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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...
[more]

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...
[more]

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.
[more]

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...
[more]

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
[more]

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 ...
[more]

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
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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...
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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 jmp 2204 1978

Marshall jmp 2204 1978

Saint Augustine, Florida, 320**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

Awesome sounding 1978 Marshall jmp mk2 head.
Has a couple of small mods. Easily reversible if you wanted, but why would you it sounds better then ever. This has the headfirst Jake e Lee mod. I made it switchable via push pull pot on the back. It also has a variable resonance and headfirst fx loop. This has nos el34 Svetlana winged C power tubes with only a few hours on them, sounds killer. The head shell is not original and is a red Plexi style made custom by Sourmash. If you have any ... more
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Marshall Jcm900 1960a Cabinet

Marshall Jcm900 1960a Cabinet

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$899

This vintage Marshall Jcm900 1960a cabinet is the perfect addition to any guitar enthusiast's collection. With its classic design and sturdy construction, this cabinet is sure to provide high-quality sound for years to come. Made in the United Kingdom in 1997, this cabinet is a true gem for collectors
The Marshall Jcm900 1960a cabinet is suitable for electric guitars and features a unique tone that is unparalleled in the world of vintage musical instruments. Whether you're a seasoned ... more
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Marshall 1960B 300 W Straight Cabinet Amplifier 4x12 Cab Celestion Speakers

Marshall 1960B 300 W Straight Cabinet Amplifier 4x12 Cab Celestion Speakers

North Hollywood, California, 916**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

... more
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1984 Vintage Marshall Amp 3005 12W LEAD Made In England Tested Great !!!

1984 Vintage Marshall Amp 3005 12W LEAD Made In England Tested Great !!!

Visalia, California, 932**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

Preowned and in good condition. Missing 2 leg pegs. Refer to pictures. This vintage Marshall Amp 3005 is a true gem for any musician. Made in England in 1984, this 12W head amp is a classic addition to any guitar setup. With its iconic blue stripe design and powerful sound, this amp is sure to impress.

The brand and model of this amp are sure to make any musician's heart skip a beat. The Marshall 3005 is a top-of-the-line head amp that is perfect for any guitar setup. Whether ... more
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Vintage 1971 Marshall Super Lead 50wt Head

Vintage 1971 Marshall Super Lead 50wt Head

Oceanside, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Original transformers. The jewel light was there when I got it. This thing is a beast!
... more
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Rare Marshall Origin 20w Amp Marshall Origin 2x12 Cab Half Stack Cream Tolex

Rare Marshall Origin 20w Amp Marshall Origin 2x12 Cab Half Stack Cream Tolex

Palmdale, California, 935**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1095

Rare Marshall Origin 20w Amp Marshall Origin 2x12 Cabinet Half Stack Cream Tolex


Selling a gently used half stack in amazing condition and ready for your music room

Light this 20w Marshall amp up and rip through the Marshall cabinet in your next gig or in the studio

VERY RARE Cream Tolex finish. You won??t find a half stack for sale currently on the internet

Will include the original foot switch for amp

Local Pickup
... more
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Marshall ?? 1959 HW JMP Super Lead 100 Guitar Amplifier Head ?? Used

Marshall ?? 1959 HW JMP Super Lead 100 Guitar Amplifier Head ?? Used

Brookfield, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

The 1959 Handwired has played a significant role in shaping the classic rock sound of the late 60s and early 70s. Many iconic rock recordings feature the Marshall Super Lead, contributing to its legendary status. Now it??s your turn to tap into the timeless power of Marshall??s iconic sound with the 1959 Handwired. Get ready to immerse yourself in the unmistakable high gain distortion tones that have defined the rock music landscape for decades
This instantly recognisable, classic Marshall ... more
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Marshall 1960A 4x12" Angled Guitar Speaker Cabinet, 1977, Black

Marshall 1960A 4x12" Angled Guitar Speaker Cabinet, 1977, Black

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

$900

1960A Marshall slant cab from the late 70's. Has 3 G12M Celestion Blackbacks, each from 1977. 4th speaker is a Roland Cube 60 Replacement Speaker (made between '79 and 84). Speakers work and sound great
The speakers alone are worth $800 - $2400
... more
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1983 MARSHALL JCM 800 4X12 1960B CAB | CELESTION G12M-70s | 280 Watts | 16 Ohms

1983 MARSHALL JCM 800 4X12 1960B CAB | CELESTION G12M-70's | 280 Watts | 16 Ohms

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

$800

Make me an offer!

Pre-owned by Tracii Guns! This 1983 Marshall JCM 800 4x12 1960B cab, with Celestion G12M-70's, is a powerful addition to any guitarist's collection.

The Celestion G12M-70's provide a warm and rich sound that is perfect for any type of music. The cabinet is built to last, with a sturdy construction that ensures that it will last for years to come. If you're in the market for a high-quality guitar cab, this Marshall JCM 800 is definitely... more
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1980??s Marshall JCM800 Lead Series Model 2204 50 Watt Guitar Amplifier VINTAGE

1980??s Marshall JCM800 Lead Series Model 2204 50 Watt Guitar Amplifier VINTAGE

Flushing, New York, 113**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1949

You are buying a VINTAGE 1980??s Marshall JCM800 Lead Series Model 2204 50 Watt Guitar Amplifier
Please see pictures of the cosmetic condition
The cabinet and the back side of the amplifier was painted on white as pictured

Specs

Specification:

All valve guitar head amplifier
Power: 50W RMS
2 inputs: high and low sensitivity
4 band Bass / Middle / Treble / Presence EQ
Master Volume
3x12AX7 preamp tubes
2xEL34 power valves
2x ... more
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Marshall (1960A) 300 W 4x12 " " Angled Extension Cabinet

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

Stony Point, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

Marshall 1960A Lead 300-Watt 4x12" Angled Guitar Speaker Cabinet Early 2000s, works great, has awesome sound. Local pick up only.
... more
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This Is A Marshall 20 Watt Amp Tubes

This Is A Marshall 20 Watt Amp Tubes

Metairie, Louisiana, 700**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

This Is A Marshall 20 Watt Amp Tubes... more
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REVERB TANK MARSHALL Guitar Amplifier Valvestate Tube 80V 8080 12" Speaker Combo

REVERB TANK MARSHALL Guitar Amplifier Valvestate Tube 80V 8080 12" Speaker Combo

Longmeadow, Massachusetts, 011**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$49

Reverb Tank MARSHALL Guitar Amplifier Valvestate Tube 80V 8080 12" Speaker Combo
Original Accutronics 1994 Marshall 8080 reverb Tank. Includes 4 rubber anti-vibration pads and grommets shown. Tested and working
FREE SHIPPING... more
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Vintage Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 300W 16 ohms Guitar Celestion  Speaker Cabinet

Vintage Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 300W 16 ohms Guitar Celestion Speaker Cabinet

Tompkinsville, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700

Vintage Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 300W 16 ohms Guitar Celestion Speaker Cabinet . Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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1976 Marshall JMP 1987 MKII 50-Watt Amplifier Head w / Cover

1976 Marshall JMP 1987 MKII 50-Watt Amplifier Head w / Cover

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

$4295

1976 Marshall JMP 1987 MKII
Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Some Normal Cosmetic Surface Wear Throughout
Metal Hardware On Handle Shows Oxidation
Circuit Appears Mostly Original With Some Changed Components (See Photos)
Original Transformers
Changed Power Cord As Shown
Made In UK
Big Box Cabinet
4 Input Non-Master Volume
Mullard ECC83 Preamp Tubes
Sylvania 6CA7 / EL34 Power Tubes
50-Watts
... more
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Marshall Fifty 50 Split Channel 2X12 Guitar Amp VINTAGE 1980s!

Marshall Fifty 50 Split Channel 2X12 Guitar Amp VINTAGE 1980's!

Santee, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

At top 40 guitarsour customers satisfaction is our first concern All of out items have a 14 day return policy If after 14 days you are not completely satisfiedwith your purchase, please return it for a refund .Peace be with you
all returned items must be in the same condition theywere at the time of sale. All original packing must be included
Up for Sale is a
Marshall Fifty 50 Split Channel 2X12 Guitar Amp VINTAGE 1980's!
Top 40 Guitars is a Veteran Owned Business
Thanks For ... more
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Vintage Marshall Model 7200 Dynamic Bass System Amp Tested for Power Only READ

Vintage Marshall Model 7200 Dynamic Bass System Amp Tested for Power Only READ

Stockton, California, 952**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

-Item is in used condition
-Recovered from an estate and tested to power on only as I don??t not have the equipment or knowledge to fully test
-Sold in as in condition. Please see all photos for details of cosmetic wear.
-Ships safe and FAST from a smoke free home. Thanks!
... more
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Vintage Marshall Lead 20, 1x10 Combo Amplifier, Super Clean, Mod. 5002

Vintage Marshall Lead 20, 1x10 Combo Amplifier, Super Clean, Mod. 5002

Oceano, California, 934**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

You'll never find a cleaner one than this one! Marshall Lead 20, model 5002. I've owned it for over 20 years has been in my bedroom all that time used to play my Kramer through it. Haven't played it much since I got my vintage Fender blackface amps. No damage to speak of, all original, never repaired, A few micro dings here and there. Functions perfectly and sounds great. Listen to them on youtube. Will be packed carefully and insured. Check my feedback; I know how to pack
... more
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1974 Marshall JMP Super Lead 100 MK II Tube Amplifier Head w /  Case #55147

1974 Marshall JMP Super Lead 100 MK II Tube Amplifier Head w / Case #55147

North Hollywood, California, 916**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495

ebay template
eBay Template Design by OCDesignsOnline HomeAboutTestimonialsPoliciesContactSell your Gear 1974 Marshall JMP Super Lead 100 MK II Tube Amplifier Head w / Case #55147 ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Item DescriptionWORKING CONDITION: Excellent - Works great. All of the controls and parameters across the amp ... more
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Marshall Studio Vintage

Marshall Studio Vintage

Granby, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Like new Marshall Studio Vintage SV20C "MK II" 20 / 5-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo. All stock has never been gigged. Optional matching 12-inch extension cab available for an additional $300... more
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Find more Marshall amps for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 1 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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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.