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GIBSON | SOLID BODY | FLYING V

Gibson Flying V

Solid body, V-shaped, Gibson electric guitar

The cover of Albert Kings Years gone by shows him playing his 1959 Gibson Flying V upside down. Kings guitars were not restrung for left handed play - merely turned over!
The cover of Albert Kings 'Years gone by' shows him playing his 1959 Gibson Flying V upside down. Kings guitars were not restrung for left handed play - merely turned over
Dave Davies of the Kinks with his 1950s Gibson Flying V
Dave Davies of the Kinks with his 1950s Gibson Flying V. Below: The 1980 Gibson Flying V II - from the 1980 Gibson catalogue
Gibson Flying V from the March 1958 catalogue
Gibson Flying V electric guitar was first shown in the 1958 Gibson catalogue where it was listed at $247.50 - the same price as the Les Paul (standard) guitar

The Gibson Flying V is one of the most iconic guitars of the 20th century, spawning a host of imitators. It was not always this way, and if it had not been due to guitarists such as bluesman Albert King, Jimi Hendrix and Dave Davies of the Kinks adopting the Flying V in the mid 1960s, it may have been forgotten in the midst of time. Albert King was a left handed player (like Hendrix) and was an important influence on his style, and no doubt choice of instrument.

The Flying V story starts in 1957, with Gibson really getting futuristic.. acknowledging that guitar players were hungry for more innovative designs in solid body guitars; designs that echoed the latest in cars, aeroplanes, rockets etc. Perhaps shapes that didn't stick to the same rounded outlines of existing hollow body guitars. Gibson President Ted McCarty came up with three solid guitars in 1958, to complement the Les Paul. They were the Moderne, the Explorer and the Flying V. Unfortunately for Gibson, sales of these lines were small (from 58-59; Explorer - 22, Flying V - 98, Moderne - never commercially available) and they were discontinued in 1959. The image on the left shows the Flying V as advertised in the 1958 Gibson catalog. Luckily Gibson only produced them in small numbers, and were not left with a lot of unsold stock, however this situation means the 1950s Vs and Explorers are some of the most sought after instruments in the world. The 1958 Catalog described the model as follows:

1966 publicity flyer for the newly relaunched Flying V guitar

Gibson leads the way with this "design of the future"... the Flying V model guitar. The swept-back modernistic lines of this really "forward-looking" instrument will be a real asset to the combo musician with a flair for showmanship. The tapered lines provide complete accessibility to all six strings throughout the entire twenty-two fret range

The 1960s saw a number of high profile artists using old Flying Vs; Albert King, Dave Davies of the Kinks and Jimi Hendrix. In 1967, buoyed by this 'renaissance' of the Flying V, Gibson briefly reissued the model, then again in 1971, and from 1975 onwards. Today the Flying V is one of Gibson's most recognised guitar designs, spawning limitless copies from other manufacturers.

The different Gibson Flying V models

Issue Date and Quantity Wood Finishes Distinguishing features
Original Flying V 1957: a few
1958: 81
1959: 17
Some unsold instruments were shipped as late as 1963 with nickel hardware.
Korina Dark or light brown String through body, gold hardware, 3 knobs in line, sharp pointed headstock, black plastic pickup surrounds
First reissue 1966: 2
1967: 111
1969: 15
1970: 47
Mahogany Cherry, tobacco sunburst, natural Strings attached to tailpiece, vibrola. Pickups mounted in the pickguard (no surround). Three knobs in a triangle with toggle switch. Initially a long pointed headstock, which changed to a shorter more rounded one.
Medallion V 1971: 350
(4 custom made instruments until 1974)
Mahogany Cherry Distinctive 'medallion' on the upper bout of the V. This was to commemorate the upcoming 1972 Olympic games. No vibrola.
Second reissue 1975: 1872
1976: 423
1977: 110
1978: 313
1979: 505 (273 custom built Vs)
Mahogany White, natural, ebony, tobacco sunburst, silverburst (from 1980?)  
Flying V Heritage 1982 Korina Antique natural, ebony, white Accurate reissue of the original: string through body, gold hardware, 3 knobs in line, black plastic pickup surrounds

Advert from a 1975 copy of Guitar Player magazine, announcing the reissue of the Flying V

One of the best examples of Flying V playing recorded has to be Jimi Hendrix playing Red House live at the Isle of Wight in 1970. The majority of his set is performed on a Fender Stratocaster, but Jimi swaps over for Red House, and the contrast in sound of the two instruments is clearly demonstrated.

The 1970s saw reasonably good sales of the Flying V, with 1872 Vs shipped in 1975 alone. But this was certainly not due to Gibson publicity; the V had not been in any Catalog since the launch of the original in 1958, and no pricelist since 1968 (it wasn't listed until 1982). A monochrome advert (left) did appear in 1975 guitar magazines, but that was it, despite the model being shipped right through to at least 1979, or later.

In 1979 the Flying V II was launched, with considerably more publicity than the regular V had received. It didn't last long, and both models were shown in 1981 pre-owners guides; the regular V still being the mahogany model of the 1970s.

In 1981/82 the V2 was deleted from price lists, and two different models launched: the V and the Flying V Heritage. The V was mahogany, with a bound quilted maple top, and "dirty fingers" pickups. The Heritage version had the korina body of the original, and was listed in price lists (from '82) and catalogues (from '83), with the name quickly reverting to just Flying V. This was a very accurate reissue, with all gold hardware, a 17° headstock pitch and strung through the body, rather than to a stop tailpiece.

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Gibson Flying V for sale

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Gibson Flying V 1984

Gibson Flying V 1984

Hubbard, Texas, 766**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$242

Awesome guitar. Plays extremely well. Seymour Duncan pickups. Hard case included
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Up for sale is a stunning Gibson Flying V electric guitar from 1984. Gibson is synonymous with high-quality instruments, and this guitar is no exception. Perfect for any fan of classic rock or heavy metal music, this guitar is in great shape and ready to be played. Don't miss out on the chance to own a piece of musical history with this Gibson Flying V
... more
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1981 Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina A Series Natural with Hardshell Case CLEAN!

1981 Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina A Series Natural with Hardshell Case CLEAN!

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

$8500

The serial number is "A 221" and it dates to 1981. Two of the pots date to 1980 and one is from 1979. This is one of the rare Korina ones that were only made for a few years in the early 80's! The body is in excellent condition overall with no major dings. There are some light streaks visible in the light, but nothing out of the ordinary for a vintage guitar. There is some checking on the top and in a few areas but it's not too noticeable. There are also some finish cracks along the neck joint, ... more
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Vintage 1997 Orville by Gibson Flying V - J serial - Killer Player 5lbs!  Terada

Vintage 1997 Orville by Gibson Flying V - J serial - Killer Player 5lbs! Terada

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1995

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1997 "Orville by Gibson" Flying V
If you're looking at this you probably know of the fabled history of Orville guitars
In our opinion, these are the pinnacle of Japanese guitar production
The only time in Gibson's history where they send the blueprints for all their top models out of the USA - and allowed reproduction using identical specs, headstock shapes, etc
This... more
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Rare Vintage Gibson Flying V 1977  /  1975 - Tobacco W /  OHSC

Rare Vintage Gibson Flying V 1977 / 1975 - Tobacco W / OHSC

Long Beach, California, 908**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8999

Here's a beautiful and rare vintage V! They didn't make too many Tobacco Burst T Top PAF stamped pickupsAll 3 Pots date to 1975
Tuners were changed at some point, but the originals were put back on, and the holes were filled. There's also 2 sets of holes under the pickguard, which makes me think the pickguard isn't original? Maybe I'm wrong? The guard looks old. All of that was done before I owned it. I've owned this guitar since the early 90's. The only thing I did was have a pro re-fret ... more
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Vintage Gibson Flying V Sunburst 1981

Vintage Gibson Flying V Sunburst 1981

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

$8499


Vintage Gibson Flying V Sunburst 1981
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
100% original & a superb player featuring a sleek, fast neck & loaded with a pair of gorgeous sounding T-Tops that deliver rich, creamy tones. Lightweight & exceptionally resonant - this Flying V is an absolute must-have for any collector or player. Professionally inspected & set up right in house by the experts here at Cream City Music
Cosmetic Condition: ... more
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1984 Gibson Flying V Green Burst Metallic

1984 Gibson Flying V Green Burst Metallic

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

$5399

Up for sale is a killer 1984 Gibson Flying V in its original and rare Green Burst Metallic finish. Dual original Gibson humbuckers, factory Gibson branded Kahler, no pickguard, Gibson branded tuners. Overall in very good condition less scattered finish checking on the body and neck as well as some buckle wear on the back of the body. Pro setup in house and comes complete with its original hard case. Weight: 7lbs. 7oz.... more
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2022 Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Reissue Flying V Natural Korina w /  Black Pickguard

2022 Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Reissue Flying V Natural Korina w / Black Pickguard

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7995


Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
2022 Gibson Custom Shop Korina "58" Flying V with Black Pickguard!
We're proud to present this insanely cool offering from the Gibson Custom Shop
Every real collection and every real rocker alike HAVE to have a korina V in their arsenal
This is a great chance to snag one for a nice discount. It had a minor heel separation that has professionally re-glued and given a clean ... more
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Gibson Heritage Series ?58 Korina Flying V Ebony 1982 w / OHSC

Gibson Heritage Series ?58 Korina Flying V Ebony 1982 w / OHSC

Renton, Washington, 980**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000

Gibson Heritage Series ?58 Korina Flying V in Ebony finish made in 1982 with Original Hard Shell Case. This guitar features a solid korina body, korina neck and rosewood fingerboard. Equipped with a set of Gibson Shawbuckers in the neck position and a bridge position has the cover removed. Controlled by 2-volume, 1-tone knob and a 3-way toggle switch. The 24 75" scale length neck has pearloid dot inlays and 22 medium jumbo frets with a 50s rounded neck profile. The hardware is comprised of gold ... more
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gibson flying V guitar 1984 Black graphic series

gibson flying V guitar 1984 Black graphic series

Kansas City, Kansas, 661**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1795


Gibson flying V. Graphics model 1984. Fitted with Seymour Duncan 59B – M and JBM pick ups. Headstock shows evidence of old repair and back of neck shows as refinish. Heavy fret wear. (Pictured) Body shows average playing wear . factory Gibson Kahler tremolo. All hardware is pictured   This is "as is" and "as found" pictures are included in description condition. No returns. Project guitar. No case. Buyers responsibility to understand this has no warranty is not ready to play. Any ... more
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Gibson The Flying V Guitar CMT 1981-1985 - Sunburst

Gibson The Flying V Guitar CMT 1981-1985 - Sunburst

Durham, North Carolina, 277**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4200

Great looking Gibson CMT from 1982
For 40 years old it's in great shape
Whatever dings there are to be found are minimal. The biggest of which are by the wings and I got the best photos I could of them. If you want more, just holler
The back might be one of my favorite faces of it. There is a super minimal amount of worming where buckle rash would be but its only visible in certain lights. The finish on it just looks beautiful though
This guitar has had a Khaler Trem system ... more
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Vintage 1959 Gibson Kluson Single Line Single Ring Tuner Set Flying V ES-345 J

Vintage 1959 Gibson Kluson Single Line Single Ring Tuner Set Flying V ES-345 J

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson / Kluson 1959 Gold "Single Line" Single ring tuner set
This is a SUPER rare part - the only set we've ever had in stock. This matched set is in excellent condition. Original tuner buttons are in excellent condition on the bass-side. The treble side (GBE) have two "mummy toe" buttons that are very commonly found during 1959. The third has crumbled (old tip ... more
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1981 Gibson Flying V-II V2 Vintage Electric Guitar, Tim Shaw-Designed w /  Case

1981 Gibson Flying V-II V2 Vintage Electric Guitar, Tim Shaw-Designed w / Case

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

$4300

Up for sale, a 1981 Gibson Flying V-II in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Only produced from 1979-82, this rare guitar was designed by Tim Shaw as an updated version of the classic Flying V. It sports a bevy of unique features, including a sculpted five-ply walnut / maple body, brass tailpiece and ??Sustain Sisters?? brass studs beneath the bridge, and the unique Shaw-designed ??Boomerang?? pickups
The tonewood complement is ... more
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1982 Gibson Flying V HÜLLE - NEUAUFLAGE 59

1982 Gibson Flying V HÜLLE - NEUAUFLAGE '59

COLOGNE, GERMANY

$998

++PLENTY of PARTS for SALE ++
1982 GIBSON FLYING V CASE :
* brown tolex has wear, mostly around the edges
* pink interior, strings compartment is a bit wobbly & has a stain
* handle is gone, needs to be replaced
* all latches are working fine
* super hard to find
... more
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1982 Gibson Flying V HÜLLE - NEUAUFLAGE 59

1982 Gibson Flying V HÜLLE - NEUAUFLAGE '59

COLOGNE, GERMANY

$998

++PLENTY of PARTS for SALE ++
1982 GIBSON FLYING V CASE :
* brown tolex has wear, mostly around the edges
* pink interior, strings compartment is a bit wobbly & has a stain
* handle is gone, needs to be replaced
* all latches are working fine
* super hard to find
... more
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1976 Gibson Flying V Tuner - Made in USA

1976 Gibson Flying V Tuner - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

$98

* 1 tuner ONLY 
* fits HIGH E SIDE
... more
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1978 GIBSON FLYING V TUNER

1978 GIBSON FLYING V TUNER

COLOGNE, GERMANY

$88

* 1 tuner ONLY 
* fits HIGH E SIDE
* SHAFT HAS A BEND=CHECK PIC 2
... more
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Gibson Flying V 1991 Artist Owned NWOBHM Album Played! 1959 59 Neck Profile

Gibson Flying V 1991 Artist Owned NWOBHM Album Played! 1959 '59 Neck Profile

Southend-on-Sea, SS1***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2599

1991 Gibson Flying V owned by multiple artists and used on the last record of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band: The Steve Crowther Band. This guitar was first owned by Portugese rockers Blunder and used on tour and featured on DVD. It was then owned by the Steve Crowther Band and used on their album. After that, it went to prolific guitar writer, collector & performer Keith Smart who is head of the Zemaitis guitar club  

This rare and historic Gibson guitar is part of the ... more
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1974-75 Gibson Flying V Restored  /  One piece Mahogany body  /  Ebony fingerboard

1974-75 Gibson Flying V Restored / One piece Mahogany body / Ebony fingerboard

New Brunswick, CANADA

C $4900

Guitar comes with original Gibson case in very good working condition
Bumps and dings but fully functional
Inside of the case modified to accommodate the Bigsby
No taxes on our Perfectguitar4U website
Overall condition:
- Frets are in excellent condition
- Neck is straight and all electronics work as they should
- Truss rod works fine in both directions
- Small surface scratches over the body and headstock
- In some areas very light bubbling in transparent ... more
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Find more Gibson Flying V for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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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

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1961 Hohner Zambesi

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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

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1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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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