Vintage Guitars
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions
GOYA | CATALOGS | 1966

1966 Goya guitar and bass catalog

Index of pages

1966 Goya (USA) guitar and bass catalog cover
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 2
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 3
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 4
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 5
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 6
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 7
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 8
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 9
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 10
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 11
1966 Goya (USA) catalog page 12
 

1966 Goya catalog

The Goya brand had consisted mostly of acoustic instruments made by Swedish company Levin, and a few electrics made by Hagstrom, also of Sweden. However in the mid 1960s, Goya launched a range of electric guitars made in Italy. They were not the product of Eko as many people believe, but actually two other companies: the solid bodies were made by Galanti, whilst semi-acoustics by Polverini. Although dated 1966, it was most likely prepared and printed in late 1965 as many copies came with a price-list dated January 1st 1966.

The following guitars and basses are shown:

Electric guitars:

109 Rangemaster semi-acoustic
105 and 107 Rangemaster semi-acoustics
101, 103 semi-acoustics
1209 twelve string

116 solid body

Basses:

1207 Rangemaster semi-acoustic
118 Panther II solid body

Got an opinion on the contents of this page? Disagree with something written above? Please comment

2024 Vintage Guitar price guide 2024 Vintage Guitar price guide

Need the value of your guitar? The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2024 is out now: Amazon


Goya guitars for sale

Vintageguitarandbass.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
1959 Goya Deluxe 90 Blue sparkle

1959 Goya Deluxe 90 Blue sparkle

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

$4295

Just in is this really cool 1959 Hagstrom made Goya Deluxe 90 guitar
Quick Details
Weight 7 2lbs
Nut width 1 5 / 8th inches
Depth at 1st fret 0 88
Depth at 12th fret 0 92
These guitars were made by Hagstrom for Goya. This particular Deluxe 90 is in pretty good shape. It looks like the blue Sparkle top was reglued to the top of the body in spots around the edges of the body. There is also a few small cracks in chips in the plastic pearl covering around the body. It is minimal ... more
eBay logo
GOYA GE-500 hollow-body L-5 CES 1975

GOYA GE-500 hollow-body L-5 CES 1975

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3100

This is a 1975 GOYA GE-500 hollow-body L-5 CES electric guitar, it??s a beautiful hand-crafted instrument. This looks great in person, sunburstfinish. It comes inside a very nice original hard case. This guitar is inExcellent condition with only slight blemishes in the binding in one area, anda small scratch in between the volume and tone knobs, and one small indentationon back of the neck as well as the body to the left of the bridge, they??re veryhard to see, please see the pictures. It is a... more
eBay logo
GOYA GE-275 Howard Roberts Custom 1975

GOYA GE-275 Howard Roberts Custom 1975

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2650

This is a 1975 GOYA GE-275 Howard Roberts Customhollow-body electric guitar, it??s a beautiful hand-crafted instrument. Wine red, archtop hollow body. This looks stunning in person. It comesinside a very nice original hard case. This guitar is in mint condition. It isvery well made and has a Howard Roberts body and the cool L5 tailpiece with abeautiful inlaid headstock. The fingerboard is high quality solid rosewood andis inlaid with the X Howard Roberts type inlays, it??s a very beautiful ... more
eBay logo
Goya Levin M-24 1964 Acoustic guitar

Goya Levin M-24 1964 Acoustic guitar

Wilmington, North Carolina, 284**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1599

1964 Goya / Levin M-24 Minor wear from a guitar of this age No repairs no cracks . Very solid guitar Great sounding guitar. Only selling because I have too Ready to ship. Ships in a Gator semi hardshell caseNo return.... more
eBay logo
GOYA GE150 ES-335 1975

GOYA GE150 ES-335 1975

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

This is a 1975 GOYA GE-150 hollow-body electric guitar, it??s abeautiful hand-crafted ES-335 style instrument with a cherry finish. Thislooks beautiful in person, check out the beautiful figuring in the wood, itlooks gorgeous in person. It comes inside a very nice original hardcase. This guitar is in Mint minus condition, there is a small chip onthe back edge near the end pin, otherwise it??s perfect, see pictures. Itis very well made and has an ES-335 body. The top and back of the bodyare ... more
eBay logo
GOYA G375 acoustic guitar 1977

GOYA G375 acoustic guitar 1977

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1150

This is a 1977 GOYA G375 Acoustic guitar, it??s abeautiful hand-crafted instrument, very elegant looking, especially inperson. It comes inside a very nice Martin hard case. This guitaris in Mint condition, it's a time capsule, it looks brand new and is an amazingguitar in person. It has all solid wood and is very well made, excellentcraftsmanship. These retailed for $699 00 in 1977 without the hard case. It hasmany features influenced by Martin. It has a solid select spruce top, solidshell ... more
eBay logo
GOYA G340 acoustic guitar 1977

GOYA G340 acoustic guitar 1977

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1025

This is a 1977 GOYA G340 Acoustic guitar with an under the saddle piezo pickup installed. It comes inside a very nice TKL hardcase. This guitar is in near mint condition. It is all solid wood and is very well made. It has a solid spruce top, solid rosewood sides and three-piece rosewood back. Pearloid inlay on the top and around the sound hole, rosewood bridge with matching inlaid fingerboard, plus Deluxe tuning machines. It looks kind of like a Martin D45 which makes since with Martin ... more
eBay logo
Goya Strat Copy 1976 Maple Ash Sunburst Made In Japan GST-VN 0048 Hardtail

Goya Strat Copy 1976 Maple Ash Sunburst Made In Japan GST-VN 0048 Hardtail

New Britain, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

This vintage Goya Strat Copy guitar is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. Made in Japan in 1976, it features a beautiful maple sunburst finish and a solid body type. The guitar is right-handed and has a 6-string configuration.

The brand Goya is known for producing high-quality musical instruments, and this guitar is no exception. It has not been modified and is in its original state. This guitar is perfect for anyone looking for a vintage piece to complete their ... more
eBay logo
Vintage Greco GR-9 by Goya  Guitars  Inc.  Made In Germany  1960s

Vintage Greco GR-9 by Goya Guitars Inc. Made In Germany 1960's

Omaha, Nebraska, 681**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$725

This vintage Greco GR-9 guitar, manufactured in Germany by Goya Guitars Inc. during the 1960s, is a rare find for collectors of vintage guitars. Its brand and model are Greco and GR-9 respectively. This guitar belongs to the category of vintage guitars and basses, specifically in the subcategory of other vintage guitars, which makes it a unique addition to any collection
Serial # 1848 
Old but in sound working condition   Years spent in storage. Examine photographs and if you ... more
eBay logo
Rare Vintage Acoustic Guitar Greco GR-9 by Goya Musical Instrument

Rare Vintage Acoustic Guitar Greco GR-9 by Goya Musical Instrument

Bridgeport, Connecticut, 066**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700

Rare Vintage Acoustic Guitar Greco GR-9 by Goya Musical Instrument
Thank you for browsing.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.... more
eBay logo
Fantastic, Rare 1975-76 CF Martin Goya G-312-TS - Magnificent Guitar!

Fantastic, Rare 1975-76 CF Martin Goya G-312-TS - Magnificent Guitar!

Wytheville, Virginia, 243**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700

Here's a fantastic and rare booming acoustic made in the mid 70s by Matsumoku in Japan. CF Martin acquired the Levin brand from Sweden in 1974 and the Goya brand name came with it. These are absolutely fantastic D-18 inspired acoustic commissioned by Martin so they designed these acoustics and this one is especially rare. Chunky neck, solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides

The only condition issue minus typical wear is what looks like a cigarette burn in the lower bout ... more
eBay logo
Goya G-150 Vintage Concerto Guitar Made In Japan MIJ

Goya G-150 Vintage Concerto Guitar Made In Japan MIJ

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

Goya G-150 Vintage Concerto Guitar Made In Japan MIJ
An amazing sound and tone. Awesome projection. Please watch the videos below to see the guitar up close and hear some chords I recorded 1970's Goya Concerto No. G150 classical guitar
Video will open in a new window
Using the eBay App? Paste link into a browser window:
[isdntekvideo]
Make sure to change the resolution to HD or 4K to see every nook and cranny.
7% taxes of the total price will be charged for Florida buyers ... more
eBay logo
Goya (Martin) G312  1970s Natural acoustic

Goya (Martin) G312 1970s Natural acoustic

Cloverdale, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$495

Beautiful Goya guitar in very good condition. There are a few tiny scratches on the front that are very difficult to see, as well as some smudges and small scratches on the back
The guitar plays and sounds great!!!
Comes with old chipboard case
... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1965 Goya G10 Classical Guitar, Chipboard Case Made n Sweden Ser# 283317

Vintage 1965 Goya G10 Classical Guitar, Chipboard Case Made n Sweden Ser# 283317

Ypsilanti, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

This vintage 1965 Goya G10 classical acoustic guitar is a rare gem for any professional musician. Made in Sweden, this 6-string dreadnought guitar has a beautiful brown body color that resonates with any music. The guitar is right-handed and has a unique serial number of 283317   Guitar is in good condition. Includes chipboard case. Case has significant cosmetic wear and cracks but is functional. See pictures for content and conditions. Guitar probably needs new strings
The guitar is ... more
eBay logo
Goya G-10 1969 Accoustic Guitar

Goya G-10 1969 Accoustic Guitar

Sacramento, California, 958**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$415

Beautiful Goya G-10 classical guitar, #4131103 circa 1969. Straight neck, great action. Original tuners. No cracks, original nut and no damage to Fretboard. Looked over by luthier and plays well. Has natural wear on lacquer and original case. Typical lacquer crazing seen on this vintage
Played by a famous Greek musician and passed down to the family.
... more
eBay logo
Vintage Goya Acoustic Guitar - G10? - For Parts Or Repair

Vintage Goya Acoustic Guitar - G10? - For Parts Or Repair

Farmington, Michigan, 483**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$80

This vintage Goya acoustic guitar is perfect for those who are looking for a unique sound or for collectors who want to add to their collection. With its classic design and high-quality materials, this guitar is sure to impress. The guitar is being sold for parts or repair and would make a great addition to any musician's collection

The brand Goya is known for its high-quality instruments, and this vintage guitar is no exception. The guitar features a warm tone and a unique ... more
eBay logo
Zerosette Rayhorn guitar anni 1960 - sunburst  VINTAGE MADE IN ITALY EKO GOYA

Zerosette Rayhorn guitar anni 1960 - sunburst VINTAGE MADE IN ITALY EKO GOYA

Verona, 37***, ITALY

€800

Zerosette Rayhorn guitar anni 1960 - sunburst VINTAGE MADE IN ITALY EKO GOYA.
Vendo chitarra elettrica vintage made in Italy ZeroSette, lo storico produttore di Castelfidardo (AN). Prodotta a fine anni '60 in pochissimi modelli. È attualmente l'unico modello in vendita sul mercato italiano. Suono inconfondibile, versatile e adatto al rock di stampo vintage, come per le sorelle Eko e Goya
È interamente originale e funzionante. Comprende leva del vibrato. Non presenta graffi e botte ... more
eBay logo
Goya Rangemaster Guitar Italy 1968 VGC

Goya Rangemaster Guitar Italy 1968 VGC

South Molton, EX36***, UNITED KINGDOM

£750

A rare beast. Goya semi acoustic in cherry red made in Italy in the late 1960??s. Very clean condition no scrapes or dings, a few minor lacquer nicks as shown and some lacquer cracking on the sides as shown. Been up in my loft for 20 + years and amazingly the electrics all function correctly. Comes with original case which externally is in very good condition. Internally the lid lining is missing and the bottom lining needs re sticking in places Seen one up on Reverb at £1500 and cases on there... more
eBay logo
Hagstrom P-24 1960s for Hagstrom 80 90 Goya etc. Vintage & Rare parts

Hagstrom P-24 1960's for Hagstrom 80 90 Goya etc. Vintage & Rare parts

maison, 78***, FRANCE

€680


Hi there, Here is for saleHagstrom P-24 1960's for Hagstrom 80 90 Goya etc. Vintage & Rare parts, All best regards.... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1958 Levin Goya Goliath S-18  Acoustic dreadnought guitar.

Vintage 1958 Levin Goya Goliath S-18 Acoustic dreadnought guitar.

Penrith, CA11***, UNITED KINGDOM

£650

pp
I CAN DELIVER TO NEWCASTLE AREA NEXT THURS 12th SEPT STUNNING GUITAR. Goya was the brand name used by Levin (Sweden) for the USA market. This 1958 guitar, according to the Swedish Vintage Guitar register, is the third oldest existing example of their S-18 dreadnought. I can supply a direct link to this data if you are interested.
This particular guitar is a near 100% original apart from a re-fretting a couple of years ago and a new comb a few years prior. You need to hear a Levin ... more
eBay logo

Find more Goya guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 1 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

Comment on this article

Name
Email address
Anti-spam question - to catch web robots
How many legs does a cat have?
Floyd MacLean Comment left 11th April 2016 05:05:31 reply
Great info. I have a Goya that i can't find anywhere - its an exact copy of a Gibson ES335. Ever seen one?

Contact
info@vintageguitarandbass.com

mailing list

Follow

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

Other Great Sites

Recent posts on vintage guitar and bass

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.