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HAGSTROM | CATALOGS

Hagstrom Guitar Catalogs

Vintage catalogs featuring Hagstrom guitars and basses

Hagstrom guitars were manufactured in Sweden, and were distributed by numerous different companies at different times worldwide; Merson Musical Products, Unicord, and Ampeg in the USA, ARC in Canada and Selmer in the UK. Selmer actually sold some of these guitars with Futurama branding. They appeared in dedicated Hagstrom catalogs, and within distributor catalogs. A selection of vintage literature is reproduced here, some entirely dedicated to Hagstrom guitars, and some with just a small number of Hagstroms (or Futuramas).

1964 Selmer Hofner, Futurama and Hagstrom catalog
1964. Selmer (UK) catalog featuring Hofner, Futurama and Hagstrom guitars (plus some other brands). This catalog includes three Hagstrom solid body guitars and three basses - all with Futurama branding. The H-45 Country Western acoustic is the only guitar offered with Hagstrom branding.
1966 Selmer Hofner, Futurama and Hagstrom catalog
1966. Selmer (UK) catalog featuring Hofner, Futurama and Hagstrom guitars. Includes the new semi-acoustic Viking and Viking bass, plus several acoustics, the H-45, H-45E, H-33, H-33E (though these model designations are not used here!) The Hagstrom-made solid bodies are branded Futurama, though the range is somewhat diminished with just two guitars and one bass.
1966 Hagstrom catalog
1966 with the world's fastest playing neck. Two color catalog, produced by Merson Musical Products (New York, USA). 8 pages.
1966 Hagstrom catalog
1966 Hagstrom guitars and basses move people. The first full color US Hagstrom catalog. Produced by Merson Musical Products (New York, USA). This catalog contains much of the same product range as the previous, shorter Merson publication, though spread over 16 pages.
1968 Hagstrom catalog
1968 The fastest playing neck in the world. Catalog produced by Unichord (New York, USA). 8 pages. This catalog features the new F-800 (H-8) eight string bass.
1972 Hagstrom catalog
1972 Hagstrom catalog, produced by Arc (Canada). 8 pages. Features the entire early seventies Hagstrom range; Swede, Viking, Jimmy D'Aquisto and F-200 electrics, and the Swede, F100B and F400N basses. It also includes a range of 8 acoustics.
1975 Hagstrom catalog
1975 Hagstrom catalog, produced by Ampeg (Indiana, USA). 14 pages of electric guitars and basses. Containing the Swede, Scandia, Jimmy D'Aquisto and Special electrics, and the Swede and Special bass guitars.

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Set Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups set

Set Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups set

Lubec, Maine, 046**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$90

Up for sale is a set of Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups. Gold screws included. Like new, work fine. As pictured.... more
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Set Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups set

Set Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups set

Lubec, Maine, 046**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$90

Up for sale is a set of Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups. Gold screws included. Like new, work fine. As pictured.... more
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Hagstrom Super Viking guitar BROKEN Dandy Dandelion

Hagstrom Super Viking guitar BROKEN Dandy Dandelion

Lubec, Maine, 046**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Up for sale is a Hagstrom Super Viking in Dandy Dandelion. The guitar was declared a blem with USED stamped on the back of the headstock and part of the serial number removed. This indicated a defect of some kind. Presumably it was because the headstock broke. There is also cosmetic clouding on the logo face. Otherwise, the body has one dent note. It is as pictured and will require repair.... more
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Hagstrom 67 Viking II Limited-Edition Hollowbody Electric Guitar DAMAGED

Hagstrom '67 Viking II Limited-Edition Hollowbody Electric Guitar DAMAGED

Lone Jack, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$441

Hagstrom '67 Viking II Limited-Edition Hollowbody Electric Guitar DAMAGED Hagstrom '67 Viking II Limited-Edition Hollowbody Electric Guitar DAMAGED
DESCRIPTION:This item is a store return.  It has the following issues:  The neck is warped and twisted, and will need to be adjusted to play well again. There are quite a few ... more
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HAGSTROM VIKING DELUXE 6 STRING - BLACK GLOSS For Parts Only

HAGSTROM VIKING DELUXE 6 STRING - BLACK GLOSS For Parts Only

Lynnwood, Washington, 980**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

HAGSTROM VIKING DELUXE 6 STRING - BLACK GLOSS For Parts Only this item it is being sold in as is conditions, expectations you will see some dents, and some scratches. The item remains untested for parts only. Missing some strings. I guess you can see in the pictures. Please let us know if you have any questions
... more
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Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, 207**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$499

HagstromVIKING
Not sure of the year, but I believe it to be 2012
Beautiful Sunburst finishExtremely well taken care of with very mild wear Rating it as EXCELLENT condition
EXCELLENT: When something's been used a bit but is still close to new, youcan file it under Excellent. For modern gear, Excellent items arealmost entirely free of blemishes and other visual defects and havebeen played or used with the utmost care. For vintage items, theremay be some marks here and there, but the item ... more
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Hagstrom Ultra Swede Ultralux - Red

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Ultralux - Red

Jackson, Mississippi, 392**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$549

This ultra-cool Hagstrom Ultra Swede has the "Ultralux" ultra-thin neck profile for a fast and easy-playing guitar! The cherry red finish over a flamed maple top looks great as well!

This guitar is in great shape and plays well with no functional issues. The humbuckers give this guitar a great sound, with an extra toggle switch for split coil settings! This guitar comes with a gig bag (not pictured) for added protection

Feel free to reach out with any questions, ... more
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Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar with Hard Case

Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar with Hard Case

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

$550

Hagstrom Viking re-issue in Sunburst. Early 2000??s model. Great guitar. Everything works. Super clean. Comes with a non-original Hagstrom hard case. Note that there is a faint mildew smell in the case.... more
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Hagstrom  67 Viking II Semi-Hollow Guitar, Vintage Sunburst

Hagstrom '67 Viking II Semi-Hollow Guitar, Vintage Sunburst

Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

67 Hagstrom Viking thinline guitar in a beautiful sunburst finish on a flamed Maple body, six inline tuners, coil splittable humbuckers and gold hardware. Guitar plays and sounds great

Specifications
Hollow Double Cutaway5-Ply Canadian Flame Maple Ply ConstructionMulti-Ply BindingBound f-HolesBolt-On Neck - Canadian Hard MapleH-Expander Truss RodMulti-Ply BindingResinator Fingerboard24 56?? (624 mm) Scale LengthPearloid Block Inlays22 Medium Jumbo Frets / 15?? RadiusGraphTech Black... more
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Hagstrom Ultra Swede Electric Guitar Gloss Red Used With Hard Case

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Electric Guitar Gloss Red Used With Hard Case

Unionville, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Electric Guitar Gloss Red Used.
Guitar is estate fresh check out my other guitars from same collection. None smoking home . Don??t think he ever took this out of the studio. Comes with orig case might show normal wear looks nice to me . He had so much stuff I don??t think he played this much. What you see here is what I send you. Case has keys inside . Guitar looks even better in person! I do not know where this was made . Maybe you hagstrom experts know from the serial ... more
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Hagstrom Viking Electric Guitar - Wild Cherry

Hagstrom Viking Electric Guitar - Wild Cherry

Beaumont, California, 922**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

... more
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HAGSTROM 67 VIKING II HOLLOW Body

HAGSTROM '67 VIKING II HOLLOW Body

Benton, Arkansas, 720**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

This Hagstrom '67 Viking II electric guitar features a hollow body with a gloss black finish, and a maple neck with a resinator fretboard. It has 22 frets and is designed for right-handed players. The guitar is made in Indonesia and has a brand name of Hagstrom
The Viking II model is a classic design that is sought after by many guitar enthusiasts. This guitar is perfect for those who want a high-quality and affordable instrument. It is ideal for beginners and experienced players alike. ... more
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Vintage Hagstrom II with case

Vintage Hagstrom II with case

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 871**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$675

Made in Sweden in 1967. Recent set up by a professional luthier, overall in good condition, plays and sounds excellent. There is a spot with black tape over it, was a switch at one time, not sure what for. Currently strung up with a new set of flatwounds. Only selling because I need the money, wish I could keep it, this is a great guitar. Original chipboard case included.... more
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HAGSTROM 67 VIKING II HOLLOW BODY GLOSS BLACK, Intl Buyer Welcome

HAGSTROM '67 VIKING II HOLLOW BODY GLOSS BLACK, Int'l Buyer Welcome

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 354**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$680

Hollowbody Electric Guitar with Flame Maple Body, Maple Neck, Resinator Fretboard and Two Mini HumbuckersThe Hagstrom ??67 Viking II is a hollowbody guitar made for players who want something left of center, but completely classic at the same time. Of course, Hagstrom is no hidden secret??the company has a history of impressing rock royalty, with the king of rock, dancing queens, thin white dukes and more turning to its style and sounds. We're particularly impressed by the Viking's versatile ... more
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Hagstrom Super Swedeelectric guitar RARE color

Hagstrom Super Swedeelectric guitar RARE color

Melbourne, Florida, 329**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$750

Hagstrom Super Swedeelectric guitar RARE color
AMAZING SHAPE no scratches or dings. Comes with Hard Case
... more
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Hagstrom VIDLX12-BLK Viking Deluxe 12-String Electric Guitar w /  HSC

Hagstrom VIDLX12-BLK Viking Deluxe 12-String Electric Guitar w / HSC

Livonia, New York, 144**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$750


Please Read our entire auction before bidding
Nice guitar w / nice action . everything works as it should
comes w / HSC
has been played so will show some kind of normal use wear (pick scratches & a few small tiny nicks) and some dust on her!
All Sales here are Final
We do not accept returns unless its not as described or Damaged during Shipping
(pictures are part of the description)
items must be reported as defect within 2 days of receiving the item
Must be ... more
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Vintage Hagstrom II with hardtail bridge and case

Vintage Hagstrom II with hardtail bridge and case

Saint Louis, Missouri, 631**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$779

I purchased this machine because nothing rock quite like an old Hsgstrom II. This one is original but has been modified to a hardtail bridge, and the complex switching has been changed to a simple toggle-3 position system. I did not do the mods, but for some it might make sense. The original switches can be problematic, and some settings not really to useful. Whoever did the install did a pretty good job, and the cover-up work and detail where the tremelo tail used to be is top notch. Plastic ... more
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Vintage 1960s Hagstrom Cromwell Vintage Electric Guitar (Red) * Working *

Vintage 1960's Hagstrom Cromwell Vintage Electric Guitar (Red) * Working *

Forked River, New Jersey, 087**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

Up for Sale Today:
Vintage 1960's Hagstrom Cromwell Vintage Electric Guitar (Red)
6 String
Pre-owned in good condition considering it's age
There are some scratches, scuffs and dings in the body
Neck is straight with good action
All switches and knobs are working
Top pickup has a crack in the plastic cover
Does NOT include a case
Please see pictures for more detail and feel free to ask any questions as we'd be happy to help
Comes exactly as pictured
Free ... more
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Hagstrom VIK-ABE Viking Semi-Hollow Guitar, Resinator Fretboard, Aged Sky Blue

Hagstrom VIK-ABE Viking Semi-Hollow Guitar, Resinator Fretboard, Aged Sky Blue

National City, California, 919**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$812

YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR PRO AUDIO GEAR Free shipping on Domestic orders* 30-day returns moneyback guarantee Customer Support Online Chat Hagstrom VIK-ABE Viking Semi-Hollow Guitar, Resinator Fretboard, Aged Sky Blue
Description
Hagstroms Viking is established as the most versatile semi-hollow guitar on the market today, delivering a wide variety of tonal color to an incredible diversity of musical styles. The Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar covers all genres ... more
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1972 Hagstrom Viking V-1N Cherry Red finish in Excellent condition w /  TKL HSC

1972 Hagstrom Viking V-1N Cherry Red finish in Excellent condition w / TKL HSC

West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$825

Vintage 1972 Hagstrom Viking V-1N with beautiful Cherry red high gloss finish made in Sweden - NOT A REISSUE. Guitar includes TKL Prestige 8855 archtop hard case (key included) which has dual neck support that I purchased to securely protect this vintage guitar. This is the second generation Viking which switched from single coil to humbucker pickups, 3 tuners to a side headstock with Van Ghent imperial style tuners and distinctive "ducks foot" inlay and three way tone switch. There were only... more
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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

1971 Epiphone 1820 (ET-280) bassBy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

1981 Gibson MarauderProduction of Bill Lawrence's Gibson Marauder began in 1974, with production peaking in 1978. But by 1980 the model was officially discontinued, though very small numbers slipped out as late as spring 1981. Over 7000 examples shipped between 1974 and 1979, and although no totals are available for 1980 and 1981, it is unlikely production reached three figures in either of these years. These final Marauders were all assembled at the Gibson Nashville plant, and had some nice features not available through the later years of production, such as a rosewood fretboard, and in this case, an opaque 'Devil Red' finish. It's a great looking and fine playing guitar!

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

1971 Pick Epiphone catalogWhen Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo to the Matsumoku plant in Japan, a whole new range of electric, flattop and classic acoustic guitars was launched. Between late 1970 and 1972 the new models were launched and refined. This 'folder' catalog contains various inserts released over these years detailing four electric six-strings (ET-270, ET-275, ET-278, and thinline EA-250), three bass guitars (ET-280, ET-285, and thinline EA-260), three folk/steel acoustics, four jumbo flattop acoustics, two 12-string jumbos, four classic acoustics, and a banjo.

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

1981 Gibson Specials Pre-Owners Manual'Gibson Specials' was part of the June 1981 pre-owners manual series, but unlike the other folders contained a mish-mash of different guitars: limited editions, test marketing and close outs. "You will find the unusual, the brand-new, and the bargain within this folder". End of line 70s guitars like the Marauder, S-1, and L-6S Custom mixed in with brand new models the The V, The Explorer and the Flying V Bass.
It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bassRose-Morris were selling Shaftesbury-branded Rickenbacker copy instruments from the late 1960s right through the 1970s. The 3263 bass was one of the first models, (alongside the 3261 six string and 3262 twelve string) available from late 1968 until about 1974. The earliest incarnation was a set neck bass, produced very briefly in Japan. But production quickly moved to Italy. This bolt-on neck example was built by Eko, in Recanati, using the same hardware and pickups as fitted to Eko, and Vox basses built around the same time. It's certainly a fine looking bass, and not a bad player either.

1961 Hohner Zambesi

1961 Hohner ZambesiThis very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super AceThe Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

1966 Vox New EscortThe Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin CareCatalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger FolkThe Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitarThe Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalogHagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner PresidentThe President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.