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Vintage Marshall

Guitar and bass amplifiers

Vintage Marshall advertising

2920

Amplifier advertisements originally published from 1966 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Marshall advertisements

Marshall Amplifiers - Beat Instrumental Polls 1966

Marshall Amplifiers - Beat Instrumental Polls 1966 (1966)
Mid sixties British advert for Marshall amplifiers - placed by Rose Morris of London, who were Marshalls distributors at the time. "The Who, Steve Winwood of the Spencer Davis Group, Jeff Beck of t...
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Marshall Amplifiers - Now it

Marshall Amplifiers - Now it's Marshall "200" (1966)
Mid sixties British advert for the new Marshall 200 watt amplifier and 100 watt speaker cabinets. Marshall were distributed by Rose Morris at this time
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Marshall Amplifiers - Tiles - exclusively Marshall

Marshall Amplifiers - Tiles - exclusively Marshall (1966)
Marshall were distributed in the UK by Rose Morris of London throughout the 1960s. The list of Marshall endorsers, even at this early point (pre-Hendrix!)in the companies history was quite impressive.
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Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound Of Sucess

Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound Of Sucess (1967)
Jimi Hendrix Experience - The Tremeloes - Procol Harum - The Cream - The Bee Gees - The Small Faces - Roy Orbison - Jimmy James & The Vagabonds - Spencer Davis

Marshall's solid sound is behi...
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Marshall Amplifiers - The

Marshall Amplifiers - The 'Marshall Sound' is Getting Around (1967)
February 1967 advertisement for Marshall amplifiers. Rose-Morris were the UK distributors of both Marshall and Rickenbacker. This advert is total mod.. and totally of it's time. Ironically the foot...
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Marshall Amplifiers - The

Marshall Amplifiers - The 'Marshall Sound' is Getting Around (1967)
March 1967 Rose-Morris advertisement for Marshall amplifiers and the Marshall SupaFuzz pedal.
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Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound of Success

Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound of Success (1967)
Rose-Morris Marshall advertisement from late summer 1967 (September / October). This advert shows a number of acts that use Marshall equipment: Roy Orbison and the Small Faces (who had been on tour...
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Marshall Amplifiers - Top Singers - Top Groups Top Sounds By Marshall

Marshall Amplifiers - Top Singers - Top Groups Top Sounds By Marshall (1968)
Illustration for Marshall amplifiers. UK advert featuring numerous bands big in the UK in 1968: Hendrix, Cream, Procul Harum etc. Placed by Rose Morris - then Marshall distributor
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Marshall Amplifiers - All Right, You Guys. So Impress Me

Marshall Amplifiers - All Right, You Guys. So Impress Me (1969)
Late 1960s Rose Morris advertisement for Marshall amplifiers; highlighting the superior tone of Marshall guitar amps, and listing a number of high-profile Marshall users.
[more]

Marshall Amplifiers - You

Marshall Amplifiers - You're Not Just a Pretty Face, Baby (1969)
Late 1960s Rose Morris Marshall advertisement for Marshall guitar amplifiers and PAs - highlighting the important characteristic qualities of Marshall amps: volume, tone and high sound quality
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Marshall Amplifiers - Hit the Road, Jack

Marshall Amplifiers - Hit the Road, Jack (1969)
Rose Morris advert from the end of the 1960s, featuring Marshall amplifiers, and Marshall quality sound reproduction
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Marshall Amplifiers - Food For Thought. Vanilla Fudge. Grapefruit. The Toast.

Marshall Amplifiers - Food For Thought. Vanilla Fudge. Grapefruit. The Toast. (1970)
British advert for Marshall amplifiersIn case these names have escaped you we'll tell you they're where you should be. At the top. You might say you're as good and deserve to be there too. However ...
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Marshall Amplifiers - This is How You Look to the A&R Man

Marshall Amplifiers - This is How You Look to the A&R Man (1970)
Small.
Insignificant.
Potential chart-busters?
He'll decide for you. Based on your sound. That's what hit records are made of.
But quality sound. The sort you can only get from ...
[more]

Marshall Supafuzz - Marshall Law 1 & 2

Marshall Supafuzz - Marshall Law 1 & 2 (1970)
This 1970 advert actually appeared on two (nearly) consecutive pages. Marshall Law 1 featured the model 2020 reverb unit, whilst Marshall Law 2 advertized two effects pedals, the Marshall supafuzz ...
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Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound Bouncer

Marshall Amplifiers - The Sound Bouncer (1970)
Bounce a sound today. Give an organ peal a lift. Boost a bass. Do it with this tremendous sound bouncer, a new development in speaker cabinet design by Marshall. The heavy duty 18" speaker with 150...
[more]

Marshall Amplifiers - Let em hear it like it is

Marshall Amplifiers - Let em hear it like it is (1971)
UK advert for Marshall - placed by Rose-Morris; distributor of Marshall products at the time
[more]

Marshall Amplifiers - Hear No Evil

Marshall Amplifiers - Hear No Evil (1971)
1971 UK Marshall amplifier advertisement
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Marshall 1959 - The Marshall Winter Collection

Marshall 1959 - The Marshall Winter Collection (1973)
Early seventies ad for a range of different Marshall guitar and organ amplifiers. featuring the model 1959, 1967, 1987, 1989 amp heads, and the 1960, 1980, 2045, 2052, 2053, 2054, 2056 speaker cabi...
[more]

Marshall Amplifiers - Power Zone

Marshall Amplifiers - Power Zone (1973)
Ground zero is the sharp end of the power zone. That's where you'll find Marshall - always at the sharp end and that's where the action is. Take an action line to ground zero-that's firepower, that...
[more]

Marshall Club and Country 4140 - Rose-Morris Marshall

Marshall Club and Country 4140 - Rose-Morris Marshall (1979)
Late seventies Rose-Morris advertisement for three Marshall valve amplifiers. The Country and Club range consisted of two valve combos for guitar: the Marshall 4140 (2x12) and the Marshall 4145 (4x...
[more]

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Marshall Vintage Modern VM 2466 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head - Purple w / Gold Lions!

Marshall Vintage Modern VM 2466 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head - Purple w / Gold Lions!

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1225

For sale is my 100 watt Marshall VM 2466 - one of the most underrated Marshalls ever!
The tolex has bumps and bruises all over (see pics!), but it works perfectly all around
It comes loaded with new-ish Gold Lion KT66, they were $250 alone!
No footswitch (works with any generic one)
Email with questions!
... more
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Vintage Marshall Reverb 12 Model 5205 12W Solid State Combo Guitar Amplifier

Vintage Marshall Reverb 12 Model 5205 12W Solid State Combo Guitar Amplifier

Salisbury, North Carolina, 281**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

Vintage Marshall Reverb 12 Model 5205 12W Solid State Combo Guitar Amplifier
The item up for sale is USED "Vintage Marshall Reverb 12 Model 5205 12W Solid State Combo Guitar Amplifier " .
The item is in D) Used, Fair cosmetic and working condition
For cosmetic condition, please refer to the Product Grading System - Below The Item has noticeable Scuffs, Scratches, & Paint Loss from normal use (SEE PICTURES) The Item has Minor Dirt & Debris (SEE PICTURES) All Ports & ... more
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1988 Marshall 2555 Black Jubilee With 1960AV Cab

1988 Marshall 2555 Black Jubilee With 1960AV Cab

Roseville, Ohio, 437**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3550

1988 Marshall Model 2555 2-channel 50W / 100W "Black Jubilee " . Perfect working order. Very nice cosmetically. Loaded with matched quad of JJ El34s. Also included is a Marshall 1960AV Vintage 4x12 cab. It has the original Marshall branded Celestion G12V Vintage speakers dated to 2005. The cab is rated at 280w. There is a blemish (pictured) on the grill. New wheels! I purchased this cabinet in November of 2019 from the estate of Eric Moore (The Godz). Will deliver within 100 miles of Roseville, ... more
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Vintage 80s Marshall Lead 12 solid state guitar combo 1x10 Celestion

Vintage 80's Marshall Lead 12 solid state guitar combo 1x10 Celestion

Brownsville, Texas, 785**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

80's vintage Marshall Lead 12 solid state guitar amp, voice of the JCM800 amps in this small amp, still has original 10" Celestion speaker, some details like missing one corner, front grill cloth with some discoloration and some other details on images that are expected on an almost 40+ years amp, pots may need some cleaning, new set of knobs on amp, thanks for looking at my items, God blessings... more
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1975 Marshall 1959 Super Lead Vintage 100w Head W / Effects Loop Master Volume!

1975 Marshall 1959 Super Lead Vintage 100w Head W / Effects Loop Master Volume!

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 495**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Just in at Tone Chasers Music is this 1975 Marshall 1959 head with effects loop and master volume mod (done through the original speaker jacks so no extra holes and easily reversible. You won??t want to when you hear it ) in very good condition with the pictured scuffs and nicks in the tolex being the most significant signs of wear. This amp sounds awesome!! Tested, functional, and as pictured. Available to view at 121 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, MI 49503


Available to view at... more
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1987-89 Marshall 4x12 Cabinet Made In England  1960A

1987-89 Marshall 4x12 Cabinet Made In England 1960A

Aurora, Colorado, 800**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

If I dated it wrong I??m sure someone will let me know. It may be early 90s but I did look up the stamp on the Marshall identification site and it says this speaker type, placement of stamp and alphabet number put this late 80s. Has blemishes but nothing crazy big or anything that takes away from the look. Minor bumps, nicks, or whatever else it??s called. OG casters, inside is clean, out side screen is pretty clean, icons show no damage. I tested this with a Gibson guitar and a Marshall 100 ... more
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1973 Marshall 100watt JMP plexi Superlead Guitar Amp Amplifier Vintage Head 70s

1973 Marshall 100watt JMP plexi Superlead Guitar Amp Amplifier Vintage Head 70s

Topeka, Kansas, 666**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9999

This vintage 1973 Marshall 100watt JMP plexi Superlead guitar amp is a true gem for any musician. With its classic design and powerful sound, this head amplifier is perfect for any guitar enthusiast. The brand Marshall is known for its high-quality products, and this amp is no exception.

I have owned and appreciated the fabulous tone of this full stack Marshall since 1986. I??m 59 this year and ready to pass this on to the next caretaker.
Cabinets are available.

The ... more
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Marshall Studio Vintage SV20H 20 / 5-watt Tube Head & SV212 140-watt 2x12" Cabinet

Marshall Studio Vintage SV20H 20 / 5-watt Tube Head & SV212 140-watt 2x12" Cabinet

Terryville, Connecticut, 067**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

Marshall Studio Vintage SV20H 20 / 5-watt Tube Head & SV212 140-watt 2x12" Cabinet
This combo head & cabinet Amplifier is USED. In good condition, There is some cracking in the vinyl. I see very small scuffs and scratches from use. Tested and in perfect working order. Comes with 3rd party power cord! What you see is what you will receive.
FREE GROUND SHIPPING!
Head (M-2021-10-0160-2):Height: 9 4 " Width: 19 7 " Depth: 9 1 " Weight: 20 4 lbs
Cabinet ... more
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Marshall (1960A) 300 W 4x12 " " Angled Extension Cabinet

Marshall (1960A) 300 W 4x12 " " Angled Extension Cabinet

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

$495

This great sounding cab has gotten a whole lotta love in almost 20 years of ownership. There are numerous cosmetic blemishes all over the surface, including a handful of noticeable but not gaping holes in the grate, a peeling of the covering on the back, and some paint on the grate from a careless contractor. But I have played it recently in both stereo and mono and it sounds great. If you have a good ear, you can tell that the cone on the bottom right is a bit warmer and more mid rangey than ... more
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Vintage Marshall Lead 12 Combo (5005 Mk 2 Version)

Vintage Marshall Lead 12 Combo (5005 Mk 2 Version)

Perth Amboy, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Used Vintage Amp Working BUT needs maintenance on  2 Pots (one is scratchier than the other) has a headphone jack Mark 2 version is the PREFERRED model (better transistors=better TONE) has ORIGINAL Celestion Speaker Amp Made In England
... more
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Vintage 1974 Marshall JMP 50 Watt 1987 Mark II Head! Classic Marshall Sound!

Vintage 1974 Marshall JMP 50 Watt 1987 Mark II Head! Classic Marshall Sound!

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999


Item: Vintage 1974 Marshall JMP 50 Watt 1987 Mark II Head! Classic Marshall Sound!
Description: You are purchasing a Vintage 1974 Marshall JMP 50 Watt 1987 Mark II Head! Classic Marshall Sound! This is the one everybody wants. Used on countless records and songs. This one has had a master volume mod. In overall good shape and works well. Please ask any questions before buying if you have any Shipping: $150 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping ... more
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Vintage Marshall 5210 Combo Celestion G 12 " M 70 50W Solid State

Vintage Marshall 5210 Combo Celestion G 12 " M 70 50W Solid State

Martinsville, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

This was my father??s. One of his many Marshall amps. I don??t play and don??t know anything about them. So i am selling all his stuff as is. I can say that it powers on and seems ok. It does have a small tear in the front fabric as well. From my research these get a lot more than what I put on it. Thank you for looking.
... more
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Vintage Black Model 45w Marshall Lead 15 G15MS Mini-Stack Amp Head With Cabinets

Vintage Black Model 45w Marshall Lead 15 G15MS Mini-Stack Amp Head With Cabinets

Levering, Michigan, 497**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700

Vintage Black Model 45w Marshall Lead 15 G15MS Mini-Stack Amp Head With Cabinets
Nice used condition. There is a few Scrapes in cabinets. (See Pictures)Includes power cord and two Speaker cords Measures 37" tall x 14 5" wide x 9 5" deep May ship in two boxes do to size Will come as shown
Shipping to Lower 48 states Only. No international shipping on this product Local pickup available.... more
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Vintage Marshall half STACK: 1972 300W Head + Matching 1960A Cabinet

Vintage Marshall half STACK: 1972 300W Head + Matching 1960A Cabinet

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

$5499

HEAD PLUS CABINET
This is a super unique combination: Includes an original 1972 Marshall super Lead 300W Amp head and a Vintage Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 300W 16 ohms Guitar Cabinet.
They were originally bought for one show. They were just tested before posting up for sale and they sound incredible!
Please feel free to ask any questions
Pick up in Echo Park or free local delivery
There's normal wear on the pieces (please see photos for details) but nothing that affects the ... more
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Vintage 1987 Marshall Lead 12, Model 3005 Micro Stack Amp with Cabinets * RED *

Vintage 1987 Marshall Lead 12, Model 3005 Micro Stack Amp with Cabinets * RED *

Camano Island, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$989

Vintage 1987 Marshall Lead 12, Model 3005, RED, Micro Stack, with both upper and lower cabinets
This is from my personal collection of colored Marshall gear. In excellent condition
Serial Number: V09776
Comes with both stackable cabs, (1 slant, 1 straight), with each cabinet having its original Celestion G10D-25 speaker
I recently pulled the chassis out and Deoxit the pots and jacks
Comes with speaker cords (2)
Comes with AC cord
Great practice amp
... more
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Marshall JMP 1979 / 80 2203 100 Watt Amp Head W /  Mods

Marshall JMP 1979 / 80 2203 100 Watt Amp Head W / Mods

Indiana, Pennsylvania, 157**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3499

Marshall jmp 2203 100 Watt 6550 Svetlana loaded tube amp head All known reversible Mods include: clean channel & effects loop
All work and sound fantastic. Seems like a tad more gain than stock jmp but dnt know if that's a mod or not Pedal switches from clean to high gain ch Low gain ch only works without pedal. Even with this yrs' 6550's, it still has the typical Marshall growl with some serious bottom end on tap.
No idea how old tubes are Its simply a jmp with a bit more... more
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Frank Zappas 1976 Marshall Super Lead 1959 100w Head Guitar Amplifier w /  Video

Frank Zappa's 1976 Marshall Super Lead 1959 100w Head Guitar Amplifier w / Video

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

$16369

... more
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Marshall (1960A) 300 W 4x12 " " Angled Extension Cabinet

Marshall (1960A) 300 W 4x12 " " Angled Extension Cabinet

Oroville, California, 959**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Here is a Marshall JCM 900 1960a cabinet in excellent working condition. It was used minimally. There is a slight rip on the tolex on the back, that is why there is tape there. Otherwise, this cabinet is great cosmetically
... more
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Marshall Lead 12 Model 5005 Guitar Amplifier 80s Vintage Amp as is needs repair

Marshall Lead 12 Model 5005 Guitar Amplifier 80's Vintage Amp as is needs repair

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 549**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$239

Marshall Lead 12 1x10 Model 5005 Guitar Amplifier Vintage Amp 1980's vintageGreat Marshall classic sound!Hard to find vintage guitar amp
... more
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RARE 1978 MARSHALL MASTER MODEL 50W MK 2 LEAD 2X12 TUBE GUITAR AMPLIFIER COMBO

RARE 1978 MARSHALL MASTER MODEL 50W MK 2 LEAD 2X12 TUBE GUITAR AMPLIFIER COMBO

Fort Myers, Florida, 339**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950


PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK OUT
OUR OTHER LISTINGS!!!
~ SUPER RARE FIND ~
1978 MARSHALLMASTER MODEL 50WMK 2 LEAD2X12 TUBE GUITARAMPLIFIER COMBO!!!
WHEN A FRIEND OF OURSLET US KNOW THAT THISAMP WAS AVAILABLE FOR SALE, IT TOOK US ALL OF ABOUT30 SECONDS TO DECIDE THATIT WOULD BE HEADING SOUTHTO US HERE IN FLORIDA!!!
THEY WOULD NOT SHIP THE AMP, SO WE HAD TO MAKE PLANSTO PICK UP IN PERSON;THAT'S A 4-DAY ROUND TRIPTHAT WE HAVE INVESTED!!!
CRAZY, RIGHT? YES!WORTH IT? ... more
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Wizz Comment left 13th November 2012 08:08:54 reply
Where can I get hold of the "Go Over Big With Marshall" van stickers from? We all had these plastered over the tops of our van screens during the 60s and early 70s. I would like to have some now.

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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.