Vintage Guitars
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions
GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1970 GIBSON LES PAUL | PAGE 3

Gibson Les Paul Custom

1970 Gibson Les Paul catalog page 3

Gibson 1970 Les Paul catalog. Page 3. Details and specifications for the Les Paul Custom six string electric.

The Les Paul Custom had been reissued two years earlier, and was shown in a brochure produced at the time (see the 1968 Les Paul brochure), but previously to this it had not been listed in Gibson literature since the 1960 Gibson catalogue. This, then, was the first colour catalog appearance.

It took the combined efforts of the finest Gibson craftsmen and the ingenious Les Paul to create this fabulous contemporary sounding guitar. The LP Custom is popular with rock groups because of it's amazing sustain capabilities.

USA zone 1 price for this guitar was $575 (March 1970) rising to $595 by September of the same year. Gibson shipped 2612 Les Paul Custom guitars in 1970; not a bad figure, but the lowest of the decade; over 53000 Les Paul Customs were shipped between 1970 and 1979. The Custom was, for once, not the top of the Les Paul range; this honour went to the Les Paul Personal.

1970 Gibson Les Paul catalog page 3 - Gibson Les Paul Custom

Gibson Les Paul Custom for sale

Vintageguitarandbass.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w /  Original Chainsaw Case

1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w / Original Chainsaw Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4495

Here's a vintage original 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty with incredible vibe, look and playability
This one was used and loved for year, now it is your turn
Original pots dated 1978. Original patent number humbucker pickups are also dated 1978
Neck is straight and true with a real nice low action. It has been professionally refretted to the benefit of the instrument. Notes are full and true with tons of sustain. Go have a bite, come back, it will still be playing ... more
eBay logo
1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Wine Red | Los Angeles

1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Wine Red | Los Angeles

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

$6999

Local Pickup in California, might ship let's discuss first. Check out our channel Hollywood Rare Guitars on youtube or copy and paste link youtube com / watch?v=OnoJnUEC664
Authentic vintage vibe & a superb player finished in a gorgeous Wine Red that shows off a bit of flame figuring in the treble-side of the top. The double humbuckers sound terrific & kick out rich, robust tones. The slender profile neck is very comfortable & plays nicely anywhere on the fretboard. Fully ... more
eBay logo
Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom Cherry Sunburst 1973

Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom Cherry Sunburst 1973

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999


Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom Cherry Sunburst 1973
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
An excellent player's grade Les Paul Custom finished in classic Cherry Sunburst. Featuring a silky smooth neck & a pair of muscular yet dynamic sounding humbuckers. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action so it plays & sounds fantastic!
Cosmetic Condition: Various little nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches & some mild finish ... more
eBay logo
1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w / OHSC -All Original

1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w / OHSC -All Original

Elkhorn, Nebraska, 680**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9850

1973 Les Paul Black Beauty. Original finish and beautiful condition for a 50 year old guitar. Near MINT CONDITION! The photos are straight from the camera and are not retouched. More specific photos and VIDEO available by request. Comes with original hard shell case. We will NOT ship this Guitar through a commercial shipping carrier. I am able to hand deliver this Guitar to you in any airport that Southwest Airlines flys to in the USA . Hawaii, no problem)! This guitar is posted on a few ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty! All Original & Clean W / OHSC!

Vintage 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty! All Original & Clean W / OHSC!

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 495**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$60000

Just in at Tone Chasers Music is this 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom. This guitar is all original with the pictured dings and checking being the most significant signs of wear. This is an exquisite example. The pictured original hardshell case is included. As pictured.

Follow us here
https: / / www facebook com / tonechasersmusic

FOR THIS TRANSACTION I ONLY ACCEPT CASH, WIRE TRANSFER, OR CASHIERS CHECK TO BE CASHED ON DELIVERY. THIS GUITAR IS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PICKUP... more
eBay logo
1984 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst w /  Tim Shaw PAFs, Case

1984 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst w / Tim Shaw PAFs, Case

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

$11000

Up for sale, a 1984 Gibson Les Paul Custom in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original ??chainsaw?? molded hardshell case. This Les Paul Custom features an extremely well-preserved and virtually unaged gloss Silverburst nitro lacquer gloss finish, only offered from 1979-85, loaded with a pair of era-correct Tim Shaw PAF humbuckers
Traditional tonewoods include a carved maple top, solid mahogany body, mahogany neck, and bound ebony fingerboard, ... more
eBay logo
1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom

1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Hillsborough, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9899

This is a 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom electric guitar from the Gibson Les Paul series. It features a custom model design and is a part of the Musical Instruments & Gear and Guitars & Basses categories. Serial # 627256
... more
eBay logo
1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom a stunning White Les Paul like Randy Rhodes played.

1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom a stunning White Les Paul like Randy Rhodes played.

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

$5495

This is a very beautiful 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom in its now extremely desirable "Alpine White" refinish by Bob Peterson from Angel Guitars. Its original body & neck bindings are in great shape. Its ebony fingerboard has its original pearl block inlays & frets. It even has its original 8-digit serial # starting to show once again as the finish is starting to age. It's got a mixed set of Humbuckers from the 90's that sound great. Pickgard is original. Pots are new. The Tuners, ABR-1 ... more
eBay logo
1977 Gibson Les Paul Custom Wine Red

1977 Gibson Les Paul Custom Wine Red

Oakhurst, California, 936**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

This 1977 Gibson Les Paul Custom is a full size electric guitar with a solid body type and a beautiful wine red color. The neck material is maple, and the fretboard material is rosewood. This guitar has 22 frets and is right-handed. It comes with a hard case and is a professional performance level. The body material is mahogany, and the model is Custom. The guitar is made in the United States, and the model year is 1977. The set includes everything you need to start playing, and it's perfect for... more
eBay logo
1978 GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM  25 / 50 ANNIVERSARY FLAME TOP  ~  NATURAL

1978 GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM 25 / 50 ANNIVERSARY FLAME TOP ~ NATURAL

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

$6999

vintage guitar more
eBay logo
1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Vintage Guitar Cherry Sunburst w /  Tim Shaw PAFs

1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Vintage Guitar Cherry Sunburst w / Tim Shaw PAFs

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

$5000

Up for sale, a 1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom in perfect working order, loaded with a pair of '80s Tim Shaw PAFs. Honestly played and free of any cracks, this Les Paul Custom has been outfitted with modern, vintage-spec hardware and plastics
Tonewoods include a ??sandwich?? mahogany body, carved three-piece maple top, three-piece mahogany neck, and bound ebony fretboard, weighing 9lbs 14oz. The pair of late ?80s Gibson "Tim Shaw" PAF humbuckers are a great compliment to this instrument's ... more
eBay logo
1973 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom With Original Case And Extras Cherry Sunburs

1973 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom With Original Case And Extras Cherry Sunburs

Aurora, Colorado, 800**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Please see pics. Solid condition. No cracks, no repairs, honest natural wear from being played. Plug and play from the case, it has wear , scuffs and dings all over it as one should expect. The guitar pickups match that are currently in place and does come with extras that at some point got replaced for some reason or another. This was not mine, I bought this from the original owners wife after his passing. I??m not accepting offers or trades. The guitar tuners have been replaced but the ... more
eBay logo
Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Black Ebony 3 Pickup! + OHSC

Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Black Ebony 3 Pickup! + OHSC

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

$5995



Vintage! 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Black Ebony 3 Pickup! + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty with a Black Ebony Finish! This guitar has the tone and playability you would expect from a Les Paul Custom. Plugged in, this axe has some really nice meaty growls and great vintage like overtones! Really shimmery highs that don??t get harsh. It plays great, has a perfect neck and a ... more
eBay logo
Original 1985 Gibson Les Paul Custom in Sunburst with factory Kahler + OHSC

Original 1985 Gibson Les Paul Custom in Sunburst with factory Kahler + OHSC

Harrisonville, Missouri, 647**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4750

Original 1985 Gibson Les Paul Custom in Sunburst with factory Kahler + OHSC
This auction is for a very cool 1985 Gibson Les Paul Custom in the beautiful Tobacco Sunburst finish with the original Kahler tremolo system. In fact, we have gone over this guitar and it appears to be 100% original. It was consigned to us by a good customer of ours who bought it a few years ago and never could get used to the Kahler tremolo system. This guitar comes to you in an original vintage Gibson chainsaw case ... more
eBay logo
1969  /  70 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Vintage Electric Guitar w / OHSC

1969 / 70 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Vintage Electric Guitar w / OHSC

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

$17995

1969 / 70 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See All Photos)
Three Piece Mahogany Neck, Sandwich Body Construction, No "Made In USA" On The Back Of The Headstock - Transitional 60's To 70's Les Paul Appointments
Original Black Finish Showing Playwear, Small Scratches, & Nicks Throughout
Original Pickups With Added Gold Pickup Covers
Original Electronics
Original Tuning Machines (Appears They Were Removed At Some Point)
Original ... more
eBay logo
1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

Just in is this great 1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty
Quick Details
Weight 10 2
Nut width 1 69inches
Depth at 1st Fret 0 81 inches
Depth at 12th Fret 1 00 Inches
This 1973 Les Paul Custom is in great shape with no breaks or repairs
The body is in almost perfect shspe with the exception of a small wear mark through the paint and into the wood on the treble side of the neck between the 9th and 10th frets. This happened from the guitar sitting in its case over years ... more
eBay logo
1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom w / 3 original PAF pickups + Fretless Wonder HANG TAG!

1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom w / 3 original PAF pickups + Fretless Wonder HANG TAG!

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$98000


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom in its original Black finish. It's all original and 100% complete along with its original hardshell case and original HANG TAG stamped "LES PAUL CUSTOM FRETLESS WONDER " . There's also a copy of the original sales ledger where the original owner made multiple payments of $13 a month for over a year. It has a good playing neck, but the small original frets are very worn as this would ... more
eBay logo
1985 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst

1985 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst

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

$9719

Up for sale is a 1985 Gibson Les Paul Custom in its original and vibrant Silverburst finish. One of my absolute favorite finishes for a LP Custom! This particular example has a lot of silver in the finish and has a nice green hue to it. Both pickups are the original Tim Shaw humbuckers and also retain the original PAF pickup ring stickers. Overall this example is very clean less some light signs of play wear and finish wear. Original pots and electronics with pots dating to the 3rd week of 1985.... more
eBay logo
1974 GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM 20TH ANNIVERSARY  ~  CHERRY SUNBURST

1974 GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM 20TH ANNIVERSARY ~ CHERRY SUNBURST

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

$6999

vintage guitar more
eBay logo
1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom Vintage Guitar Natural w /  Lollar Pickups, Case, Tag

1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom Vintage Guitar Natural w / Lollar Pickups, Case, Tag

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

$6000

Up for sale, 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and warranty card. This Norlin-era Les Paul features a gloss Natural nitro lacquer finish, loaded with a pair of boutique Lollar Imperial humbuckers
Featuring a Norlin-era tonewood complement of a mahogany body (non-sandwich), three-piece maple top, three-piece maple neck, and bound ebony fingerboard, and this guitar has plenty of natural sustain, punch, and... more
eBay logo

Find more Gibson Les Paul Custom for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 0 comments on this page so far. Add your comment

Comment on this article

Anti-spam question - to catch web robots

Contact
info@vintageguitarandbass.com

mailing list

Follow

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

Other Great Sites

Recent posts on vintage guitar and bass

1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1961 Hofner Colorama I

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

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II

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

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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

1981 Gibson Marauder

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

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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

1961 Hohner Zambesi

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

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super AceThe Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

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

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

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

1965 Hofner President

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

1963 1964 Fender catalog

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