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Supro Guitar and Bass Amplifiers

Supro guitars were first produced in the 1930s by the National Dobro Corporation (rebranding as Valco in the 1940s), with the first solid body electrics produced in the early 1950s. The company produced guitars with numerous names on the headstock, with Supro and National being the best known. They produced some interesting guitars in the 1960s, including some of the earliest fiberglas-bodied instruments; financial pressure necessitated a merger with Kay of Chicago in 1967, but the new comapany only managed to limp on until 1968, before folding and ending all guitar production. Today vintage Supro guitars are somewhat collectable, and although eclipsed by the many bigger American guitar brands still fetch reasonable prices. Vintage Supro amplifiers also have a great reputation, and are well respected in the recording studio

Supro Guitars

Supro Arlington
Supro Lexington
Supro Normandy
Supro Stratford
Supro Carlisle
Supro Clermont
Supro Croydon
Supro Colt
Supro 12 String
Supro Vagabond

Supro Bass Guitars

Supro Taurus bass
Supro Pocket bass

Supro Steel Guitars

Studio Four
Jet Airliner
Comet

Supro Amplifiers

Supro Statesman
Supro Sportsman
Supro Taurus
Supro Thunderbolt
Galaxy
Combo
Royal Reverb
Big Star
Corsica
Supreme
Trojan
Super Six
Dual-Tone
Bantam

Supro Advertising

Vintage Supro adverts

Supro Catalogs

Supro 1966 Catalog

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Vintage Supro guitars for sale

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1950 McKinney (Supro / Valco) Lap Steel Original Hdshll Case FREE SHIPPING USA

1950 McKinney (Supro / Valco) Lap Steel Original Hdshll Case FREE SHIPPING USA

Abilene, Texas, 796**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$525

This rare 1950 McKinney lap steel guitar is a true gem for any vintage guitar collector. Made by Supro / Valco, this electric guitar is in excellent shape and comes with its original hardshell case. The guitar is perfect for any musician looking for a unique sound and style, with its sleek design and exceptional playability
The McKinney lap steel guitar is highly sought after by musicians and collectors alike. With its exact year of 1950, this guitar is a piece of history that can be enjoyed... more
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Supro Keeley 10 1x10 25-Watt Tube Combo Guitar Amplifier - 1970RK

Supro Keeley 10 1x10 25-Watt Tube Combo Guitar Amplifier - 1970RK

Saint Louis, Missouri, 631**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$525

Supro Keeley 10 1x10 25-Watt Tube Combo Guitar Amplifier - 1970RKGreat small amp with lots of volume suitable for stage or bedroom useit comes with a cover
... more
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1950s National Supro Lap Steel Guitar 6-string Electric, with original Case ++

1950's National Supro Lap Steel Guitar 6-string Electric, with original Case ++

Tullahoma, Tennessee, 373**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

Hey there! You are looking at a Vintage 1950s National Electric Lap Steel guitar. It has a custom made hand rest on it. This guitar is in great condition being that it is from the 50s. I have had the electronics gone through and they are functioning perfectly and it really sounds great! This guitar has the original case which is in pretty good condition. The guitar is already strung and ready to be played. This is a very rare guitar because of the design that is on the neck which was very ... more
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1950s National Supro Lap Steel Guitar 6-string Electric Hawaiian in Case ++

1950's National Supro Lap Steel Guitar 6-string Electric Hawaiian in Case ++

Boulder, Colorado, 803**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

1950's National Supro Lap Steel Guitar 6-string Electric Hawaiian in Case ++auction includes the guitar , original case, two slides, cable, two original print instructions-sales bookletsthe guitar is perfect, best I have ever seen from the 1950's, no flaws, no cracks in the pearloid covering, no rust, no corrosion, tuners work perfectly, electronics work perfectly, the sound is amazing! Please see the photos . this one is special. case is missing handle, tattered, stained, used and abused. It ... more
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1950??s Supro Ranchero Guitar

1950??s Supro Ranchero Guitar

Omaha, Nebraska, 681**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$380

This guitar is UNTESTED and being sold for parts. It has a good amount of wear. Also comes with no guitar case. The neck and body case has cracks and scuffs. The knobs turn as they should but are untested as well. The strings are all in decent condition. All of the tuners need to be replaced. I got this guitar passed down to me some years ago. I??ve never had time to play it so it was only used as a decor piece.

PLEASE BE SURE TO REVIEW ALL PHOTOS THOROUGHLY BEFORE BIDDING OR ... more
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Supro 1970RK Keeley Custom 25-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo Amp

Supro 1970RK Keeley Custom 25-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo Amp

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

$685

Supro 1970RK Keeley Custom 25-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo AmpUsed but super clean condition
Comes with cover, excellent condition
D-Town Guitars
1109 N Easton Rd Doylestown PA 18902
mon-fri 12-8pm sat 11-3pm EST- closed on sundays
... more
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Magnatone amp vintage supro harp amp guitar

Magnatone amp vintage supro harp amp guitar

Boyds, Maryland, 208**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

Beautiful, vintage Amp serviced and working great These are hard to find in the condition. Serviced.
... more
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SUPRO 1224DBHT David Bowie 1961 Dual Tone w / orig. bag & certificate, LIMITED!

SUPRO 1224DBHT David Bowie 1961 Dual Tone w / orig. bag & certificate, LIMITED!

Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$999

This is a rare and limited edition Supro 1224DBHT David Bowie electric guitar. It has only been lightly used, and it is in excellent condition all around. It features a white body color and is part of the Artist series. The guitar comes with its original bag and certificate, making it a valuable addition to any collection. With its dual tone capabilities, this guitar is perfect for a wide range of musical styles. It is ideal for both beginners and experienced musicians alike. Don't miss out on ... more
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Supro Keeley  Custom 12 1x12 25-Watt Tube Combo Guitar Amplifier - 1968RK

Supro Keeley Custom 12 1x12 25-Watt Tube Combo Guitar Amplifier - 1968RK

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

$800

In near perfect condition. Never gigged with. Great amp for running single and multi effects through. Or perfect also just by itself if you play clean or slightly crunchy. LOCAL PICKUP IN HUDSON AREA ONLY!... more
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1962 Supro Ranchero Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst Excellent Original Player

1962 Supro Ranchero Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst Excellent Original Player

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

Vintage USA
1962 Supro Ranchero Archtop Electric Guitar
All Original
Original Sunburst Finish
Plays & Sounds Excellent!!
With Hard Case Pictured
If your seeing something of concern not described below, please ask!
This is an original & great playing Supro Electric Archtop that's truly sounds and plays great! Not all do, but this one surely does. This guitar was professionally gone over and there are no signs of abuse, changes or refinishing. The finish on this guitar... more
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Vintage Supro Sahara Electric Guitar 1960 White Great Action Nice Shape All Work

Vintage Supro Sahara Electric Guitar 1960 White Great Action Nice Shape All Work

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

More Specific Pictures Available Upon Request
Super Cool & Great Playing!
Vintage 1960 Supro Sahara Electric Guitar
All Original Except Main Volume Knob
Weighs 7 Pounds, 10 Ounces
Serial Number T36569
PLEASE DO NOT mistake picture glare for flaws . If you think you're seeing something not mentioned in this listing, please ask!!
There are lots of pics, so when you receive it, its exactly what you expected, if not better. No surprises with this sale . Buy with ... more
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1959 Supro Rhythm Master Electric Guitar Sunburst Excellent W / OHSC CLEAN!!

1959 Supro Rhythm Master Electric Guitar Sunburst Excellent W / OHSC CLEAN!!

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

The Cleanest You Will Find!
Vintage USA 1959
Supro Rhythm Master Electric Guitar
Super Dee Dooper CLEAN, All Original With Original Hard Case!
SN# T-6649
Set Up Perfectly & Plays Like Butter
PLEASE DO NOT mistake picture glare for flaws . If you think you're seeing something not mentioned in this listing, please ask!!
This guitar is in what I consider to be Pristine Condition for a guitar that's 65 years old! I'm absolutely positive it will be the cleanest one you will... more
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1953 Supro Supreme 1400 Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar SN X20517

1953 Supro Supreme 1400 Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar SN X20517

Pauma Valley, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

A vintage 1953 Supro Supreme 1400 Hawaiian lap steel guitar SN X20517. This has the " sparkling transparent third dimensional fingerboard " and the " glossy rich brown washable prismatic plastic finish; listed in the 1954 Supro catalog. It is in good condition and completely original with the early screw on amplifier coupling. One string is broken and there are scratches on the body and the rich ivory white plastic palm rest / hand rest / pick-up guard and knobs. This is sold as is since ... more
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Circa 1958 Supro 3033s 3 / 4 "Thunderstick" Vintage Guitar w / OSSC

Circa 1958 Supro 3033s 3 / 4 "Thunderstick" Vintage Guitar w / OSSC

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

$995

This Guitar Is Located At Our Brick And Mortar Store In San Diego, CA
Circa 1958 Supro 3033s
In Good Overall Condition - Guitar Shows Wear Throughout Please See All Photos
Original Pickup And Electronics - Pots Date to '57
Original Hardware
Original Finish Shows Bumps, Nicks, And Scratches From Playwear
Original Frets Show Some Wear - Playability Is Fine
Weighs In At 5 Pounds 3 Ounces
Nut Width: 1 63 "
Neck Depth: 1 07" From The First Fret To The 10th ... more
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Valco Supro National Gretsch Oahu 51 1952

Valco Supro National Gretsch Oahu 51 1952

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

$725

Valco Supro 51 National Gretsch Oahu Valco made these and those 4 brands would just tag on but they were the exact same amp 10?? 6v6 Awesome sounding amp! Yes the cover has been pulled off but it has been serviced recapped and 3 prong cord added. Original transformer Original speaker. It rocks!! great for guitar or harmonica! I think it looks cool bare wood! Get a deal!
... more
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1950 Supro Supreme Lap Steel Guitar SN V40661 Untested Rare Vintage Instrument

1950 Supro Supreme Lap Steel Guitar SN V40661 Untested Rare Vintage Instrument

Dale, New York, 140**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

This vintage Supro Supreme Lap Steel Guitar is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. With its electric type and steel construction, it is sure to produce a unique sound that is both raw and powerful. The guitar was manufactured in the 1950s, making it over 60 years old and a true antique
The brand, Supro, is known for its high-quality instruments and this lap steel guitar is no exception. It is perfect for those who want to explore the sound of vintage musical instruments. Whether ... more
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1964 Supro Folkstar Reso Glass Vintage Valco Resonator Guitar!

1964 Supro Folkstar Reso Glass Vintage Valco Resonator Guitar!

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

$1300

Just in at Tone Chasers Music is this 1964 Supro Folkstar. This resonator is in very good condition with the pictured scuffs and scratches being the most significant signs of wear. As pictured.

Available to view at 121 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, MI 49503

I ACCEPT EBAY PAYMENTS ONLY   I SHIP FEDEX GROUND TO THE 48 STATES ONLY. I ONLY SHIP INTERNATIONALLY USING THE EBAY GLOBAL SHIPPING PROGRAM. I ONLY SHIP TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED TO PAYPAL AND EBAY. PLEASE ASK ANY ... more
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NATIONAL VALCO SUPRO 1955 PROFESSIONAL STEEL MODEL Lap steel Excellent Pearloid

NATIONAL VALCO SUPRO 1955 PROFESSIONAL STEEL MODEL Lap steel Excellent Pearloid

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$669

NATIONAL VALCO SUPRO 1955 PROFESSIONAL STEEL MODEL LAP STEEL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
This National / Valco made Supro is the 1955 Professional Steel Model. Brown / Tan Pearloid in excellent condition
Serial number X43138
The plastic pickup cover is slightly warped shown in the pics but that does not affect it fitting on properly with the original white capped screws as shown. All electronics cleaned and original. Sounds great!
I have included the vintager switch craft adaptor ... more
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50s Supro Double Neck Lap Steel. Pearloid finish. All original.

50's Supro Double Neck Lap Steel. Pearloid finish. All original.

Fenton, Missouri, 630**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$929

This vintage Supro double neck lap steel guitar is a rare find from the 1950s. With its pearloid finish, it exudes a classic look that is sure to catch the eye of any guitar enthusiast. This electric guitar is in its original state and has been well-maintained over the years, ensuring its longevity The brand, Supro, is known for producing high-quality guitars that have stood the test of time. This lap steel guitar is no exception, with its unique design and exceptional sound quality. It is ... more
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Supro Vintage Western late 60s early 70s Acoustic Guitar Natural Gloss

Supro Vintage Western late 60s early 70s Acoustic Guitar Natural Gloss

Lynchburg, Virginia, 245**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450


Up for sale is a
Supro Vintage Western late 60s early 70s Acoustic Guitar Natural Gloss
Body laminate has crazing cracks from age (see pictures)
Neck is pulling forward giving high action
Pick Guard warpinbg from center
Neck side binding is worn on right side from 10th-16th fret
Original headstock sticker with serial number from factory
Bound rosewood fingerboard
Bolt-on neck
Spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Perloid Block Inlays
Wastern Style ... more
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Find more vintage Supro guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Steve Puttkammer Comment left 13th November 2012 08:08:54 reply
I picked up a vintage Supro single pick up electric guitar and am having a real hard time finding out the year/model. Is there any way you can help me? From what I understand, it is a 1966 or 67?

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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.