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GIBSON | SOLID BODY | LES PAUL

Gibson Les Paul

Solid body single cutaway electric guitar

Les Paul visits the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo circa 1956
Les Paul examining a Les Paul Custom at a visit to the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, circa 1956

Les Paul was one of the most important figures in the history of modern day music. He was an inventor, an innovator in studio recording and an incredible guitarist. After his death, an auction of his guitars included dozens of projects with experimental electronics dating back decades.

But the best invention he was associated with was the Les Paul solid body guitar; probably the most recognised, and copied guitar design, alongside the Gibson SG and Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster. Les Paul certainly had input on the design, features and finish of the instrument, but the name on the original patent was that of Gibson president Ted McCarty.

The Les Paul was Gibson's first solid body

Rickenbacker had had a solid body over twenty years before the launch of the Les Paul, and Fender and Bigsby had also recently produced solid bodies. Fender launched the Esquire and Broadcaster (which became the Telecaster) in 1950. There had been public demand for more conveniently sized solids for some time, and Gibson finally responded in 1952. McCarty wanted a guitar that would be better than the harsh-sounding 'junk' that Fender was producing. The Les Paul was to have a carved top and a set-neck - beyond the ability of Fender at the time. Gibson produced several mock ups, trying different woods, but ended with the mahogany body/maple top combination of their first solid body, the Les Paul Model. And what a success: with a small gap in the early 1960s, it has been in production ever since.

Les Paul, in an advertisement from 1953
Keith Richards advertises the Les Paul
The 1975 Les Paul catalogue featured Keith Richards playing a Les Paul Custom

Just about every famous guitar player has played one, though it is particularly associated with Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Eric Clapton (Cream), Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac), Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), Paul Kossoff (Free) and Slash (Guns and Roses). Keith Richards appeared on the cover of the 1975 Les Paul catalogue with an LP Custom.

The Les Paul came in several variations. The 'Les Paul Model' of 1952 had a Honduras mahogany body and neck, with a gold finished maple top (gold top). It was regularly upgraded throughout the 1950s, and many would argue that it was at its pinnacle in 1958. It had had two soap bar P90 pickups from 1952, however in late 57 they were replaced by standard Gibson humbuckers. Cherry sunburst became the standard colour rather than the goldtop, and to differentiate itself from the other Les Paul models, it was renamed the Les Paul Standard by about 1960.

The single pickup Les Paul Junior was launched in 1954. Once again this was a mahogany instrument, both body and neck, but without the carved maple tops of the other Les Pauls. It was the only model not to change its pickup to a humbucker in 1957. A limed-mahogany version was also available (at a slightly increased price, and was known as the Les Paul TV.

1954 also saw the first mention of the two pickup Les Paul Custom (the black beauty), which again started out with single coil pickups, but became a three humbucker model in '58. Beautifully appointed with gold hardware and split diamond headstock inlays contrasting the ebony (black) finish and matching ebony fretboard.

Further details on the different Les Paul guitar models

Specifications, original advertising, catalog pages and shipping data for the various incarnations of the Gibson Les Paul.

Gibson Les Paul 'SG' redesign

But in early 1961 the whole range was redesigned - it was given a new double cutaway body shape (today's SG). Early SGs were sold as 'Les Pauls'. For one reason or another, Les Paul did not approve, and his name was removed from these guitars. So briefly, in the early-mid 1960s Les Paul guitars were not available. However, a lot of the early guitar heroes mentioned above were discovering these great instruments, and finding them perfectly suited for the overdriven blues-rock scene that was emerging, particularly in the mid-sixties UK.

The first Gibson Les Paul reissue of 1968

Public demand for Les Paul guitars precipitated a reissue in 1968; initially two models were made available again, the Les Paul Standard and Custom, and these guitars have been available ever since. They sold sufficiently well that further models were added in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, both in well-known and a myriad of lesser-known configurations. One of the first models was the mini-humbucker equipped Les Paul Deluxe, added to the line in 1969.

Low-impedance Les Pauls

As well as being a great jazz guitarist, Les Paul was a guitar inventor, and amongst his designs were the low-impedance pickups designed largely for studio use. The Les Paul Professional, Personal, and Recording were developed by Les Paul himself, using some of the novel circuitry he had been experimenting with in his own studio. Low impedance pickups allow a cleaner signal when recording, however were not designed for normal amplified performances. This was not a problem, as the first two models came with a transformer for live work, and the recording guitar had a switchable transformer built in.

The Les Paul Special 55 was reissued in 1975, and the Les Paul Pro Deluxe, another guitar based on the 1950s models was first launched in 1978.

The late seventies saw big sales of the Les Paul, and a lot of newer models added to the line. Amongst the high-end Les Pauls were the Artist, Artisan and The Les Paul, each with custom features, top-of-the-range appointments and price tags to match.

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Gibson Les Paul for sale

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1967 Gibson Full Line Retail Price List Les Paul SG Trini Lopez J-50 ORIGINAL

1967 Gibson Full Line Retail Price List Les Paul SG Trini Lopez J-50 ORIGINAL

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$79

1967 Gibson Full Line Retail Price List Les Paul SG Trini Lopez J-50 ORIGINALHandling fee is for shipping insurance only
... more
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Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1960 Les Paul Standard HUSK AND CASE

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1960 Les Paul Standard HUSK AND CASE

Oakland, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

YOU ARE BIDDING ON AN Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1960 Les Paul Standard Washed Cherry Sunburst HUSK AND CASE. INCLUDES THE PICTURED HUSK AND CASE ONLY! ANY OTHER PARTS OR ACCESSORIES NOT INCLUDED. THIS ITEM COULD NOT BE TESTED. NOTE: ALL PARTS (HARDWARE, WIRING, STRAP PINS, CAVITY COVERS, STRINGS, ETC ) ARE MISSING; THE HEADSTOCK HAS BROKEN OFF FROM THE NECK AND THERE ARE CHUNKS OF WOOD MISSING FROM THE BREAK (SEE PICS). THERE ARE DENTS, SCRATCHES, AND OTHER SIGNS OF USE AND WEAR THAT ... more
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Emerson Custom Prewired Kit for Gibson Les Paul Junior

Emerson Custom Prewired Kit for Gibson Les Paul Junior

US, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$131

Emerson Custom Prewired Kit for Gibson Les Paul Junior
Product Details
Item Weight: 5 4 ounces Product Dimensions: 5 7 x 3 45 x 3 35 inches Item model number: EC-LP-BB-JR Date First Available: September 30, 2015 Material Type: Paper Prewired Kit with 2 Emerson Custom CTS 500k Pots Emerson Bumblebee Capacit Output Jack
Upgrade ... more
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Gibson Rare Vintage 1970??s Flower Tuner Ferrules Les Paul ES SG 1973-1977

Gibson Rare Vintage 1970??s Flower Tuner Ferrules Les Paul ES SG 1973-1977

Green Bay, Wisconsin, 543**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$135

Gibson Rare Vintage 1970??s Flower Tuner Ferrules Les Paul ES SG 1974-77. Very nice condition

Also available on other site and locally, so listing can end at any time. If it sells on both, the first winner will receive the guitar, the other will be fully refunded
Continental U S. Lower 48 bidders only. PayPal only. Those with less than 10 feedback should contact me first. Happy to answer questions promptly and provide more pics. Thanks and good luck
... more
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1970 s Gibson Les Paul Special Or Junior Case

1970 s Gibson Les Paul Special Or Junior Case

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 187**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Latches Work Good . decent shape in and out closes tight will not close on a LP STD, case for a Special or Junior . sale final . no returns... more
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1960-63 Gibson Les Paul  /  ES Gold Reflector Knobs

1960-63 Gibson Les Paul / ES Gold Reflector Knobs

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

$375

For sale
1961 Gibson Gold Reflector knobs pulled from an
ES 345.
VERY good condition

... more
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Gibson Vintage 1970s Les Paul Chainsaw Protector Case 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

Gibson Vintage 1970's Les Paul Chainsaw Protector Case 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

Petaluma, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$395

* Gibson Vintage 1970's Les Paul Chainsaw Case *
Very Good Condition. All Latches Function Properly
See Photos
Fully Insured Shipping to the Lower 48 States $120 00
We Ship Worldwide
International Buyers ask for Quote... more
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1954 Gibson Gold Speed Knobs For Les Paul

1954 Gibson Gold Speed Knobs For Les Paul

Flushing, New York, 113**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Uncle Lou here, and you are admiring a rare set of Gibson gold speed knobs from a 1954 Les Paul Standard. These are in nice shape and have aged nicely, showing strong amber hues, and typical green oxidation underneath. These will look great on your mid-50??s goldtop or custom build. I know I haven??t been very active here lately, but I assure you it??s really me, nobody has hijacked my account. That being said, I will soon be listing the remainder of my guitar collection which includes: 1959 ... more
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1968 Gibson Witch Hat Knobs For Les Paul Custom

1968 Gibson Witch Hat Knobs For Les Paul Custom

Flushing, New York, 113**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Uncle Lou here, and you are admiring a rare set of Gibson black Witch Hat knobs for a 1968 Les Paul Custom and other late 60??s Gibson guitars. These are in STUNNING condition showing almost no signs of use, and the gold writing and foil caps are 100% intact; they will look absolutely amazing on your mint-condition late-60??s Gibson. I know I haven??t been very active here lately, but I assure you it??s really me, nobody has hijacked my account. That being said, I will soon be listing the ... more
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1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Back Plate

1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Back Plate

Flushing, New York, 113**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Uncle Lou here, and you are admiring a rare Gibson black back plate for a late 60??s Les Paul Custom. It??s in very good condition showing average signs of use & age. I unfortunately don??t have the round cover to complete this set, but maybe you do? Please note, this is not appropriate for a 50??s Custom or burst because two of the holes don??t align with the 50??s hole pattern. I know I haven??t been very active here lately, but I assure you it??s really me, nobody has hijacked my account.... more
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1958 Gibson Les Paul  /  ES  Bonnet Knobs

1958 Gibson Les Paul / ES Bonnet Knobs

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

$525

For sale:

1957-60 Gibson Gold Bonnet knobs
Perfect for your ES or LP from the golden years
These come from a smoke free home and they are in fantastic condition 

... more
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Vintage 1974 Gibson Les Paul ES-335 Firebird Harness Pots caps Switch

Vintage 1974 Gibson Les Paul ES-335 Firebird Harness Pots caps Switch

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

Rare Vintage 1974 Gibson Les Paul, ES-335, ES-175, Firebird Harness Potentiometers Pots Switch... more
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"REAL" 1959 GIBSON SUNBURST LES PAUL  GOLD TOPHAT KNOBS  CLEAN & NICE!!!!

"REAL" 1959 GIBSON SUNBURST LES PAUL GOLD TOPHAT KNOBS CLEAN & NICE!!!!

Georgia, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$699

beautiful original 1959 gibson sunburst les paul set of gold tophat knobs - very nice condition - wonderful patina - THE PRICE IS RIGHT!!!! the buyer will be extremely happy that i guarantee
... more
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1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard Brown Back Plates

1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard Brown Back Plates

Flushing, New York, 113**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$750

Uncle Lou here, and you are admiring a rare set of Gibson brown back plates from a 1954 Les Paul goldtop. These are in excellent condition and are appropriate for all 1950??s light back Les Paul goldtops. I have two identical sets of these in similar condition, so bid accordingly if needed. Please note mounting screws are NOT included. I know I haven??t been very active here lately, but I assure you it??s really me, nobody has hijacked my account. That being said, I will soon be listing the ... more
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1980 Vintage GIBSON Les Paul Custom Sunburst Electric Guitar, Original Condition

1980 Vintage GIBSON Les Paul Custom Sunburst Electric Guitar, Original Condition

Cumberland, Rhode Island, 028**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1025




1980 Vintage GIBSON Les Paul Custom Sunburst Electric Guitar, Original Condition

???? We realize buying a musical instrument like this vintage Gibson Les Paul Guitar without holding it in your hands is very difficult. We are not musical instrument dealers, nor do any of us play. That??s why we give a 100% unconditional money back guarantee that the high bidder will be totally satisfied with the quality, condition, age, authenticity as well as the sound and our ... more
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1979 Gibson The Paul, Les Paul, Walnut, Ebony Fretboard! USA

1979 Gibson The Paul, Les Paul, Walnut, Ebony Fretboard! USA

Rocklin, California, 956**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1100

This 1979 Gibson The Paul is in overall good condition with normal wear for its age (see photos). It has vintage Dimarzio pickups. Recently set up and plays great. Comes with hard case shown
... more
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1985 Gibson Les Paul Invader Black Olive Finish

1985 Gibson Les Paul Invader Black Olive Finish

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

$1195

1985 Gibson Les Paul Invader Black Olive Finish
This Guitar Is Located At Our IVG Burbank Store
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Some Cosmetic Playwear Including Minor Marks, Dings, And Scratches Throughout
Kahler Flyer Tremolo System Included But We're Not 100% It's Gibson Factory Installed
Pickups Were Replaced With EMGs
Tuners Were Upgraded To Matching Black Grovers
Alder Body
Maple Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard And Dot ... more
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2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar w / Case!

2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar w / Case!

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

$1199


At Top 40 Guitars, customer satisfaction is our first concern All of our items have a 14 day return policy If after 14 days you are not completely satisfiedwith your purchase, please return it for a refund .Peace be with you
all returned items must be in the same condition theywere at the time of sale. All original packing must be included
#
Up for Sale is a2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar!
Ice Tea Burst Finish!
This is really Cool. ... more
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1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst

1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 708**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

The 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst is a classic electric guitar from the iconic Gibson brand. As part of the Gibson Les Paul series, this model is renowned for its distinctive sound and iconic design. The sunburst finish adds a vibrant touch to the traditional Les Paul Junior model, making it a sought-after choice among guitarists and collectors alike. With its sleek body, versatile sound, and renowned Gibson quality, the 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst is a timeless piece of musical ... more
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Aria Pro II LS-500 Les Paul Tobacco Burst 1978 With Gibson Pickups Fresh Setup

Aria Pro II LS-500 Les Paul Tobacco Burst 1978 With Gibson Pickups Fresh Setup

Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

1978 Aria Pro II LS-500 in tobacco burst
Flame maple one piece top and chambered mahogany body. Three piece mahogany neck. Long neck tenon
Chrome hardware, Gotoh bridge, original MIJ tail piece. Sealed tuners
The body has nicks, dings, dents, and a few finish checks. One on the top by the bridge tone pot, and a few more on the back of the headstock around the tuners
The frets show some wear, but less than normal for a 45 year old guitar
The pickups have been replaced with a ... more
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Find more Gibson Les Paul for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Alan Totten Comment left 28th June 2013 18:06:35 reply
Hi there, I have a Les Paul with an inked on number 8 7772. I think it is supposed to be a Custom Shop 58 reissue but theseller also said prehistoric, R8 and goodwood era which sounds like gobbledgegook to me. Could you please confirm what I've got? Do you need photos? Thanks Alan
James E Sampson Comment left 11th May 2013 16:04:43 reply
I have an original 53 and a half Gibson Les Paul without the trapeze, with case that I'm trying to sell. Not restored still plays great, has that cool green stain all across the body. My father bought it in 53, played 25 years on that same guitar. Kills me to part with it but it was made to play not sit on display. If you would like pictures I will send pictures of guitar and case. I need to know its true value SN 3-2236.
Cherry Sunburst Comment left 14th August 2012 19:07:33 reply
Is there a best Les Paul? I mean surely the 1958 Les Paul Standard *should* be, but is it really any better than a 1968 or even a 2008? My 72 LP Custom absolutely rocks, but it's only worth 2k apparently. Best damn geetar i've ever touched.

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1963 Vox Super Ace The Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar The Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music