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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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2023 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar w / Case!

2023 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 a2023 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar!
Tobacco Burst Finish!
This is really Cool. ... more
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1982 GIBSON LES PAUL 30TH ANNIVERSARY GOLDTOP | Vintage 1980s Standard Tim Shaws

1982 GIBSON LES PAUL 30TH ANNIVERSARY GOLDTOP | Vintage 1980s Standard Tim Shaws

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

$5750

1982 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 30th Anniversary
What a beautiful example of this now "vintage" 30th anniversary Les Paul Goldtop. The guitar plays easy and sounds great. Comes with original hardshell case! Check out our website for more photos and other important info!
Condition: Nice all original guitar. Some normal wear in the right spots but nothing too bad. There is some light buckle rash, arm wear and a few light dings here and there. It has a great vibe ... more
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Gibson 1979 Tobacco Burst Les Paul Custom Left Handed Body & Ebony Neck

Gibson 1979 Tobacco Burst Les Paul Custom Left Handed Body & Ebony Neck

Glassboro, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

Gibson Dependable
Home of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description: ... more
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Gibson Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar - Honeyburst 1960

Gibson Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar - Honeyburst 1960

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1650

Gibson Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar - Honeyburst 1960. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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1959 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Vintage Guitar TV Yellow w /  Case

1959 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Vintage Guitar TV Yellow w / Case

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

$11800

Up for sale, a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Special, finished in TV Yellow nitro lacquer and complete with a hardshell case. Honestly aged and with a couple player-friendly tweaks on the late '50s Double Cut formula, this Special has been augmented with an ABR-1 bridge and a set of Pat. Pending Grover Rotomatic tuning machines, increasing stability and ensuring accurate intonation
This is an extremely lively instrument, and the Hondurdan mahogany construction yields an acoustic voice that chimes and... more
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1997 Gibson Les Paul Catalina Custom shop

1997 Gibson Les Paul Catalina Custom shop

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

$3900

1997 Gibson Les Paul Catalina Custom shop. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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1969-1970 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe ultra rare made late 1969 completed Jan. 1970.

1969-1970 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe ultra rare made late 1969 completed Jan. 1970.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12495

This is a crazy cool, rare & untouched all original late 1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe from a very transitional year for Gibson before the 70??s guitar push started as these changed drastically just post-1970. It??s an early Deluxe model in the very desirable Gold Top finish over the 1st of the sandwich bodies w / its natural finished figured mahogany back & neck. Its early 3-piece mahogany neck feels fabulous w / its trapezoid inlaid rosewood fingerboard. It??s got no dot in its Gibson ... more
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M2M 2023 Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul r9 - Blonde - Light Aging - 8 39lbs

M2M 2023 Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul r9 - Blonde - Light Aging - 8 39lbs

San Francisco, California, 941**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5899

One of a kind Les Paul Custom light aged that is in a "natural finish". This really let's the peak-a-boo flame top shine through. Catch it in the right light and it'll light up your world. Otherwise, it is a just a nice complex top that really lets the gorgeous aging work that Murphy lab did on this really show off. This one has all signs currently of having a stable finish. The only real simulated spots of wear are in between the pickups. Guitar is in fantastic shape. Nice ... more
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1960 Gibson Les Paul Special

1960 Gibson Les Paul Special

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14900

1960 Gibson Les Paul Special, Slab Mahogany body with sweetsounding P-90??s, Slim wide ??60 neck profile, Added Bigsby, Nice guitar, One owner, VG++, Original soft case
... more
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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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1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom (Signed by Les Paul) Alpine White Vintage Guitar

1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom (Signed by Les Paul) Alpine White Vintage Guitar

Sonoma, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6499

1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom with an Alpine White finish. This is a one-owner guitar, and Les Paul himself hand-etched his signature on the body. The guitar is all original with removed covers from the original patent-stamped T-Top pickups. It is in overall great condition for its age with zero issues. It weighs 11 60 pounds. The neck thickness measures 0 824" at the 1st fret and 1 008" at the 12th fret
Excellent overall condition. There are typical scratches and scuffs throughout. The Alpine... 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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GIBSON LES PAUL DELUXE 1975

GIBSON LES PAUL DELUXE 1975

Hesperia, California, 923**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

GUITAR IS 1975 GIBSON LES PAUL DELUXE TUNERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH SCHALLER MINI-5 GUITAR MACHINES ORIGINAL MINI HUMBUCKER PICKUPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH HUMBUCKER PICKUPS(HAVE AND WILL INCLUDE MINI HUMBUCKERS IN SALE) FINISH SEEMS TO BE "NATURAL" TONE OVERALL CONDITION IS VERY GOOD... more
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1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom Tobacco Sunburst

1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom Tobacco Sunburst

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

$5939

Up for sale is a 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom in its original Tobacco Sunburst finish. This guitar is killer and looks absolutely amazing! This example is all original less a pro refret and changed strap buttons. Wiring harness is nice and clean with all pots dating to the 4th week of 1976. Pickups are original and have a patent stamp on the bottom. Pro setup in house and comes complete with a non original hard case. Weight: 10lbs. 9oz.

NOTE TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS:
We want you... more
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1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Tobacco Sunburst

1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Tobacco Sunburst

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11999

Just in is this great 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior
Quick Details
Weight 7 8lbs
Nut Width 1 69
Depth at 1st fret 0 88
Depth at 12th 1 00
This is a great playing and sounding 1957 Les Paul JR
The Tobacco burst finish shows its wear and age with dings and small chips on it to be expected from a guitar this vintage. The clear also has some light rash or burn to it so there is light spotting or dimples in the lacquer. It is mostly on the back and bottom of the guitar. We tried ... more
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1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w /  Original Chainsaw Case

1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w / Original Chainsaw Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4495

Here's a vintage original 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty with incredible vibe, look and playability
This one was used and loved for year, now it is your turn
Original pots dated 1978. Original patent number humbucker pickups are also dated 1978
Neck is straight and true with a real nice low action. It has been professionally refretted to the benefit of the instrument. Notes are full and true with tons of sustain. Go have a bite, come back, it will still be playing ... more
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Gibson Les Paul Standard 1981 Tobacco Burst

Gibson Les Paul Standard 1981 Tobacco Burst

Toms River, New Jersey, 087**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3650

Gibson Les Paul Standard 1981 Tobacco BurstGuitar weighs 9 6 lbsThe frets are flat and lowHas typical wear, you can see a few dings, marks, scratches, etc. On the back of the body there is belt buckle rash, a noticeable one inch scrape near the strap button, and various dings. You can see a couple of 1 / 2 inch mild gouges between the pickups on the top of the body and several dings The neck binding has hairline cracks in the middle of the frets on the side of the binding Has noticeble fret wear... more
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Classic 1981 Gibson Les Paul Heritage Series Standard 80 - Made in the USA

Classic 1981 Gibson Les Paul Heritage Series Standard 80 - Made in the USA

Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5257

1981 Gibson Les Paul Model
Heritage Series
Standard 80
Made in the USA
Serial Number: 81601710
0122
Comes in a DELUXE Leather Soft Case
$$ Professionally setup for optimal tone and playability by Lay's Guitar Shop in Akron, Ohio (Including Fret Work, Intonation, Truss Rod, Buffed Fingerboard and Set the Action) who also repaired the back of the headstock
Truly Stage or Studio Ready!


Here is a golden treasure that is sure to give you more than a ... more
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1981 Gibson Les Paul Heritage Series Standard-80 -  Yamano w OHSC- Pro Set Up!!

1981 Gibson Les Paul Heritage Series Standard-80 - Yamano w OHSC- Pro Set Up!!

Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6999

1981 Gibson Heritage 80 Standard Les Paul
Tim Shaw Pickups - Killer, Vintage Correct FlameTop
SN#: 82231567
Weight: 10 lbs 11 oz's
Incredible sustain
True Vintage MOJO for Days
Nut: 1 69
Thickness of the Neck at the First Fret is .85 and 1 0 at the 12th
'59 Profile

It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are dressed, leveled and polished ... more
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1968 gibson les paul goldtop

1968 gibson les paul goldtop

Valley Springs, California, 952**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17800

This 1968 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is a rare and sought-after electric guitar that is perfect for any musician looking for a high-quality instrument. With its right-handed design and 6-string configuration, this guitar is ideal for players of all levels. The model is a P90, which is known for its exceptional tone and sound quality The brand is Gibson, and the series is Standard. This guitar is perfect for those who want a top-of-the-line instrument that is built to last. It is classified under ... more
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Find more Gibson Les Paul for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 3 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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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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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)

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1960 Hofner Colorama II

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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1981 Gibson Marauder

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1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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1961 Hohner Zambesi

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1963 Vox Super Ace

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1966 Vox New Escort

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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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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.