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Vintage Harmony Guitars

Instruments and amplifiers manufactured by Harmony, USA

American guitar manufacture was at its peak in the 1960s, with numerous highly-respected guitar companies making instruments at all levels; from the likes of Kay, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Fender and Gibson. But Harmony was one of the very biggest producers, at one point the biggest, selling guitars branded both as Harmony, and rebadged for numerous other distributors. In fact, in the mid/late 1960s, Harmony was said to produce more guitars than all other American guitar manufacturers combined. Most were entry or intermediate level instruments though, and although examples of most models are easy to find, examples in really good condition are rare.

1966 Harmony advertisement featuring the H76 thinline semi acoustic, the H19 solid body electric and the 1260 flat-top acoustic

1966 Harmony advertisement featuring the H76 thinline semi acoustic, the H19 solid body electric and the 1260 flat-top acoustic

But Harmony produced a lot of instruments other than guitars: ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, violins etc; the company was proud of it's history, proudly American, and as proud of its skilled workforce, as it's use of modern technology "We've produced millions of instruments but we make them one at a time". This long history of instrument manufacture explains why Harmony had the expertise to produce so many well-built acoustic and hollow-body electric instruments; guitars like the Meteor and Rocket were very well received. They were slow, however, in committing to the solid body market; although they released the H44 Stratotone neck-through solid body in 1952, it was gone by 1957, and there were only hollow bodies until the release of the Silhouette in 1963.

So you can be sure that, while every Harmony instrument has the same basic characteristics for which all Harmony products are noted, each individual instrument has had dozens of man hours devoted just to it alone
    - By skilled craftsmen fully trained in innumerable precision hand operations - and the use of most modern equipment- for that closeness-to-perfection which is our constant goal
    - By experienced finishers, who give thoroughgoing individual care to each instrument as it passes through their hands
    - By inspectors who know that Harmony's heritage of fine instrument making depends on how carefully they check each detail of adjustment and playability before the name Harmony may be affixed to the instrument

Harmony H72
Harmony guitars use De Armond pickups, 1965
Harmony Chicago guitar plants 1 and 2, opened in 1940 and 1962 respectively

Harmony Chicago guitar plants 1 and 2, opened in 1940 and 1962 respectively

Harmony had been producing instruments in America since 1892, and used a number of different premises in Chicago, however from 1940 instrument production was performed at the Racine Avenue factory (plant 1, top right). From 1962, some processes - final assembly, inspection, and shipping - was moved to plant 2, about a mile away (bottom right).

Harmony, like many other early guitar manufacturers, used some very fine tonewoods in the production of instruments: spruce tops, maple, African mahogany and birch backs and sides, South American mahogany, maple and poplar necks and rosewood fingerboards and bridges.

Several notable ranges of similar guitars were produced with different finishes and features; whilst some companies lumped all variants together with a single model name - i.e. a Fender Stratocaster is a Fender Stratocaster, irrespective of it's finish, in many cases Harmony split it's models, giving a different model designation depending on finish, inclusion of a tremolo etc.

Harmony's market share of entry and intermediate-level instruments was it's downfall in the mid-1970s, as it found itself unable to compete with the competition from overseas (particularly Japanese) manufacturers. The higher-end American companies like Guild, Gibson and Fender struggled to some extent too, but the imports were generally aimed at student guitarists rather than professionals.

Harmony guitars, basses and amplifiers

Follow the links listed below for more information on each model.

Harmony Catalogs

Page by page scans of guitar catalogs by USA guitar manufacturer Harmony.

1963 Harmony catalogue

Electric acoustic guitars: H75, H77, Neo-Cutaway H74, Meteor H70, H71, Vibra Jet H66, Roy Smeck H73, Rocket H53, H54, H59, Mars H45, H46, Stratotone Mercury H47, Stratotone Jupiter H49, Hollywood H39, H41, Solid body guitars: Silhouette H14, H15, H17, H19, Bass: H22, Archtop acoustics:: Master 945, Monterey Leader 950, Broadway 954, Montclair 956W, 1213, 1214, 1215, TG1215, Brilliant Cutaway 1310, Monterey Grand Auditorium 1325, Patrician 1407, Monterey Professional 1456, Flat Tops: Sovereign H55, Stella 12-string 922, Sovereign Tenor TG1201, Western Special 1203, Sovereign 1260, 1270 twelve string, Classic guitars: 150, 162, 162 3/4, 165, 173, 174, Stella acoustics: 910, 927, 929, 929 3/4, tenor TG929, 931, 1141, Amplifiers: H303A, H304A, H305A, H306A, H310, H311, H322, Steel guitars: H1, Roy Smeck H7


1965 Harmony catalogue

Electric acoustic guitars: H75, H76, H77, H78, Neo-Cutaway H74, Meteor H70, Vibra Jet H66, Roy Smeck H73, Rocket H53, H54, H56, H59, Hollywood H39, H41, Mars H45, H46, Stratotone Mercury H47, Stratotone Jupiter H49, Solid body guitars: Silhouette H14, H15, H17, H19, Bass: H22, Archtop acoustics:: Master 945, Monterey Leader 950, Broadway 954, Montclair 956, 1213, 1215, TG1215, Brilliant Cutaway 1310, Monterey Grand Auditorium 1325, Patrician 1407, Monterey Professional 1456, Flat Tops: Sovereign H55, Sovereign Tenor TG1201, Western Special 1203, Sovereign 1260, 1270 twelve string, Classic guitars: 150, 162, 162 3/4, 165, 173, 174, Stella acoustics: 910, 912, 927, 929, 929 3/4, tenor TG929, 931, 1141, Amplifiers: H304A, H305A, H306A, H400, H410, H420, H430, H440, Steel guitars: H1, Roy Smeck H7


1968 Harmony catalogue

Electric acoustic guitars: H60, H64, H72, Deep Body, H68, H75, H76, H77, H78, H79, Rocket H53/1, H54/1, H56/1, H59/1, Rebel H81, H82, H82G, Solid body guitars: Bob Kat H14, H14V, H15, H15V, H16B, H16R, H16W, Bass: H22, H25, H27, Archtop acoustics:: Master 945, Monterey Leader 950, TG950, Broadway 954, Montclair 956, 1213, 1215, TG1215, Brilliant Cutaway 1310, Monterey Grand Auditorium 1325, Patrician 1407, Monterey Professional 1456, Flat Tops: 150, 158, 162, 162 3/4, 165, 167, 168, 180, 181, Sovereign Dual H55, 937, TG1201, 1203, Sovereign 1260, Sovereign Deluxe 1265, 1270 twelve string, Classic guitars: 171, 173, 174, 175 Stella acoustics: 910, 912, 927, 929, 929 3/4, 933, 942, TG929, Amplifiers: H400A, H410A, H415, H525, H535, H540, H570, Steel guitars: H1, Roy Smeck H7


1971 Harmony catalogue

Electric acoustic guitars: H61, H71, H72, Deep Body, H68, Rocket H53/1, H54/1, H56/1, Rebel H81, H82, H82G, Solid body guitars: Bob Kat H14, H14V, H15, H15V, H16B, H16R, H16W, Bass: H22, H25, H27, Archtop acoustics:: Master H945, Monterey Leader H950, HTG950, Broadway H954, H1213, H1215, HTG1215, Brilliant Cutaway H1310, Monterey Grand Auditorium H1325, Patrician H1407, Flat Tops: H151, H159, H162 3/4, H162/1, H164, H165/1, H166, H182, H937, HTG1201, H1203, H1204, H1230, H1260, H1264, H1266, H1270 twelve string, Classic guitars: H171, H172, H175, H177 Stella acoustics: H910, H913, H928, H930, H930 3/4, HTG930, H934, H940, H941, Amplifiers: H500, H510, H512, H515, H530, H540, H545, H550, Steel guitars: H1, Roy Smeck H7


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Harmony guitars for sale

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1955 Harmony Stratotone H44 Gold

1955 Harmony Stratotone H44 Gold

Portland, Oregon, 972**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

1955 Harmony Stratotone H44 . 100% original. Very Rare Gold Top. More sought after than the Mercury or H45 and for good reason. One is currently advertised on CL for $3000! Plays great, new strings. Well used, professional gig guitar for about 20 of its years. New case but comes with original case. best offer over $1500 00 Post Cancer forces sale. This is a very good deal - expect to pay over $2000 plus IF you can find one. Serious offers only
to hear what it sounds like check out this ... more
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Vintage 1966 USA Harmony H53 Rocket Hollow Electric Guitar Great Condition W / HSC

Vintage 1966 USA Harmony H53 Rocket Hollow Electric Guitar Great Condition W / HSC

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

$800

Great Player!
Vintage 1966
Harmony Rocket Model H53 Hollow Body Electric Guitar!
Made In USA
With A Vintage Yamaha Hard Case!
If your seeing something of concern not described below, please ask
Condition Description
This Vintage Harmony Rocket is a great playing and sounding guitar. Overall its in great condition, but missing the pickguard. The fingerboard and frets are in great shape with some minor wear, but plays just and is not in need of attention (see pics). ... more
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Vintage HARMONY Solid Maple Body 6 String BLACK Electric Guitar H 804 1970-80

Vintage HARMONY Solid Maple Body 6 String BLACK Electric Guitar H 804 1970-80

Westwood, New Jersey, 076**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$195

Vintage HARMONY Solid Maple Body 6 String BLACK Electric Guitar H 804 1970-80
This is a very cool Vintage Harmony model H804 electric solid body guitar. It is equipped with 2 single coil pickups, a maple neck, 25 5" Scale with a maple neck and maple fretboard. Vintage Black Harmony H 804, (1970-80's). Very compact and light for a full scale 25 5 scale guitar. Easy to travel with. Simple controls. Nut 1 65=42mm. Slim C neck profile. painted black
This Black Harmony Electric Guitar has some... more
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Harmony Electric Guitar Vintage 1970s Great Condition.

Harmony Electric Guitar Vintage 1970's Great Condition.

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$325

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to view my ad
Harmony Electric Guitar Vintage 1970's Great Condition
Plays and sounds great, no issues and included is a Pro setup, new strings
Professional Guitar Setup Involves
Changing strings
Adjusting the action using thetruss rod or bridge
Checking and adjusting the nutheight
Checking the electronics (electricand acoustic electric)
Checking and adjusting tuning pegs, nuts, and screws
Cleaning and oiling the fretboard ... more
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Vintage 1950s Harmony H51 Archtop Acoustic Electric Guitar In Case H-51

Vintage 1950's Harmony H51 Archtop Acoustic Electric Guitar In Case H-51

Cedar City, Utah, 847**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Very nice used Harmony H51 guitar.
All electronics have been tested and do work as they should. The tone knob is missing
This guitar does play well and has many years of enjoyment left to give
You will receive the item pictured
In stock and ready to ship
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Fast Free Shipping!
Don't forget to check out our other auctions for hard to find items at great deals.
... more
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vintage 1950s HARMONY ??STRATOTONE?? GUITAR  FOR PARTS or REPAIR  ALL ORIGINAL

vintage 1950s HARMONY ??STRATOTONE?? GUITAR FOR PARTS or REPAIR ALL ORIGINAL

Macon, Georgia, 312**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$130

up for auction is a vintage harmony ??STRATOTONE?? guitar. I believe it is from the 1950s, but it may be from the 1960s. The guitar is about 38 1 / 4 inches long. Other than some missing strings, it appears to be all original and complete. The guitar is being sold for parts or repair it has quite a bit of paint, wear on the wood, and even some of the wood is peeling. It has lots of other wear pretty much all over. For the most part, the guitar is solid. It could be used for parts, or as a ... more
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1950s Harmony H44 Copper Stratotone - Rare! Very Good Vintage Condition

1950s Harmony H44 Copper Stratotone - Rare! Very Good Vintage Condition

Shreveport, Louisiana, 711**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2895

For sale is a 1950's Harmony H44 Stratotone Copper Guitar in a very good vintage, used condition. This guitar is classic cool and in very good condition for the age. Has the original finish with some bumps and scrapes, which can be seen in the picture. This guitar has a home made guard around the jack and appears to be in original condition otherwise. We have tested the Stratotone and it appears to be in fully functional condition. In addition, we have put a fresh set of Elixer strings on the ... more
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1966 Harmony H49 Stratotone Jupiter

1966 Harmony H49 Stratotone Jupiter

DeKalb, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Offered here by Aurora Music Co. in DeKalb IL. is a 1966 Harmony H49 Stratotone Jupiter
Made in Chicago in 1966, This H49 is very late production. The last time Harmony listed them in the catalog was 1965 and this one is dated 1966. The pickups have a stamped date of April, 11 1966 and it is stamped S-66 KM inside the cavity. Another very unusual thing about this guitar is that the top is flamed maple. I have owned 10 or so of these and every other one i??ve had has had a spruce top. This is ... more
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Vintage 1964 Harmony / Alden "Stratotone" Electric Guitar

Vintage 1964 Harmony / Alden "Stratotone" Electric Guitar

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

$800

Up for "Buy it Now" is this beautiful 1964 Harmony "Stratotone" single Pup guitar, with original case, strap and Roy Smeck strings. I haven't seen one of these in this great shape since I was about ten .no, really! Has the "Alden" logo on the headstock. Alden was a mail-order catalog in Chicago way back when. This guitar sounds and plays as great as it looks. Has some light scratches on the back. Not sure if they can be buffed out or not. Please feel free to ask any questions before buying and ... more
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Vintage 1950s Harmony USA Roy Smeck Lap Steel Guitar Body Neck Husk H7 Project

Vintage 1950s Harmony USA Roy Smeck Lap Steel Guitar Body Neck Husk H7 Project

Mobile, Alabama, 366**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Vintage 1950s Harmony Roy Smeck lap steel guitar body / neck. Typical vintage wear but looks pretty good for being sixty-something years old. Some lovely finish checking. The photos do a much better job of showing cosmetic condition so please view them carefully. Original tuners and plastic control plate are included but have some damage. 4 of the 6 tuner shafts are bent. Two have minor bends, one has a noticeable bend and one is very bent (please see photos). Plastic control plate is ... more
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1963 Harmony H48 Stratotone Mercury

1963 Harmony H48 Stratotone Mercury

DeKalb, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

Offered here by Aurora Music Co. in DeKalb IL. is a 1963 Harmony Stratotone H48 Mercury
A very cool H48 with the original DeArmond ??Gold Foil?? pickup and all it??s original hardware It plays great, The volume pot is a little stiff but works and I decided to keep it original rather than replace it. It will probably free up over time with more use. it has a little wear and play use but nothing serious. It includes it??s original two tone chip board case with blue felt interior (lid for ... more
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1957 Harmony H44 Stratotone

1957 Harmony H44 Stratotone

Franklin, Ohio, 450**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2989

1957 Harmony Stratotone H-44 first year production, solid body neck thru vntage & rare, not a reissue, coolest of the cool, full scale, fast, big super comfortable neck, rosewood fretboard & bridge, super light weight and comfortable, newer hard case included. Sustain . Made famous by some of the best. Tom Waits, Richie Valens & Howlin Wolf. For the collector, stage & investor
AT DAYTON VINTAGE GUITARS & AMPS
YOUR GUITAR WILL BE PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED AND SETUP ... more
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Harmony Rocket H56 1960s -  Burst Vintage . Pickups Changed Out READ.

Harmony Rocket H56 1960s - Burst Vintage . Pickups Changed Out READ.

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

$850

Harmony Rocket H56 -1960s - Burst Vintage . Pickups Changed Out . Cool old vintage harmony. At some point someone has changed the tuners out to Grovers. And the pickups have been changed out to lace hemi pickups. There is finished checking all over the body spots of missing finish rub marks where marks and such. This guitar does sound and play excellent. Very cool. Vintage guitar just upgraded from modern times. This is a player. It shows that it has been played many many times over the years. ... more
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Vintage 1960 Silvertone 1429 By Harmony Sunburst

Vintage 1960 Silvertone 1429 By Harmony Sunburst

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1256

This rare beauty has it all. The three DeArmond silver foil pickups have amazing tone, and with the three toggle switches they get an amazing amount of tonal variation. Has modern tuners that work very well. The action is great and plays like a dream. The finish maintains its luster while having some crazing. There are a few scuffs and dings to note though and I did my best to get detailed photos of them. Feel free to ask any questions. Thanks!
... more
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1959  /  1960 Harmony Roy Smeck H-7208 Natural & Black

1959 / 1960 Harmony Roy Smeck H-7208 Natural & Black

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

$2161

Up for sale is a cool, clean and rare 1959 / 1960 Harmony Roy Smeck H-7208 in its original natural finish w / black back and sides. Double bound body, dual original pickups, cupcake knobs. Excellent condition! Pro setup in house and comes complete with a non original soft case. Weight: 5lbs. 1oz.

... more
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1960 Silvertone Stratotone Jupiter 1423 Vintage Guitar by Harmony USA, Gold Foil

1960 Silvertone Stratotone Jupiter 1423 Vintage Guitar by Harmony USA, Gold Foil

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

$1850

Up for sale, a 1960 Silvertone Stratotone Jupiter in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Manufactured by Harmony in the USA and virtually identical to their "H49 Stratotone, " this Silvertone model 1423 has a Black Sparkle finish that was exclusive to the Silvertone-branded version of this guitar, available via Sears. This model was only offered from Winter 1959-63, and was one of Silvertone's more expensive offerings
The pickups have strong output and the ... more
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Harmony H82 Electric Guitar Vintage 1971 Sunburst W / Hard Case Great Condition!

Harmony H82 Electric Guitar Vintage 1971 Sunburst W / Hard Case Great Condition!

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

$900

Vintage 1971
Harmony H82 Rebel Sunburst Electric Guitar
Excellent Player!!
If your seeing something of concern not described below, please ask
Condition / Description:
This is a Vintage 1971 Harmony Rebel that's truly an eye catcher, and plays great! This guitar was professionally gone over and there are no signs of breaks, repairs, damage or refinishing. The original finish will have expected scratches, dings, marks, etc . that I consider to be minor given its age (see all ... more
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1955 Harmony Stratotone H44 Gold

1955 Harmony Stratotone H44 Gold

Portland, Oregon, 972**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2400

1955 Harmony Stratotone H44 . 100% original. Very Rare Gold Top. More sought after than the Mercury or H45 and for good reason. One is currently advertised on CL for $3000! Plays great, new strings. This is the real deal! Ask Tom Waits. Well used, professional gig guitar for about 20 of its years. New case but comes with original case. First $1800 00 Post Cancer forces sale. This is a very good deal - expect to pay well over $2000 when you can find one. Serious offers only. take a listen to ... more
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VINTAGE Harmony H 52 ROCKET Guitar. 1965. -   with original case included

VINTAGE Harmony H 52 ROCKET Guitar. 1965. -   with original case included

Holmfirth, HD9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£750

VINTAGE Harmony H 52 ROCKET Guitar. 1965. - with original case included. Probably the best cosmetic condition you can find. Beautiful red sunburst. - the best colour in the harmony range. Fabulous de armond gold foil pickup. Cup cake tone and volume knobs Low action. Harmony rockets are a well kept secret but are rapidly going up in value. Very versatile. You can play Jazz - Blues - rockabilly - rock n roll on these. An appreciating vintage classic Come and try before you buy. - you will not ... more
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Harmony Meteor 1965 Keith Richards Model

Harmony Meteor 1965 Keith Richards Model

Gravesend, DA11***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1800

Harmony Meteor 1965 Keith Richards Model.
If you??re looking at this you know all about the history of this great Harmony model
I??ve been using this guitar in The Rolling Stones Story theatrical production for the early years of the Stones story as it??s identical to the model Keith used on the first few albums and it??s never let me down!!
The gold foil pickups were re-magnetised a few years ago and are unbelievably hot now!!
There??s a few play worn dinks on the guitar (it??s ... more
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Find more Harmony guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 5 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Rick garibaldi Comment left 27th January 2017 03:03:10 reply
I have a Harmony Guitar Sunburst color with a clamp-on Bridge it looks pretty old the number inside is 4 337 h605 I can't find that are anywhere on any site or anything I'd like to send you a picture but I don't know how to do that on your page share thank you.... Rick
Jace Comment left 23rd June 2015 02:02:38 reply
What about the later Harmony branded guitars (EG H-802, which I believe was made by Teisco)?
Carol Carter Comment left 9th March 2015 14:02:32 reply
I have a 1954 Harmony Electro Banjo that I am interested in selling. Evidently it is rare as I have found little information. I have found that it is model #H281. It is copper/bronze and in very good condition. If you can give me any other info including value estimate and best place to sell I would be grateful.
bobby phillips jr Comment left 7th December 2014 00:12:16 reply
My great grandfather's vibratone H1113 acoustic guitar I cant find info about anywhere - I have figured out it's made by Harmony but still no model H1113 my serial number is 654H1113.would like to know all about it. Thanks bobby.
james w. smit Comment left 7th March 2014 18:06:13 reply
looking for price and availability for a 1966 harmony H72v(that's the one w/the bigsby vibrato)

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It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass Rose-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 Zambesi This 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 Ace The 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 Escort The Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

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

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

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

1965 Hofner President

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

1963 1964 Fender catalog

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

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for the Les Paul Personal / Professional