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GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1975 LES PAUL SERIES

1975 Gibson Les Paul catalog

Brochure featuring Gibson's mid-70s Les Paul guitars and basses

1975 Gibson Les Paul guitar catalog cover
1975 Gibson Les Paul guitar catalog page 2
1975 Gibson Les Paul guitar catalog page 3
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1975 Gibson Les Paul guitar catalog page 8
 

1975 Gibson "Les Paul Series" guitar and bass brochure

The 1975 Gibson Les Paul catalogue, 8 pages, full colour, measuring 11" x 7.5". The cover showed Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones playing a Les Paul Custom. This was the second time Gibson had produced a specific Les Paul catalogue (see the 1970 LP catalogue. It contained the following Les Paul guitars and basses. Click on the thumbnails or the model names below for a closer look at each catalog page.

Guitars:

Les Paul Signature guitar
Les Paul Signature bass
Les Paul Recording guitar
Les Paul Triumph bass
Les Paul Deluxe
Les Paul Custom

It's hard to believe that some of today's most progressive, hard rock sounds are created on a guitar that was originally designed in 1952, before rock was even known as "rock and roll." The Les Paul Standard was introduced in 1952. followed by the Les Paul Custom in 1954. Today, these guitars are still unequalled for their superb sustaining power, brilliance and clear, penetrating tone. In fact, the Custom's low, fast action earned it the nickname, "The Fretless Wonder." And. of course, the more recent Les Paul Deluxe is already one of the most popular guitars in history.

This catalog was reprinted for 1976, slightly expanded (twelve pages instead of eight) to include the new G3 bass.


The 1975 Gibson catalog consisted of several brochures, each concentrating on a specific area.

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Gibson Les Paul guitars and basses for sale

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Case Queen! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard w /  Rare ALL Gold Finish + OHSC

Case Queen! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard w / Rare ALL Gold Finish + OHSC

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

$69995



Case Queen! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard w / Rare ALL Gold Finish + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is Excited to offer up this 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar with Rare ALL Gold Finish! By 1956, Gibson had five different solid body electric guitars in the Les Paul line: Junior, TV Model, Special, Standard, and Custom (from least to most expensive). What Gibson guitar collector??s call the Goldtop today was listed in the catalog simply as the... more
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1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom - PAFs - Lightweight - Original Hardshell Case

1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom - PAFs - Lightweight - Original Hardshell Case

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

$69000

The best sounding late 50's paf Les Paul Custom we have ever had and there has been dozens over the years. Most likely due to the exceptionally light weight mahogany. These typically weigh in the 10lb plus range and have never witnessed one this light before! Guitar is mostly all original and has a double white bobbin paf in the neck position. Very light clear coat on back of neck that is only detectable by a slightly darker coloration under a black light. Pro refret with larger wire. A few ... more
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1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop Vintage Guitar w /  Case

1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop Vintage Guitar w / Case

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

$56000

Up for sale, a 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard, heavily played and extremely original, retaining all of its original electronics and hardware. From the one year where the Les Paul Standard gained an ABR-1 bridge before the advent of humbuckers in '57, this Goldtop has a woody, resonant natural acoustic tone with the breadth and liveliness indicative of a guitar that??s seen decades of use
Lightweight at 8lbs 11oz, the original P-90 pair channels the potent tonewood pairing of a carved maple ... more
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original 1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard GOLDTOP!!!

original 1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard GOLDTOP!!!

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

$54900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard in its original GOLDTOP finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of a couple of screws and is 100% complete along with its original hardshell case. It's in great condition with nicks + dings, finish checking, a short shallow gouge in the back of neck behind the 2nd fret and other cosmetic wear. There is a very short hairline crack in ... more
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original 1952 Gibson Les Paul model ALL GOLD Goldtop w / orig. case + HANG TAG!!!

original 1952 Gibson Les Paul model ALL GOLD Goldtop w / orig. case + HANG TAG!!!

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

$39500


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this original 1952 Gibson Les Paul in its rare original ALL GOLD finish. It has a good playing neck with good frets. It's all original with the exception of the period correct set of no-line Kluson Deluxe tuning keys with 5 out of 6 tuning buttons being replacements. There was a set of strip tuners installed at one point, but the original ferrules are still in place. There are some extra screw holes that are mostly ... more
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1952 Gibson Les Paul Standard MAX 59 Burst Conversion Vintage Guitar w /  Case

1952 Gibson Les Paul Standard MAX '59 Burst Conversion Vintage Guitar w / Case

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

$35000

Up for sale, a 1952 Les Paul Standard MAX '59 Burst Conversion in excellent condition and in perfect working order. The name Peter "Max" Baranet reigns supreme in many Burst circles, revered for crafting a limited number of the world's finest replicas for players including Slash, Tom Petty, Eddie Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, Jeff Beck, and dozens of additional truly legendary names responsible for shaping the last four decades of popular music
And while the Peter Baranet's Burst replicas are in a ... more
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1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop, Slender Neck, Joe Bonamassa Owned

1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop, Slender Neck, Joe Bonamassa Owned

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

$34000

Up for sale, a 1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original brown Lifton hardshell case. Unique among its peers, this particular Goldtop has had its original neck reshaped both in terms of depth and nut width, approximating a late '60s carve with a slender, fast feel and 1 9 / 16" nut width. This Les Paul also holds the distinction of once being part of Joe Bonamassa's collection
Featuring all original electronics, ... more
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1961 Gibson Les Paul / SG Custom original WHITE with Sideways Vibrola

1961 Gibson Les Paul / SG Custom original WHITE with Sideways Vibrola

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

$31900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Custom in its original White finish with gold hardware and a factory sideways Vibrola. It has a great playing neck with very worn frets, but still playable. It's all original with the exception of one volume knob. It's also 100% complete along with its original hardshell case. This original Les Paul Custom looks great with lots of minor nicks + dings (most have been touched-up with white... more
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1962 Vintage Les Paul SG body vintage all original w / Pink & Brown original case

1962 Vintage Les Paul SG body vintage all original w / Pink & Brown original case

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

$29995


FROM THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF SOUND INVESTMENTS USA LLC
1962 VINTAGE LES PAUL SG BODY VINTAGE ALL ORIGINAL PARTS ORIGINAL GIBSON PLAQUE ON GIBSON. PINK AND BROWN CASE IN GREAT CONDITION WITH ALL LATCHES WORKING PROFESSIONALLY SET UP WITH SUPER LOW ACTION .JUST BLOW ON THE STRINGS AND SHE PLAYS HERSELF. BOTH PAFS AND ALL ELECTRONICS UNTOUCHED AND ORIGINALNEW STRINGS AND READY TO ROCK. PLAY ALL NIGHT WITH THIS FEATHER LIGHT PIUECE OF ROCK HISTORY. THE PICTURES TELL THE BEST STORY, ... more
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original 1959 Gibson Les Paul Special double cut 1st edition FIGURED MAHOGANY!!!

original 1959 Gibson Les Paul Special double cut 1st edition FIGURED MAHOGANY!!!

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

$18900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this original 1959 Gibson Les Paul Special in its original Cherry finish which shows off a very rare figured mahogany body. This is the first version with the larger control cavity and the lower switch position. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original and 100% complete along with its original chipboard case (missing handle). It's in great shape with some nicks + dings, finish checking and other... more
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1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst w /  Original Case and Amplifier

1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst w / Original Case and Amplifier

Babb, Montana, 594**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$18000

Excellent Package for the vintage guitar enthusiast:
Original 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst single cut, solid body, electric guitar Very Good to Excellent Condition
Original "Alligator" case (small area of trim missing)
1957 GA-5 Gibson Amplifier with cords and extras... more
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original 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special TV YELLOW

original 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special TV YELLOW

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

$16900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this original 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special in its original TV Yellow finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets in a very nice Brazilian Rosewood fretboard. It's all original with the exception of the period correct tuning keys with new replacement buttons. There was another aftermarket set of tuning keys installed which required wider tuning peg holes. The ferrules used now are wrapped to compensate for the... more
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Find more Gibson Les Paul guitars and basses for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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vintage guitar and bass Comment left 19th October 2012 22:10:39 reply
Hi Pat, the Les Paul shipping figures suggest that tobacco sunburst Les Pauls were available from 1972 and throughout the seventies. Although made for 1975, this catalogue was produced in late 1974. A number of finishes were also produced for the first time in 1975: natural, wine red and a Les Paul Custom with a rosewood top.
pat Comment left 19th October 2012 13:01:03 reply
I thought mine was a 75 custom. Mine is Tobacco burst but it doesn't show that color above. mine has made in usa stamped on it, it has a 6 digit serial number, sandwich body layer. 3 piece neck. waffer tuners.
sam Comment left 14th March 2012 11:11:40 reply
i just got myself a gibson les paul deluxe goldtop 1970 model.and im proud to own a piece of history ,by far the best guitar ive ever played it felt like i had this guitar since day it was made,althought it was made 5 years before i was born,and it feel great the action the tone the wood the sustain forever basicly you can bend any note on that guitar anywhere on the neck and hold it there and it will sustain for as long as you want it to until you say ok stop. and the wood has this distingtive smell to it its smell like very old wood mahogany. i can only imagine what a gibson les paul 59 sound and feel like .it made me sound better and love to play it and feel great,it did open another door in my playing.wwwowowowowowowooooo. if you can find one get it quick and hold on to it guys.its out of this world. rock and roll forever.
william sedlar Comment left 3rd January 2012 02:02:59 reply
this is the greatest picture of keith playing that black beauty les paul. I want this picture on my wall next to hendrix. Can you e-mail me and tell how to get it? The copy of magazine or whatever. Will wait for repley in santa fe, New Mexico. Keith is my hero. thankyou, William

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1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1961 Hofner Colorama I

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

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II

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

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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

1981 Gibson Marauder

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

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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

1961 Hohner Zambesi

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

1963 Vox Super Ace

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

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

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

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

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

1965 Hofner President

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

1963 1964 Fender catalog

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

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for the Les Paul Personal / Professional