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Vintage Gretsch Electric Guitar and Bass List

Instruments manufactured by the Gretsch Guitar Corporation

Vintage Gretsch guitars

Vintage Gretsch guitars for sale in a vintage guitar store

Gretsch guitars have a reputation for quality electric hollow bodies easily on par with that of competitors Gibson, Epiphone, or Guild - all brands with a strong pedigree in fine guitar manufacture. And a vintage Gretsch guitar certainly has the same rock'n'roll pedigree of Fender and Gibson. Gretsch were producing musical instruments from the end of the 19th century, however the first Gretsch guitars appeared in the 1930s. The period that interests most vintage guitar collectors though, is that of the presidency of Fred Gretsch Jr. starting in 1948. Guitars were built in New York, USA.

In the 1950s, and especially 1960s, Gretsch guitars were very popular, and widely respected, with endorsements and use by the likes of Chet Atkins, Bo Diddley and Duane Eddy. By 1964, demand was far exceeding supply: the use of Gretsch guitars by Beatle George Harrison, and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, (and later Mike Nesmith of the Monkees) placed the brand center-stage in the rapidly expanding guitar market of mid-sixties America. But it will always be the name of country artist Chet Atkins, that is most associated with Gretsch, appearing as it does on the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman, Chet Atkins Nashville and Chet Atkins Tennessean guitars.

Baldwin Gretsch guitars

In 1967, Fred Gretsch decided to sell up. Buyers Baldwin, were already producing guitars in Booneville, Arkansas. They had previously bought British guitar company Burns, just two years earlier, and parts were shipped from the UK, and assembled in the US. With Gretsch production in New York, it was inevitable that one factory would close. In 1970 Gretsch moved to Booneville, where it remained throughout the 1970s.

There were several new models, but classic Gretsch guitars remained in production at the new plant.

Finally as the 70s turned into the 80s, a small number of Gretsch guitars were produced in Kansas and then Tennessee, before production ceased in 1981.

Today, Gretsch guitars are produced by Fender.

Gretsch hollow body guitars

7609 Gretsch Broadcaster 6192 / 6193 Gretsch Country Club
6122 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman
1971 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman
1976 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman
6120 Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollow Body / Nashville
6119 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean
1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean
6186 Gretsch Clipper
6117 / 6118 Gretsch Double Anniversary
6124 / 6125 Gretsch Single Anniversary
6199 Gretsch Sal Salvador
6186 6104 / 6105 Gretsch Rally
7690 Gretsch Super Chet
6187 / 6188 / 6189 Gretsch Viking
6136 / 6137 Gretsch White Falcon / Stereo

Gretsch solid-body guitars

6126 Gretsch Astro Jet
6121 Gretsch Chet Atkins Solid Body
7628 Gretsch Committee
6132 / 6134 / 6135 Gretsch Corvette
6128 Gretsch Duo Jet
6131 Gretsch Jet Fire Bird
7680 Gretsch Super Axe
7685 Gretsch Atkins Axe
7611 Gretsch Roc Jet
7620 Gretsch Country Roc
7625 Gretsch TK 300

Gretsch acoustic guitars

6014 Gretsch Corsair
6038 / 6039 / 6040 / 6041 Gretsch Eldorado
6003 Gretsch Folk
6000 Gretsch Golden Classic
6050 Gretsch New Yorker
6005 Gretsch Ozark
6022 Gretsch Rancher
6001 Gretsch Silver Classic
6010 Gretsch Sun Valley

Gretsch catalogs

Latest Gretsch Updates

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 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.
1976 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country GentlemanTwo new photosets of 1970s Gretsch guitars. A 1971 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman and a 1976 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman. Both guitars have that 17" maple hollowbody, maple neck and ebony fretboard. Gretsch altered models continuously, and despite having been produced just five years apart, these guitars have numerous differences in hardware. The essential Country Gent features are there in both guitars.
Gretsch 1979 guitar and bass catalogueThat Great Gretsch Sound. The 1979 Gretsch catalogue has the new Gretsch Committee on it's front cover, and features a selection of hollow, semi-hollow and solid-body guitars and basses. This was printed shortly after Chet Atkins ended his involvement with Gretsch, and although he is not mentioned explicitly, many of the models featured have some form of Chet Atkins connection, be it a name or signature-embossed scratchplate.
1968 Gretsch catalog'That Great Gretsch sound' - full scan of all 36 pages. Features all guitars, basses, acoustics and amplifiers produced by Gretsch at that time. Electric guitars: White Falcon, Viking, Country Gentleman, Nashville, Tennessean, Double Anniversary, Single Anniversary, Jet Fire Bird, Duo Jet, Corvette, Clipper, Rally Acoustics: Rancher, Folk, Sun Valley, Silver Classic, Eldorado, New Yorker Basses: 6071, 6073 Amplifiers: Fury, Chet Atkins, Dual Playboy, Tornado, Nashville, Rogue, Super Bass, Pro Bass, Dual Twin, Compact, Pre Amp Reverb, Deluxe Reverb.
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Vintage Gretsch guitars for sale

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GRETSCH MANDOLIN STRING 285-282 12 PER PACK

GRETSCH MANDOLIN STRING 285-282 12 PER PACK

Conowingo, Maryland, 219**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

GRETSCH MANDOLIN STRING 285-282 12 PER PACK
Gretsch 285Mandolin D Or 3rd strings Pack of 12Bronze Wound On Steel
Gretsch 282Mandolin A Or 2nd strings Pack of 12Silvered Steel
Total strings: 24
Shipping Info: We will ship your package USPS Or Fedex *We ship Free to all states within the United states *For international shipments we ship using Ebay Global shipping. *For shipments to APO / PO Boxes or United States Protectorates / Territories we may or may not Require a surcharge. ... more
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1950s Gretsch Tweed Electromatic Amplifier (MISC0007)

1950's Gretsch Tweed Electromatic Amplifier (MISC0007)

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

$2195

1950's Gretsch "Electromatic" Tweed Amp, Raremodel, Large size cabinet, 4 instrument inputs and 1 mic input, Jensen P12P speaker, Greatvintage condition!
Amp powers on and works but has been in storage for manyyears. The amp is sold "AS IS " and the buyer should have amp serviced prior to use
... more
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1966 Gretsch 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman w /  Filtertron / Supertron Pickups

1966 Gretsch 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman w / Filtertron / Supertron Pickups

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

$5700

1966 Gretsch 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman w / Filtertron / Supertron Pickups
Gretsch historians, we have a unique and special instrument to share with you today! This Country Gent, made in October of ?66 just a few months after the Baldwin purchase, features a magic pickup combo. A Supertron in the neck, and a Filtertron in the bridge. The finish is in great condition, and the hardware sports a delightful vintage patina. The guitar has an awesome vintage feel to it and can get tones ... more
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1956 Gretsch 6131 Jet firebird Red

1956 Gretsch 6131 Jet firebird Red

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

$14500

Just in is this incredibly clean 1956 Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird
Quick Details
Weight 7 6lbs
Width at nut 1 76
Depth at 1st 0 90
Depth at 12th 0 95
We are so excited to have probably the cleanest 1956 Gretsch 611's out there
This Jet Firebird is all original and in absolutely amazing shape. The paint and finish is all original and in like new shape. There is small finish shrinkage around the neck joint from a neck reset
The Factory installed DeArmond Dynasonic pickups ... more
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1971 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Electric Guitar

1971 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Electric Guitar

Cleveland, Ohio, 441**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2600

Here is a 1971 Gretsch Chet Atkins country gentleman electric guitar, made in the USA. The serial # is 6-12XX. This guitar is in good condition. It has wear on the body and neck. The binding has some erosion. The neck is straight with good action. The frets show some wear, but it still plays great. All of the electronics work as they should. The pick guard has a crack at the mounting screw. Included is the original hard shell case. The handle has tape on it. This is a great guitar for any player... more
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Rare Vintage 1947 Gretsch Synchromatic Arch Top Acoustic Guitar with Hard Case

Rare Vintage 1947 Gretsch Synchromatic Arch Top Acoustic Guitar with Hard Case

North Hollywood, California, 916**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

Hello and thanks for checking out another great auction from HRPawn!
We hope you enjoy the photos and information presented herein.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for a prompt and friendly response. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rare Vintage 1947 Gretsch Synchromatic Arch Top Acoustic Guitar with Hard Case
Up for sale we have an Rare Vintage 1947 ... more
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1960s Gretsch Broadcaster Mini Lead 50 Solid State Guitar Amplifier RARE Works

1960s Gretsch Broadcaster Mini Lead 50 Solid State Guitar Amplifier RARE Works

Ponca City, Oklahoma, 746**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$399

Gretsch broadcaster mini lead 50
50 white solid-state single channel with two inputs, volume base, treble and reverb controls 12 inch speaker cabinet is black vinyl is in good condition comes with a cover it offers a pretty loud and clean sound
... more
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Gretsch G6122 1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 12-String Walnut Stain+COA OHSC

Gretsch G6122 1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 12-String Walnut Stain+COA OHSC

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

$2795



Gretsch G6122 1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 12-String Walnut Stain+COA OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is Excited to offer up this 2020 Gretsch G6122 1962 Chet Atkins Signature Country Gentleman 12-String Guitar with a Walnut Stain Finish! The Gretsch G6122-6212GE Vintage Select 1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 12-string hollowbody electric guitar captures the essence of classic Gretsch tone and style with a beautifully lush, naturally chorused sound.... more
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Gretsch Bigsby B6 / 1960s Gold Tremelo

Gretsch Bigsby B6 / 1960's Gold Tremelo

Escondido, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$575

This is a Gretsch Bigsby (B6). It first came to our family in the 60's. My brother told me he took it off of a Gretsch Viking guitar from way back then and was put on a Gibson ES 125 where it has spent most of it's life so far. It's in the very rare original gold.
The spring, although from the 60's as well, is not original. The mounting screws are not included. The felts on the back are in good shape. It has nice patina. The originals are not all that common
If you have any questions - ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gretsch White Falcon Hard Case Country Gentleman Chet Atkins 6120

Vintage 1960's Gretsch White Falcon Hard Case Country Gentleman Chet Atkins 6120

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

$695

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage 1960's Gretsch Hard Case
Very nice vintage Gretsch case. Fully original and perfectly functioning.
This is correct for the White Falcon, Country Gentleman, 6120 and others.
Don't miss this one!
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
... more
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There are 2 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Anthony Comment left 11th May 2013 16:04:46 reply
I need help. I have a vintage gretsch that's got to be around a 1940 to lat 1950 I'm just curious what kind it is what year and what it's worth. I don't know how to post pics so if you want to email me i would definitely appreciate it. Thanks guys.
Edh Stanley Comment left 18th May 2017 13:01:47 reply
Hello, If you know the serial number, I can find the date for you. It should be found inside the guitar, viewable through an F hole. Let me know. Cheers, Edh

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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.