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 SOLID BODY | PAGE 4

Gibson SG Special

1970 Gibson electric solid bodies catalog page 4

Gibson Electric Solid Bodies 1970 Electric Solid Bodies catalogue. Page 4, details of the Gibson SG Special. Like the other SG models in this catalogue, the Special has the larger 'full body' style scratchplate - compare this guitar with the previous SG special catalogue appearance from 1966.

This is the 'Pete Townsend model' - used extensively in 1969/70, including at their iconic Woodstock performance.

The SG was selling very well at this time. Like the SG Standard, 1970 was the SG Special's peak year, selling approximately double the volume of 1969, and four times that of 1968. Again, like the SG Standard, the model was inexplicably deleted at it's peak, to be (admittedly briefly) replaced by the SG Pro in 1971. Gibson quickly realised their mistake, and a version of the SG Special, with a scratchplate more akin to the 1960s models replaced the SG Pro in the 1973 Solid body brochure.

Outstanding for it's tone, versatility and moderate price. The ultra thin, contoured body is available in two finishes: Natural Walnut, or Gibson Cherry Red

The US zone 1 price for the SG Special was $295 in March 1970, rising to $325 in September 1970.

1970 Gibson solid body catalog, page 4: Gibson SG Special
Got an opinion on the contents of this page? Disagree with something written above? Please comment

2024 Vintage Guitar price guide 2024 Vintage Guitar price guide

Need the value of your guitar? The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2024 is out now: Amazon


Related Forum Posts
create new post

Gibson SG Special
Gibson SG Special

MARK SUSSEX

Gibson SG Special 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.
GIBSON SG SPECIAL - 1966

GIBSON SG SPECIAL - 1966

Gunnison, Colorado, 812**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10499

This vintage Gibson SG Special from 1966 is a true gem for collectors and musicians alike. Made in the United States, this guitar features a solid body and 6 strings for a classic sound. The iconic Gibson brand and SG series are well-known for their quality and craftsmanship. The model is SG Special, with a unique history and story behind it. Its exact year of production is clearly marked, adding to its value as a vintage instrument. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this ... more
eBay logo
1972 Gibson SG Special In Cherry Red Finish w / HSC

1972 Gibson SG Special In Cherry Red Finish w / HSC

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

$2195

1972 Gibson SG Special In Cherry Red Finish w / HSC
This Guitar Is Located At Imperial Vintage Guitars Orange
In Fair Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Professionally Repaired And Touched Up Headstock Crack
Enlarged Strap Button Hole
Non-Original Tuners Previously Installed, Originals Mostly Returned
B-String Replaced With Period Correct Gibson Tuner
Non-Original Bridge
Pots Dated 1976
Two Small Holes Near Bridge Indicate Previously Installed Synth ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1965 Gibson SG Special White w Original Case

Vintage 1965 Gibson SG Special White w Original Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6995

Vintage original 1965 Gibson SG Special in killer White finish
Guitar plays fantastic. Features the early, desirable wide nut and neck plays great with a nice feel. Action is nice and low and neck is nice and straight. Frets in generally excellent condition
Original P-90 pickups are warm and strong and punchy. Screaming with distortion. Has that classic vintage '60s tone a la The Who "Live at Leeds "
No cracks, no breaks no issues. The finish appears to have had some ... more
eBay logo
1961 Gibson Sg Special Cherry Red Vintage Electric Guitar

1961 Gibson Sg Special Cherry Red Vintage Electric Guitar

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

$8500

Very solid. Case is not original, all pots have been changed in the 80s, has no cracks or repairs (rare) also has the original hardware and pickups. Frets may be all original as well. Very beautiful solid guitar. Pots can be tracked down if you wanted it to be original. Plug and play as it. Plays and sounds amazing.
... more
eBay logo
1967 Gibson SG SPECIAL Cherry

1967 Gibson SG SPECIAL Cherry

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

$6490


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1967 Gibson SG Special in its original Cherry finish which has really maintained it's true color. It has a great playing neck with good frets. It's all original and 100% complete with the only exception being one ferrule for one tuning peg. The original chipboard case is included. It's in very good condition with some nicks + dings and other minor cosmetic wear. Everything remains structurally sound with no ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1965 Gibson SG Special

Vintage 1965 Gibson SG Special

Boston, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5900

Original 1965 Gibson Sg Special w Vibrola. Potentiometer code is 1376552 (52nd week of 1965), width of nut is 1 5 / 8 in. Everthing??s in a real excellent condition. Comes with original hard case in excellent condition too. Message me if you have any questions!
... more
eBay logo
1970-71 Vintage Gibson SG SPECIAL Cherry Red Kahler Tremolo P90 1960 / 60 Neck

1970-71 Vintage Gibson SG SPECIAL Cherry Red Kahler Tremolo P90 1960 / 60 Neck

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3597

Up for sale is a rare 1971 Vintage Gibson SG Special Cherry Red upgraded with a vintage Kahler Tremolo Bridge and Nut! Comes in a soft case
All original other than the Kahler tremolo and one pot dating to 1984
Factory P-90 pickups for an amazing singing tone that cut great through the mix, 1971-dated pots
FANTASTIC cosmetic condition showing minor wear. No breaks or cracks. A small finish checking line in the low cut (see pics)
AMAZING playability and tone! Set up with a fresh ... more
eBay logo
Gibson 1974 Cherry SG Special Body & Neck

Gibson 1974 Cherry SG Special 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
eBay logo
Gibson 1968 SG Special Vintage Electric Guitar w /  Original Case (Pre-Owned)

Gibson 1968 SG Special Vintage Electric Guitar w / Original Case (Pre-Owned)

San Rafael, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4295

Gibson 1968 SG Special Vintage Electric Guitar w / Original Case (Pre-Owned) Gibson 1968 SG Special Vintage Electric Guitar w / Original Case (Pre-Owned)
Gibson 1968 SG Special Vintage Electric Guitar w / Original Case (Pre-Owned)
This is a well loved vintage 1968 Gibson SG Special with its original Gibson P-90 Soapbar ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1972 Gibson SG Special Cherry Burst Walnut Electric Guitar

Vintage 1972 Gibson SG Special Cherry Burst Walnut Electric Guitar

London, UNITED KINGDOM

£1995

This is a very good example of a 1972 Gibson Special originally in a very nice cherry finish but still some remnant??s of its former self!
Gibson SG Special was nearly identical to the SG Standards of the time, replacing the full-sized humbucking pickups of the Standard model for the newer mini-humbuckers that Gibson acquired in their purchase of the Epiphone factory
Specification:
Body
Body Shape - SGBody Material - MahoganyFinish - Gloss Nitrocellulose LacquerNeck
Material - ... more
eBay logo
Gibson SG Special Vintage 1972 - Original

Gibson SG Special Vintage 1972 - Original

Holderbank AG, 5***, SWITZERLAND

$3633

I am the 3rd. owner of the vintage 1972 Gibson SG Special, this guitar is very light, the neck is straight- it has good intonation, nice "slinkey" action, (with 46-009 ) strings. the pick ups are original mini humbuckers- no P-90's- all controlls and wiring are original it has a new tuneamatic bridge, and new tail piece, but I have the original "harmonica" Gibson bridge and tail piece. that are pitted- but still funcitional- turners are older self locking grovers. the action is low, it does ... more
eBay logo
1968 Gibson SG Special in Cherry finish & hard shell case. EX Micky Moody

1968 Gibson SG Special in Cherry finish & hard shell case. EX Micky Moody

London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£5000

NEW KINGS ROAD VINTAGE GUITAR EMPORIUM ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER FOR SALE THIS
1968 Gibson SG Special Cherry EX Micky Moody
We are selling this gorgeous SG special on behalf of Micky Moody. This guitar was also featured in the guitarist magazine back in April 1993, a copy of the magazine does come with it. Mah gany Body, medium C profile mah gany neck with a 12?? radius r sewood fingerboard Pearl dot inlays, 22 medium frets. The guitar has a re-fret at some stage and the frets are... more
eBay logo
1971 Gibson SG Special P90 Large Guard with Vibrola - Superb Player

1971 Gibson SG Special P90 Large Guard with Vibrola - Superb Player

Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3750


Welcome to the eBay shop of Musical Money Ltd
On this platform we are unable to discuss partexchanges, viewings or negotiate prices
We advise finding our website where you can discuss all of the above
Thanks for checking out our Listing for
1971 Gibson SG Special P90 Large Guard with Vibrola- Superb Player
In excellent vintage condition, this guitar is 52years old so does show lots of small scuffs, scratches and plenty of lacquerchecking to the finish. The only modifications ... more
eBay logo
1971 GIBSON SG SPECIAL BODY - Made in USA

1971 GIBSON SG SPECIAL BODY - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£298

1971 GIBSON SG SPECIAL BODY - made in USA :
* body ONLY
* has a crack on back=check pic 4
* could be rebuilt by a SKILLED LUTHIER as a 1 pickup model... more
eBay logo
1968 GIBSON SG SPECIAL VIBROLA USA - NON TREM

1968 GIBSON SG SPECIAL VIBROLA USA - NON TREM

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£299

1968 GIBSON SG VIBROLA :
* trem arm mount was CUT OFF=check pic 2
... more
eBay logo
1983 GIBSON SG USA - SPECIAL EDITION

1983 GIBSON SG USA - SPECIAL EDITION

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€685

1983 GIBSON SG -- with lots of mods:
* maple body, routed on back, previous owner had effect pedals installed, has many chambers=very light, cavities covered by a large back plate now, front covered with a diamond plate shielding foil
* right horn cut off
* 2 unbranded hot Distortion humbuckers
* new tuners
* SHIFT 2001 tremolo installed (=worth 300 E)
* new pots & knobs
* you need a super light weight guitar that ROCKS ? ---> THIS is IT !
ATTENTION! OVER 1000... more
eBay logo
1984 Gibson SG Special II

1984 Gibson SG Special II

Bairnsdale, VIC, 3***, AUSTRALIA

AU $3800

RARE SCHALLER PRO-TUNE FACTORY TREMOLLO (optional factory upgrade)
FACTORY TIM SHAW PICK-UPS
Has been professionally refretted, complete setup performed & nut position reset.
Hard to find for sale these days as Tim Shaw pickups are very sort after and the addition of the Schaller Tremollo makes it an amazing sounding guitar and an asset in any collection
... more
eBay logo
1965 Gibson SG Special Vintage Electric Guitar

1965 Gibson SG Special Vintage Electric Guitar

Willoughby, NSW, 2***, AUSTRALIA

AU $14995

1965 Gibson SG Special
Excellent original vintage condition
No repairs, cracks, breaks or resprays
Has newer Mojotone bridge correctly intonates
Original frets, Brazilian Rosewood fretboard frets are fine, no need to replace
Original Kluson Tuners
Original pickguard
Pickups scream both pickups closely balanced at 8ohms / DC resistance .
Late 1964 / early 1965 example, featuring a C neck profile
1 5 / 8" nut width same as Fender nut width
Potentiometer ... more
eBay logo

Find more Gibson SG Special 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.