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National Electric Guitar and Bass List

Instruments manufactured by Valco and branded National

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National guitars for sale

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1958 National Guitar

1958 National Guitar

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

$1150

For sale is a sweetie of a 50's National
This guitar was Nationals version of the Gibson J185
This guitar is in excellent shape with zero issues
No repairs or cracks of any kind
These Nationals are vintage sleepers and sound fantastic

Thx for looking!
... more
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VINTAGE 1950 NATIONAL GUITAR SERIAL NUMBER PLATE SUPRO, VALCO, OAHU AMP

VINTAGE 1950 NATIONAL GUITAR SERIAL NUMBER PLATE SUPRO, VALCO, OAHU AMP

Vero Beach, Florida, 329**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$149

VINTAGE RARE 1950 NATIONAL GUITR SERIAL PLATE WITH NAILS ??VALCO, SUPRO, OAHU, ETC
SHIPPING $4 95??INT??L SHIPPING OK BUT PLEASE CHECK FOR RATES??
... more
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1960 Supro / National model 1101, very good condition, rare hybrid model.

1960 Supro / National model 1101, very good condition, rare hybrid model.

Harrison, Arkansas, 726**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$995

This is a 1960 Supro neck which has been mounted on a National model 1101 body also from 1960. This is likely to be original and sold at a discount with 'no name' on the headstock. The National 1101 model was not made after 1960, and they were probably trying to get rid of old inventory. It plays and sounds fine, is in very good condition, and comes in a modern gig bag. A truly rare original hybrid model not found in a catalog
We offer a 48-hour approval period with a full money-back ... more
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VTG MAGNATONE Guitar  /  Amp WHITE Chicken Head Knob DAKA WARE Supro National Epi

VTG MAGNATONE Guitar / Amp WHITE Chicken Head Knob DAKA WARE Supro National Epi

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$49

White plastic construction , flathead locking screw , stamped Chicago. Normal light vintage wear with patina. Almond color from age. Nice original knob. Thanks for looking
... more
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Vintage 1970??s MIJ National Semi-hollow Body Electric Guitar

Vintage 1970??s MIJ National Semi-hollow Body Electric Guitar

Boise, Idaho, 837**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

This is a very rare National EG-685-2RG vintage guitar, made in the late 1960s to early 1970s. The body is laminate rosewood, neck is maple with a rosewood fretboard. Has some cosmetic issues and is missing small pieces of hardware, but the hardware is still all original. Two humbucker pickups intact. Missing the tremolo bar, one of the 4 eq knobs, and one of the tuning bars in the headstock, though the peg / gear knob assembly is still there
Was sold to me by a friend who had it stored in ... more
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1930s National Style 4 Tri-Cone Resonator Hawaiian Square neck

1930's National Style 4 Tri-Cone Resonator Hawaiian Square neck

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

$8900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1930's National Style 4 Tri-Cone Resonator. The 3-set strip tuners on the bass side have been changed, but everything else appears to be original along with its original hardshell case. It's in great shape with some minor nicks + dings and other cosmetic wear. Everything remains structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or repairs
We are happy to ship internationally

... more
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Vintage National GAP-2 Guitar Amplifier 8 Watts Made In Japan Tested And Works

Vintage National GAP-2 Guitar Amplifier 8 Watts Made In Japan Tested And Works

Saint Helens, Oregon, 970**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$65

This vintage National GAP-2 guitar amplifier is a rare find for any musician. Made in Japan, this 8-watt combo amp has been tested and works perfectly. With one speaker and one channel, it's suitable for any performance venue and is perfect for electric guitars.
The amplifier technology is solid state, which ensures a high-quality sound. The product line is the Combo Amp, which makes it a valuable addition to any musician's gear. This item is categorized under Musical Instruments & Gear,... more
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Vintage National Grand Console Model 1050 Double Eight Lap Steel Electric Guitar

Vintage National Grand Console Model 1050 Double Eight Lap Steel Electric Guitar

Hicksville, New York, 118**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Vintage National Grand Console Model 1050 Double Eight Lap Steel Electric Guitar
Hey there! This is an awesome find, the National Grand Console Model 1050 Double Eight Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1949), made in Chicago, serial # V15570, with a two tone lacquer finish, maple bodies, original brown hard shell case. This very stylish jet-age lap steel (which requires a large lap!) is an interesting product of the often colorful just-postwar era at Valco.
It is a double eight string ... more
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Vintage  USA Supro Dobro National Guitar Tailpiece Tailpiece Gold RARE Part

Vintage USA Supro Dobro National Guitar Tailpiece Tailpiece Gold RARE Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$125

Gold finish, stamped Steel construction vintage wear with Wonderful Patina ! Includes original mounting screws, thanks for looking
... more
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RARE Circa 1937 Painted Cast Aluminum National Electric Hawaiian Steel Guitar.

RARE Circa 1937 Painted Cast Aluminum National Electric Hawaiian Steel Guitar.

Reston, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

Early National electric bears serial number 3721. I have been told that the first two digits reflect the production year.
Comes w / its original fitted GEIB case
Questions, please ask
More 1930s and later electrics to be listed soon
This is being sold as is
Thank you for looking.
... more
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1968 National Non Bobbie Thomas Model 830 Semi Hollowbody Guitar Vintage 60s RAR

1968 National Non Bobbie Thomas Model 830 Semi Hollowbody Guitar Vintage 60s RAR

Oak Park, Illinois, 603**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$895

Very rare ??non Bobbie Thomas?? model 830 made in 1968 generally in used but good condition no major flaws, printed pattern on the pickups is worn. This is the same guitar as the Bobbie Thomas except no signature, no f hole binding, different neck inlays, and the top control, different color way and actually less made, so pretty rare. The only issue is sometimes the neck pickups tone is a little funky, not all the time, maybe 20% of the time. I??ll try and clean it up a bit more before shipping.... more
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VINTAGE NATIONAL 1155 ACOUSTIC GUITAR X69269 5976 24 SUNBURST GIBSON J-45 BODY

VINTAGE NATIONAL 1155 ACOUSTIC GUITAR X69269 5976 24 SUNBURST GIBSON J-45 BODY

Frankfort, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

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VINTAGE NATIONAL 1155 ACOUSTIC ... more
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VINTAGE 1962 USA SUPRO  GUITAR WIRING HARNESS AIRLINE NATIONAL - RARE

VINTAGE 1962 USA SUPRO GUITAR WIRING HARNESS AIRLINE NATIONAL - RARE

Fallon, Nevada, 894**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$275

VINTAGE 1962 USA SUPRO GUITAR WIRING HARNESS AIRLINE NATIONAL - RAREUNTESTED, IN GOOD CONDITIONFREE SHIPPING
... more
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Vintage National Super Rare  Acoustic Guitar New Top Binding

Vintage National Super Rare Acoustic Guitar New Top Binding

Van Buren, Arkansas, 729**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Vintage super Rare National Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic Dreadnought Guitar refurbished by Logtown Guitar
1960's National Natural Acoustic Guitar. Very good condition, see pictures
This is put together from parts that fit, that came from Pawn / Guitar Shop Estate Sale that close in late 70's / early 80's in Missouri State
A Player, Sounds great, Plays easy, Low Action. Zero fret. It may need A setup to suit your playing style
A few nicks and scratches, Finish checks and lines in ... more
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early 1940s National New Yorker electric archtop BLONDE

early 1940's National New Yorker electric archtop BLONDE

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

$3190


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this early 1940's National New Yorker in its original Blonde / Natural finish. It has a good playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the tuning keys and the bridge. A slightly larger vintage hardshell case is included. There is a plugged hole in the side of the body on the lower bass side. There are nicks + dings, finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The guitar itself remains ... more
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VINTAGE 1953 NATIONAL VALCO CHICAGO 51 TUBE GUITAR AMPLIFIER

VINTAGE 1953 NATIONAL VALCO CHICAGO 51 TUBE GUITAR AMPLIFIER

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

$1250

VINTAGE 1953 NATIONAL VALCO CHICAGO 51 TUBE AMPLIFIER - BLUE LABEL
This particular amplifier is all original, excellent condition and in perfect working condition. The original tweed is good with just a few wear spots, original speaker, original 2 prong plug, original leather handle, features the rare blue label National metal logo. It doesn't get better than this for a 70 year old tube amp! Nice tone, and a nice crunch when volume is at max. This would be a perfect addition to your tube ... more
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1964 National Glenwood 99

1964 National Glenwood 99

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

$6000

This vintage National Glenwood 99 electric guitar is a rare find for any musician or collector. Crafted in the United States in 1964, the guitar features a res-o-glass body material in a classic white color. The guitar is part of the National series and has a model year of 1964.
The National Glenwood 99 is a high-quality electric guitar that is sure to impress any player. It is perfect for those who are looking for a unique and rare instrument. This guitar is a must-have for any serious ... more
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(2) Vintage Antique Banjo Picks National Grover Pat. 1787136 USA

(2) Vintage Antique Banjo Picks National Grover Pat. 1787136 USA

Schoharie, New York, 121**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

Two as shown: one national pat. 1787136, one Grover. Have rust and wear due to age
... more
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VINTAGE 1964 NATIONAL GUITAR SERIAL NUMBER PLATE SUPRO, VALCO, OAHU AMP

VINTAGE 1964 NATIONAL GUITAR SERIAL NUMBER PLATE SUPRO, VALCO, OAHU AMP

Mason, Tennessee, 380**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

Original metal oval vintage serial number plate dating to 1964. Valco put the serial number on these small plates and nailed them onto the back of the neck near the peghead. They also used these on amplifiers. All Valco made instruments and amps including those made for Sears that being the Silvertone brand, Montgomery Ward under the Airline name. They even appear on Gretsch and Oahu. No mounting brads included.... more
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1960s CHROME BRIDGE / TAILPIECE COVER DANO SUPRO NATIONAL AIRLINE V. NICE W / SCREWS

1960s CHROME BRIDGE / TAILPIECE COVER DANO SUPRO NATIONAL AIRLINE V. NICE W / SCREWS

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$69

SALE PRICE & FREE USA SHIPPING!
I think this is from a 1960's Coral or Silvertone bass, the long-scale one with lipstick tube pickups. I've also seen it on Supro or National long-scale basses with or without the piezo pickup. It's pretty unique so check all my pics as well as the measurements to determine if it's the one you need, Or just get it for your own parts bin! You never know when you'll need a part like this and these are so much harder to find than typical vintage Fender or ... more
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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1961 Hofner Colorama I

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

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II

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

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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

1981 Gibson Marauder

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

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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

1961 Hohner Zambesi

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

1963 Vox Super Ace

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

1966 Vox New Escort

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

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

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

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

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

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

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

1972 Fender Precision bass

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

1967 Vox Stroller

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

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

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

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

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

1959 Hofner Committee

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

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

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

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

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

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

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

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

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

1965 Hofner President

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

1963 1964 Fender catalog

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