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GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1983

'American-made. World-played'

1983 Gibson guitar and bass catalog

1983 "Gibson American-made. World-played" catalog, front cover
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1983 Gibson 'American-made. World-played' Catalog

This sumptuous publication was the very last US catalog of the Gibson Norlin period, even though it remained owned by the group until January 1986. 28 pages full colour throughout, dimensions 11" x 8 1/". The 1983 Gibson catalog features the following guitars and basses:

Electric guitars:

Les Paul Standard
Les Paul Custom
Les Paul Deluxe
Chet Atkins Classic Electric
ES335 Dot
BB King Lucille
ES-347
Johnny Smith
Victory MV X
SG Standard
Futura
Flying V
Explorer
EDS-1275

Arch-top electric-acoustic guitars:

L-5CES
Howard Roberts Fusion
ES-175D
Byrdland

Basses:

Victory Standard Bass
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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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Vintage! 1983 Gibson Flying V Electric Guitar Heritage Korina + OHSC

Vintage! 1983 Gibson Flying V Electric Guitar Heritage Korina + OHSC

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

$9995



Vintage! 1983 Gibson Flying V Electric Guitar Heritage Korina + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to present this 1983 Gibson Flying V Electric Guitar with a Heritage Korina Finish! Americans were fin fanatics in 1958. Tail-fins were commonplace on the coolest cars of the day, and modernist artwork was riddled with atomic boomerangs. So it would only make sense for Gibson to try its hand at a line of modernist style instruments, right? But for the ... 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 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
eBay logo
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 Map Guitar Natural NOS

1983 Gibson Map Guitar Natural NOS

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

$5939

Up for sale is a near mint 1983 Gibson Map Guitar Natural in NOS condition. This instrument came out of a collection of guitars that came from an ex Kalamazoo Gibson employee. This is the first and only time this guitar has been on the market and it is in just about mint condition less some very faint handling wear / very faint finish wear. Pro setup in house and comes complete with a modern non original case. Weight: 8lbs. 11oz.

NOTE TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS:
We want you to... more
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1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom w /  pearl inlay, gold hardware and flip tuners

1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom w / pearl inlay, gold hardware and flip tuners

Dallas, Texas, 752**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4999

* I am listening this guitar for $6500. eBay will not let me go about $5000. *

Comes with original case. Guitar is in good condition. Very minor wear for its age. I bought this guitar brand new in 1983 with this case (pictured) so I am the only owner. Neck is straight, guitar has recently been set up, no issues. Wiring perfect. I have all of the original hardware, including the gold neck pick up cover. Serial #81403532
This is the Rolls-Royce of guitars and nothing sounds like ... 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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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 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 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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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
eBay logo
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
eBay logo

Find more Gibson guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 2 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Peter Kilger Comment left 26th February 2012 04:04:59 reply
Concerning the Gibson Victory MVX ... What was the original price of the guitar in 1984? or any year for that matter (1981-1984)? And also the Gibson Victory Artist Bass guitar... what was the original price in 1984? or any other year they were made?
vintage guitar and bass Comment left 22nd January 2016 04:04:12 reply
Hi Peter, the '84 US price for the MV-X was $899. You can see all original pricing for the guitars here and the basses here

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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

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.