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GIBSON | SOLID BODY | MARAUDER

Gibson Marauder

Mid-seventies Gibson solid body electric guitar

1975 Gibson Marauder Electric Guitar

The Gibson Marauder was launched in 1974 (actually Marauder shipping records state just 1 instrument was shipped in 1974) and remained in production until 1979; being replaced by the Gibson Sonex series around 1980. This Norlin-period Gibson was produced initially at the Kalamazoo plant, but gradually production transferred to the newer Nashville plant. There was a period in the late 1970s (certainly in 1978) when the model was shipped simultaneously from both plants.

This was Gibson's mid-seventies budget model; still a Gibson and not cheap, but certainly their lowest price electric; though there was a more up-market version, the Marauder Custom, that only shipped in very small numbers. The 1970s were a difficult time for American guitar companies: the oil crisis of 1973, and ensuing recessions, added to competition from Japanese manufacturers, meant ways had to be found to cut costs of at least the entry level models which bore the brunt of competition.

Gibson 78 promo magazine

Taken from the Gibson 78 promo magazine:
The Gibson Marauder guitar was introduced in 1974. The instrument has a body shape rather like a Les Paul, but has a bolt-on neck. The body and neck are made from poplar and hard maple and the instrument is finished in clear satin lacquer. There are three distinct tone settings on the Marauder's selector switch. The front pickup is similar to the Super Humbucker with small additional magnets reinforcing and directing the field, while the bridge pickup has a single, iron-cored coil, with a magnet below and iron strips from the lower magnet pole. The fast, easy-action neck is made from Canadian maple. The fingerboard is made from rosewood with dot inlays and the distinctive peghead is of "V-series" design.

The Marauder was launched at the same time as the Grabber bass and shared some of its cost cutting features. Both had controls and pickups assembled onto the pickguard; an easier production method than mounting electrics into the guitars themselves. Also both had bolt-on maple necks and alder / poplar bodies. These woods, aswell as being cheaper than Gibson's staple, mahogany, are more traditionally associated with Gibson's main American rival, Fender. A further nod to Fender comes in the choice of pickup; one humbucker at the neck, and a single coil pickup at the bridge. Along with the body shape, and asymmetrical pickguard, the guitar does resemble a Fender Telecaster custom, whilst its sister model the S-1 was built to capture the essence of a Fender Stratocaster

1975 Gibson Marauder
1975 Gibson Marauder. Notice the 3-way switch, and witch hat knobs
1978 Gibson Marauder
1977 Gibson Marauder. The 3-way switch is replaced by a chicken head switch, and it is now fitted with speed knobs
1979 Gibson Marauder
1978 Gibson Marauder. Notice the maple fingerboard, and black scratchplate
1981 Gibson Marauder
1981 Gibson Marauder, in Devil Red. New scratchplate design and black pickup covers

Gibson Marauder chronology

  • 1974 Marauder launched, however only 1 instrument shipped in the first year [1]
  • 1974 Gibson Marauder promotional record
    1975 First appearance in a price list. The Gibson Marauder promotional record is released; a 45 rpm 7 " vinyl demonstrating the guitar with, and without accompaniment. Finishes: Natural Satin ($349), Wine Red ($399). By the second price list of the year, the Marauder was being called the M-1, and the Marauder Custom was announced (Sunburst only) at $449 [3]
    1975 Gibson catalog
  • 1976 Marauder Custom price raised to $499 (M-1 prices unchanged [4])
    The second price list of '76 raised the price of the Natural Satin finish M-1 to $359, and offered a Natural Maple Gloss instrument for $399. By late 1976 the three-way pickup switch had been replaced by a pot, allowing more subtle blends of bridge and neck pickup; initially this was in the same location as the three-way switch.
  • 1977 M-1 Natural Satin $399, Wine Red / Maple Gloss $449. Marauder Custom $539 [5]
  • 1978 Again more price rises announced in January. M-1 Natural Satin $419, Wine Red / Maple Gloss $469. Marauder Custom $559 [6]. The May price list of the same year drops completely the Marauder Custom. New finishes for 1978 include Ebony, Walnut and Tobacco Sunburst, Natural Mahogany (on mahogany bodied instruments) [7] and White [8]. In Mid '78, the scratchplate was changed to single-ply black, and very shortly afterwards reshaped, to match that of the Gibson S-1. At this point, the blend-pot was also relocated between the tone and volume controls. Fretboards seem to be exclusively maple from this point. These were obviously good moves as this is the peak year for Marauder sales [1]
    Marauder production ends in Kalamazoo and moves exclusively to Nashville towards the end of 1978.
    1978 Gibson catalog
  • 1979 Price reduced to $399, Walnut being the only available colour. [9]
  • 1980 Model officially discontinued [10], though some instruments were made as late as early 1981
  • 1981 The last Marauders to ship were manufactured in 1981, including some in Red (probably Devil Red - note - this is a solid colour, Gibson colour code DR; not to be confused with translucent Cherry, colour code CH). Have a closer look at a 1981 Marauder here. The Marauder is included in the Gibson Specials pre-owners manual. Listed finishes are Ebony, White and Red. Unlike the examples produced 1978-1980, these Marauders had a painted neck (rather than bare wood - though there are a few 1978 examples with painted necks), and a rosewood (rather than maple) fretboard.
  • 1982 Gibson 'Special Sale' price list [11], includes the Marauder at a dealer price (retail price not listed) of $259.50 - listed finishes are Ebony, White and Cherry Red (but this may be an error and refer to Devil Red?).
1) Gibson Shipment Totals 1937-79 by Larry Meiners
2) Gibson pricelist 1/1/1975
3) Gibson pricelist 20/6/1975
4) Gibson pricelist 1/3/1976
5) Gibson pricelist 1/1/1977
6) Gibson pricelist 15/1/1978
7) Gibson pricelist 15/5/1978
8) Gibson 1978 international catalogue
9) Gibson pricelist 30/9/1979
10) Gibson News, June 1980
11) Special Sale pricelist, February 15th 1982
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Used Gibson 1981 Marauder Electric Guitar with Hard Case

Used Gibson 1981 Marauder Electric Guitar with Hard Case

Hudson Falls, New York, 128**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1799

Up for sale is a used Gibson Marauder from 1981. This guitar has been thoroughly inspected and found to be in perfect working order. There are some minor cosmetic imperfections along the back of the neck (pictured) but they do not affect the playability or performance of the guitar at all. There is also some minor paint transfer on the headstock (pictured) The guitar will ship with a hard case Listing and template services provided by inkFrog
... more
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Gibson 1975 Refinished Marauder Body & Rosewood Neck

Gibson 1975 Refinished Marauder Body & Rosewood Neck

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

$400

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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Vintage 1976 Gibson Marauder electric guitar dark burgundy in original hard case

Vintage 1976 Gibson Marauder electric guitar dark burgundy in original hard case

Branson, Missouri, 656**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Here's a great playing 1976 Gibson Marauder electric guitar - dark burgundy in original hard case. I bought this second hand. Here's what I know about it.
Plays great, sounds great, electronics all work fine. There are various nicks, scuffs, dings etc commensurate with a played instrument that's almost 50 years old. I tried to photograph the most notable marks. One of the tuning keys has been replaced with Gibson tuner that was at one time gold in color but the gold finish has faded so it ... more
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Gibson Marauder with Maple Fretboard 1976 - Wine Red

Gibson Marauder with Maple Fretboard 1976 - Wine Red

Memphis, Tennessee, 381**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

1976 Gibson Marauder in Good Condition. The neck is straight and the action is low. Frets are in good shape with plenty of life left. Electronics function as intended. Sounds and plays Great! Shows honest play wear and has its share of scratches and dings. Has a Sun Records sticker on the back that is probably easily removed (see photos). Serial # 00187387. Comes with non-original hardshell case
Make: Gibson
Model: Marauder
Year: 1976
Scale length: 25 "
Weight: 8lbs 7oz
Nut ... more
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1978 Gibson Marauder Made in USA Guitar w /  Original Case

1978 Gibson Marauder Made in USA Guitar w / Original Case

Kahului, Hawaii, 967**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

1978 Gibson Marauder Made in USA Guitar w / Original Case. Serial Number 72638067. Made in 1978 Kalamazoo, MI... more
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Vintage 1974 Gibson Marauder Electric Guitar 6 String Modified With Bigsby

Vintage 1974 Gibson Marauder Electric Guitar 6 String Modified With Bigsby

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

$1526

Vintage 1974 Gibson Marauder Electric Guitar 6 String Modified With Bigsby This guitar is an awesome player. The tuners have been upgraded. Someone has installed a bigsby. There's a couple small dents and dings and scratches. As you can see in the pictures. This thing is Has an awesome '70s! Mojo. Includes gigbag. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or p o boxes. International shipping provided by ... more
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70s Gibson Marauder 6 String Solid Body Electric Guitar

70s Gibson Marauder 6 String Solid Body Electric Guitar

Toledo, Ohio, 436**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

Note, we are a real store and we are customer service oriented. If there are ANY issues with the quality of your item upon receipt, please contact us for resolution. Please do not leave anything other than positive feedback on eBay and 100% ratings regarding a transaction with us unless you have contacted us for a resolution for any issues. We do not wish to have our 100% positive feedback rating and the performance of our eBay account dinged by haphazard responses
We will only accept ... more
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Gibson VINTAGE Marauder 1976 - Natural w / OHSC all original

Gibson VINTAGE Marauder 1976 - Natural w / OHSC all original

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Info on the Marauder: There is minimal wear on this guitar. It has nice grain on both the body and neck. Also minimal marks on the back of the body. No breaks and all original. And the original hardshell care is in GREAT shape!
Bill Lawrence designed pickups, Humbucker (neck), Bill Lawrence Blade Noiseless Humbucker (bridge). Both pickups are set in epoxy
The Gibson Marauder was an electric guitar model produced by Gibson between 1975 and 1979. It was designed to compete with guitars made... more
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1979 GIBSON S 1  /  MARAUDER NECK - made in USA

1979 GIBSON S 1 / MARAUDER NECK - made in USA

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

€898

1979 GIBSON S 1 / MARAUDER NECK - made in USA :
* headstock finish was stripped & stained
* finish has some wear
* frets are fine
* newer SCHALLER tuners are included
... more
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1976 Gibson Marauder custom Tobacco Sunburst

1976 Gibson Marauder custom Tobacco Sunburst

Ballyclare, BT39***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2500

This 1976 Gibson Marauder Custom in Tobacco Sunburst is a rare find for any guitar enthusiast, it is one of only less than 150 made of this custom marader. It is a rare find The guitar features a unique blend of classic Gibson styling and modern innovation, making it a top choice for professional musicians and collectors alike. With a rich history and top-notch craftsmanship, this electric guitar is sure to impress anyone who appreciates quality instruments.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or ... more
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Find more Gibson Marauder for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Nigel Beek Comment left 21st November 2011 23:11:01 reply
My first guitar was a Gibson Marauder, followed by the Gibson S1. Both pretty unloved at the time (late eighties), and WAY cheaper than they are now. Great workhorse guitars, and not super fragile like most Gibsons.

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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

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave 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 Hofner Diamond 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-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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). The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 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 Gibson Marauder began in 1974, with production peaking in 1978. But by 1980 the model was officially discontinued, though very small numbers slipped out as late as spring 1981. Over 7000 examples shipped between 1974 and 1979, and although no totals are available for 1980 and 1981, it is unlikely production reached three figures in either of these years. These final Marauders were all assembled at the Gibson Nashville plant, and had some nice features not available through the later years of production, such as a rosewood fretboard, and in this case, an opaque 'Devil Red' finish. It's a great looking and fine playing guitar!

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

1971 Pick Epiphone catalogWhen Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo to the Matsumoku plant in Japan, a whole new range of electric, flattop and classic acoustic guitars was launched. Between late 1970 and 1972 the new models were launched and refined. This 'folder' catalog contains various inserts released over these years detailing four electric six-strings (ET-270, ET-275, ET-278, and thinline EA-250), three bass guitars (ET-280, ET-285, and thinline EA-260), three folk/steel acoustics, four jumbo flattop acoustics, two 12-string jumbos, four classic acoustics, and a banjo.

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

1981 Gibson Specials Pre-Owners Manual'Gibson Specials' was part of the June 1981 pre-owners manual series, but unlike the other folders contained a mish-mash of different guitars: limited editions, test marketing and close outs. "You will find the unusual, the brand-new, and the bargain within this folder". End of line 70s guitars like the Marauder, S-1, and L-6S Custom mixed in with brand new models the The V, The Explorer and the Flying V Bass.
It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bassRose-Morris were selling Shaftesbury-branded Rickenbacker copy instruments from the late 1960s right through the 1970s. The 3263 bass was one of the first models, (alongside the 3261 six string and 3262 twelve string) available from late 1968 until about 1974. The earliest incarnation was a set neck bass, produced very briefly in Japan. But production quickly moved to Italy. This bolt-on neck example was built by Eko, in Recanati, using the same hardware and pickups as fitted to Eko, and Vox basses built around the same time. It's certainly a fine looking bass, and not a bad player either.

1961 Hohner Zambesi

1961 Hohner ZambesiThis very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super AceThe 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 EscortThe 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 CareCatalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger FolkThe 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 guitarThe Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

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

1965 Hofner President

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

1963 1964 Fender catalog

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