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GIBSON | PARTS | PICKUPS

Gibson guitar pickups

Details of pickups used on vintage Gibson guitars

1960s Gibson pickups

Gibson Melody Maker Single Coil

Gibson PU380 single coil pickup fitted to a Kalamazoo KG2a electric guitar
Underside of a Gibson PU380 single coil pickup fitted to an Epiphone Granada electric guitar
The simple components that go up to make a Gibson PU380 single coil pickup
Underside of a Gibson PU380 single coil pickup showing magnet and windings

Gibson part PU380. The PU380 single coil is often referred to as a Melody Maker pickup; it was indeed widely used on Gibson Melody Maker guitars, but also the ES120T (and it's equivalent, the Epiphone Granada), the Epiphone Olympic and Olympic Special, and the Kalamazoo KG1 and KG2 guitars. It is a simple single coil pickup with a plastic cover; cheap but highly effective, in fact (according to available shipping figures) it was fitted to over 96000 Gibson, Epiphone and Kalamazoo guitars between 1959 and 1970. When you consider that many of these guitars had two or even three pickups, it is clear that Gibson produced these pickups in very large numbers.

Construction is a simple single coil wound around an Alnico magnet core, and then potted, for a "bright/low" tonality. more

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Mini Humbucker

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe mini-humbucker with cream mounting ring
Gibson Les Paul Deluxe mini-humbucker with and without mounting ring, and with cover removed
Gibson mini-humbucker pickup cover
Gibson mini-humbucker coils with the cover removed
Gibson mini-humbucker coils, polepieces and bar magnet
Gibson mini-humbucker baseplate with polepieces unscrewed and magnet and wooden spacers removed

This mini humbucker was introduced in 1969 with the new Les Paul Deluxe. It is somewhat smaller in size (1.078" x 2.578") than the standard PAF humbucker used in the Les Paul Standard and Custom, and also brighter sounding, perhaps somewhere between single coil pickups and the standard PAF humbucker. Gibson part 13544 front, 13545 rear (1971,1977); 13394 front, 13395 rear (1981).

Early examples are stickered with PATENT NO 2,737,842, though by around 1975 this is stamped into the reverse, often with an inked date.

1970s Gibson pickups

Gibson L-6S Custom Pickup

 

This superhumbucker pickup was design by Gibson engineer Bill Lawrence, and was used in the L-6S/L-6S Custom only, in the neck and bridge positions. Part numbers 13682 (neck) and 13683 (bridge). Dimensions: 70mm x 38mm x 19mm (excluding mounting tabs); Surround, 90mm x 45mm; Mounting screw holes are 78mm apart. more

Gibson L-6S Deluxe Pickup

This humbucker pickup was used in the L-6S Deluxe only, in the neck and bridge positions. Part numbers 13654 (neck) and 13655 (bridge). Dimensions 73mm x 41mm x 19.3mm. Hole to hole 79mm. Surround 93mm x 54mm (widest). Typical DC resistance 6.5kΩ. more

Gibson Marauder Neck Humbucker

Gibson Marauder pickups with black opaque covers
Gibson Marauder pickups with translucent covers
Gibson Marauder neck humbucker disassembled from scratchplate
Underside of a (early clear-covered) Gibson Marauder humbucker mounted to the scratchplate
The underside of the Gibson Marauder humbucker with mounting screws and springs
Side view of Gibson Marauder humbucker with red windings visible

This humbucking pickup was used in the front position of the Gibson Marauder from the model's inception in 1974, right through to 1981. Part number 13670. Super humbucking, traditional coil configuration with three indox magnets, for "bright/loud" tonality. Potted. from Gibson 78 promo magazine: "The front pickup is similar to the Super Humbucker with small additional magnets reinforcing and directing the field". Dimensions 1.64" x 2.87" x 0.75"

Early examples had the clear casing, allowing the coils to be seen, but from late summer 1978 the covers (and scratchplate) were phased to black, arguably creating a much sleeker, cleaner look. These pickups are potted and removal of the coil/magnets from covers is impossible without damaging the pickup. more

Gibson Marauder Bridge Pickup

1981 Gibson Marauder, with black opaque pickups
Mid 1970s Marauder bridge pickup with clear cover
Marauder bridge pickup with clear cover
Marauder bridge pickup with black cover
Marauder bridge pickup with black cover - underside view
Marauder bridge pickup with clear cover - underside view

This pickup (Gibson part number 13671) was fitted exclusively to the Gibson Marauder, 1974-1981. It comprised a single coil around an iron former positioned above twin magnets, and potted in resin. Like the Marauder's neck pickup, above, this was initially in a clear case allowing the coil and former to be seen, changing to a black opaque casing in mid-1978. It was similarly mounted with three screws tapping into the pickup casing allowing height and angular adjustment relative to the strings. Dimensions 1.025" x 3.025" x 0.95"

It was very much chosen to give the Marauder some Telecaster-style country twang; and to aid this it was positioned at a forward slant. Combined they offered "tremendous brilliance and a cutting sound suitable for almost any form of popular music" more

1980s Gibson pickups

Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe Pickup

Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe humbucker
Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe humbucker
Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe humbucker
Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe humbucker
Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe humbucker
 

The Sonex-180 Deluxe was an entry level Gibson instrument, made with a innovative new 'Multiphonic' body material at the Gibson plant in Nashville, USA. It had simple construction and was fitted with basic components; these pickups are often (incorrectly) referred to as Velvet Bricks, or Dirty Fingers (see above), but although similar in appearance, were in fact a lower-cost unit produced in Japan (anyone know who by?) - Dirty Fingers were fitted to the Sonex-180 Standard and Custom models. They were later fitted to the Gibson Invader. Part numbers 13248 (neck) and 13249 (bridge). Dimensions: 70mm x 38mm x 18mm (excluding mounting tabs); Surround, 92mm x 45mm; Mounting screw holes are 78mm apart. DC resistance: The pair pictured were 7.6kΩ (front) and 7.7kΩ (back). more

Velvet Brick

Gibson Velvet Brick humbucker
Gibson Velvet Brick humbucker
Gibson Velvet Brick humbucker
Gibson Velvet Brick humbucker
Gibson Velvet Brick humbucker

The Velvet Brick was an exposed coil humbucker with contrasting coloured cream/black formers, the black coil having adjustable pole pieces. Designed by Gibson's Tim Shaw, for use in a number of guitars: in the bridge position of Firebrand series "the SG" Standard and Deluxe from 1980, and in the neck position of the Gibson Victory MV2 from 1981.

The Victory MV owners manual described it as follows: Conventional iron-loaded "hot rodded" humbucking pickup (indox ceramic magnet substituted for Alnico) whilst highlighting the contrast to the magnet-loaded Magna II pickup (below) in the bridge position. more

Magna II

Gibson Magna II humbucker
Gibson Magna II humbucker
Gibson Magna II humbucker in situ
Gibson Magna II humbucker - reverse view showing baseplate and patent number
Early promotional photograph of the Victory MVII - the Magna II pickup in the bridge position has two black coils

The Magna II was another exposed coil humbucker, usually with contrasting coloured cream/black formers, although early examples were black only. Unlike the Velvet Brick (above) with which it was paired in the Gibson Victory MV2 (bridge position) it had no adjustable polepieces.

The Victory MV owners manual described it as follows: "Over wound" with tall coil forms as in Magna Plus B, but with full magnet loading in both coils. more

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Gibson pickups for sale

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original 1960 Gibson ES-345 Stereo w / PAF pickups

original 1960 Gibson ES-345 Stereo w / PAF pickups

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

$29500


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1960 Gibson ES-345 Stereo in its original Cherry finish. It has a great playing neck with good frets. The bridge is the original no-wire ABR-1. The pictured period correct brown hardshell case is included. There was a set of Grover tuning keys installed at one time leaving wider tuning peg holes, but now has the original set of single-line single-ring gold Kluson Deluxe tuning keys. There appears to be finish ... more
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1958 Gibson ES-350T Vintage Hollowbody Guitar Sunburst w /  PAF Pickups, Byrdland

1958 Gibson ES-350T Vintage Hollowbody Guitar Sunburst w / PAF Pickups, Byrdland

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

$14800

Up for sale, a 1958 Gibson ES-350T thinline hollowbody guitar in exceptional condition and in perfect working order. Produced at the pinnacle of golden era Gibson production, this full 17" wide archtop has a 2 1 / 4" deep body, with tight ripples of curly flame extending liberally and evenly across the top and back, highlighted by the original nitro lacquer Sunburst gloss. Essentially a slightly more spartan version of the Byrdland model, the ES-350T boasts its original pair of Patent Applied ... more
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LOCAL PICKUP ONLY - 1964 Gibson ES-330TD - Cherry Red W /  Original Case

LOCAL PICKUP ONLY - 1964 Gibson ES-330TD - Cherry Red W / Original Case

Tryon, North Carolina, 287**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

LOCAL PICKUP AND CASH ONLY

LOCAL PICKUP AND CASH ONLY

Please do not pay electronically. Located in Tryon NC 28782.

Up for sale is an incredible 1964 Gibson ES-330TD

Fully hollow body guitar, with P-90 pickups

It was owned by one person since 1977, and has been closet kept, and is in phenomenal condition!

The finish is in great shape, with very minimal checking or wear of any kind.

The original P-90??s have an ... more
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1968 Gibson ES-175 D Vintage Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst w /  Pat # Pickups

1968 Gibson ES-175 D Vintage Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst w / Pat # Pickups

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

$7500

Up for sale, a 1968 Gibson ES-175D in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. A clean vintage example, this ES-175 boasts its original "patent sticker" humbuckers, delivering a detailed and dynamic range of tones. Acoustically, the fully hollow maple body delivers a big, open sound with both the immediate attack and clarity of maple, and an airy, smooth quality befitting the hollowbody construction. These patent sticker humbuckers both meter in the mid... more
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Vintage 1977 Gibson Les Paul Artisan 3-Pickup Walnut Electric Guitar w /  Case

Vintage 1977 Gibson Les Paul Artisan 3-Pickup Walnut Electric Guitar w / Case

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

$7000

Vintage 1977 Gibson Les Paul Artisan 3-Pickup Walnut Electric Guitar w / Case Vintage 1977 Gibson Les Paul Artisan 3-Pickup Walnut Electric Guitar w / Case
Description
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Welcome to All Music Inc's Musicdungeon! Right now, you are looking at an incredibly cool and rare vintage guitar
This is a vintage 1977 Gibson Les Paul Artisan ... more
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1972 Gibson ES-345TD Rare EMBOSSED Gibson Patent# Pickups RARE  FREE SHIPPING

1972 Gibson ES-345TD Rare EMBOSSED Gibson Patent# Pickups RARE FREE SHIPPING

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

$6900

This is a vintage 1972 Gibson ES-345TD Excellent Condition 100% Original. Rare EMBOSSED Gibson Patent# Pickups, Rare Cherry Burst finish. NO Checking. 6-way Vari-Tone switch and stereo output jack to split between two amps, this guitar is super versatile and sounds great no matter its settings. SUPER TONE!! This early Norlin era semi-hollow has only had a One owner, who took great care of it and had it maintained regularly. It plays so, so good, New frets. Professionally setup. Playability ... more
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1966 Gibson ES-330 TD Sunburst Vintage Thinline Electric Guitar - 2 P90 Pickups!

1966 Gibson ES-330 TD Sunburst Vintage Thinline Electric Guitar - 2 P90 Pickups!

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6300


1966 Gibson ES-330TD Sunburst!
Super nice vintage 1966 Gibson ES-330TD in Sunburst. Great playing and sounding guitar. Just a nice honest mid-60's 330 in all original condition with no breaks or repairs. The guitar has some normal wear showing but is nice overall. The guitar is all original including the finish. Original ABR-1, all-original electronics, reflector knobs, double-line Kluson tuners. The guitar has a great vibe and is truly a joy to play! The P90's are ... more
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1960 gibson melody maker sunburst dual pickups dbl cutaway  w /  orig case

1960 gibson melody maker sunburst dual pickups dbl cutaway  w / orig case

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

$5500

1960 gibson melody maker sunburst dual pick ups dbl cutaway w / orig case. ..... more
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1969 Gibson L4-CN Natural W / Benedetto Floating pickup

1969 Gibson L4-CN Natural W / Benedetto Floating pickup

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5295

Just in is this beautiful 1969 Gibson L4-CN. This guitar weighs 5 6 lbs in it's current setup with added pickup
This guitar is marked as a factory Second(pictured)
It also has had it's neck reset at some point of its life. The action is set great and the guitar is a treat to play. You can see evidence of the reset in the pictures
This L4 has had a floating Benedetto Pickup and Custom Maple pickguard added to it. They are all complete reversible and will leave no signs of install if ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Zebra Patent Number PAF Pickup RARE! 7 32k Les Paul Burst!

Vintage 1960's Gibson Zebra Patent Number PAF Pickup RARE! 7 32k Les Paul Burst!

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

$4995

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
One KILLER and SUPER rare Vintage Gibson 1960's "Zebra" Patent Number" PAF pickup!!!
In well over 15 years of selling vintage guitar parts, we've only ever encountered ONE other example of a Zebra "Patent Number" PAF in our shop. We have seen one, maybe two, documented online as they are INCREDIBLY rare. Gibson likely had some leftover cream bobbins in Kalamazoo that got used up a... more
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1984 Arctic White Gibson Flying V Original Tim Shaw Dirty Fingers Pickups

1984 Arctic White Gibson Flying V Original Tim Shaw Dirty Fingers Pickups

Greer, South Carolina, 296**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4199

1984 Arctic White Gibson Flying V Original Tim Shaw Dirty Fingers Pickups.... more
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1966 Gibson ES-125 TC Vintage Hollowbody Guitar 3 Pickup P-90 Mod w /  Bigsby

1966 Gibson ES-125 TC Vintage Hollowbody Guitar 3 Pickup P-90 Mod w / Bigsby

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

$4000

Up for sale, a 1966 Gibson ES-125TC in excellent condition and in perfect working order, expertly modified with two additional vintage Gibson P-90 pickups and a Bigsby B3 vibrato. Some of the most thoughtful and professionally executed modifications we've ever seen on a vintage Gibson, no expense was spared to ensure maximum tonal breadth, component quality, and functionality
The thinline maple body is paired with a one-piece Honduran mahogany neck and Brazilian rosewood fretboard, and the ... more
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Lefty 69 Gibson EB-0 bass guitar with added bridge pickup

Lefty '69 Gibson EB-0 bass guitar with added bridge pickup

Woodland Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Up for sale I have a rare left handed 1969 Gibson EB-0 bass guitar This is a rare guitar and they don't come up for sale often so here's your chance!Certainly a players grade guitar and besides the added bridge pickup and toggle switch this is for the rest all original. With a Mahogany body / neck and a 30 1 / 2" short scale length it's super easy to play, 1 3 / 4" nut width and weighs 7 70lbs
At some point this must've had a second pick guard installed that was later removed again and I've ... more
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1964 Gibson Melody Maker D Double Pickup Vintage Guitar Sunburst w /  Case

1964 Gibson Melody Maker D Double Pickup Vintage Guitar Sunburst w / Case

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

$3500

Up for sale, a 1964 Gibson Melody Maker D (Double) in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, 100% original save for a vintage replica wraparound bridge intonated for a plain G string. A very well-kept example with a particularly vibrant three-tone Sunburst gloss nitro lacquer finish, this Melody Maker D features solid Honduran mahogany body construction with a one-piece mahogany neck capped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The pair of robust-sounding single coil pickups ... more
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1953 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Single P90 Pickup - 1950s Player Jazz Archtop Guita

1953 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Single P90 Pickup - 1950's Player Jazz Archtop Guita

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500


1953 Gibson ES-175 Sunburst Player Grade!
Here is a cool player-grade 1953 Gibson ES-175 in sunburst. No neck or neck joint repairs. Original sunburst finish. Original P90 pickup. The guitar has changed tuners, pots, tailpiece, bridge, truss rod cover, and repaired jack area with metal plate. Z factory order number which correlates to 1952. The guitar is definitely not for a collector but a great option for someone looking to get a 50's ES-175 for almost half the ... more
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1984 Gibson Les Paul STUDIO CUSTOM Black CUSTOM SHOP with orig. TIM SHAW pickups

1984 Gibson Les Paul STUDIO CUSTOM Black CUSTOM SHOP with orig. TIM SHAW pickups

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

$3490


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1984 Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Studio Custom in its original Black finish. It has a great playing neck with good frets in an ebony fretboard. It's all original with the only exceptions being the changed caps and new strap buttons. The original hardshell case is also included, but a portion of the fabric lining is loose inside. This Studio Custom looks great with some nicks + dings, a lot of minor finish ... more
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1965 Gibson Melody Maker Vintage Guitar-Modded-Late 60s Gibson Patent # Pickups

1965 Gibson Melody Maker Vintage Guitar-Modded-Late 60s Gibson Patent # Pickups

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

$2999

This listing is for a
1965 Gibson Melody Maker Vintage Guitar
As you can see, this vintage gem has been heavily modified. Kind of given the 'Joan Jett' treatment, if you will
The guitar has had the following modifications:
-The body has been routed to accommodate the pickups. The custom 3 ply pick guard houses a matching set of Gibson patent # sticker humbuckers from the late 60's. These pickups sound killer, as you would expect they would and are a collector's item by themselves ... more
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1964 Gibson MELODY MAKER Sunburst 2-pickups

1964 Gibson MELODY MAKER Sunburst 2-pickups

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

$2790


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1964 Gibson Melody Maker in its original brilliant Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the nut and switch tip. A later vintage Gibson hardshell case is included. This Melody Maker looks great with nicks + dings, some minor scratches, finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The lower plastic strap button has broken in half. The guitar itself ... more
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Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass 1968 Walnut, Original, 2 Pickup, VeriTone

Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass 1968 Walnut, Original, 2 Pickup, VeriTone

Clifton, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

1968 GIBSON EB-3 SHORT SCALE BASS GUITAR, ALL ORIGINAL, WALNUT, 2 PICKUP, VERITONE
Gibson's EB-3 bass guitar was released in 1961 and wasproduced through 1979, sporting the familiar sharp double-cutaway solid bodysimilar to the SG. As an upgrade to the EB-0, which also makes the EB-3 a moredesirable collectors' piece, the EB-3 sports dual humbuckers on its solidmahogany body with a metal cover over the bridge pickup and a 4-position rotarytone switch
A fantastic opportunity to buy a ... more
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1965 Gibson ES-125T Electric Guitar ES-125TD 2 Pickup Conversion Vintage P-90s

1965 Gibson ES-125T Electric Guitar ES-125TD 2 Pickup Conversion Vintage P-90's

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

$2700

Vintage 1965 & A Super Cool Player
Gibson ES-125T Electric Guitar ES-125TD 2 Pickup Conversion
Original With The Exception Of Added Real 1950s P-90 (other is original to the guitar), Tuning Peg Bushings & Unsure of the Pots
SN 282670
Sounds & Plays Excellent
This is an older conversion that was done beautifully. Upon completion, a "D" magically appeared at the end of the ES-125T ink stamp
If your seeing something of concern not described below, please ask
* ... more
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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)

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

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1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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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

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1961 Hohner Zambesi

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1963 Vox Super Ace

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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