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

Vintage Kalamazoo Guitars

Guitars, basses and amplifiers made by Gibson

Kalamazoo guitars

Kalamazoo is, of course, a city famous for it's guitars. It was the hometown of Gibson for most of the twentieth century, until 1984; many people would say the best Gibson guitars ever built were the Kalamazoo-built models. But Gibson also produced a US-built budget line in the 1930s, and again in the mid-late 1960s, and these guitars were branded Kalamazoo - in honour of the town in which they were produced. Most were good quality guitars, especially the higher end 1930s and 40s models, but even the 60s guitars were fitted with quality Gibson components. Kalamazoo guitars typically had a KG model prefix.

1930s-40s Kalamazoo

In the years before and during the second world war, the Kalamazoo line consisted of acoustic guitars, banjos and mandolins; relatively well-built with quality woods, but definitely a cut below Gibsons of the same period, most obviously in having no adjustable truss rod, and little ornamentation, e.g. silk-screened rather than inlaid logo. The first run of Kalamazoo instruments was available between 1933 and 1942.

Kalamazoo guitars models included:

Archtops

  • KG-32 available: 1939-1942. 16" wide f-hole archtop. Carved spruce top, with maple back and sides. Checkered binding on the top, plain white binding on the back. Unbound mahogany neck with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. Effectively the same guitar as a Gibson L-50. Sunburst finish, natural (KGN-32) from 1940.
  • KG-22 available: 1939-1942. 16" wide f-hole archtop. Carved spruce top with maple back and sides. 25" scale maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays.
  • KG-31 available: 1935-1940. 16" pressed spruce top with mahogany back and sides. Unbound mahogany neck.
  • KG-21 available: 1935-1941. 14-3/4" wide body. Pressed spruce top with mahogany back and sides. Front binding only. Unbound rosewood fingerboard. Sunburst finish. Equivalent model to the Gibson L-30.
  • KG-16 available: 1939-1941. Bound spruce top, mahogany sides, back and neck. Brazilian rosewood fretboard, 24-3/4" scale. Equivalent model to the Gibson L-30.

Flat-tops

  • KG-14 available: 1936-1940. KGN-14 available: 1940-41. This is the famous Robert Johnson model. 14 3/4" wide body flat top acoustic. Spruce top with mahogany back and sides in sunburst (KG) or natural (KGN) finish. Bound top. Unbound mahogany neck with Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard. Rosewood bridge and a tiger stripe pickguard. 25” scale length.
  • KGN-12 available: 1940-1941.
  • KG-11 available: 1933-1941. Spruce top, mahogany back and sides. Smaller 14 3/4" wide body with square shoulders. Square headstock profile. 24 3/4" scale length.
1940s Kalamazoo KG-32 archtop guitar

1940s Kalamazoo KG-32 archtop Image Heritage auctions

1960s Kalamazoo guitars

1960s Kalamazoo KB basses

The 1960s solid body Kalamazoo KG guitars and Kalamazoo KB basses came in two body body styles; Fender Mustang-style, then later SG-style; from top to bottom 1966 Kalamazoo KG2a, 1966 KB bass, 1967 KB bass (SG style).

1966 Kalamazoo catalog

In the mid-1960s, guitar sales increased dramatically; though many of these sales were to new players, inspired by the rock and roll and beat booms of the previous years. A high-end Gibson was out of the question to these players, so Gibson re-introduced the Kalamazoo line, with great sucess.

There was one acoustic guitar, the KG10, four versions of a solid body electric the KG1/KG1A/KG2/KG2A, and the KB bass. Features of the guitar models are summarised below.

KG1 / KG2 Kalamazoo guitar specifications

  Pickups Tailpiece
Kalamazoo KG1 1 stop
Kalamazoo KG1a 1 Maestro vibrola
Kalamazoo KG2 2 stop
Kalamazoo KG2a 2 Maestro vibrola

To keep the solid bodies cheap, Gibson used inexpensive, easy to work with woods and easy non-skilled construction. The bodies were actually some sort of compressed chipboard/fibreboard, outsourced to a 'toilet seat' manufacturer in Wisconsin. Necks were bolt-on and actually quite nice maple/rosewood, whilst the electronics were assembled on the pickguard, remote from the guitar and simply screwed into place. They did have the foresight to use all Gibson hardware - admittedly some of it was obsolete, having been replaced on Gibson models, but it was still quality hardware none the less. Another nod to Fender came in the Fender Mustang style body of the early KG guitar and KB bass. This was fairly quickly updated to a more appropriate SG style. Kalamazoo KG guitar shipping figures do not show body styles, but the Mustang body shape seems to be more abundant.


2024 Vintage Guitar price guide 2024 Vintage Guitar price guide

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


Vintage guitar parts for sale
Classic Bikes for Sale Classic Motorcycles For Sale
Classic Cars for Sale Classic Cars For Sale

Kalamazoo guitars for sale

Vintageguitarandbass.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
Kalamazoo 1966 White KG 1 Body & Neck Gibson

Kalamazoo 1966 White KG 1 Body & Neck Gibson

Glassboro, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$260

Gibson Dependable
Home of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description: ... more
eBay logo
1936 Kalamazoo KG-11

1936 Kalamazoo KG-11

Altoona, Florida, 327**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1450

This is a 1936 Kalamazoo Kg-11. No cracks or repairs. All original. Tuners work perfectly. One owner . Has a beautiful tight grain spruce top that is exceptionally louder with more sustain than my other 2. She still plays well but starts to dive at the 7th fret ,sitting just under 3mm at the 12th fret. Let me know if you have any questions.
... more
eBay logo
Kalamazoo KG-22 1933 - 1943 Vintage Archtop Acoustic Guitar Gibson

Kalamazoo KG-22 1933 - 1943 Vintage Archtop Acoustic Guitar Gibson

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Please ask all questions ahead of time! I??m not a ??store, ?? so there are no refunds if you decide you just don??t like it. I can supply more pics or sound clips or details upon request. With that said ?? here?s my description:


A lovely Gibson-made 16?? archtop with spruce top and maple back and sides. I believe it??s from 1939. I??ve only had it for a year, and have decided to move on in favor of its little cousin KG-21. (I just prefer smaller guitars!) Only the pickguard ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1941 Kalamazoo KG 3 / 4 Sport Model Sunburst

Vintage 1941 Kalamazoo KG 3 / 4 Sport Model Sunburst

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1795

Vintage original circa 1940s Kalamazoo KG 3 / 4 Sport Model
This little 3 / 4 size Kalamazoo acoustic was made in the Gibson factory in the 1940s or so
It has a real nice and skinny neck that is real easy to play and get around on
It has had a neck set and some professional neck work so it's playing great. Super small neck great for someone with small hands
Tone is remarkable. Super warm and sweet
Comes with a chipboard case
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer ... more
eBay logo
guitar Continental Music Co Cromwell Gibson Kalamazoo KG-14 acoustic case 40S3

guitar Continental Music Co Cromwell Gibson Kalamazoo KG-14 acoustic case 40S3

Williamsburg, Virginia, 231**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

This is a vintage item and has been used Please see the pictures for condition, completeness, and what is included We did not perform any cleaning or restorations and left the item just as found The unit is completely untested, we do not know how to play guitar, selling as found for parts or restoration We have been told a few different histories on where the guitar was made and who may have made it. Selling as pictured
This instrument is vintage, we are making no guarantees on any of the ... more
eBay logo
1933 Gibson Kalamazoo KG 11 Rare Zipper Version!

1933 Gibson Kalamazoo KG 11 Rare Zipper Version!

Pasadena, California, 911**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Rare and highly sought after version of the Kalamazoo series guitars by Gibson. These "zippered" versions were made only between 1932-33 and get their name from the white and black design around the sound hole. Overall great condition, no cracks. Sounds amazing. Local pick up only
... more
eBay logo
1933 Kalamazoo KG-11 Senior Flat Top an excellent solid example & plays great !

1933 Kalamazoo KG-11 Senior Flat Top an excellent solid example & plays great !

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

$2495

What a cool guitar made as a lower priced line by Gibson during the 30's & 40's as an option from its more expensive L-0. Its unusual bell shape was ahead of its time giving it lots of bass & treble tones on a budget. Its 2-tone Dark Sunburst finish is in pretty fine yet slightly weathered shape w / lots of cool patina. Its got a very pretty flamey tortoise'gard that we all luv on older Gibson guitars. Its got a mahog flat back & sides also showing some age appropriate wear. Its neck... more
eBay logo
KALAMAZOO KG 11 1933

KALAMAZOO KG 11 1933

Fort Gaines, Georgia, 398**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2595

Hello,
I  am Selling my early 1930s Kalamazoo kg11. I  think it is a first year production. Maybe1933. I  have had this guitar for about 13 years. Back in the late 80s early 90s, I traveled and played with the Legendary Johnny Shines   We did over 200 shows together and traveled 10s of thousands of miles together. His stories were priceless   He told me him and his travelling companion, the Legendary Robert Johnson,   played Kalamazoo  guitars most of the ... more
eBay logo
Kalamazoo gibson Kg-14 1939 acoustic vintage guitar rare

Kalamazoo gibson Kg-14 1939 acoustic vintage guitar rare

Altadena, California, 910**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2600


Incredible sounding and playing kalamazoo kg-14 that has been completely gone through by my luthier!
The neck and fretboard were in bad shape after being played to death since 1939. A neck reset was done with a neck fretboard being made (the original was like a pothole road and left it unplayable) with fresh frets, a new nut and saddle. The guitar plays like a brand new
The back does has some cracks that are shown in photos that were reglued years ago that are stable. If you want a ... more
eBay logo
Kalamazoo 1936 KG-14 Acoustic Guitar Sunburst w /  Case "Good Condition"

Kalamazoo 1936 KG-14 Acoustic Guitar Sunburst w / Case "Good Condition"

La Plata, Maryland, 206**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This is a used item that's tested and is in good condition. We do our best to accurately portray the wear and tear of each used item we sell. Please keep in mind this item has been previously owned and will naturally show signs of wear and tear. If you have additional questions or would like additional photos, please feel free to reach out to our Online Sales Department.
Top Material: Spruce
Body Material: Mahogany
Inlays: Dot
Number of ... more
eBay logo
Kalamazoo 1936 KG-14 Acoustic Guitar Sunburst w /  Case "Good Condition"

Kalamazoo 1936 KG-14 Acoustic Guitar Sunburst w / Case "Good Condition"

La Plata, Maryland, 206**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This is a used item that's tested and is in good condition. We do our best to accurately portray the wear and tear of each used item we sell. Please keep in mind this item has been previously owned and will naturally show signs of wear and tear. If you have additional questions or would like additional photos, please feel free to reach out to our Online Sales Department
 
Top Material: Spruce
Body Material: Mahogany
Inlays: Dot
Number of Frets: 19
Scale Length: 24 75 ... more
eBay logo
1940 Kalamazoo KGN-12 Oriole the cleanest coolest Museum Quality example extent.

1940 Kalamazoo KGN-12 Oriole the cleanest coolest Museum Quality example extent.

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

$5250

The Kalamazoo Guitar brand was a subsidiary of the Gibson Guitar Co. from Kalamazoo Michigan. At that time, it was a budget model offered price wise but these have come into their own over the last 30 years, some being fabulous original guitars from the late 30's thru the early 40's. This KGN-12 Oriole model was like Gibson's L-oo & is probably the most beautiful 100% original example extent. Its all Blonde finish is stunning from its Spruce top to its very figured Maple back & sides. ... more
eBay logo
Vintage Gibson L-00 AND Kalamazoo KG 14  (rare both built in 1930s , not a RI)

Vintage Gibson L-00 AND Kalamazoo KG 14 (rare both built in 1930's , not a RI)

norcross, ga, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9999

NOTE price is for both
At the moment only doing local pickup, I may be willing to ship later
RARE VINTAGE mid 1930's Gibson l00 AND Kalamazoo KG14
Yep probably the best comparison of an X braced versus Ladder braced you can find
Both made in the mid 30's at the Gibson factory, ,,, same woods, size, finish , etc .
The Iconic Gibson L00 and Legendary Kalamazoo KG 14
Both in very good condition
PRICE FOR BOTH IS $9, 999 00
Contact me for more information and pics
if ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1930s Gibson Kalamazoo KG-11 Guitar Gibson Made vintage acoustic

Vintage 1930s Gibson Kalamazoo KG-11 Guitar Gibson Made vintage acoustic

Birmingham, West Midlands, B25***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2250

Vintage 1930s Gibson Kalamazoo KG-11 Guitar
Up for sale is an all orignal Gibson Made Kalamazoo vintage acoustic guitar
As you are probably aware this model is quiet soughtafter especially since tommy emmanuel praised the tone of this model - single line runs sound great .
As you can see from the photo the guitar does show signs of wear as you expect on a 100 year old guitar with lots of scuffs and scratches .
Looks to be all original with possibly a neck reset as I can see some ... more
eBay logo
Kalamazoo KG-14  ~ 1936 Vintage Gitarre im Gibson L-00 Stil - toller Klang + Video

Kalamazoo KG-14 ~ 1936 Vintage Gitarre im Gibson L-00 Stil - toller Klang + Video

Michelstadt, 64***, GERMANY

€3150


Kalamazoo KG-11 "Senior "


Super schöne Kalamazoo KG-14 aus der Gibson-Fabrik ?? echter Gibson-Sound zu einem Bruchteil des Preises!
Robert Johnson spielte eine solche Kalamazoo KG-14 und machte Aufnahmen damit
Diese Gitarre wurde für Recording King gebaut, eine Hausmarke von Montgomery Ward in den 1930er Jahren
Ähnlich wie die Gibson L-00 ist diese KG-14 eine sehr schöne Gitarre mit kleinem Korpus, die in der Gibson-Fabrik in Kalamazoo gebaut wird
Bevor Gibson... more
eBay logo

Find more Kalamazoo guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 9 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

Comment on this article

Name
Email address
Anti-spam question - to catch web robots
How many legs does a duck have?
Christopher White Comment left 18th July 2022 23:11:31 reply
I have a kalamazoo guitar trying to find information on it. It has the serial number stamped on the back of the pegg board. DK-746 I understand it from 1938 to 1940. But that's all I can find . Please help
George Jennings Comment left 20th November 2017 20:08:01 reply
I have a Kalamazoo acoustic flat top with EK 2030 stamped on the back of the peg head. I have not found any reference to that ID. I would appreciate any informaaion.
Annabelle Crow Comment left 7th September 2016 00:12:42 reply
Hal, your Kalamazoo sounds like mine- stamp saying made in USA on back of head, label inside,firestripe pick guard. Only difference is that the neck of mine joins the body at the 14th fret. Mine belonged to my father and I believe it dates from 1935, give or take a few years. I think you can be certain that yours is authentic.
SIMON Comment left 12th May 2016 14:02:12 reply
Thinking of selling a pre war Kalamazoo acoustic - serial number DK 3862. It's in very good condition with original case - I'd love to know an estimated value so I'm not ripped off. Can anyone help?
Herman Comment left 26th March 2017 20:08:52 reply
I have a Kalamazoo archtop serial DK-3345 but i want to know wich model nummer this is.
Jim Comment left 11th April 2016 05:05:15 reply
Hi, I have a Kalamazoo 1930's mandolin and recently went to the luthier for a couple of cracks that has to be repair. Now the instrument is in good condition and playable as well. If possible i want to have some informations on that vintage instrument and the value of it on the actaul market. Regards, Jim
Hal Comment left 2nd April 2016 07:07:35 reply
I have a flat top Gibson Kalamazoo. No numbers, but the label inside says Made in U.S.A. by Gibson Inc. Kalamazoo Mich. Stamped into the rear of the head is what looks like Made in USA. The fingerboard is short, and joins the body at the 12th fret. Sunburst finish with fake tortoise shell pick guard.Plain white purfling and edge to sound hole. The bridge is white a NOT angled. Can anyone give me some indication as to authenticity (guide only ) and possible year of manufacture. Cheers.
Jacqueline Wyman Comment left 7th January 2016 19:07:27 reply
I had a v body style Kalamazoo electric guitar in the late 70s and have not seen any anywhere.. Not sure of the year.. :/ Mine was red.. Could you let me know if you know where I can find information on this guitar please ? Thank you... JAX
virgil stice Comment left 20th May 2014 04:04:58 reply
My mom has a kalamazo guitar,with the numbers 3803G-16.Need info if gibson made it or martin made it??????

Contact
info@vintageguitarandbass.com

mailing list

Follow

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

Other Great Sites

Recent posts on vintage guitar and bass

1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1961 Hofner Colorama I

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

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II

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

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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

1981 Gibson Marauder

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

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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

1961 Hohner Zambesi

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

1963 Vox Super Ace

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

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

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

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

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

1965 Hofner President

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

1963 1964 Fender catalog

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