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GIBSON | ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC

Gibson electric acoustic guitars

Full depth hollow body guitars (see also Gibson thinlines)

The Gibson electric acoustic, or cello-bodied, guitars produced at the Kalamazoo plant in Michigan USA are some of the finest guitars ever built. These high quality hand-built instruments had a price to match, and were only produced in small numbers, by skilled craftsmen.

But these 'Jazz boxes' are the guitars that sealed Gibson's reputation: quality only really matched by the likes of Guild and Epiphone; out of the reach of Fender, and the vast majority of other manufacturers at the time. Have a look at some of the superb Gibson jazz guitars produced over the last half century.

Many of these instruments are associated with jazz guitarists, and indeed some are named after musicians: e.g. Barney Kessel, Johnny Smith, Tal Farlow, and Trini Lopez.

Find out about some of the vintage Gibson electric acoustic models by following the links below

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Gibson electric acoustic guitars for sale

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Gibson Vintage Barney Kessel Hang Tag Card 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1960s

Gibson Vintage Barney Kessel Hang Tag Card 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1960's

Petaluma, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$129



* Vintage Gibson Barney Kessel Hang Tag **
Very Good ConditionSee PhotosShipping Lower 48 $12 00We Ship Worldwide091524... more
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Gibson ES-175 1970s - Black Tolex red velour interior

Gibson ES-175 1970's - Black Tolex red velour interior

York, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$299

Gibson black Tolex ES-175 guitar case with red velour interior. Some minor scuff marks nothing major. All latches work, Padded handle. Unfortunately, there are no keys. Pretty decent shape for its age. Pictures show everything. If you need more info send me a line!... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson Rosewood Archtop Bridge and Base - L-5ces, Super 400 ES175

Vintage 1950's Gibson Rosewood Archtop Bridge and Base - L-5ces, Super 400 ES175

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1950's thru 1960's Rosewood Archtop Bridge
This original Brazilian rosewood bridge and base is in fantastic original condition
Correct for the L-5CES, Byrdland, Super 400, ES-175 and any other Gibson arch tops from this era. The tone on these is INCREDIBLE! They don't make them like this anymore.
Perfect for the restoration of your vintage Gibson OR dress up... more
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VINTAGE GIBSON EBONY ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP BRIDGE HOWARD ROBERTS INLAY

VINTAGE GIBSON EBONY ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP BRIDGE HOWARD ROBERTS INLAY

Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$549

Vintage 1970's Gibson ebony acoustic arch top guitar bridge with inlays. The post are gold versus showing very little tarnish from over the years. Bridge I believe comes from a Howard Roberts or possibly a super 400 from my research but there could be another model or two that have used the same bridge. Over all the bridge is a beautiful piece and deserves to go on an amazing guitar. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at any time. Overseas buyers please email me first before ... more
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1950s Gibson L-50 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Acoustic Guitar  Husk Luther Special.

1950s Gibson L-50 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Acoustic Guitar Husk Luther Special.

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700

1950s Gibson L-50 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Acoustic Guitar Husk Luther Special . This could be put back together and made into a great player. There's a couple holes in the front that have been plugged where someone had Electronics. There's also a few screw holes on the front. The side has been cracked and repaired and also a hole there that's been plugged from the Jack. Other than the side sidecracks structurally very strong. No damage to the neck. Please look at all. Pictures. Will ship FedEx ... more
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~ 1952 Harmony H 50 Archtop Electric Hollowbody w /  Gibson P-13 Pickup Sunburst

~ 1952 Harmony H 50 Archtop Electric Hollowbody w / Gibson P-13 Pickup Sunburst

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1695

A stunning vintage circa 1952 Silvertone Model H50 arch top electric hollowbody in original Sunburst finish
This is an early example with deluxe headstock artwork and original Gibson made P-13 pickup
Pickup sounds just incredible. Super warm and fat and thick, great for Jazz and killer for Rock
Neck is straight and the guitar plays well all the way up and down with a good action
Comes with nice vintage original hard case, too!
A stunning vintage circa 1952 Silvertone Model ... more
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1950 Gibson L-50 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Acoustic Guitar with Hardshell Case

1950 Gibson L-50 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Acoustic Guitar with Hardshell Case

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

$2195

1950 Gibson L-50 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Acoustic Guitar with Hardshell Case






Description
1950 Gibson L-50 Sunburst Jazz Archtop Acoustic Guitar with Hardshell Case
This great vintage guitar guitar came in my store today and I just had to have it. This beauty looks great, plays great, and is all original except for the period correct replacement tuners it has on it. It carries the FON number 5288 19 which I think makes it a 1950. The guitar has various ... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson ES-150 Archtop Hollowbody Guitar w /  Hard Shell Case

Vintage 1950s Gibson ES-150 Archtop Hollowbody Guitar w / Hard Shell Case

Russell, Pennsylvania, 163**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2250

Here we have an early (probably 1950s era) Gibson ES-150 Archtop Hollowbody Guitar with a vintage tweed hard shell case. This guitar just returned from a Buffalo NY Luthier who replaced the strings and set it up. Guitar plays beautifully. 24-3 / 4" scale length and 1-3 / 4" nut width. 22 frets. Overall length is 40-1 / 4 " . Lower bout width is 16-1 / 16 " . Body thickness is 3-5 / 8 " . I do not know the exact year as i see NO Serial number or FON anywhere. The guitar was refinished at some ... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson ES-150 Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst w /  Orig. Hard Case

Vintage 1950s Gibson ES-150 Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst w / Orig. Hard Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2799

Vintage original Gibson ES-150 archtop electric
Guitar is old and has wear, but man it plays and sounds amazing
Original P-90 is remarkably warm with fantastic vintage tone
Neck is straight and neck angle is good. It plays with a good low action and no buzz or issues
It is all original with the exception of a jack added to the front of the guitar, the side jack has been closed off and sealed
Comes with nice vintage original Gibson hardshell case with Gibson badge on it ... more
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1976 Gibson ES-335TD ES-335 Thinline Archtop Electric Guitar

1976 Gibson ES-335TD ES-335 Thinline Archtop Electric Guitar

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2850

This guitar plays great. You'll definitely love this guitar and won't want to put it down. The pickups are not original. Unsure of the brand of pickups as they just say "N" and "B" with braided wire as the lead wires. They sound really good though.
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, Feel free to give us a call and check it out in person!
Layaway plans are also available. Message us for details.

Fast shipping! We ship, same day or next business day. Feel free to message ... more
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1979 Gibson ES-175D Guitar Sunburst

1979 Gibson ES-175D Guitar Sunburst

Springville, New York, 141**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3249

Excellent condition for a 45 year old guitar. Frets show wear but plenty of life left. Some minor scratches hear and there. No cracks, but some very minor finish checking on the side. Weighs 7 pounds 1 ounce. All original, with the exception of the case. Plays and sounds fantastic. The Gretsch case has a broken latch, and some cover peeling but works and fits great. Free shipping. Please email questions.
... more
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Gibson ES-175 1981 Electric Guitar

Gibson ES-175 1981 Electric Guitar

Fort Mill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Woody's Music of Tega Cay has a USED 1981 Gibson ES-175 Electric Guitar for sale.
This guitar comes with a Gibson hard shell case & ships to the continental US.
Woody??s Music of Tega Cay is a brick and mortar store in Fort Mill, SC 29708
... more
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1953 Gibson ES-140 3 / 4 scale archtop guitar

1953 Gibson ES-140 3 / 4 scale archtop guitar

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4095

1953 Gibson ES-140, ¾ size, Tobacco Sunburst, Full body depth, P-90pickup, Comfortable to play, Light weight, Easy to get around the fingerboardon this scale length, Shows some wear and tear, Non original soft case
... more
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1975 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst

1975 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst

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

$4199

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Questions? We can help!
Contact us today!
30-Day Money Back
Guarantee
... more
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Vintage! 1978 Gibson ES-175D Natural Archtop Hollowbody Electric Guitar + Case

Vintage! 1978 Gibson ES-175D Natural Archtop Hollowbody Electric Guitar + Case

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

$4395



Vintage! 1978 Gibson ES-175D Natural Archtop Hollowbody Electric Guitar + Case

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1978 Gibson ES-175D Natural Archtop Hollowbody Electric Guitar! Ever since it hit the scene in 1949, the ES-175 has remained the world's favorite "jazz box??. The Gibson ES-175 has long been the choice of many players, but its mostly considered to be a Jazz Box. While Jazz certainly sounds fantastic on a guitar like this, ... more
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1971 Gibson ES-175D Cherry Sunburst OHSC- Excellent Condition

1971 Gibson ES-175D Cherry Sunburst OHSC- Excellent Condition

Redondo Beach, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4495

This is a Beautiful 1971 Gibson ES-175D in Excellent Condition This guitar is All Original Serial #760105It has a Striking Cherry Sunburst Finish Mahogany Sides with a Florentine Cutaway3-Ply Binding around the body Original Humbuckers with "Gibson" embossed on the PU coversMahogany Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard20 Fret NeckFrets are in Excellent ConditionNeck is Straight - it was just set upThere is a small bit of of de-lamination inside the cutaway (see picture)The original owner (who's ... more
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1991 Gibson ES-175 Hollowbody Guitar Vintage Sunburst w /  490R, 490T, Case

1991 Gibson ES-175 Hollowbody Guitar Vintage Sunburst w / 490R, 490T, Case

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

$4700

Up for sale, a 1991 Gibson ES-175 in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. A striking archtop model first offered by Gibson in the 1950s, the ES-175 features a dramatic florentine cutaway, a fully hollow maple body finished in Vintage Sunburst gloss nitro lacquer, and a pair of early Gibson 490 humbuckers
Produced in an increasingly celebrated period of Gibson production commonly referred to as the ??good wood?? era, the ES-175 was... more
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1976 Gibson ES-175D

1976 Gibson ES-175D

Nashville, Tennessee, 372**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4800

Here's an old es-175D from 1976. Natural color with lots of character. Structurally sound with lots of wear. This thing has been played hard. Will send videos if requested. Featuring a fully-hollow body, a sharp Florentine cutaway the ES-175D stands out as one of the all-time classic and iconic Jazz guitar. This example is no exception. It has a beautiful natural finished top, back, and sides with dual humbuckers that compliment the fully hollow build, giving it the perfect sound. This 1976... more
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1953-1955 Gibson ES-175 Archtop Guitar

1953-1955 Gibson ES-175 Archtop Guitar

San Francisco, California, 941**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

There are usage wear and some repairs which are pictured and reflected in the price of this great instrument. As is common with older Gibson lacquer finishes, stable cracks are visible.
With a hardshell case
... more
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GIBSON ES175D - VERY WELL MAINTAINED - ALL ORIGINAL ICONIC 1965 - GIBSON HC CASE

GIBSON ES175D - VERY WELL MAINTAINED - ALL ORIGINAL ICONIC 1965 - GIBSON HC CASE

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

$5300

GIBSON ES-175D - ACOUSTIC / ELECTRIC CUTAWAY - 1965 ALL ORIGINAL - S#367240 KALAMZOO FACTORY - THE UNIQUE CHERRY SUNBURST FINISH WAS USED ON A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF THIS MODEL MOST YEARS. VERY WELL MAINTAINED ALL MAPLE BODY WHICH IS PERFECT COSMETICALLY & SHOWS VERY SLIGHT WEATHER CHECKING IN THE LAQUER. THE NECK IS PERFECTLY STRAIGHT. THE ACTION IS VERY LOW FOR EASY PLAY ACTION. A VERY SMOOTH EBONY FRETBOARD w / PEARL SPLIT DIAMOND INLAYS. THE NUT WIDTH IS 1 9 / 16" INCH. THE MEDIUM ... 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

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.