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GIBSON | SOLID BODIES | MELODY MAKER | 1969, WALNUT

1969 Gibson Melody Maker

Solid-body 'SG'-style electric guitar

This page has extra content in the Supporting Members area, including additional images, video content, circuit diagram and scratchplate tracing. If you are a supporting member you can access this here
1969 Gibson Melody Maker, 1967 Melody Maker bass, 1964 Gibson Atlas IV amp
1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, 1967 Melody Maker bass and 1964 Gibson Atlas IV amp
1969 Gibson Melody Maker
Model: 1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, walnut finish
Pickups: Two Gibson PU380 single-coil Melody Maker pickups.
Scale: 24 3/4"
Body: Mahogany body. 17 1/4" long, 12 3/4" wide, 1 3/8" thick.
Neck: Three piece mahogany with adjustable truss rod. Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot markers. 22 frets. Width at nut 1 9/16"
Hardware: 2 volume and 2 tone controls, three-way pickup selector switch. Gibson GV19 vibrola (optional) and TPBR bridge
Weight: 3.11 kg
Headstock pitch: 14° (13°?)

At the very end of the 1960s, the Gibson Melody Maker was SG shaped, and sporting a walnut finish. It had undergone numerous changes since it's introduction three years earlier: a single-cutaway Les Paul style, the most familiar double cutaway style, and finally the SG shapes - first in Pelham blue or Sparkling Burgundy, and finally in Walnut with a cream scratchplate.

Walnut was a finish new to Gibson - first appearing on solid bodies in the 1968 price lists, and remaining popular throughout the 1970s. It was allowed to extend to the front of the headstock on some instruments; a subtle change but another capable of reducing production time and costs.

These were well-built guitars with a high-quality nitrocellulose finish and the same tropical hardwoods as much more expensive models. The somewhat simplified electronics and hardware allowed Gibson to offer a very well built guitar at a very competitive price.

Melody Maker SG - different body shape - same guitar

All 1960s Melody Makers were made in the Gibson Kalamazoo plant alongside the SG, Les Paul and ES335 guitars - despite the body shape change from the traditional double-cutaway body style (see a 1964 Gibson Melody Maker) they were mostly the same. The body was still all-mahogany (South American), with a set (glued in) mahogany neck (although a shade thinner at the nut) and rosewood fingerboard. The circuitry and PU380 Melody Maker pickups were identical, despite being mounted to a different shaped scratchplate.

1970 Gibson solid bodies catalog

From the 1970 Gibson solid bodies catalogue

The greatest value ever in a solid body electric with full-sized neck and scale length. Acclaimed by players, teachers and students for its distinctive sound, sensitive pick-ups and feather-light touch. The MM-D features full-sized neck and scale length.

The 1969 Melody Maker D had a zone 1 price of $212.50; cheaper than a two-pickup SG Special at $265, but more expensive than the single pickup SG Junior which was $199.50. The single pickup Melody Maker was $179.50, the three-pickup Melody Maker III, $225.

The Gibson Melody Maker was shipped from 1959, with numbers rising to a peak in 1965. This situation didn't last, however, as sales immediately started to drop. The period 1968-1970 was the least successful, with a little over 1000 instruments shipped in each of those years - compared to almost 12000 in 1965. This makes the walnut SG-styled Melody Makers rare in comparison to other configurations. (see the full Gibson Melody Maker shipping figures).

The TPBR wraparound bridge was fitted to all Gibson Melody Makers produced in the 1960s
The TPBR wraparound bridge was fitted to all Gibson Melody Makers produced in the 1960s
Gibson GV19 Vibrola
The Melody Maker was fitted with the Gibson GV19 Vibrola
The cream coloured Gibson PU380 pickup is scratchplate mounted. The scratchplate of the Walnut finished SG-style Melody Makers was painted a cream colour to match
The cream coloured Gibson PU380 pickup is scratchplate mounted. The scratchplate of the Walnut finished SG-style Melody Makers was painted a cream colour to match
Pickup selection is by means of a simple three-way switch: neck pickup/both pickups/bridge pickup
Pickup selection is by means of a simple three-way switch: neck pickup/both pickups/bridge pickup
Unlike earlier Melody Maker guitars, the SG versions had body-mounted (rather than scratchplate mounted) controls; fitted with witch hat knobs in this case
Unlike earlier Melody Maker guitars, the SG versions had body-mounted (rather than scratchplate mounted) controls; fitted with witch hat knobs in this case.
This heel design was used on all Gibson SG guitars and EB basses for a period between 1967-69
This heel design was used on all Gibson SG guitars and EB basses for a period between 1967-69.
Slim Gibson Melody Maker headstock with walnut finish
Slim Gibson Melody Maker headstock; walnut finish.
Gibson Melody Maker reverse headstock detail with Kluson Deluxe tuning keys
Gibson Melody Maker reverse headstock detail with Kluson Deluxe tuning keys.
The Gibson logo on a walnut-finished headstock
The Gibson logo on a walnut-finished headstock.
Serial number and Kluson Deluxe tuning key detail
Serial number and Kluson Deluxe tuning key detail.

Melody Maker controls, as described above, are body, rather than scratchplate mounted. The circuitry for this twin pickup model is two volume and two tone controls (all part TX1158) and a three way switch, allowing bridge, neck, or both pickups. In the guitar shown the pots are made by CTS (they start with the code 137) and are dated to December 1968 / January 1969.

Gibson Melody Maker video clips

Gibson Melody Maker / WEM Clubman

This guitar plays beautifully and just rocks through this early seventies WEM Clubman MK8. This has a lot of crunch with the volume up high, and extreme bite when the treble is turned up too. It's loud, but not too loud. This is an AWESOME combination -you just can't stop playing! Recorded with an Electrovoice RE-20 (left channel) and Shure SM57 (right), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - all highly recommended gear!

Subscribe to the vintageguitarandbass youtube channel for more vintage guitar and bass demos. Also, check out the longer version of this video (with significantly more guitar / amp settings), and similar videos using different amps, in the supporting members area

1969 Gibson Melody Maker Double / 1972 WEM Clubman mk8 (short version, 5m 51s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

This is a lovely late 1960s dual pickup Gibson Melody Maker D guitar. Pots date to December 1968 / January 1969. It plays beautifully and just rocks through a WEM. This Clubman (mk8) probably dates to the very early 1970s. 5w, all-valve, with superb clean tones, but super gainy when pushed. This has a lot of crunch with the volume up high, and extreme bite when the treble is turned up too. It's loud, but not too loud. This is an AWESOME combination -you just can't stop playing!

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

1969 Gibson Melody Maker D / 1970s WEM Clubman mk8 (long version, 8m 52s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

The WEM Clubman is one of my favourite amps. It's small; probably too small to play out; but capable of some really gritty sounds. Fantastic recording amp. Clean sounds first, getting gainier as we go through. Check it out!

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

1969 Gibson Melody Maker Double / WEM Dominator bass MK1 (5m 16s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, 1973 WEM Dominator Bass Mk 1

This is a wonderful late 1960s dual pickup Gibson Melody Maker D (pots date to December 1968 / January 1969). It's one of those guitars that you just can't put down! And it sounds great through this 15w WEM. The Dominator bass is technically a bass amp, but is basically the same as the guitar version, save for a bigger 15" speaker cone. Played first at a lower volume, and then ramped up for some lovely distorted valve tones.

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

1969 Gibson Melody Maker D / Marshall 2061X (reissue) (long version, 13m 18s)

Find out more about this instrument here: 1969 Gibson Melody Maker D

This is a wonderful playing guitar and a fantastic amp... really great combination! The 2061 has two channels, lead (left hand side) and bass (right hand side) - and both sound pretty cool, but the magic of this amp, at least for gainier sounds is when you patch the two together. This video demos the lead channel alone, then with it patched into the bass channel - in a range of volume and tone settings. I really like this guitar / amp combination with the tone rolled off a little - you can get some superbly rich tones - check it out around the 9 minute mark - tones to die for! As always the video starts with the cleaner tones, working through each guitar pickup configuration before tweaking the amp a little hotter as we go. The heavy overdriven sounds people most associate with Marshall start around the 11 minute mark.

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

1969 Gibson Melody Maker / 1964 Gibson Atlas IV (4m 19s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, 1964 Gibson Atlas IV

This is just a short video, demonstrating just one amp setting - full! The Gibson Atlas IV is technically a bass amp, but actually works great for guitar - especially when you turn it up. It's a 50w amp, with a single CTS brand 15" speaker in a somewhat oversized cab. And it sounds creamy delicious! Some beautifully rich tones to be had from this amp. The Melody Maker, with it's single coil pickups can sound a little thin through certain amps.. but not here. Great guitar, great amp!

Recorded through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended!

1969 Gibson Melody Maker Double 'supporting members' content

Extra content on this guitar is included in our Supporting Members area here.

  • 11 extra images (with description): large detailed images including body routes, circuitry, components
  • Extra video content: 3 videos, 26 minutes; WEM Clubman mk8 (long version), Gibson Atlas IV, Marshall 2061X Lead & Bass (long version)
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Gibson Melody Maker guitars for sale

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Gibson 1967 SG Melody Maker

Gibson 1967 SG Melody Maker

Washington, Pennsylvania, 153**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Gibson 1967 SG Melody Maker. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.... more
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Vintage Gibson Melody Maker D 1977 Tobacco Sunburst Collectors 70 70s 1970s

Vintage Gibson Melody Maker D 1977 Tobacco Sunburst Collectors 70 70's 1970's

Klamath Falls, Oregon, 976**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Vintage 1970's Gibson Melody Maker D In immaculate condition.
... more
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ORIGINAL 1967 Gibson Melody Maker SG Pelham Blue OHSC - BEST ONE ON EBAY - LOOK!

ORIGINAL 1967 Gibson Melody Maker SG Pelham Blue OHSC - BEST ONE ON EBAY - LOOK!

Santa Rosa, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

Hello and welcome to my auction!
Here we have an incredible time capsule
This is a 1967 Gibson dual pickup Melody Maker Deluxe with vibrola in Pelham Blue Metallic
Serial number #00695X
This color turns green over time and is one of the rarest colors that Gibson offered. Highly prized!
There is some crazing in the varnish on the back of neck near the heal and some on the lower back on the back of the body
A few minor dings and digs front and back, and a small one on the ... more
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Vintage 1968 Gibson SG Melody Maker D Sparkling Burgundy

Vintage 1968 Gibson SG Melody Maker D Sparkling Burgundy

Birmingham, Michigan, 480**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3750

Specs: Mahogany body; mahogany medium profile neck; 24 75" scale length; rosewood fingerboard; 12" fingerboard radius; 22 frets. Nitrocellulose Lacquer Sparkling Burgundy finish. Original chip board case
Weight: 6 lbs 2 oz
Electronics: Dual Melody Maker pickups. Individual volume and tone controls. 3-way switch
Condition: Very Good. All original to the best of our knowledge. A handful of dings, dents and scratches, as expected on a 50+ year guitar. Color has faded into a gorgeous ... more
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1969 Gibson SG Melody Maker D mit seltener original kundenspezifischer Oberfläche

1969 Gibson SG Melody Maker D mit seltener original kundenspezifischer Oberfläche

Genève, 1***, SWITZERLAND

$3700

1969 Gibson SG Melody Maker D electric guitar in a rare custom dark red burst finish
A beautiful guitar in great condition, the only damage is a small knock on the peghead. One volume knob has been replaced, and some of the original screws are a little rusted (purely cosmetic). It sounds fantastic while being easy to play.
Serial number: 857892 ?? die-stamped on peghead rear. The serial number of this instrument could indicate a date of manufacture in the year 1966 or 1969, but is ... more
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1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER -- made in USA - 42 mm nut

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER -- made in USA - 42 mm nut

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

€1798

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER -- made in USA:
+ mahogany body, refinished in white & blueburst plus graphics
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, back and headstock also refinished, refretted
+ new tuners
+ new humbucker
+ new bridge
+ new pots and knobs
+ low action
+ ROX OUT !
... more
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1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER - made in USA - 42 mm NUT

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER - made in USA - 42 mm NUT

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1777

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER -- made in USA:
+ mahogany body, refinished in white & blueburst plus graphics
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, back and headstock also refinished, refretted
+ new tuners
+ new humbucker
+ new bridge
+ new pots and knobs
+ low action
+ ROX OUT !... more
eBay logo
1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER -- made in USA - 42 mm nut

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER -- made in USA - 42 mm nut

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

€1798

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER -- made in USA:
+ mahogany body, refinished in white & blueburst plus graphics
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, back and headstock also refinished, refretted
+ new tuners
+ new humbucker
+ new bridge
+ new pots and knobs
+ low action
+ ROX OUT !
... more
eBay logo
1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER - made in USA - NARROW NUT

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER - made in USA - NARROW NUT

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1379

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER USA:
* SLIM 40 mm NECK
* refinished in black
* had a minor heel repair=check last 3 pics
* needs parts =pickups, bridge, tail piece
* old mahogany=TONE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>
... more
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1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER USA - SKINNY 40mm HALS -

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER USA - SKINNY 40mm HALS -

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£1150

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER USA:
* SLIM 40 mm NECK
* refinished in black
* had a minor heel repair=check last 3 pics
* needs parts =pickups, bridge, tail piece
* old mahogany=TONE
... more
eBay logo
1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER - made in USA - 42 mm NUT

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER - made in USA - 42 mm NUT

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1777

1966 GIBSON MELODY MAKER -- made in USA:
+ mahogany body, refinished in white & blueburst plus graphics
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, back and headstock also refinished, refretted
+ new tuners
+ new humbucker
+ new bridge
+ new pots and knobs
+ low action
+ ROX OUT !... more
eBay logo

Find more Gibson Melody Maker guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 8 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Brian Comment left 5th August 2017 06:06:02 reply
I have the same 1969 Melody Maker D as in the picture. What would you estimate the value of this guitar to be in 2017. Hasn't been played in about 10 years but does play and is in really good condition. Looking to possibly sell but need to start with a price.
Vintage Guitar and Bass Comment left 5th August 2017 15:03:35 reply
Typically these sell for as low as $900 on a slow day on eBay up to $1500 in a guitar store in a major city. All depends how long you can wait to find a buyer. You do see them listed at higher prices, but whether they ever sell higher is debatable. These are certainly not as desirable as the Pelham blue / Sparkling Burgundy examples from 66-67. I'd personally hold out for at least $1100 if selling privately, but that could still take some time to sell.
John Comment left 25th November 2014 18:06:11 reply
I have a 1969ish (serial number dated) Walnut larger headstock Gibson. From the setup it appears to be a Melody Maker, but has a P90 in the bridge slot and a toggle switch where the slider usually is (doesnt appear recut for either), any ideas?
Vintage Guitar and Bass Comment left 4th December 2014 22:10:55 reply
Hi John, these guitars are commonly upgraded... if you remove the scratchplate is there evidence of work being done to the wiring? As it has a pickup selector, I assume this is a dual pickup guitar? Is the neck pickup a regular Melody Maker pickup?
anonymous Comment left 30th July 2012 06:06:45 reply
I have a Gibson Melody Maker in Pelham blue. I purchased the guitar used in 1973. The s/n suggests 1966 production. Any idea how many were shipped with this finish. I have really looked after it, despite playing it often. Great guitar, and one to pass on to the kids. Regards Chuck
Vintage Guitar and Bass Comment left 30th July 2012 06:06:49 reply
Hi Chuck - sorry shipping figures for the Melody Maker were not listed by colour in 1966, so it is very hard to draw any accurate conclusion, but Pelham blue SG-style Melody Makers, although not especially rare are certainly less common than the sunburst and cherry double cutaway version.
macfunc Comment left 6th July 2012 08:08:31 reply
Sweet guitar...and nice page...cream on walnut is just the classic SG look Used to have one with the full size headstock Where are the soundclips?
SimeonP Comment left 4th June 2012 06:06:40 reply
Will a P90 fit in this pickup route without enlarging the hole? Can these be upgraded to an SG Junior without modification? Thanks

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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

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1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to 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)

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1981 Gibson Marauder

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!

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 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 bassRose-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 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

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1966 Vox New Escort

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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

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1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitarThe 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 catalogHagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner PresidentThe President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.