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GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1964 | FRONT COVER

1964 Gibson electric guitars, front cover

1964 Gibson Guitar and Bass Catalogue - front cover. This was Gibson's first full colour catalog cover, and it beautifully demonstrates the top of the Gibson range thinline semi-acoustic, the ES-355TD-SV.

Gibson is and always has been a leader in electric guitars. Pioneering the pickups, the bridges and the electro-acoustical properties necessary to achieve truly great amplifiable instruments. In Spanish Electrics, Solid Bodies and Bass Guitars. Gibson has been the imaginative leader. Skilled and patient craftsmanship coupled with inspired electronic engineering have created instruments suited to the individual artistry of musicians everywhere

1964 Gibson electric guitars catalog front cover
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Gibson guitars for sale

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1963 Gibson Melody Maker

1963 Gibson Melody Maker

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

$1875

Here??s a cool old full size 60s Gibson Melody Maker. It??s been refinished but it looks like that was done long ago because it has plenty of finish wear, light scratches, scuffs and 70s style checking.

The neck is pretty straight and it??s set up for comfy action. Frets show light wear and the fret board has wear between the first 3 frets.

The tuners and electronics have been changed out. A nice Seymour Duncan Hotrail Humbucker has been added. It sounds good! I don??t ... more
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1965? Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Guitar With Hard Shell Case Great Patina WORKS

1965? Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Guitar With Hard Shell Case Great Patina WORKS

Lilburn, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Gibson logo is worn, guitar works, has some dings and scratches, case has some worn spots and has some cords and strings but not sure if the condition of the cords and strings, # is 566610 on headstock, see pictures for description
SELLING AS IS Buyers with 0 purchases must pay immediately after winning or their bid will be cancelled. We will not change anyone's address after purchase See photos for more detailed description - ask for more if needed. Selling As Is. Use shipping tab to ... more
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Vintage 1965 ( or 1968) Gibson Memphis ES-125 Electric Guitar With Hard Case

Vintage 1965 ( or 1968) Gibson Memphis ES-125 Electric Guitar With Hard Case

Peoria, Illinois, 616**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Vintage 1965 ( or 1968) Gibson Memphis ES-125 Electric Guitar
Not exactly sure of date   According to the Gruhn Spokesperson, It is either 1965 or 1968
She's a Beauty!
Includes Hard Shell Case
Please refer to photos for condition
Ask any questions before bidding
Ships to the Upper 48 States Only
... more
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1964 Gibson Banjo 5 string with case

1964 Gibson Banjo 5 string with case

Goshen, Indiana, 465**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2860

1964 Gibson Banjo with Gator case. I replaced the head, bridge and 5th string tuner. There are holes in the side of the neck from a 5th string capo that did not come with the banjo This is priced with the hard shell case for shipping. If you don't want the hard shell case contact me and I will reduce the price by $200 This does not come with a strap or capo. I don't need to sell but I would like this to go to someone who will play it more than I do.... more
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1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV natural

1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV natural

Havertown, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8845

To see this clearer click on the big photo:Here we go. This is a 100% real '64 T-bird and it has no repairs Very hard to find one with no repairs Obviously, someone (or something .) decided to cut down some corners (We guess they wanted a non-reverse?) Parts wise it is almost 100% original also. The only change is the later '60's Gibson bridge (they used the original stud holes-so if you ever want to put the original back you just screw it back in (we do not have it)). It plays and sounds ... more
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1965 Gibson Melody Maker

1965 Gibson Melody Maker

Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 433**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1977

1965 Gibson Melody Maker. Wonderful tone for this small giant . So much fun to twank?? around on this gem . Actually quite a variety of tone even when playing at low volume on this piece . Enjoy the simple things would be the motto on this one. Nothing especially delinquent as its all there other than some usual skiffs and scuffs as pictured in listing for us on it. Thanks for your viewing time today and wish our bidding community happy hunting ??
... more
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Gibson MELODY MAKER Double Cutaway 1964 Vintage Guitar

Gibson MELODY MAKER Double Cutaway 1964 Vintage Guitar

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

$1973

1964 Double Cut Gibson Melody Maker PLEASE LOOK AT ALL PHOTOS! THE LOW OPENING BID DOES NOT REFLECT THE QUALITY OF THIS INSTRUMENT OR IT'S CURRENT PLAYABLITY! A short time ago, an Ebay member offered to buy outside of Ebay. That member was reported. I only sell through EBAY, in auction style, NEVER a direct sale. This protects me and you!
Original pots were checked, pickup, original tuners and hardware. Plays like any great vintage slab-body of the 1960's. The pickup is great, includes the ... more
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Vintage Gibson 1965 ABR-1 Bridge Chrome - NO patent Number RARE w / nylon saddles

Vintage Gibson 1965 ABR-1 Bridge Chrome - NO patent Number RARE w / nylon saddles

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

$595

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson 1965 -1966 ABR-1 Bridge
Correct for your mid 60's SG Standard, ES-335 or SG Standard!
Excellent condition, no sag ready to rock! VERY nice original condition. All original saddles, which have no double notches and are in fantastic condition. Chrome finish in great shape. Original retaining wire and nickel saddle screws. Original thumbwheels included as ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line Ring ES-335 Es-175 1965 ,

Vintage 1960's Gibson Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line Ring ES-335 Es-175 1965 ,

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

$345

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1964 - 1965 Gibson / Kluson "double line double ring" tuner set
This vintage and rare original set of tuners is very clean and correct for your mid 1960's Gibson Models include the ES-335, ES-175, SG Standard and many others!
This is a killer looking set with a great patina, while these may appear to have a gold hue in the photos, these are actually nickel that has been ... more
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Gibson B-25 1965 Acoustic Guitar - Natural

Gibson B-25 1965 Acoustic Guitar - Natural

Rancho Mirage, California, 922**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

This is a beautiful 1966 Gibson B-25 (Serial #368543) with original Natural finish in 100% original condition. The guitar Includes its original hard-shell case and is in excellent condition and perfect working order. There is slight lacquer checking throughout the body and a small ding on the front of the body. This guitar has lived in a climate controlled non-=smoking studio for 30 years. Overall this is a superb instrument with great action and great sound. It's a joy to play!
... more
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Gibson B-15 1963-1968 vintage acoustic guitar with original

Gibson B-15 1963-1968 vintage acoustic guitar with original

Pflugerville, Texas, 786**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1799

This b-15 has only had 1 owner and it was hardly used. Gibson is in excellent working condition with straight neck. The action is low and comfortable to play. There is no buzzing and frets are in excellent condition. There are no cracks or repairs. It does have the normal wear consistent of a vintage Guitar such as hazy areas, scratches and dings. This is still one of the best looking gibsons b-15 out there. Comes with its original case. Keep in mind theses cases almost feel like cardboard so ... more
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1965 Kay Vanguard Vintage Rare Red Gibson Humbucker Electric Guitar Soft shell

1965 Kay Vanguard Vintage Rare Red Gibson Humbucker Electric Guitar Soft shell

Honolulu, Hawaii, 968**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$985

1965 Kay Vanguard
Electric Guitar
Made in USA
Includes: Guitar and Soft shell Case
I purchased this guitar online in 2019 and purchased all the parts separately for it. The original pancake pickup was broken so I had my luthier replace it with a Gibson Mini-Humbucker, but used the original pancake pickup cover. He also upgraded the electronics and installed a new tailpiece. He also checked out the electronics and everything works perfect. I also obtained a limited edition Kay soft ... more
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Vintage 1965 Gibson Skylark lap steel with case Korina

Vintage 1965 Gibson Skylark lap steel with case Korina

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1459

Vintage 1965 Gibson Skylark lap steel with hard case. Condition of the lap steel and case are in quite nice condition, other than marks from use and 2 holes on top from a hand rest the owner had on it at one point.
PayPal or M / 0 only. No wire / bank transfers of any sort. Questions about this item? Ask before you bid Also note, we do NOT send out 2nd chance offers after auctions end.
We have lots of new, used and vintage items on our website and facebook page

Note: If outside ... more
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1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

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

$8995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more
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1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w /  Mudbucker, Case

1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case

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

$3900

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, 100% original save for a refret and carved bone nut, and complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 7oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich... more
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1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w /  Original Case

1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case

Birmingham, Alabama, 352**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

This is a 1965 (I think) Gibson EB-0 Bass. It has all the mojo and patina that you could ever want. The finish checking is simply gorgeous. The guitar is 100% original in every way that I can tell. the pickup is strong and sounds as it should. It weighs 7 4 lbs
The bad news: Something is wrong with the truss rod. The neck has a ton of relief, and the nut on the rod is screwed down further than it should be. Perhaps the anchor at the body end has slipped loose? or the washer at the nut end is... more
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Vintage Original  1965 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Red w /  Gig Bag

Vintage Original 1965 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Red w / Gig Bag

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2495

Vintage original 1965 Gibson EB-0
This one is beat but sweet and has no cracks or breaks, just lots of cool wear to it. Probably because it is such a great playing bass, you can see the previous owner loved it and played it
Neck is straight and good and the bass plays with a good low action
Original tuners keep it well in tune. All wiring and pots are original dated '65
Pickguard is missing but it does have the original pickup cover / thumb rest .makes for a great look ... more
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Gibson Melody Maker 1964 Vintage Guitar Sunburst REAL RELIC W /  UPGRADES & MOJO 

Gibson Melody Maker 1964 Vintage Guitar Sunburst REAL RELIC W / UPGRADES & MOJO 

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

$1717

Gibson Melody Maker 1964 Vintage Guitar Sunburst REAL RELIC W / UPGRADES & MOJO
Please photos for condition
Serial # ??171717??

Great patina, a real relic with 60 years of stories to tell and its fully dialed in ready to rock!
Seymour Duncan Blade Humbucker, Grover Tuners, CTS Pots, all the good stuff, perfect player
Ships in hard case... more
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Gibson Melody Maker 1965 - Cherry Electric Guitar w /  Original Case

Gibson Melody Maker 1965 - Cherry Electric Guitar w / Original Case

Huntington, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

For sale is a Gibson Melody Maker 1965 - Cherry Electric Guitar w / Original Case in Very Good Condition!
Weight - 5 lbs 10 5 oz
Nut Width - 1 56 "
Scale Length - Roughly 22 3 / 4 "
Includes the original hard case, but the handle is broken on one side
The guitar is currently strung just using the hardtail, but can be strung for the whammy bar as well
Sold as pictured / described
Internal Use (Bin) - P2
... more
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1964 Gibson Melody Maker D Double Pickup Vintage Guitar Sunburst w /  Case

1964 Gibson Melody Maker D Double Pickup Vintage Guitar Sunburst w / Case

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

$3500

Up for sale, a 1964 Gibson Melody Maker D (Double) in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, 100% original save for a vintage replica wraparound bridge intonated for a plain G string. A very well-kept example with a particularly vibrant three-tone Sunburst gloss nitro lacquer finish, this Melody Maker D features solid Honduran mahogany body construction with a one-piece mahogany neck capped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The pair of robust-sounding single coil pickups ... more
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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 (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 bass Rose-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 Zambesi This 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 Ace The Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

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 catalog Hagstrom 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 President The 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.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar 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 the Les Paul Personal / Professional