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GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1966

1966 Gibson 'Guitars & Amplifiers' catalog

Guitars, basses, amplifiers

1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, front cover
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, inside cover
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 1
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 2 - Johnny Smith and Trini Lopez Deluxe
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 3 - Trini Lopez Standard, Barney Kessel and Tal Farlow
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 4 - Super 400CES, L-5 CES and ES-175
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 5 - ES-125CD and ES-125
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 6 - Gibson Byrdland, ES-355TD-SV and ES-345TD
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 7 - Gibson ES-335TD, ES-330TD and ES-125TDC
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 8 - Gibson ES140T, ES-125T and ES-120T
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 9 - Gibson ES-33512 and Firebird V-12
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 10 - Gibson SG Custom, SG Standard
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 11 - Gibson SG Special, SG Junior and Melody Maker
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 12 - Gibson Firebird III, V and VII
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 13 - Gibson Firebird I, Thunderbird II and IV
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 14 - Gibson EB-O and EB-3 basses
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 15 - Gibson EB-2 bass, and Double Bass, Double 12 and Double Mandolin doublenecks
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 16 - Gibson amplifiers
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 17 - Gibson amplifiers
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 18 - Gibson GSS-100 amplifier
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 19 - Gibson GSS-50 and plus-50 amplifiers
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 20 - Gibson Titan and Mercury amplifiers
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 21 - Gibson Atlas and Atlas Medalist amplifiers
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 22 - Gibson Vanguard, Apollo and GA-4RE reverb echo unit
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 23 - Gibson Multi-Stereo, Ranger and Saturn amplifiers
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 24 - Gibson Lancer, Minuteman and Explorer Amplifiers
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 25 - Gibson Recording and Gibson Skylark Amplifiers
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 26 - Gibson Flat Top Acoustic Guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 27 - Gibson Flat Top Acoustic Guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 28 - Gibson J-200, Dove and Heritage flat top acoustic guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 29 - Gibson Everly Brothers, Hummingbird and Southern Jumbo flat top acoustic guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 30 - Gibson J-45, J-50 and J-160E flat top acoustic guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 31 - Gibson B-25, LG-0 and LG-1 flat top acoustic guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 32 - Gibson FJ-N and F-25 folk acoustic guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 33 - Gibson B-45-12 and B-25-12 twelve string acoustic guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 34 - Gibson classic acoustic guitars
1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 35 - Gibson C-8 Grand Classic, C-6 Richard Pick Custom and C-4 Classic acoustic guitars

1966 Gibson 'Guitars & Amplifiers' Catalog

The 1966 Gibson catalog was the most lavish produced to date, and for many years afterwards. It had been the first to be in full colour, and contained Gibson's entire product range, from high-end jazz guitars, solid bodies (including the newly designed non-reverse body style Firebird range), amplifiers, and Gibson's wide range of acoustic instruments. But this was a very sucessful time for Gibson. 1965 had been their very best year, with massive sales and a huge expansion of their Kalamazoo facilities. There was a huge rise in the popularity of guitar playing, and cheaper imported brands were not yet been able to compete on grounds of quality.

There is a theme of the natural world running through this catalog, from the trees on the front and back covers, via the photographs of guitars in and amongst nature, and to the illustrations of plants and animals throughout the catalog as a whole. The electric guitar section is adorned with birds, the amplifier section fish, and the acoustic guitars plants.

The lyric song of birds, the wind whistling softly through the trees, the music of a rippling brook, the rumbling bass of a thunderstorm!
These are the stirring notes of nature's symphony, reflected today in the most sensitive of musical instruments, the Gibson guitar. Gibson instruments are true to their heritage, each one crafted like a fine violin. They provide the musical perfection that has become Gibson tradition through more than 60 years of dedication to creating the worlds finest fretted instruments.

The entire ranges of electric guitars, basses, acoustics, banjos, mandolins and amplifiers are shown: fourteen pages of electric guitars and basses; eight pages of Gibson amplifiers; twelve pages of Gibson acoustic guitars (flat tops, classic acoustic and archtops); three pages of banjos; two pages of mandolins, and a single page of steel guitars. Click on the images for full size versions, or click on the model names below for more about each instrument

Electric Guitars:

Johnny Smith Guitar
Trini Lopez Deluxe
Trini Lopez Standard
Barney Kessel Guitar
Tal Farlow Guitar
Super 400 CES
L-5 CES
ES-175D
ES-125C
ES-125
Byrdland
ES-355TD-SV
ES-345TD
ES-335TD
ES335-12
ES-330TD
ES-125TC
ES-140T¾
ES-125T
ES-120T
Firebird I
Firebird III, V, VII
Firebird V-12
SG Standard, Custom
Special Junior
Melody Maker

Basses:

Thunderbird II, IV
EB-0
EB-2
EB-3

Doublenecks:

Double 12
Double Mandolin
Double Bass

Flat Top Acoustics:

J-200
Dove
Heritage
Everly Brothers
Hummingbird
SJ Southerner Jumbo
J-45
J-50
J-160E
B-25
LG-0
LG-1
FJ-N
F-25
B-45-12
B-25-12

Classic Acoustics:

C-8 Grand Classic
C-6 Richard Pick Custom
C-4 Classic

Amplifiers:

GSS-100
GSS-50
Plus-50
Titan
Mercury
Vanguard
Apollo
Multi-Stereo
Ranger
Saturn
Lancer
Minuteman
Explorer
Recording
Skylark

Reverb-Echo Units:

GA-4RE
GA-3RV
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Gibson guitars for sale

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Gibson Vintage 1965 SG Chrome Tailpiece Studs Melody Maker 1966 1967 1968 1969

Gibson Vintage 1965 SG Chrome Tailpiece Studs Melody Maker 1966 1967 1968 1969

Petaluma, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$49

** Vintage Gibson Chrome Tailpiece Studs **
Very Good ConditionSee PhotosShipping Lower 48 $9 00We Ship Worldwide052325
... more
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Vintage Gibson 1960s SG Les Paul Standard Backplate Control Cavity Cover 1966

Vintage Gibson 1960's SG Les Paul Standard Backplate Control Cavity Cover 1966

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

$95


Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson 1960's Gibson SG Standard Backplate / Control Cover
Original 1960's Gibson SG cavity cover in great shape! This is the mid / later 60's version that accommodates the larger control cavity shape Gibson adopted in the mid 60's. This will also fit the SG "Melody Maker" and SG "Special" From the same years
The REAL DEAL in killer shape!
Great original condition with ... more
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Gibson Vintage 1960s Short Maestro Tailpiece SG Melody Maker 1965 1966 1967 1968

Gibson Vintage 1960s Short Maestro Tailpiece SG Melody Maker 1965 1966 1967 1968

Petaluma, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$195

** Vintage 1960's Gibson Chrome Tremolo Tailpiece 1960's *
Very Good ConditionNo BarSee PhotosShipping Lower 48 $17 00We Ship Worldwide010525 2... more
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1966 Gibson 250k Centralab Guitar Pot Short Shaft Part 242K

1966 Gibson 250k Centralab Guitar Pot Short Shaft Part 242K

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$229

Centralab, Short shaft, normal lot vintage were with patina , reads 242k on meter, includes mounting nut. Original vintage Gibson part. Thanks for looking
... more
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1966 Gibson 250k Centralab Guitar Pot Short Shaft Part 265K

1966 Gibson 250k Centralab Guitar Pot Short Shaft Part 265K

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Centralab, Short shaft, normal lot vintage were with patina , reads a Strong 265K on meter, includes mounting nut. Original vintage Gibson part. Thanks for looking
... more
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Vintage Gibson 1965 Chrome Patent Sticker PAF pickup cover set 1966 68 ES-335 SG

Vintage Gibson 1965 Chrome Patent Sticker PAF pickup cover set 1966 68 ES-335 SG

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

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage c 1965 Chrome Patent Number PAF humbucker cover set
REAL DEAL AND IN AMAZING SHAPE
Killer 50+ year old patina!
This is a standard spaced cover set - amazing shape with a killer vintage patina
These are correct for your 1965 thru 1969 ES-335, SG Standard, ES-175 and many others!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE... more
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Vintage Gibson 1965 Chrome Patent Sticker PAF pickup cover set 1966 69 ES-335 SG

Vintage Gibson 1965 Chrome Patent Sticker PAF pickup cover set 1966 69 ES-335 SG

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

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration, A fantastic and original
Vintage c 1965 Chrome Patent Number PAF humbucker cover set
REAL DEAL AND IN AMAZING SHAPE Killer 50+ year old patina!This is a standard spaced cover set - amazing shape with a killer vintage patina
These are correct for your 1965 thru 1969 ES-335, SG Standard, ES-175 and many others!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECTWE SHIP WORLDWIDE... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-175 Single PAF pickguard Wide Bevel 1960 - 1966 ES175

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-175 Single PAF pickguard Wide Bevel 1960 - 1966 ES175

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

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson ES-175 Wide Bevel "Single PAF" Pickguard
This will fit your vintage Single PAF ES-175 perfectly
Excellent original condition! This is the version with the "top mount" screw opening.
Original Mounting Bracket included as well
Perfect for the restoration of your vintage ES-175
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT

FLAT RATE PRIORITY USPS ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-175 Single PAF pickguard Wide Bevel 1960 - 1966

Vintage 1960's Gibson ES-175 Single PAF pickguard Wide Bevel 1960 - 1966

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

$295

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage Gibson ES-175 Wide Bevel "Single PAF" Pickguard
This will fit your vintage Single PAF ES-175 perfectly
Excellent original condition! This is the version with the "top mount" screw opening. Original Mounting Bracket included as well
Perfect for the restoration of your vintage ES-175
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT

FLAT RATE PRIORITY USPS SHIPPING!
WE ... more
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VINTAGE 1965 USA KALAMAZOO GIBSON KG-1 KG 2 GUITAR NECK MAPLE ROSEWOOD 1966

VINTAGE 1965 USA KALAMAZOO GIBSON KG-1 KG 2 GUITAR NECK MAPLE ROSEWOOD 1966

Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, 169**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Neck I got in a trade that I don??t have a use for at the moment. Seems to have been refinished at some point. There is a bit of a lip where the finish reaches the fingerboard and they taped it off, could use some sanding.

Throw it on a Kalamazoo or make a new body for it.

Have any questions? Feel free to ask??️
... more
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Vintage 1966 Kalamazoo KB-1 Bass Guitar, Made By Gibson, Rare Body Shape & Color

Vintage 1966 Kalamazoo KB-1 Bass Guitar, Made By Gibson, Rare Body Shape & Color

Sutton, Massachusetts, 015**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Vintage 1966 Kalamazoo KB-1 Bass Guitar, Made By Gibson, Rare Mustang Body and Blue Paint
TWO VINTAGE 1960s BASS GUITAR AUCTIONS LISTED THIS WEEK!
BOTH BASS GUITARS ARE FOR USA BIDDERS and USA SHIPPING ONLY!
BASS #2 DESCRIPTION:Here is a very cool old Kalamazoo bass guitar made by Gibson in 1966. It looks, plays, and sounds great
MAKER:Kalamazoo was Gibson's economy brand. This bass was made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where the brand gets its name
YEAR MADE:
Gibson introduced ... more
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Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

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

$400

This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... more
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Gibson 1966 B-15 Original Condition Acoustic Guitar

Gibson 1966 B-15 Original Condition Acoustic Guitar

Pollock Pines, California, 957**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

The Gibson 1967 B-15 Original Condition Acoustic Guitar is a vintage piece of musical equipment that showcases the craftsmanship and quality of Gibson guitars from that era. With its original design and serial number indicating its authenticity, this acoustic guitar offers a classic sound and feel for musicians looking to play a piece of music history. Its timeless appeal and high-quality construction make it a sought-after choice for collectors and players alike. Please see pictures for exact ... more
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Vintage 1965 Gibson ES-175 ES-175d Chrome Zig-Zag Tailpiece Complete 1966 1967

Vintage 1965 Gibson ES-175 ES-175d Chrome Zig-Zag Tailpiece Complete 1966 1967

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

$495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantasticVintage 1960's Gibson Chrome ES-175 "Zig Zag" Tailpiece assemebly
Correct for your 1965 thru 1969 ES-175 and ES-175D
Incredible original condition with original mounting screws, strap button and ground wire
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Check our outstanding feedback and buy with confidence... more
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Vintage 1965 Gibson ES-175 ES-175d Chrome Zig-Zag Tailpiece Complete 1966 1967 !

Vintage 1965 Gibson ES-175 ES-175d Chrome Zig-Zag Tailpiece Complete 1966 1967 !

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

$495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantasticVintage 1960's Gibson Chrome ES-175 "Zig Zag" Tailpiece assemebly
Correct for your 1965 thru 1969 ES-175 and ES-175D
Incredible original condition with original mounting screws!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Check our outstanding feedback and buy with confidence... more
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1966 Gibson Plus 50 Slave Amp Amplifier aux head 50 Watts REPAIR parts UNTESTED

1966 Gibson Plus 50 Slave Amp Amplifier aux head 50 Watts REPAIR parts UNTESTED

Wichita, Kansas, 672**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

For sale is this killer 1960's Gibson Plus 50 aux amplifier. This came from a killer collection of vintage guitar gear.
THIS IS UNTESTED THIS LIKELY REQUIRES REPAIR AND / OR RESTORATION.
SOLD -AS-IS
This is heavy so I am sorry but no international shipping. Thanks.
See pics. ask questions.
STORE POLICIESPlease look closely at the item photos they are the best indication of condition.
Please ask questions BEFORE you purchase an item.
All of our items are sold AS-IS. No ... more
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Gibson Vintage 1966 ES-335 330 Control Harness Volume Tone Pots Caps 3 Way 1967

Gibson Vintage 1966 ES-335 330 Control Harness Volume Tone Pots Caps 3 Way 1967

Petaluma, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$695

** Vintage Gibson Control Harness 1960's *
Very Good Condition 500KSee PhotosShipping Lower 48 $29 00042525We ship Worldwide... more
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Gibson GA-35RVT Lancer TUBE Guitar Amplifier VINTAGE 1966

Gibson GA-35RVT Lancer TUBE Guitar Amplifier VINTAGE 1966

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

$700

At top 40 guitarsour customers satisfaction is our first concern All of out items have a 14 day return policy If after 14 days you are not completely satisfiedwith your purchase, please return it for a refund .Peace be with you
all returned items must be in the same condition theywere at the time of sale. All original packing must be included
Up for Sale is a
Gibson GA-35RVT Lancer TUBE Guitar Amplifier VINTAGE 1966
Tested and in fine working order.
Top 40 Guitars is a Veteran... more
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Gibson 1966 Cherry Burst ES 125 Hollow Body & Neck

Gibson 1966 Cherry Burst ES 125 Hollow Body & Neck

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

$790


Gibson Dependable
Home of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description:... more
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Gibson B25-12 1966 12 String Acoutic Guitar

Gibson B25-12 1966 12 String Acoutic Guitar

Southbridge, Massachusetts, 015**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Gibson B25-12 1966 12 String Acoustic Guitar Ready to Play. Set up New Strings Low Action. Finish checking and 3 cracks on the body see pics. This Gibson B25-12 acoustic guitar from 1966 is a rare find for any musician. With its 12 string configuration, it provides a unique sound that is perfect for any guitar enthusiast. The guitar is in excellent condition and has been well-maintained over the years.
The brand name Gibson is synonymous with high-quality musical instruments, and this guitar... more
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Find more Gibson guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 4 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Daniel Comment left 19th July 2022 18:06:41 reply
Amazing! The original catalog, is priceless
christina Comment left 27th June 2014 19:07:48 reply
I just found a 1966 Gibson Guitar and Amplifier catalog in like new condition. someone was discarding it. I guess they didn't see the value in it.
Rich Hagerty Comment left 9th June 2014 19:07:11 reply
Hi, I have a 1965 EB3, purchased new from Muscara Music in Belleville NJ I still own & use it reularily and was wondering what was the Original type and gauge of the srings were?.. I was also surprised recently to learn that this model was not considered "Short Scale" and also the 65 may have been the only one with the the "TaliPiece" String muffler that can be locked in place. Last, any idea where I can buy "inserts" for the Vol & Tone control, or the complete 4 piece set if I have to? Thanks for th information
Alfredo Lopez Comment left 8th March 2014 00:12:35 reply
I've had that catalog in 1970, and i lost it, I like get a copy, Thanks

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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