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Selmer

United Kingdom amp manufacturer and guitar distributor

Inside the Selmer shop, circa 1964

Inside the Selmer shop (114-116 Charing Cross Road) circa 1964. Head of sales Rod Hannaford with a selection of Selmer amplifiers, and Gibson and Futurama (Hagstrom) guitars.

1960s Selmer Advertisement

Selmer was one of, if not the most important name in musical instruments in 1960s Britain. It was an offshoot of Selmer Paris, that had been trading since 1928. Aswell as being the major UK and Commonwealth distributor of guitars for the likes of Fender, Gibson and Hofner, it also had it's own brand of guitars Futurama, which were rebranded guitars by Swedish manufacturer Hagstrom and Czechoslovakian manufacturers Resonet and CSHN.

But the guitar brand most strongly associated with Selmer has to be Hofner. Selmer had been selling Hofner guitars since 1953, but the early 1960s were definitely their heyday. Hofner made distinct (though similar to European models) guitars for Selmer, which were given American sounding names: President, Congress, Senator etc; typically hollow bodies in the style of Gibson, and solid bodies in the style of Fender. These guitars played very well with the American-minded British public who could not afford the American equivalents, priced many times higher.

1964 Selmer guitar catalogue

See more Selmer guitar catalogues here

In the summer of 1967, Selmer also introduced a number of guitars actually branded Selmer: The Emperor, Diplomat, Astra, Triumph and Arizona; all manufactured by Hofner.

But Selmer also produced it's own excellent guitar amplifiers, that, at the time, were somewhat eclipsed by Vox (with their Beatles and Stones product endorsements), and later Marshall. But many of these were actually very good amplifiers and are still well regarded, and used in the studio as great recording amps - such as the Selmer Treble 'n' Bass.

The 1970s were a troubled time for guitar businesses worldwide. Selmer found itself changing hands a number of times, being owned briefly by two separate Gibson parent companies CMI, and later Norlin.

Content on this site is sorted into sections - please follow the relevant link above left for more.

Below: Selmer Emperor circa 1967

Selmer Emperor
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Selmer guitars and amps for sale

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Vintage Combo Guitar Model 8453 By Selmer Co

Vintage Combo Guitar Model 8453 By Selmer Co

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$110

This vintage combo guitar model 8453 by Selmer Co is a rare gem for any musician. With its classic design and high-quality materials, this guitar is sure to impress any collector. The guitar features a beautiful finish and is perfect for anyone looking for a unique sound.
New strings will be needed. See photos

The guitar is ideal for acoustic performances and is perfect for musicians of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this vintage combo ... more
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Vintage Selmer Rogue R-18 Guitar Combo Amp 1970s - Black

Vintage Selmer Rogue R-18 Guitar Combo Amp 1970s - Black

Sellersville, Pennsylvania, 189**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$125

This vintage Selmer Rogue R-18 guitar combo amp is a rare find for any musician. Made in the 1970s, it boasts a classic black design and is perfect for any guitar enthusiast. The amp is made by Rogue, a trusted brand in the industry, and features a model number of Roque R18. Tested sounds great. Very good condition. Ask?s. Thanks for your interest.
... more
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Combo by Selmer Acoustic Guitar OM 000

Combo by Selmer Acoustic Guitar OM 000

Fairfield, Ohio, 450**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150


I am selling a vintage 1974 Combo by Selmer GS-10 acoustic guitar. I have a non-original case for it. Selling "as is " . No returns.... more
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Signet by Selmer - 6 String Acoustic Guitar w /  hard original case

Signet by Selmer - 6 String Acoustic Guitar w / hard original case

Massapequa, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$230

For sale vintage Signet 6 string acoustic guitar
Please see all pictures
Recently professionally set up. Sounds great
in good condition cosmetically. hazy discoloration on body, most apparent on sides (please see pics)
Feel free to come in and check it out before purchasing or making offer .
Includes original hard case
No Warranty offered
buy it now or best offer.
- LOCAL PICKUP ONLY -
... more
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Vtg Selmer Signet 1970s  Auditorium Acoustic Guitar 6 String

Vtg Selmer Signet 1970's Auditorium Acoustic Guitar 6 String

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

$250

You are bidding on:
Vtg Selmer Signet 1970's Auditorium Acoustic Guitar 6 String Pre-owned condition. Untested. Has not been stored in a case. Shows settled dust. Being sold as is, no returns, sorry. Measures 40" long. Is missing the inside body sticker Has a chip in the wood on the back and on the head The first two frets have black tape on them. Shows some wear on the edges of the body and the head. Pegs have some patina. Signet logo is worn. Strings show some patina. Actually in good ... more
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1979 Favino Petite Bouche Gypsy Jazz Guitar Selmer Manouche Style Django Guitare

1979 Favino Petite Bouche Gypsy Jazz Guitar Selmer Manouche Style Django Guitare

Madison, Wisconsin, 537**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8950

This stunning 1979 Favino guitar is a prime example of a REAL vintage Django Reinhardt style Gypsy Jazz guitar! It was crafted during the transitional phase of the Favino workshop. Jacques Favino retired around 1978. His son Jean-Pierre carried on making guitars in his father's style. This particular guitar has a Jacques Favino label but was probably made by Jean-Pierre just after his retirement
This guitar is still from Jacques' modele #10 era, which gained legendary status among top ... more
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vintage 1970s  Selmer SV era 4x12 2x12 combo valve head logo  /  emblem

vintage 1970's  Selmer SV era 4x12 2x12 combo valve head logo / emblem

London, E7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£32

Vintage 1970s Selmer logo / emblem.
no mounting screws just the logo
4??x 5??
I have three of these that I bought with a job lot of vintage amp spares
perfect if your vintage SV era cab / combo is missing its logo
... more
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vintage 1960s REAN insert handles 4x12 2x12 Vox Marshall Laney Selmer Carlsbro

vintage 1960's REAN insert handles 4x12 2x12 Vox Marshall Laney Selmer Carlsbro

London, E7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£35

pair of vintage 1960's REAN insert handles
perfect if your 4x12 / 2x12 cab or combo is missing theirs(or they are broken) as used by most British manufactures ie Vox, Marshall, Laney, Selmer, Carlsbro, Simms Watts etc
decent enough condition, no breaks just loads of dust and scratches - on the bright side they wont look our of place on your vintage cab
the sale includes modern mounting screws
anything else just ask... more
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Selmer Guitar catalogue 1966 Gibson Hofner Bigsby SG 335 J200 Hagstrom Beatles

Selmer Guitar catalogue 1966 Gibson Hofner Bigsby SG 335 J200 Hagstrom Beatles

Sudbury Suffolk , CO10***, UNITED KINGDOM

£40

Lovely Selmer catalogue from 1966 full of many great names like Gibson, Hagstrom Hofner etc, even Beatles guitar strings!
In very good used condition for its nearly 60 years of age, the staples are intact and attached, just a few marks as to be expected. 36 pages, complete and full of information (and such low prices compared to some values now).
These brochures are very collectable now, hard to find in this condition, and costing less than the other one in my photos.
Please see my ... more
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Selmer Vintage Amplifier Handle 1960s Crockskin

Selmer Vintage Amplifier Handle 1960's Crockskin

Totnes, TQ9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£50

Vintage early / mid 60's selmer handle. Very rare and extremely hard to find.
SHipping Uk £20 Worldwide £15... more
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Vintage Saxon Acoustic Guitar Model 813 by Selmer, London

Vintage Saxon Acoustic Guitar Model 813 by Selmer, London

South Shields, NE33***, UNITED KINGDOM

£60

Thank you for looking at this item!
Emmaus is a charity offering a home, work and companionship to previously homeless people
All our items for sale have been kindly donated to us to help support Emmaus North East
This vintage acoustic guitar is a true gem for any musician. Made by Selmer in London, this guitar features a beautiful brown body and 6 string configuration. The model number 813 is a true classic, and is sure to impress any guitar enthusiast. Perfect for any musician, this... more
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Vintage 1960s SELMER Acoustic Flat Top Guitar Model 222

Vintage 1960's SELMER Acoustic Flat Top Guitar Model 222

Leicester, LE67***, UNITED KINGDOM

£80

In overall good condition for age but is in need of some simple TLC Two tuning pegs missing, the nut is missing, the bottom strap button is missing and there are a few scuffs and scrapes!
As with all my listings, I take lots of pics of the actual item for sale (I do not use stock pics!), so please take a moment to carefully scrutinise them all! What you see is what you get!
Thanks for looking and good luck
... more
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Vintage 1974 Selmer grill cloth 2x12 - 4x10 - 1x15 SV era 1970s

Vintage 1974 Selmer grill cloth 2x12 - 4x10 - 1x15 SV era 1970's

London, E7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£85

Selmer grill cloth from 1974
Enough to do a 2x12 / 2x15 / 4x10 cab or combo
It??s not quite large enough to do a 4x12
Period correct for any Selmer stuff from the early to mid seventies
45cm x 90cm
Not cheap but then again this is very rare, ie it??s not been made for 50 odd years
This has a shadow from where the logo was installed and a few small holes, the rear is unfaded so I??d probably install it with the unfaded side facing out!
This will be sent out folded! ... more
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Vintage 1970s Selmer UK Reverberation 100w Valve Amplifier Head Spares Repairs

Vintage 1970s Selmer UK Reverberation 100w Valve Amplifier Head Spares Repairs

Derby, DE7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£95

Vintage 1970s Selmer UK Reverberation 100w Valve Amplifier Head Spares Repairs
Sold as seen as missing internal parts. Could be a good project. Grab an absolute bargain! Please see the pictures as they form part of my description
... more
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SELMER flat top acoustic guitar  series 333 1960, s

SELMER flat top acoustic guitar series 333 1960, s

Stevenage, SG2***, UNITED KINGDOM

£100


Quality flat top acoustic guitar series 333 dating from the 1960sSELMER labelIn good all round condition With one of the plastic keys missing all as shown
Postage cost UK mainland only £15 via tracked deliveryPick up available if preferred... more
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Vintage 1972 Selmer Silver sparkle grill cloth 2x12 - 4x10 - 1x15 SV era 1970s

Vintage 1972 Selmer Silver sparkle grill cloth 2x12 - 4x10 - 1x15 SV era 1970's

London, E7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£110

Selmer silver sparkle grill cloth from 1972
Enough to do a 2x12 / 2x15 / 4x10 cab or combo
It??s not quite large enough to do a standard 4x12 as it came off of a 3x12 column
Period correct for any Selmer stuff from the early to mid seventies
45cm x 90cm
Not cheap but then again this is very rare, ie it??s not been made for 50 odd years
this has some heavy nicotine staining, as such its more gold than silver now, the usual wear / holes it also has an outline from where ... more
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Selmer Flat Top Guitar Model 222 Vintage

Selmer Flat Top Guitar Model 222 Vintage

St Albans, AL2***, UNITED KINGDOM

£130

Selmer Flat Top Guitar Model 222
Vintage

See photos for condition
... more
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Vintage Saxon Model 813 Acoustic Guitar by Selmer London One Careful Owner

Vintage Saxon Model 813 Acoustic Guitar by Selmer London One Careful Owner

Ramsgate, CT12***, UNITED KINGDOM

£150

Not played for years, but recall
it having a gentle, warm tone. Attempted to replace the strings without much success. Managed to break one of them, -it could possibly still be used?, -remaining other 5 intact strings of the new set included
Comes with a (new) carry case
Minimal degree of wear, - one very thin scratch and one or two tiny indentation marks. Otherwise in a glorious and glossy state
I have no idea, what the original cost was, as it was a gift
... more
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Selmer Amplifier Vintage Solid State 1970s

Selmer Amplifier Vintage Solid State 1970s

Worscestershire, DY12***, UNITED KINGDOM

£228

Selling off a family members guitar stuff

I??ve plugged it in and out a synth though it the amp works
I know these are rare vintage amps early 70s ?

I??m not a guitar player
Also will be listing colour sound fuzz Wah straight inc original box and a Jen 70s blue fuzz pedal
And a couple of Ned callan cami sg style early 70s guitars

Like collection only kiddiminster area
Been told the speakers are fane labels selmer this info
Might be ... more
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Selmer Valve Amplifier Vintage Guitar Etc

Selmer Valve Amplifier Vintage Guitar Etc

Stevenage, SG2***, UNITED KINGDOM

£250

From a clearance.
Looks like they had started restoration.
No valves included .
Spare or repairs
... 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.