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GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1958 | PAGE 35

Gibson Double-12 and Double Mandolin

1958 Gibson electric guitars and amplifiers catalog page 35

Gibson 1958 electric guitars and amplifiers catalog, page 35. This was the launch of the Gibson electric doubleneck; Gibsons first two models in the series were the Double-12 and Double Mandolin.

Both were hollow-bodied instruments, though with no f-holes; the guitar had a spruce top, maple back and sides, and mahogany necks. This was the case for several years until, in 1962, construction changed to a the SG-style solid mahogany body.

These models only sold in the smallest numbers; they were custom-order instruments and 1958, the first year of manufacture, was the peak year in terms of orders, with 17 Double 12s and 15 Double Mandolins shipped that year.

1958 US zone 1 prices: Double Mandolin $435; Double Twelve $475

1958 Gibson electric guitars and amplifiers catalog, page 35: Double Twelve and Double Mandolin
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1958 Gibson Les Paul Very Early Tom Murphy Refinish - Gorgeous - With Letter

1958 Gibson Les Paul Very Early Tom Murphy Refinish - Gorgeous - With Letter

Henderson, Nevada, 890**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$125000

This is a one of a kind and a very special 1958 Les Paul Gold Top. Best sounding late 50's paf guitar I have ever played! Maybe it's because it only weighs 8 1 pounds? Ultra light and resonant. My guess is that is the secret sauce on this one? This guitar is a rare work of art by the most famous Les Paul Artist in the world, "Tom Murphy " . I was lucky to have spoken recently with Tom about it; what a nice guy. Tom remembered this guitar very well even back to 1995. He told me he thought it may ... more
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1958 Les Paul Standard Neck Gibson factory installed in 58 on 53 Goldtop see ad

1958 Les Paul Standard Neck Gibson factory installed in 58 on 53 Goldtop see ad

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

$96395

From the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC

1958 53 Goldtop Les Paul electric guitar sn. 8 3078
It has a 1958 Gibson factory installed neck (put on in 1958) on a 1953 Les Paul Goldtop
If you own a $400, 000 00 58 Les Paul that needs a 1958 original neck, then this guitar is for you!
I have priced it for just that. I will consider reasonable best offers
Ok here is the history of this guitar as told by the original owner. I am the second owner and While I had... more
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1958 Gibson ES-335 TDN Vintage Semi-Hollow Blonde Thin Top w /  PAFs, Case

1958 Gibson ES-335 TDN Vintage Semi-Hollow Blonde Thin Top w / PAFs, Case

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

$85000

Up for sale, a 1958 Gibson ES-335 TDN in excellent condition and perfect working order, complete with its original PAF pickup pair and Lifton hardshell case. This golden age Gibson ES-335 hails from late in the first year of production, boasting a highly coveted early feature set including the three-ply Thin Top construction, rounded "Mickey Mouse Ear" body horns, dot inlay on the bound Brazilian rosewood fretboard, a one-piece Honduran mahogany neck with long tenon joint, and a pair of PAF ... more
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1958 Gibson Super 400 CESN - All Original - Chinery Collection

1958 Gibson Super 400 CESN - All Original - Chinery Collection

Piedmont, South Carolina, 296**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$49999

TRM is excited to present such a stunning example of this very early example of a humbucker loaded Gibson Super 400. This guitar can be seen as plate 10 in the Tom Van Hoose "The Gibson Super 400" book and was sold to Scott Chinery to reside in his colleciton which was one of the finest guitar collections in the world at that time.
1958 was the first official year of production of Super 400s with PAF pickups. They continued to have Alnico V "staple" pickups until the middle of that year, ... more
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1958 Gibson Les Paul Special Single Cut TV Yellow w /  Chipboard Case

1958 Gibson Les Paul Special Single Cut TV Yellow w / Chipboard Case

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

$21000

Up for sale, a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Special in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original chipboard case. 100% original save for a refret, this Gibson retains its original TV Yellow nitro lacquer finish, with untouched solder joints and a quintessential late '50s neck profile carve
As befits its reputation, this is an extremely acoustically lively instrument, with the smooth, muscly growl and fundamental warmth of Hondurdan mahogany. The Les Paul ... more
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1958 Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway TV Yellow Electric Guitar

1958 Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway TV Yellow Electric Guitar

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14995

This is a 4 digit serial number Gibson Les Paul Double Cut in TV Yellow. The heel has been professionally repaired (common among older Double Cuts). It has had a fret job. Original TV yellow finish. One marker dot has been replaced. The guitar plays great up and down the neck. Minimal fret buzz on the upper registries. Original pickups, one pot has been replaced If you're local to the SF Bay Area, feel free to stop by the shop and check it out in person!
Layaway plans are also available. ... more
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Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

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

$10695

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 With original hang tag and blank guarantee card returnable to Kalamazoo
Being offered from the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC

CONDITION AND PRICING PLEASE READ:
All electronics work and are original . very clean guitar. The Frets are ok but here is what my luthier said. The neck is slightly bowed on low E side and straight on high E side which he states can be fixed by replacing frets and compensating for ... more
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1958 Gibson CF-100 Acoustic Guitar

1958 Gibson CF-100 Acoustic Guitar

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

$8695

1958 Gibson CF-100, Sunburst finish and cutaway, Playsgreat with recent neck reset, Jack hole filled from removed pickup, Comfortable14 inch body size, 1 & 11 / 16 inches wide at the nut, Weighs only 3 lbs 11oz, Single line kluson tuners, Sounds great! Clean guitar, EC, Original softcase
... more
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1958 Gibson J-50 - Clean!

1958 Gibson J-50 - Clean!

Lake Stevens, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

Video here:

https: / / youtu be / o0whxCWaSvU?si=fsfWQobPtEJHwqQ

See description

1958 Gibson J-50. Very clean. One of the cosmetically finest Gibson acoustics I??ve come across. Not utterly flawless but as nice as you??ll find. Definitely in the ??closet queen?? category


Sonically it matches well with its stellar cosmetic condition. It has a deep, resonant tone. It??s not overly boomy with a balanced, full tone. It has that ??chunky?? ... more
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1958 Gibson EB-2 Thinline Bass Guitar

1958 Gibson EB-2 Thinline Bass Guitar

Keene, New Hampshire, 034**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

1958 Gibson EB-2 Electric Bass. All original and in excellent condition. Tobacco Sunburst finish. Single pickup, earliest version. Laminated maple thinline body. Banjo tuners in excellent condition. Serial number is A27810. A total of 90 EB-2 basses were shipped in 1958. Comes with original case in very good condition with all functioning latches. A very nice example for any vintage Gibson collection. Shipping will be $150 00 in the CONUS. I only ship in the USA
... more
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Used Gibson Custom 1958 ES-335 Murphy Lab Heavy Aged - Dirty Blonde

Used Gibson Custom 1958 ES-335 Murphy Lab Heavy Aged - Dirty Blonde

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6399


Used Gibson Custom 1958 ES-335 Murphy Lab Heavy Aged - Dirty Blonde
A used Gibson Custom 1958 ES-335 Murphy Lab. This is a showroom model that has seen almost no use and is in fantastic condition. The guitar will ship with all original factory documentation and packaging. Additionally, before shipment our luthiers will provide a professional inspection and full setup, so it arrives ready to play. If you have any questions about this instrument or any of our great gear, please send us ... more
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Gibson Vintage 1958 1959 Gibson ES-225T Excellent Player Condition

Gibson Vintage 1958 1959 Gibson ES-225T Excellent Player Condition

Hawthorne, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5499

Gibson es 225t hollow body guitar. Family owned for decades. I??m personally not a player had it professionally tuned up and told its in excellent player condition. Frets show little to know wear as this was rarely played.
I??m not sure of exact year but order number included in pictures

My price allows me more discrepancy on choosing correct buyer(s).
... more
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National Belaire 1958 Switchmaster Gibson 175 Body Bel Air w Lifton HSC

National Belaire 1958 Switchmaster Gibson 175 Body Bel Air w Lifton HSC

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4700

Here is a 1958 National Belaire in excellent condition, I believe it to be 100% original except for a small but fantastic modification that I did to it (read the next paragraph for details). This was the first year production for this top-tier model. The Belaire was produced by the Valco company in Chicago for their top brand "National " Valco was known for outsourcing their guitar bodies, and this Belaire features a complete ES-175 body provided by Gibson! This model combines the best that ... more
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RARE 1958 Epiphone Gibson-Made Zephyr Regent Thinline E312T Electric - New York

RARE 1958 Epiphone Gibson-Made Zephyr Regent Thinline E312T Electric - New York

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

$4400


1958 Epiphone E312T Zephyr Thinline w Original Case!
Here is a very rare and early Gibson-made Epiphone Zephyr Thinline from 1958. This is one of the first Epiphone's made by Gibson. Epiphone was acquired in mid-1957 by CMI Gibson and in the next year or so they began taking orders for the new models at the 1958 NAMM show. This guitar was made in 1958. It features mostly Epiphone parts including the New York pickups, white pointer (carousel) knobs, bikini logo The neck and body are the ... more
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Gibson Les Paul Junior 1958 DC   Cherry

Gibson Les Paul Junior 1958 DC Cherry

New Kensington, Pennsylvania, 150**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Jr DCThis guitar is in perfect condition, Like new, has never left my house the bridge has been upgraded for better intonation, the original bridge is in the case with all the case candythe guitar is nice and light, only 6 1 pounds and sound great, Custom shop case included... more
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used acoustic guitar with hard case Gibson LG3  1958 Very Good Condition

used acoustic guitar with hard case Gibson LG3 1958 Very Good Condition

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

$3500

Gibson LG3 Beleived to be 1958. Serial T 6117 9 ? ( last character not readable) I bought the guitar from Highland Village Music Store, Houston, TXSpruce Top, Mahogany Sides and Back Rosewood Fingerboard Plays in tune. This one has aged beuatifully despiste some weatther checks in the lacquer. Has aged beautifully A "cleat" of bone was added to the bridge at the G string for proper intonation Note the Position Markers at the 12th Fret the one on the binding is off from the ones on the ... more
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Gibson 1958 LG-1 Acoustic Guitar with Original Case

Gibson 1958 LG-1 Acoustic Guitar with Original Case

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

$3000

Gibson 1958 LG-1 Acoustic Guitar with Original Case
AS IS with No Returns
The electric guitar you are looking at is in Good Condition
Frets are in very good shape
Guitar does have light scratches and dings throughout as shown in the pictures
Guitar has paint stress fractures throughout
Guitar may have been refinished at one time; however, I am just not sure of this.
This Guitar not only plays great but sounds even better, i m.o
If you have any questions, please ask ... more
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~ 1958 Gibson ES-150 Sunburst with Original Hardshell Case

~ 1958 Gibson ES-150 Sunburst with Original Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2799

Vintage original Gibson ES-150 archtop electric
Guitar is old and has wear, but man it plays and sounds amazing
Original P-90 is remarkably warm with fantastic vintage tone
Neck is straight and neck angle is good. It plays with a good low action and no buzz or issues
It is all original with the exception of a jack added to the front of the guitar, the side jack has been closed off and sealed
Comes with nice vintage original Gibson hardshell case with Gibson badge on it ... more
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Vintage! 1958 Gibson LG-0 Natural Acoustic Guitar + Case

Vintage! 1958 Gibson LG-0 Natural Acoustic Guitar + Case

Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2395



Vintage! 1958 Gibson LG-0 Natural Acoustic Guitar + Case

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1958 Gibson LG-0 Natural Acoustic Guitar! Vintage Gibsons of all stripes are getting harder and harder to come by because of their increasing popularity. Finger-pickers, country-blues types, and folkies tend to really get along with these guitars. They're all-solid mahogany throughout the body and that combined with the ladder-braced design gives ... more
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Vintage 1950s  /  1960s Gibson L-5 Tailpiece Gold L-5CES L-5c L5 1959 1958 1957

Vintage 1950's / 1960's Gibson L-5 Tailpiece Gold L-5CES L-5c L5 1959 1958 1957

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

$1495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
One KILLER Vintage 1950's / 1960's Gibson L-5 Tailpiece
100% original - this is correct for your L-5, L-5c or L-5CES from the 1950's or early / mid 1960's
The gold finish has a lovely worn patina
Original custom engraving is in great shape and very prominent
Perfect working order with no bends, splits or cracks in the metal
PERFECT working condition
Don't miss this ... more
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Find more Gibson guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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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

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

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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

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.