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HOFNER | PRESIDENT

Hofner President

Hollow body electric guitar

The Hofner President has to be one of the best known vintage guitars produced by the company, in part due to it's success in terms of sales, but also because of it's long production run. The electric version of Hofner's acoustic President was first produced in 1956, some three years after the acoustic, and ran throughout the 1960s. It was still included in Selmer catalogues as late as 1970, but was missing from price lists, certainly by the second half of 1972. The President was very nice full body acoustic; not as ornate as the Committee, but relatively well appointed and certainly one of the better guitars available in late 50s and early 60s Britain.

1965 Hofner President

A nice example of a mid 1960s Hofner President - have a closer look.

The acoustic President was certainly a well-built guitar and shipped in comparatively large numbers; 1950s literature described it as follows: "the table is hand carved from a block of aged, close grained bohemian pine" - electric models typically had a laminated top, although there were exceptions.

It was produced in Germany for Selmer, to be distributed in Britain and the Commonwealth (countries previously part of the British empire: Australia, New Zealand, Canada etc), but was similar to European models 457, and 4570 (thinline). As with any guitar with a long production run, there were numerous changes, some subtle, some less so, in hardware, construction, ornamentation and even body style; whats more there were a number of distinct President variants, including a thinline version and a twelve string.

1968 Hofner President

A late-period Hofner President "66" from 1968, with Florentine cutaway and model 513 bar pickups - have a closer look.

1960 Selmer catalogue

The President was described in the 1960 Selmer catalogue as follows:

Fitted with two Hofner "SUPER RESPONSE" pickups and a double plate "FLICK ACTION" console. Body dimensions 20 1/4" x 16 1/2" x 3 1/2". F-holes are bound with white celluloid whilst the edges of the table and domed back are purfled with contrasting black and white lines. Exclusive Hofner "Slendernek", the strongest thinnest Guitar neck ever with internal adjustable Truss Rod. Single machines, heavily engraved, fitted to a head faced with hand-cut mother of pearl marquetry. Compensator tailpiece.

Hofner President Chronology

1953 Acoustic President launched

1956 An electric version of the President is released, fitted with plain black plastic pickup covers

1959 The Hofner President thinline (2" deep body) is released

1960 The necks of most Hofner guitars are now fitted with adjustable truss rods. Toaster pickups.

1961 Hofner 510 510 diamond pickups fitted as standard at some point in 1961.

1963 Hofner 511 staple pickups fitted as standard in 1963.

1965 The florentine cutaway President is first demonstrated to the public in August 1965 at the UK BMI show. See the 1965/66 Selmer catalogue.

1968 Hofner 513 bar pickups fitted as standard, which although described, are not pictured in catalogs until the models final appearance in 1971.

1971 Model deleted, last appearing in the 1971 Selmer catalogue.

Electric guitar advertisements originally published from 1966 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Hofner advertisements

Hofner President - Hofner Have Done The Impossible

Hofner President - Hofner Have Done The Impossible (1966)
They've improved their range of electro-acoustic guitars
Mid sixties ad for four Hofner electro-acoustic guitars: the Verithin 66, new Ambassador, President and Senator
[more]

Hofner President - Hofner is Not the Best Guitar in the World But it is By Far the Best in its Class

Hofner President - Hofner is Not the Best Guitar in the World But it is By Far the Best in its Class (1968)
UK magazine advertisement. Not the most expected of advertising claims - but this Hofner guitar advertisement was placed by Selmer, the UK Hofner distributor, who also sold guitars made by Gibson, ...
[more]

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Hofner President for sale

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Hofner 457  ~  1965  ~  Archtop Guitar

Hofner 457 ~ 1965 ~ Archtop Guitar

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

$1799

This Hofner 457 is an amazing guitar in ridiculously good condition for its almost 60(!) years of age. Conservatively listed as "Very Good " , for its age it's Excellent. I just bought this off Reverb last year and I really hate to let it go but I cycle through a lot of guitars and gear and I have to pay off some other recent Reverb purchases. This guitar is super comfortable playing and sounds great. It stays in tune, even when using the tremolo. The pickup is capable of being plenty bright and... more
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1956 Hofner President Electric Guitar 2 Pickup Cutaway Sunburst Nice Shape W / HSC

1956 Hofner President Electric Guitar 2 Pickup Cutaway Sunburst Nice Shape W / HSC

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

$1700


Vintage 1956 Hofner President Electric Guitar
2 Pickup, Cutaway, Sunburst
Plays / Sounds Great Without Issue
SN 2633
With Newer Hard Case Not Pictured
PLEASE DO NOT mistake picture glare for flaws . If you think you're seeing something not mentioned in this listing, please ask!!
There are lots of pics available, so when you receive it, its exactly what you expected, if not better. No surprises with this sale . Buy with confidence!
Here's The Run Down:
This is a Early... more
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Hofner 1965 Vintage 4570e Hollow Body Electric Guitar NEAR MINT - W. GERMANY

Hofner 1965 Vintage 4570e Hollow Body Electric Guitar NEAR MINT - W. GERMANY

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

$2795


Hofner 1965 Vintage 4570e Hollow Body Electric Guitar NEAR MINT - W. GERMANY
Gorgeous vintage 1965 wide-body semi-hollow Höfner was made in West Germany and is a special instrument. It has been remarkably preserved over the years and shows little to no signs of its age.
A beautiful medium sunburst, a pearloid inlay fretboard and headstock make this a work of art. Every bit of this guitar is original.
The pickups were rewired about five years ago (see pictures) and the slot ... more
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1959 Höfner 455 / S / b / E1 -Model President.  Excellent Condition! Rarität!

1959 Höfner 455 / S / b / E1 -Model President. Excellent Condition! Rarität!

Berlin, 13***, GERMANY

€2500

Die Hofner President Jazzgitarre aus dem Jahr 1961 ist eine Rarität und in einem ausgezeichneten Zustand. Mit einer Rechtshänder-Konfiguration und einem Korpus aus Riegelahorn / flamed Maple ist sie perfekt für professionelle Gitarristen geeignet. Das Modell 455 / S / b / E1 wurde in Deutschland hergestellt und kommt mit einem Koffer als Tasche. Diese 6-saitige Jazzgitarre ist von der Marke Hofner und hat eine natürliche Korpusfarbe. Ideal für Jazz-Enthusiasten und Sammler, die nach einem... more
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very Rare Hofner President 66

very Rare Hofner President 66

Penarth, CF64***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1800

This is a very rare and highly sought-after Hofner President 66 electric guitar. Very few of these were made with the florentine cutaway. Crafted in 1963, this guitar features a hollow body made of laminate and a rosewood fretboard with 22 frets. It is designed for right-handed players and has a 6-string configuration. It comes with an original selmar case as shown. It has a perfect action and the neck and fingerboard are superb. This guitar is all original and perfect for collectors or ... more
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Hofner President Thinline E2 1963 Natural Gloss Hollow Body Electric Guitar

Hofner President Thinline E2 1963 Natural Gloss Hollow Body Electric Guitar

Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£840

Welcome to the eBay shop of Sell Us Your Guitar
On this platform we are unable to arrange part exchange, viewings or direct prices
We advise finding our website where you can find direct prices and discuss all of the above!
Hofner President Thinline E2 1963 Natural Gloss Hollow Body Electric Guitar
Here for sale we have a Hofner President Thinline E2 Hollow Body Electric Guitar in Natural Gloss finish. Made in Germany back in 1963, this guitar is a stunning example of the work that ... more
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Hofner Senator w /  Pickup but neck Issues

Hofner Senator w / Pickup but neck Issues

Bath, Somerset, BA2***, UNITED KINGDOM

£255

This guitar has, after some considerable work, cleaned up really nicely and has a good warm and clear sound

The body is in really good condition the wood colour is really warm and consistent. Pic 2 doesn??t reflect this as light was bad!)

One tuner different to the others but all seem to hold tuning really well

I don??t think the pickup is as old as the guitar but it, sounds like (and right for) the instrument rather than detracting from its character
more
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Hofner President Archtop Guitar 1958

Hofner President Archtop Guitar 1958

Ashford Surrey, TW15***, UNITED KINGDOM

£750

1958 Hofner Archtop GuitarFabulous condition with minor imperfections (see photos)All electrics resoldered and testedPick ups give bright and wonderful claritySeparate volume and tone pots are crackle free and linear in responseThis is a 1958, pre truss rod model. Importantly, the neck is straight. The frets have been polished and fretboard cleaned and polished. Everything works as it should with classic 50 / 60??s vibe
I have owned this guitar for just over a year after searching 2 years ... more
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1960 Hofner 457 / S / E1 Archtop Electric Guitar

1960 Hofner 457 / S / E1 Archtop Electric Guitar

London, N15***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1200

This is a stunning archtop single cutaway guitar that has a spruce top and flamed maple back and sides and in very good solid condition.
It??s just had a full pro set up, fitted with flat wound strings and low action. Frets are in excellent condition, all original and the guitar has a lovely vintage tone.
Hard case included.
Cash on collection only from Hackney.... more
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Hofner President 1959 Sunburst

Hofner President 1959 Sunburst

St. Albans, AL1***, UNITED KINGDOM

£899

Hofner President from 1959 in the Sunburst finish. This guitar is pure vibes. Once you pick it up it is hard to put down! This is an all original example!
Comes in weighing 4lbs 9oz
Spec wise you get;
Rosewood Fingerboard " Hydrant-style" Tuning PegsHofner Logo Decal On BodyThe guitar is in good shape for its age. It has got a nice amount of wear to the body and neck from use over the years. It has a lacquer crack at the base of the neck. There is a crack to the front of the body which... more
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Hofner Senator

Hofner Senator

Grays, RM16***, UNITED KINGDOM

£650

Can deliver or post at your cost would prefer collecting due to value and fragility of the item comes with case
This Hofner Senator electric guitar boasts a classic design that will catch the eye of any musician. Crafted with high-quality materials, it delivers a rich and expressive tone that is perfect for a variety of musical genres
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this guitar is sure to impress. The sleek and stylish design features a comfortable neck and smooth ... more
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Hofner President 1959

Hofner President 1959

Bristol, BS3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£550


A Hofner President from 1959 converted to Electro-acoustic by addition of a Pickup(Hofner Toaster copy, 9K ohms), Volume and Tone controls
The Headstock carries an original set of Hofner Tuners (high e needs attention) and the Hofner logo and inlays
The frets and fretboard are in good condition with a comfortable action
The Hardwood Bridge, with individual metal saddles is linked to an iconic, Compensator Tailpiece
The Acoustic voice is mellow, sounds great through an amp... more
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Hofner PRESIDENT 1959

Hofner PRESIDENT 1959

Stroud, GL5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£800

This lovely Höfner President electric guitar from 1959 is a true gem for any guitar enthusiast. With its beautiful blond body colour, right-handed configuration, and iconic Höfner brand, this guitar is a must-have for any collection. The model year adds to its vintage appeal, making it a unique and special addition to any musician's arsenal
The guitar was purchased in a damaged condition, including a break where the neck meets the body. It has been fully refurbished and is now in ... more
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Höfner New President Archtop-Gitarre

Höfner New President Archtop-Gitarre

Leipzig, 04***, GERMANY

€2500

Hallo! Ich verkaufe meine Höfner, da ich sie selten bis fast nie spiele Die Gitarre ist in gutem Zustand, bis auf ein paar kleine Lacksprünge und Dellen, die auf den Bildern recht gut zu erkennen sein sollten. Ein zweiter Steg und der Koffer sind auch dabei Ich würde die Gitarre ungern versenden, bitte kommt vorbei und macht euch selbst ein Bild bzw. holt sie ab, falls sie euch gefällt! Ich habe einen Fender Princeton, über den die Gitarre ausprobiert werden kann
Der Verkauf erfolgt ... more
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Hofner president

Hofner president

Horncastle, LN9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£995

Hofner president 1960
The guitar is in very good playing and looking condition
All electrics are working and the action is very low, with a straight neck
The guitar has a trussrod which means that the neck is not a fork handle diameter. An original hard shell case is in the deal as well
Happy hunting
... 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.