1983 Gibson 'American-made. World-played' Catalog, Page 4: Gibson construction >> Vintage Guitar and Bass
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GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1983 | PAGE 4

Gibson construction

1983 Gibson 'American-made. World-played' catalog, page 4

1978 Gibson Quality / Prestige / Innovation catalogue. Page 4. Details of the Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Recording guitars.

As explained on the previous page (where two more LP Customs are shown) 1978 was a good year, sales-wise, for the Les Paul Custom. Almost half of the instruments shipped were the same as the model illustrated here - the two pickup version with Ebony finish.

The low-impedance Les Paul Recording guitar, on the other hand was failing. Sales in 1978 were just 180 - a tenth of their peak year 1973. This model lasted one more year and was discontinued in 1979/80. This was the final catalogue inclusion of this guitar. It was, however, the first time it was shown in a US catalogue with the second generation electronics, i.e. two output jacks (one high, one low impedance) replacing the hi/lo impedance switch, and the control pots in a straight line.

Recommended US retail prices for these two models in 1978 were as follows: Les Paul Custom (2 pickups) $849-$899, Les Paul Recording $799. These prices are telling in themselves... in 1971 when The Les Paul Recording was launched, it was pitched above the Custom, priced $650 and $595 respectively.

1983 "Gibson American-made. World-played" catalog, page 4: Gibson construction
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Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe Electric Guitar  1983 Vintage USA Beautiful Teal w /  case

Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe Electric Guitar 1983 Vintage USA Beautiful Teal w / case

Hoodsport, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$845


Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe Electric Guitar 1983 - Vintage USA - Absolutely Beautiful Teal
Serial 80403520
Includes case
This was one of my husband's guitars. Very nice condition with very few nicks or marks that I tried to get photos the best I could. Will try to answer questions if I can, but unfortunately, I know little to none about guitars. He has quite a few Gibsons and Fenders that I will be slowly selling throughout the next few months.
... more
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Gibson Invader Electric Guitar 1983 Silverburst

Gibson Invader Electric Guitar 1983 Silverburst

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

$1200

1983 Gibson Invader Guitar USA All originalEbony fretboard Sonex 180 pickups -7 8k bridge, 7 6 neck??Fretless wonder?? frets.
Weighs 7 10 lbsNaturally aged, showing some checking and wear Few nicks here and there?? consistent for 40 year old guitar Great shape for its age, plays and sounds great, especially with these Sonex pickups Will ship in a gig bag Free shipping USA 48 only.... more
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1983 Gibson Chet Atkins CE Natural Classical Electric Guitar w /  OHSC

1983 Gibson Chet Atkins CE Natural Classical Electric Guitar w / OHSC

Hicksville, New York, 118**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

1983 Gibson Chet Atkins CE Natural Classical Electric Guitar w / OHSC
Hey now! You're looking at an awesome guitar This is a 1983 Gibson Chet Atkins CE Classical Electric Guitar It weighs 8 lbs, 25 50 scale, 1 82" nut width Together, the legendary guitarist Chet Atkins and Kentucky luthier Hascal Haile w merged a solid body electric guitar with a classical guitar, resulting in a nylon-string instrument that can be played at high volumes without feedback!Thanks to the solid spruce top and ... more
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1983 Gibson SG Standard Cherry

1983 Gibson SG Standard Cherry

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2599

Very good condition 1983 Gibson SG Standard in Cherry. All original, no breaks or cracks. Some very honest play wear throughout the guitar, with the pictured dings, knicks, and scratches from years of use. Original Tim Shaw pickups. Action is pretty low, and the neck is straight and a nice chunkier profile. Tuners work well. What I believe to be factory speed knobs. The original cherry finish is obviously very faded, but is confirmed in the pickup cavity. On the lighter side for sure. Frets are ... more
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Used Gibson Explorer 1983 Black w / Original Case

Used Gibson Explorer 1983 Black w / Original Case

Brookfield, Illinois, 605**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This guitar is pure class! If you're looking for a great example of a Norlin-era classic, this may be your new axe!
This guitar is in very good condition for it's age. There is general finish wear throughout, including scratches, small dings, and finish checking in certain spots. We did our best to picture these, but due to the high-gloss nitro finish it is somewhat difficult. There is a finish crack at the neck heel that wraps around both sides. Set neck guitars can develop this if you live... more
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1983 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Vintage Guitar Wine Red w /  Case

1983 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Vintage Guitar Wine Red w / Case

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

$4700

Up for sale, a 1983 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original molded hardshell ??chainsaw?? case. This Les Paul Deluxe comes from the last year of the Norlin era, featuring a solid (non-sandwich) mahogany body with a three-piece carved maple top and a gloss Wine Red nitro lacquer finish
Tonally, the original mini humbuckers in this Les Paul deliver a round sound with great definition and punch. A perfect blend of humbucker and ... more
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1983 Gibson Explorer with MODS

1983 Gibson Explorer with MODS

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

$5000

This explorer is in great shape for 41 years of service. Modeled after James Hetfield's 1984 explorer, it has the 81 / 85 active EMG's. The pick guard was my own personal touch and is hand-made from the actual diamond plate. Not the flimsy stuff from Home Depot. I also have the original Kahler bridge that this came from the factor with. I installed the hard tail for a more customized look
... more
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1983 Gibson Heritage Series Moderne Korina Guitar W / OHSC-Excellent!!!

1983 Gibson Heritage Series Moderne Korina Guitar W / OHSC-Excellent!!!

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14999

This listing is for a
1983 Gibson Heritage Series Moderne Korina Guitar W / OHSC
Just in is an incredible SET of 1983 Gibson Heritage Korina guitars. We also have the Flying V and the Explorer
This is the Korina Moderne
All original and excellent condition. If a nicer example exists out there somewhere, I'd like to see it:)
This guitar, as the others, was collector owned and is in premo condition
Take a look at the pictures, they don't lie
The neck is awesome and it ... more
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1983 Gibson Heritage Korina Flying V W / OHSC-Excellent!!!

1983 Gibson Heritage Korina Flying V W / OHSC-Excellent!!!

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14999

This listing is for a
1983 Gibson Heritage Korina Flying V W / OHSC
Just in is an incredible SET of 1983 Gibson Heritage Korina guitars. We also have the Moderne and the Explorer
This is the Korina Flying V
All original and excellent condition. If a nicer example exists out there somewhere, I'd like to see it:)
This guitar, as the others, was collector owned and is in superb condition. A little wear on the pickguard is about all you are going to find
Take a look at the ... more
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1983 Gibson Heritage Series Explorer Korina Guitar W / OHSC-Awesome!!!

1983 Gibson Heritage Series Explorer Korina Guitar W / OHSC-Awesome!!!

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14999

This listing is for a
1983 Gibson Heritage Series Explorer Korina Guitar W / OHSC
Just in is an incredible SET of 1983 Gibson Heritage Korina guitars. We also have the Flying V and the Moderne
This is the Korina Explorer
All original and excellent condition. If a nicer example exists out there somewhere, I'd like to see it:)
This guitar, as the others, was collector owned and is in excellent condition
Take a look at the pictures, they don't lie
The neck is awesome and it... more
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1983 Gibson Korina Explorer Factory BLACK

1983 Gibson Korina Explorer Factory BLACK

Mission, Kansas, 662**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17000

This Explorer just screams Neck and guitar are wickedSome would call it Mint
I say it??s near mint
Seen a few sell past 3 years for 15000And 17000
Those were not in this condition... more
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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
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1983 GIBSON SG USA - ROCKET SCIENTIST EDITION

1983 GIBSON SG USA - ROCKET SCIENTIST EDITION

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€689

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
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1983 GIBSON SG - SUPER LIGHT

1983 GIBSON SG - SUPER LIGHT

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

€717

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 !
... more
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1983 Gibson Les Paul Studio - Natural - Rare Guitar

1983 Gibson Les Paul Studio - Natural - Rare Guitar

Southsea, UNITED KINGDOM

£1500

This is one from the very first issue of Gibson Les Paul Studios (serial number indicates 1983), so celebrated its 40th anniversary last year
It has the original well regarded Tim Shaw Humbuckers (these alone can be worth £500). The mahogany build and ebony fretboard was only available for a limited time
It has a kind of tele / gibson feel and perfect for those want a Les Paul sound but without the back breaking weight
A machine head has been replaced but otherwise there are only ... more
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Gibson 1983 Les Paul Standard Natural | T TOP  /  Early TIM SHAW | NORLIN 2-PIECE

Gibson 1983 Les Paul Standard Natural | T TOP / Early TIM SHAW | NORLIN 2-PIECE

Stockton-on-Tees, TS18***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3395


Gibson 1983 Norlin Era
Les Paul Standard Natural
w / Rare Two-Piece Flame Top,
One-Piece Mahogany Body & Mahogany Neck
+ Late T-Top / Early Tim Shaw Crossover Pickups
(Serial: 81683505)
| Two-Piece Flame Maple Top | One-Piece Mahogany Body & One-Piece Neck | Hardshell Case |
BLACK FRIDAY SALE
Was: £3645 | Now: £3395 | £250 OFF
Ends Tuesday 3rd Dec
OverviewWe are delighted to have in this phenomenal and unique spec' Gibson Les Paul Standard Natural... more
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Gibson Les Paul Custom 1983 Sunburst

Gibson Les Paul Custom 1983 Sunburst

Düsseldorf, 40***, GERMANY

€3999

Seriennummer: 83470653
Original Gibson Koffer vorhanden, falls gewünscht! (Der Koffer im Bild ist ein anderer)

Ich bin zweiter Besitzer der wunderschönen Les Paul, der erste Besitzer war Musiker und hatte diese Gitarre Jahrelang nur im Koffer liegen und hat sie sehr selten gespielt.
Ich habe sie sehr achtsam gepflegt und immer sicher im Koffer gelagert wenn ich sie nicht selbst grade gespielt habe.
Dementsprechend ist die Les Paul in einem unfassbar guten Zustand, bis auf... more
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1983 Gibson Flying V in Chevy Yellow with Kahler Tremolo System (with OHC)

1983 Gibson Flying V in Chevy Yellow with Kahler Tremolo System (with OHC)

Exeter, UNITED KINGDOM

£4000

Get your hands on a piece of rock history with this 1983 Gibson Flying V in eye-catching Chevy Yellow. Featuring a rare Kahler Tremolo System, this guitar has been expertly modified, including a cosmetic refinish by a former member of a renowned 1980s Christian Metal band. While boasting a distinctive (non-verified) Yngwie Malmsteen signature on the back, this instrument comes with its original hard case

CONDITION:
Welcome to our collection of pre-owned and ... more
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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

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1961 Hofner Colorama I

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1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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1960 Hofner Colorama II

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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1981 Gibson Marauder

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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.
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1961 Hohner Zambesi

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1963 Vox Super Ace

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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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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

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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.