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VOX | SOLID BODIES | ACE

Vox Ace

1960s British solid body electric guitar

Two 1963 Vox Ace solid body electric guitarsTwo early Vox Ace guitars, a 1962 and a 1963. Although on the surface these guitars look very similar, there are subtle differences; have a closer look at these guitars

The Vox Ace was part of a new range of guitars announced by JMI in November/December of 1960; one of numerous solid bodies produced in the United Kingdom. It had a model designation V-2-5 or V205. It was equipped with two pickups, initially chrome-covered Vox 1950s/60s single coil pickup (although briefly), then the typical Vox V1 units. Finally these were upgraded to white Vox V2 pickups with individual polepieces.

Vox Ace advertisement, 1960The first advertisement for the Vox Ace appeared in BMG magazine (UK) in December 1960.

The very earliest examples had slab bodies with front binding and natural finish.

Early examples are also characterised by their long headstock (also seen on early Super Ace (three pickup model), Duotone (no tremolo) and Clubman models) but this neck was discontinued most likely by mid/late 1963.

Unlike the better known, and somewhat similar dual-pickup model, the Shadow, which was fitted with the Standard Vox Tremolo, the Ace was fitted with the Ace de Luxe Tremolo. The Ace was a higher end model than the Shadow, and it did have a better neck with a curved rosewood fingerboard, compared to the completely flat neck of the Shadow. It still had no adjustable truss rod though, and (early examples at least) still had a laminate wood body. Later models were made of an unspecified "lightweight hardwood", most likely mahogany or agba.

Vox Ace electric guitar - from the Vox "precision in sound" catalogue, 1964

This is how the Vox Ace was described in the 1964 Vox catalogue 'Precision in Sound'.

Specially selected lightweight hardwood body. Two six-pole pickups, volume control and separate flick-action tone change. Compensating bridge unit incorporated in smooth action tremolo unit. polished, reinforced neck, with rosewood fingerboard. Red, white or sunburst mirror finish.
Vox Ace advertisement, 1961By the second half of 1961, the Vox Ace was being advertised without the bound body of the very earliest examples

Despite the 1964 catalogue description, other colours were also shipped in small numbers beyond 1964, pale blue for example.

The Vox Ace changed continually throughout the course of its production; some changes are very subtle indeed, some very much more obvious; see some of these summarised below. Dates are approximate.

Vox Ace timeline

  • December 1960: Vox Ace announced in the UK press. Example pictured has slab body and front binding.
  • 1961/62 Vox Ace specifications: pearl-effect scratchplate, Vox 1950s/60s single coil pickup, all screws have slotted heads. Body route suitable for one or two pickups only. Early Ace de Luxe tremolo units are unsprung; no body routing required. Cream and gold control knobs.
  • 1962/63: red finish standard, white single-ply as scratchplate standard, pickups changed to Vox V1 type, usually plain or with early-style (stretched) Vox font. Some scratchplates around this time have 9 screws instead of the standard 8. Typical white UK Vox control knobs. Have a look at a late 1962 Vox Ace.
  • 1963 Vox Ace body
  • Early 1963: Cross-head screws standard. Body routes have a wider bridge pickup route to accommodate an extra pickup (as used on the Ace de Luxe). Tremolos are now sprung, requiring a hole under the bridge (see image). Some instruments fitted with black single-ply scratchplates. Have a look at a 1963 Vox Ace
  • Mid/late 1963: complete redesign with new body style, neck, and white Vox V2 pickups with exposed pole-pieces. Body is solid wood rather than laminate. Available in red, white and sunburst finishes. New headstock decals with separate 'Vox' and 'Ace' markings.
  • 1964/65: new thicker 3-ply (white-black-white) scratchplate, metal control knobs. Have a look at a 1965 Vox Ace
1965 Vox Ace

Similar Vox Models

Vox Ace Wiring

The Vox Ace controls were very simple, consisting of just a master volume, a master tone, and a three-way pickup selector switch. The circuitry consisted two pots, in most cases a 1 MΩ logarithmic volume, and a 250 kΩ linear tone. (Actually, the 1966 parts list suggests a 250 kΩ volume; the precise value is clearly not critical). The tone pot was typically wired to a .05&mic;F Hunts capacitor. The switch, is a vintage style 'Arrow' brand 3 way, with two 47kΩ resistors (value bands yellow, violet, orange)

Click on the schematic or circuit images below for a closer look.

The Vox Ace circuit did not change functionally over the course of production, and although some Ace circuits look a little different, they all work in the same way.

This early 60s Vox Ace has the output jack mounted to the body edge (not visible in this pic). The bridge earth (orange lead) is the only non original wire in this loom.

This mid 60s Vox Ace has the output jack mounted onto the scratchplate, but is functionally identical to the early 60s loom above.

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Vintage Vox guitars for sale

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Vox Mark XII Acoustic 1966 - Sunburst 12-String Electric Guitar

Vox Mark XII Acoustic 1966 - Sunburst 12-String Electric Guitar

Huntington, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

For sale is a Vox Mark XII Acoustic 1966 - Sunburst 12-String Electric Guitar in Good Condition!
Case: Chipboard Missing handle
Scale Length: 25??
Nut Width: 1 84??
Frets Remaining: 7 / 10
Action at 12F (6th): 5 / 64??
Action at 12F (1st): 4 / 64??
Weight: 7lbs 0oz
Overall Condition: 7 2 / 10
Internal Use (Bin) - Q4
... more
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Vox 60s Vintage Mark VI Teardrop Style Guitar - (Used)

Vox 60's Vintage Mark VI Teardrop Style Guitar - (Used)

Kokomo, Indiana, 469**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

This vintage 60's Vox guitar is in good condition for it's age. There are several finish imperfections including a missing chip that is about 1 / 4 inch (see pictures). Pick marks and normal wear is evident from general use. The vibrato arm is included but is missing a spring and the fastening hardware. The guitar has been set up in our shop with new strings. The action is set to play fast and easy. The intonation is true up and down the neck. The truss rod functions properly. There is minimal ... more
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1960s VOX made in England JMI Super Ace short-scale Sunburst

1960's VOX made in England JMI Super Ace short-scale Sunburst

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

$1090


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1960's made in England JMI Vox Super Ace short-scale guitar in its original Sunburst finish. It has a good playing neck with great frets. It's all original and includes a period correct non-original Vox hardshell case. This Super Ace looks great with nicks + dings, some finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The tremolo arm is just a bit loose, but works. The guitar itself remains structurally sound with no ... more
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Vox Bobcat V90 3-Tone Sunburst w / OHSC

Vox Bobcat V90 3-Tone Sunburst w / OHSC

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

$795

Vox Bobcat V90 In 3-Tone Sunburst Finish
This Guitar Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Excellent Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Minimal Cosmetic Playwear Throughout With Some Small Marks And Scratches Visible
Made In Korea
Laminate Maple Semi-Hollow Body
22-Fret Mahogany Neck With Bound M acassar Ebony Fingerboard
Dual Soapbar Single-Coil Pickups
Grover Sta-Tite Tuners
25" Scale Length
1 11 / 16" Nut Width
Neck Depth At 1st ... more
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Vintage Vox Hurricane Mid-1960s Electric Guitar Some Non-Original Parts Good

Vintage Vox Hurricane Mid-1960's Electric Guitar Some Non-Original Parts Good

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

$650

Vintage Vox Hurricane Mid-1960's Electric Guitar Some Non-Original Parts Good Condition
The volume, tone and pickup selector controls are not original but the pickups and everything else is except the tremolo. The tremolo is a nice cast one not those cheap stamped out of sheet metal ones and it looks, works and sounds good. The pickup surrounds are from a Vox Bobcat. Small nicks and dings but nothing big. Plays and sounds good. These are from Eko in Italy and a higher quality. Original ... more
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1960s Vox Student Prince Hollow-Body Guitar w / GigBag! Made In Italy! -LL

1960's Vox Student Prince Hollow-Body Guitar w / GigBag! Made In Italy! -LL

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

$1000


Item: 1960's Vox Student Prince Hollow-Body Guitar! Made In Italy!
Description: You are purchasing a 1960's Vox Student Prince Hollow-Body Guitar with Gigbag Sunburst Finish Mahogany body with two F Holes craved in the top Fretboard are made of Rosewood All Electrics are functional It plays just as good as it looks and sounds even better Comes with a Gig-bag Made In Italy!Please ask any questions before buying if you have any Shipping: $65 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship... more
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Phantom Guitar Works (VOX) Teardrop 12 String Electric Guitar & Hardshell Case

Phantom Guitar Works (VOX) Teardrop 12 String Electric Guitar & Hardshell Case

Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, 207**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1899

Phantom Guitar WorksTeardrop 12 StringHollowbody Electric GuitarwithHardshell Case
This guitar was originally owned by, and purchased from, Wayne Avers of The MonkeesWayne Avers is a guitarist, vocalist, and composer and is endorsed by major guitar companies. He is best known for his long association with The Monkees. In 1990 Avers was asked to join the band Breakaway, which was hired to back Davy Jones on Jones's solo concerts. From there he connected with Micky Dolenz and joined Dolenz's ... more
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Vintage Vox Hurricane Mid-1960s Electric Guitar Natural Refinished Good Cond

Vintage Vox Hurricane Mid-1960's Electric Guitar Natural Refinished Good Cond

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

$650

Vintage Vox Hurricane Mid-1960's Electric Guitar Natural Refinished Good Condition
This has been stripped and refinished (not me) and they did an ok job. Looks like it may have been oiled, looks good. I don't think they came in natural finish. Small piece of pickguard gone as is common with these, the pickguard shrinks and they break. Pickup selector switch knob is a .22 shell. No tremolo, it has obviously been converted to a hardtail. Plays and sounds good. The bridge pickup sounds thin and ... more
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VOX VIRAGE  SINGLE CUT

VOX VIRAGE SINGLE CUT

Snohomish, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

VOX VIRAGE SINGLE CUT Excellent condition in one hundred percent working order ready to gig .
... more
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1960s VOX made in England JMI Super Ace Sunburst

1960's VOX made in England JMI Super Ace Sunburst

Delray Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$761

In rough shape! No way to test it!... more
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1960s Vox Bobcat V219 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow Made In Italy w / OHSC

1960s Vox Bobcat V219 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow Made In Italy w / OHSC

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

$1495

1960s Vox Bobcat V219 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow Made In Italy w / OHSC
This Guitar Is In Good Condition With Play Wear Visible Throughout, Finish Checking And Peeling Visible Mostly On The Back Of The Body (See Photos)
Located At Imperial Vintage Guitars Orange
Plays Well With Good Action
Missing Bridge Cover
3 Single Coil Pickups
Hinged True Vibrato Vox Tailpiece
Weighs 6lbs 4oz
Nut Width 1 58 "
Comes With Original Case, Has Broken Latch (Latch Is ... more
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1960s vintage VOX STUDENT PRINCE GUITAR HOLLOW BODY GUITAR

1960s vintage VOX STUDENT PRINCE GUITAR HOLLOW BODY GUITAR

Staten Island, New York, 103**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

1960s vintage VOX STUDENT PRINCE GUITAR HOLLOW BODY GUITAR / Guitar is setup and ready to go Some finish checking Plays great and pickup is strong No case Please feel free to ask any ? Thanks... more
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1965 Vox Phantom VI Guitar - UK Made

1965 Vox Phantom VI Guitar - UK Made

Georgetown, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3950

Very clean UK made Vox Phantom VI in black. There are virtually no scratches, dents, dings, or fret wear and is all original except one pickguard screw has been replaced. There is a slight discoloration on the pickguard as shown in the picture. Includes original hard case. The neck is straight and the truss rod works. It is set up with with 10s, the neck has 0 010" relief, and the 12th fret string height is 2 0 / 1 5 mm (low E / high E)
There are 3 single coil pickups and a "Bigsby like" ... more
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Phantom Guitarworks (Vox) Limited Edition Teardrop Hollowbody #10 of 20

Phantom Guitarworks (Vox) Limited Edition Teardrop Hollowbody #10 of 20

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

$1898

This Limited Edition Phantom (Vox) Hollowbody Teardrop guitar is in mint unplayed condition. It is #10 of only 20 made. All Phantom®, Teardrop® and MandoGuitars® are hand-assembled in the United States of America with foreign and domestic parts
The bookmatched flame maple top pattern in the see-through red finish does not show up too well in photos but it's stunning in person.
... more
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Vox Bobcat S66 Semi Hollowbody Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

Vox Bobcat S66 Semi Hollowbody Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

New Bern, North Carolina, 285**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$425

For sale is an almost mint Vox Bobcat S66 with a sunburst finish. Very nice guitar at a great price!


SPECIFICATIONS:

Body: Maple

Center block: Spruce

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Scale: 25??

Nut width: 1 69??

Peg: Grover open gear

Pickup: VOX S66 single coil pickup x 3

Control: VOLUME X 3, TONE X 1

... more
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Vox Phantom XII 12 String Guitar - 1966- Black Led Zeppelin

Vox Phantom XII 12 String Guitar - 1966- Black Led Zeppelin

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

$3000

Very good condition, missing the tremolo arm, comes with original case and a Led Zeppelin Leather Strap
... more
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Vox Wah Wah 846 Vintage 1969 Case 1968 Trash Can

Vox Wah Wah 846 Vintage 1969 Case 1968 Trash Can

Nürnberg, 90***, GERMANY

€1500

Vox Wah Wah 846 Vintage inkl. TascheBaujahr ca. 1968 / 69
Funktionsfähig
Bitte um Preisvorschläge
Up for sale is a super rare good working vintage Vox Wah Wah 864 with trash can inductor and Case open for offers
Es handelt sich um eine Privatverkauf. Keine Garantie, Gewährleistung oder Rückgabe möglich. Versand Schäden und Risiko trägt der Käufer.... more
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VOX Phantom EXTREMELY RARE prototype Chitarra Vintage Sunburst Guitar 1965-1968.

VOX Phantom EXTREMELY RARE prototype Chitarra Vintage Sunburst Guitar 1965-1968.

Foligno, 06***, ITALY

€1853


The Vox Phantom is an electric guitar, originally released in 1962 by the Jennings company. It is unique for its distinctive, pentagonal shape, which became part of the iconic representation of the British Invasion. Originally made in England, manufacturing was later relocated to Italy
Please note:
The guitar is working, very funny to play and in very good conditions considering his age!
The tremolo arm is working fine not affecting the tuning.
The circuitry is also ... more
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1960s Vintage VOX Bobcat V219 * A poor man´s ES-335

1960s Vintage VOX Bobcat V219 * A poor man´s ES-335

Himberg bei Wien, 2***, AUSTRIA

€1190


In the mid 1960s, Vox announced the introductionof the Italian made thin-line semi-acoustic guitar named "Bobcat, "doubtlessly influenced by the then growing popularity of the Gibson ES-335. The1966 US Vox catalog described the V219 Bobcat Guitar as follows: "Theprofessional electro-acoustic; three six-pole extended range pickups; hingedtrue vibrato tailpiece; 2-position string damper; vibrato; hand-boundthroughout; double T-bar and adjustable truss rod; sunburst finish "
Up for sale is a... more
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Vintage Vox Hurricane Mitte der 1960er Jahre E-Gitarre in cremefarbener Oberfläche!

Vintage Vox Hurricane Mitte der 1960er Jahre E-Gitarre in cremefarbener Oberfläche!

Berlin, 10***, GERMANY

$774

Hi! I am selling my used 1960s VOX Hurricane Electric Guitar. The guitar has a beautiful color to it and feels really nice. The guitar has cracks in the paint and there is wood missing from the nut area. When I bought the guitar the whole first fret buzzed but after getting my luthier to take a look at it he was able to make it play nicely again! Tuners are a bit tough to turn, but all parts are original. I changed the strap buttons to something more reliable, but I will still send the original ... more
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Find more vintage Vox guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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mike wilkin Comment left 25th November 2014 18:06:48 reply
I have a vox ace,when ever i read about the ace people say they where made from 1962,well i bougt mine in 1960 WITH THE JENNINS CASE.hOPE THIS IS OF SOME HELP.

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1961 Hohner Zambesi This 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 Ace The 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 Escort The 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 Care Catalog 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 Folk The 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 guitar The 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