitar Sunburst Case

San Luis, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

In very nice shape, vintage 1959 Gibson Melody Maker
3 / 4 Scale
Single cut
some very small nicks, but nothing serious. There's a name on the back , it was probably the last owner's name in a stencil, but it was removed. Make sure you check all pictures
The case is included, but it's kind of beat up
ask any questions, this particular guitar was only made for 2 years! One piece body Honduran Mahogany. One piece Neck also Honduran Mahogany. Brazilian Rose fret board! You CANNOT ... more
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All Original 1950??s Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar Sn#46699

All Original 1950??s Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar Sn#46699

Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, 284**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$108

Description: This is a 1950??s Gibson Melody MakerSn#46699. The guitar comes with a period Alligator skin rigid case. The guitarshows in fair condition, and will make an excellent restoration project guitar This is a super hard guitar to find that is not a remake of this type oforiginal Gibson. The guitar and the case need restoration but will look andplay well upon completion.
Please Read Disclaimers:Items Listed In The Auction Format Cannot Be Changed To Buy It Now's.
Unsold Items Will... more
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Gibson USA Flying V Melody Maker, Limited Run. *Neck Repair

Gibson USA Flying V Melody Maker, Limited Run. *Neck Repair

Oceanside, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

2011 Gibson Melody Maker V. Comes with Original Gibson gig bag and case candy. Currently setup with 11-56 strings in Drop C tuning.

Overall in good condition with a few marks / white out areas as shown. Finish is just starting to nicely yellow on back and neck. Wrap around tail has the typical forward tilt as well. Recently acquired some shipping damage on the neck just under the headstock / nut area. Luckily, the crack is faced away from string pull, so it still has its integrity. ... more
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1965 Gibson Melody Maker

1965 Gibson Melody Maker

Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 433**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1977

1965 Gibson Melody Maker. Wonderful tone for this small giant . So much fun to twank?? around on this gem . Actually quite a variety of tone even when playing at low volume on this piece . Enjoy the simple things would be the motto on this one. Nothing especially delinquent as its all there other than some usual skiffs and scuffs as pictured in listing for us on it. Thanks for your viewing time today and wish our bidding community happy hunting ??
... more
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Vintage Gibson Melody Maker D Sunburst 1964

Vintage Gibson Melody Maker D Sunburst 1964

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

$2999


Vintage Gibson Melody Maker D Sunburst 1964
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
We get a lot of modified Melody Makers, so it's always a real treat to come across one that's all original, like this ultra cool double-cutaway, double pickup model. This beauty dates to '64 & sports a perfectly sculpted neck that plays great up & down the fretboard. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action so it plays & sounds fabulous ... more
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Vintage Gibson Melody Maker Sunburst 1964

Vintage Gibson Melody Maker Sunburst 1964

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

$2499


Vintage Gibson Melody Maker Sunburst 1964
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
100% original & just recently acquired from the original owner. Light weight, resonant & tons of fun to play, these vintage Melody Makers have always been a favorite here at Cream City Music, and thanks to a pro set up, this one plays exceptionally well
Cosmetic Condition: Really nice shape for being nearly 60 years old! Various little nicks, chips, dents & ... 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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Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker - Single P-90 - Tune-o-matic - case

Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker - Single P-90 - Tune-o-matic - case

Media, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Excellent Condition. ( small drill hole for strap button )
Never monkeyed with
Great frets
These ( 2002 - 2004 ) are Superb guitars ( especially this one - ahem . )
Sounds / Looks / Plays like a little slice of heaven
Please check pictures and ask any questions
Ships insured to lower 48 U S.
Others, please inquire
Thank you
... more
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Gibson Les Paul 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Electric Guitar Wine Red -gig bag

Gibson Les Paul 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Electric Guitar Wine Red -gig bag

Huntington Station, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$849

Here we have a pre owned Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 120th Anniversary electric guitar. Made in 2014 in the USA. The Melody Maker features a solid Mahogany body and neck with a Rosewood fingerboard. Satin finish Wine Red. 24 75" scale length. The top has a nice carve to it. The body depth is thinner than a traditional Les Paul so its light weight at 7lbs 10oz. It even has a tummy cut on the back. The guitar features 2- P90 alnico pickups, 2- Volume, 2- Tone control, 3 way toggle switch ... more
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Gibson Melody Maker D Electric Guitar Vintage 1967 Cardinal Red Original W / Case

Gibson Melody Maker D Electric Guitar Vintage 1967 Cardinal Red Original W / Case

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

Original & Repair Free!
1967 Gibson Melody Maker D Double Pickup Electric Guitar
Original Cardinal Red Finish
With Original Gibson Case With Badge On Compartment Door
SN 000541
Weighs: 6 Pounds, 3 Ounces
Nut Width: 1-9 / 16 "
Scale Length: 24 3 / 4 "
Comes With Vintage Hard Case Pictured
Plays & Sounds Great Without Issue
No Repairs Or Refinishing
PLEASE DO NOT mistake picture glare for flaws . If you think you're seeing something not mentioned in ... more
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1964 Gibson MELODY MAKER Sunburst 2-pickups

1964 Gibson MELODY MAKER Sunburst 2-pickups

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2790


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1964 Gibson Melody Maker in its original brilliant Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the nut and switch tip. A later vintage Gibson hardshell case is included. This Melody Maker looks great with nicks + dings, some minor scratches, finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The lower plastic strap button has broken in half. The guitar itself ... more
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1959 Gibson Melody Maker Guitar

1959 Gibson Melody Maker Guitar

Batesville, Arkansas, 725**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2065

Vintage 1959 ~ Gibson Melody Maker 3 / 4 Scale 22 5 ~ Electric Guitar w / Original Case! Single Cut, this particular guitar was only made for 2 years! One piece body Honduran Mahogany. One piece Neck also Honduran Mahogany. Brazilian Rose fret board! You CANNOT get this wood any longer, original wrap around ridge! Given this Gibson is almost 65 years old, it does have some wear from the years; however, EVERYTHING works and is in tune! This is a must have for any true collector! See pictures... more
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1966-1970 Gibson Melody Maker Vintage Electric Guitar Pickup W /  White Cover! #2

1966-1970 Gibson Melody Maker Vintage Electric Guitar Pickup W / White Cover! #2

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 495**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

Just in at Tone Chasers Music is this 1966-1970 Gibson Melody Maker pickup in very good condition. As pictured.

Follow us here
https: / / www facebook com / tonechasersmusic

I ONLY ACCEPT PAYMENTS FACILITATED THROUGH EBAY. I DO NOT DO IN PERSON DEALS WITH FIRST TIME CLIENTS. I SHIP USPS FLATRATE TO THE 48 STATES ONLY. I ONLY SHIP INTERNATIONALLY USING THE EBAY GLOBAL SHIPPING PROGRAM. I ONLY SHIP TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED TO PAYPAL AND EBAY. PLEASE ASK ANY QUESTIONS ... more
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Gibson Les Paul 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Guitar - Dark Midnigh (SS2108837)

Gibson Les Paul 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Guitar - Dark Midnigh (SS2108837)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 731**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

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There are 6 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Bruce Comment left 16th October 2013 02:02:14 reply
This was a great article. Learned quite a bit, would have liked some info on the dual pick up model. I have a 62 d model and it is a way cool instrument. Thanks for the article.
me Comment left 3rd January 2013 12:12:05 reply
Why would anyone modify a perfectly functional musical instrument? Don't blame the the tuners, learn how to tune, don't blame the electronics, learn how to play while you listen. Then make your choices. IDIOTS.
Dan Comment left 22nd July 2012 15:03:27 reply
I have a cherry mm also a 64 - do you know how many were cherry vs sb. Any other colors available? TIA Dan
anonymous Comment left 27th June 2012 01:01:36 reply
I inherited my dad's Melody Maker a few years back - just like the guitar pictured above, but without the vibrola. I think it is a 1963. Great condition but the original tuning keys have been swapped out for some individual Klusons. It keeps tune better now, buy will this affect value? What would this be worth please?
nelljohn Comment left 20th June 2012 11:11:09 reply
My first guitar! Ok my second guitar, but my first proper guitar. Identical in every way. I covered it with stickers, then proceeded to thrash the life out of it. I wish I still had it seeing the money these go for now. Who'd have thought that these would go from punk throwabout to respectable vintage collectable in 25 years
jay keele Comment left 9th May 2012 20:08:55 reply
Sweet guitars. I've owned 7 Melody makers since 1978, including a 64 identical to this one - and i've loved them all. the best players had replacement humbuckers and tuners, but even the stock single coils rock out. So light so good looking and so easy to play.

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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

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 catalog Hagstrom 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 President The 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.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

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