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GIBSON | AMPLIFIERS

Vintage Gibson amplifiers

Gibson guitar amps / Gibson bass amps

Gibson have always been primarily a fine guitar company (see Gibson guitars and Gibson Bass); many of their other products are often overlooked. But Gibson have produced guitar amplifiers for a very long time, with some models (especially the older valve amplifiers) have a particularly good reputation: Gibson guitar amps work great in the studio! Amps like the 1960s GA-5 Skylark or GA19RVT Falcon actually sold quite well, and are still relatively easy to find today.

In the mid 1960s a number of solid-state amps became available, starting with the GSS100 (Gibson Solid State), but despite significant marketing these were seen as a poor replacement to the older valve models. In the late 1970s (Norlin period), and with Moogs involvement, a new breed of solid state amplifiers were tried; the Lab series, but despite endorsements from the likes of BB King and significant advertising, again these were unable to compete with the likes of Ampeg, Fender, Marshall and Peavey.

Gibson Guitar Amps

GA-1RT Maestro Reverb Echo
GA-2RT Maestro Deluxe Reverb Echo
GA-5 / GA-5T Skylark
GA-6 Lancer
GA-8 / GA-8T Gibsonette / Discoverer
GA-9
GA-14 Titan
GA-18T Explorer
GA-20 Crest
GA-20T Ranger
GA-30 / GA-30RV Invader
GA-40 / GA-40T Les Paul Model
GA-70
GA-77 / GA-77RV Vanguard
GA-79RV Stereo-Reverb
GA-80 / GA-80T "Vari-Tone"
GA-83S Stereo-Vib
GA-85
GA-86 Ensemble
GA-88S Stereo Twin
GA-200 Rhythm King
GA-400 Super
GSS-50
GSS-100
GTR-600
Hawk
Falcon
Medalist 410
Super Medalist
Duo-Medalist
G10
G20
G30
G35
G40
G50
G55
G60
G70
G80
G105
G115
Lab Series L3
Lab Series L5
Lab Series L7
Lab Series L9
Lab Series L11

Gibson Bass Amps

Gibson Accordian Amps

GA-15RV Maestro
GA-16T Maestro Viscount
GA-45T /GA-45RV Maestro Standard
GA-46T Super Maestro
GA-78RV Maestro Stereo
GA-87 Stereo Maestro

Gibson PA systems

GPA-35
GPA-50
GPA-70
GPA-100
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Vintage Gibson amplifiers for sale

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1939 Gibson EH-150 amplifier with HOF blues signatures

1939 Gibson EH-150 amplifier with HOF blues signatures

Granbury, Texas, 760**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

Gibson EH150 Amplifier
?? Charlie Christian ?? 1938 / 39 ?? Tweed
The amp has the signatures of some of the most iconic blues musicians of all time, as follows:
Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, BB King, Keb Mo, Jimmie Vaughan, Lightnin'Hopkins, Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Bo Diddley, Ray BoyReed, Gatemouth Brown, Otis Rush, Louisiana Red, George Thorogood, John Lee Hooker and ??Big Memphis?? Jerry
Signatureswhere I was present and witnessed the... more
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Gibson Country Western Guitar Amplifier Amp GA-70

Gibson Country Western Guitar Amplifier Amp GA-70

Nashville, Tennessee, 372**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

Gibson GA-70 Country Western Amp
6L6, 12AU7, 12AY7, 7025 & 5V4 tubes
Recapped
Ships from Nashville, TN... more
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Vintage 1955 Gibson GA-5 Les Paul Junior Amp

Vintage 1955 Gibson GA-5 Les Paul Junior Amp

Providence, Rhode Island, 029**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4300

Free eBay listing template designed by dewiso comVintage 1955 Gibson GA-5 Les Paul Junior Amp
Fully tested working properly. The unit shows signs of wear. The plug in cable may need replacement. The whole unit is in its original condition. Please review our detailed pictures of the actual unit for sale
Included: 1-Vintage 1955 Gibson GA-5 Les Paul Junior Amp only
SIGNATURE REQUIRED UP ON DELIVERY THANK YOU Contact us
We can be contacted at any time through eBay messages if you have... more
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1961 Gibson GA-40 Tweed Les Paul Amplifier

1961 Gibson GA-40 Tweed Les Paul Amplifier

Cape Elizabeth, Maine, 041**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4200

1961 Gibson GA-40 Tweed Les Paul amp in great condition. Very few of these ever have both the Les Paul & Gibson badges intact. The speaker code (1960) and transformer codes (all 1961) point to this as a 1961 amp. The original 2 prong power cable was converted to a grounded 3-prong plug albeit on the short side. Includes the original wood tremelo foot switch. All original except for the converted power cable and the worn out electrolytics replaced. This is an amazing amp
First heard one ... more
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Gibson GA55 GA 55 ALL ORIGINAL 1957 Guitar Amp Amplifier

Gibson GA55 GA 55 ALL ORIGINAL 1957 Guitar Amp Amplifier

Bellport, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000


GIBSON GA55 Amplifier 1957All original parts, fully serviced and maintained. I have owned this for about 10 years. There is fading on the dial plate, so a serial number isn't shown there, it may be on the chassis. But the easiest way to determine the date are the speakers, which are Jensen, dated the 8th week of 1957. This is the model without reverb. There is no finer sound for blues than this amp. It never overdrives. Soft smooth tone. This model is noted for it's subtle sound, ... more
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Vintage 1950 Gibson GA-50T Amp Tube Amplifier

Vintage 1950 Gibson GA-50T Amp Tube Amplifier

Springville, New York, 141**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3299

Vintage 1950 Gibson GA-50T. Great condition. Serviced about 2 years ago. New filter caps and grounded plug. About 25 watts. Original Jensen speakers. Sounds awesome. Please email questions.
The GA-50 and GA-50T use a pair of 6L6 tubes for the output stage, two 6SJ7 (three for the T model) for the preamp, two 6J5s for the phase splitter, and a 5V4 tube for the rectifier. The amp has one microphone and three instrument inputs on two channels, with two volume controls, bass and treble controls.... more
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1959 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul 1x12 Combo Tweed

1959 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul 1x12 Combo Tweed

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

$2829

Up for sale is an amazing sounding and coveted 1959 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul 1x12 Combo amplifier in its original tweed covering. I've always thought these are some of the best amps to come out of this era and at a fraction of the price of a Tweed Deluxe how could you say no? This example has had a 3 prong cable installed, has an aftermarket Tone Tubby TTC12-8 speaker installed, and an assortment of vintage tubes. Transformers are coded 166933, 133933 and 133937 all dating to 1959. Cosmetically ... more
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1957 1958 Gibson GA-20 Combo Amp

1957 1958 Gibson GA-20 Combo Amp

Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 189**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

1957 1958 era Gibson GA-20 Combo Amp2 tone tweedThe tweed was "sharpied" or painted with some black type sharpie or paintSome has been cleaned off, it is how I got itAmp has been serviced by George AlessandroA few caps have been changedOriginal Field coil speaker works but is a little buzzy
D-Town Guitars
1109 N Easton Rd Doylestown PA 18902
mon-fri 12-8pm sat 11-5pm EST- closed on sundays
... more
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1968 Fender Bandmaster Refurbished with 2 1966 Gibson 2x10 Cabinets. CTS Loaded

1968 Fender Bandmaster Refurbished with 2 1966 Gibson 2x10 Cabinets. CTS Loaded

Fenton, Missouri, 630**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1968 Fender Bandmaster Refurbished with 2 1966 Gibson 2x10 Cabinets. CTS Loaded. The amplifiers has been extensively refurbished. New Power Supply Capacitors. New Capacitors on the PCB. New Diode Capacitor. New Metal Film 6L6 Grid Resistors. New Metal Film 6L6 Bypass Resistors. Three Wire Power Cord. All new Hardware. Chassis Straps, Handle, Corners and Feet. All controls cleaned. Tolex has bee cleaned and rejuvenated. Tubes have all been tested. All original parts will come wit the amp ... more
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1962 Gibson GA-77RVT Vanguard Vintage Tube Amp 1x15 w /  JBL D130F

1962 Gibson GA-77RVT Vanguard Vintage Tube Amp 1x15 w / JBL D130F

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

$2000

Up for sale, a 1962 Gibson GA77-RVT Vanguard 1x15?? tube amplifier in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original two-button footswitch.  Freshly serviced and retaining a full complement of vintage tubes, this amp is in many ways the Gibson equivalent of Fender??s Vibroverb. A two-channel affair with a pair of freshly biased 6L6 power tubes, the GA77-RVT Vanguard features on-board Tremolo and Reverb, fitted with the original JBL D-130F 15?? speaker
This ... more
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1951 Gibson GA-20 Combo Amp

1951 Gibson GA-20 Combo Amp

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

$1929

Up for sale is a 1951 Gibson GA-20 Combo Amp with brown tolex. This amplifier sounds amazing and retains its original Jensen P12R speaker which is coded 220106 dating to the 6th week of 1951. 6V6 based and retains all vintage tubes. Handle and power cable are replaced. Sounds amazing!

... more
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1948 Gibson GA-30 Vintage Tube Amp w /  Jensen 1x12 & 1x8, Serviced, First-Year

1948 Gibson GA-30 Vintage Tube Amp w / Jensen 1x12 & 1x8, Serviced, First-Year

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

$1800

Up for sale, a 1948 Gibson GA-30 tube amp, freshly serviced and loaded with a 12" Jensen P12S speaker and matching 8" Jensen midrange driver. A first-year example of the GA-30 model, this two channel design has four inputs, three for the Instrument channel are a single "High Gain" Mic channel input. The Tone control has a modest sweep, with the help of the Bass Expander two-way switch. Pushing 14 watts via a pair of 6V6 power tubes, the amp offers chewy, churning gain when dimed, with quite a ... more
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1959 Gibson Varitone GA-80 -  Vintage Amplifier

1959 Gibson Varitone GA-80 - Vintage Amplifier

Tucson, Arizona, 857**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

1959 Gibson Varitone GA-80This is a very rare and special amplifier from GibsonIt has a 6 Preset Tone Settings that can be utilized on Channel 2It is in Very Good Condition with the exception of the "G" being missing from the Nameplate. Aftermarket "Gibson" silver nameplates can be purchased for about $35A new 3 Prong Cord and longer Tremolo Footswitch Cable have been installedThe original Jensen P15P Speaker dates to 1959 and it is in Great Shape The amp is powered by 2 x 6L6 Power TubesPower ... more
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1960 Gibson Ga 79 Stereo Amplifier

1960 Gibson Ga 79 Stereo Amplifier

Deerfield Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

This is a fantastic sounding Gibson Ga79 Stereo amp with the original footswitch. Amp is a working great and sounds awesome. All original transformers. Tremolo Is killer. Im selling without speakers and Amp is priced accordingly
... more
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Gibson Skylark GA-5T Tremolo 1960-1961 Vintage

Gibson Skylark GA-5T Tremolo 1960-1961 Vintage

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

$1700

This vintage Gibson Skylark GA-5T Tremolo amp is a rare find from the early 1960s. It's perfect for guitar players who want that classic, vintage sound. The amp features tremolo and a 10-inch speaker, making it ideal for small gigs and recording sessions. It has been well-maintained and is in excellent working condition

Used in Good working condition
The best way to describe my item is with my pictures please look at all my photos to find out more details

Please ... more
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1963 Gibson Falcon GA-19RVT Combo Amplifier

1963 Gibson Falcon GA-19RVT Combo Amplifier

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

$1699

Maker: Gibson
Model: Falcon GA-19RVT
Condition: Good / vintage
Description:
A very clean early model Gibson Falcon GA-19RVT 1x12 combo amp from 1963. Very clean cosmetically for it's 60 years of age. Updated three prong grounded cord, recently serviced. Speaker replaced with an Eminence Red Coat Private Jack. Has original footswitch in good working order along with original reverb tank also in good working order. Original transformers

... more
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Gibson GA-18T Guitar Amp.  Built in 1962-63.  Original wood footswitch

Gibson GA-18T Guitar Amp. Built in 1962-63. Original wood footswitch

Lafayette, Louisiana, 705**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1635

Gibson GA-18T. This model was shipped in 1962 and 1963 only. It sounds great; better than many Fenders from a comparable era. Comes with original wooden footswitch for tremolo control. You will enjoy playing this amp.... more
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Gibson Skylark GA-5T Tremolo 1960-1961 RARE Guitar Amp 1 Issue See Description

Gibson Skylark GA-5T Tremolo 1960-1961 RARE Guitar Amp 1 Issue See Description

Seekonk, Massachusetts, 027**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1501

Amp works and cranks but has small buzz. Needs a full service with new fuses, cleaning.
... more
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1953 Gibson GA-20 Combo Amplifier

1953 Gibson GA-20 Combo Amplifier

Farmingdale, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1499

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Questions? We can help!
Contact us today!
30-Day Money Back
Guarantee
... more
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1965 Gibson GA-19 RVT Falcon Guitar Amplifier

1965 Gibson GA-19 RVT Falcon Guitar Amplifier

Franklin, Ohio, 450**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1498

1965 Gibson Falcon
One of the most sought after Gibson amps
Death cord removed for your safety and replaced with a three prong cord
12 inch speaker. 15 watts
Very portable and easy to move
Shipping $159 00
Dayton Vintage Guitars
... more
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There are 3 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Daniel Comment left 23rd November 2022 18:06:24 reply
The 1952 Gibson Gibsonette GA-8 is a really great one, and bring me good memories
Stu Weissman Comment left 3rd April 2021 20:08:05 reply
Appreciate the article. Gibson also made a GA-100A from the earlier 70s.
Colin Comment left 1st July 2020 18:06:21 reply
I have a vintage Gibson GPA 100 set. Not sure what year . 1973 or earlier

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1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1961 Hofner Colorama I

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Coloramawas the name UK distributorSelmergave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and HofnerDiamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II

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

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

1971 Epiphone 1820 (ET-280) bassBy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). TheMatsumokufactory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the1820 bass(alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

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

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bassRose-Morris were selling Shaftesbury-branded Rickenbacker copy instruments from the late 1960s right through the 1970s. The3263 basswas 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 AceTheVox Super Acewas a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickupVox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Basssupporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string3261, the twelve string3262and the3263bass.Shaftesburywas the house-brand of major UK distributorRose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, byEko

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

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

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

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

1965 Hofner President

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

1963 1964 Fender catalog

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

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manualThe newly designedLes Paul Recordingguitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for theLes Paul Personal / Professional