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VOX | BASS

Vox Electric Bass Guitars

1960s Bass guitars by Vox

JMI Vox bass guitars: 1963 Bassmaster, 1966 Symphonic bass, 1965 Clubman bass

Vox Contour bass
Vox Clubman bass V202
   1963 Vox Clubman (left handed)
   1965 Vox Clubman
Vox Bassmaster bass V204
   1963 Vox Bassmaster
   1965 Vox Bassmaster
   Circuit diagram
   Parts list
   Soundclips
Vox Symphonic bass V207
   1963 Vox Symphonic
   1966 Vox Symphonic
Vox Phantom IV bass V210
Vox Cougar bass V214
Vox Escort bass V216
Vox Phantom Mk III / Mark IV bass V224
Vox Violin bass (solid body) V232
Vox Panther bass V236
Vox Wyman bass V248
Vox Violin bass (hollow body) V250
Vox Hawk IV bass V263
Vox Delta IV bass V264
Vox Apollo IV bass V271
Vox Sidewinder IV bass V272
Vox Astro IV bass V273
Vox Constellation IV bass V274
Vox Saturn IV bass V281
Vox Skybolt IV bass V282
Vox Spyder IV bass V283
Vox Stinger IV bass V284
Vox V.G.4 bass

JMI Vox bass guitars

1965 Vox Clubman bass

Vox produced bass guitars throughout the 1960s, made in several factories for different markets. Initially solid-body guitars were produced in the United Kingdom by Vox parent company JMI, certainly as early as 1961, and perhaps earlier. The Bassmaster and Contour bass were advertised as early as December 1960.

JMI were the UK distributor for Fender at the time and when the new Phantom IV was launched in late 1961 it was priced approximately the same as the Fender Precision. Simple models like the Clubman and the somewhat superior, and heavily Precision-influenced Symphonic bass, were added to the line fairly soon afterwards. These were followed themselves by the teardrop-shaped Mark IV popularised by Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones. The entry level models were small and light with no adjustable truss rods and often made from plywood; certainly no comparison to the Fender basses available. But the long scale Symphonic and Phantom basses were actually pretty respectable. Most JMI Vox basses had single coil Vox V1 pickups, though later examples had the white plastic covered V2 with exposed polepieces.

Vox Escort hollowbody bass

Hollow body Vox basses

Vox were more of an electronics company than guitar builders: their amplifiers were better known than their simple guitars, and they were unable to build more complicated instruments, hollow bodies etc, at least in any volume, at their Dartford, UK factory. But with the rise in popularity of semi-acoustic models in the early 1960s, Vox contracted out some guitar and bass building to an Italian maker Crucianelli, who produced the Cougar and Escort basses with Vox branding, alongside a couple similar six string guitar models, the Challenger and Lynx.

Keeping up with demand

By the mid 1960s Vox were massive, and the combined efforts of JMI and Crucianelli were unable to keep up with demand, especially from the USA, where the Thomas organ company were acting as distributors. With the additional help of Eko, a new production plant was set up; the E.M.E. factory in Recanati, Italy, producing well-built Vox guitars for import into the United States, whilst JMI concentrated on the UK and European markets. There were design similarities between the UK and Italian guitars: both made Phantoms, Teardrops etc, but there were also distinct differences, and the differences between JMI and EME Vox's is quite obvious.

1965 Vox advert for the Vox Mark IV bass, as played by Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones

Bill Wyman was one of the earliest bass players to have his own signature model, with the Vox Wyman bass complementing the teardrop Mark III used by bandmate Brian Jones.

Basses with built-in electronic effects, but based on older JMI designs, such as the violin-shaped Astro (also favoured by Bill Wyman), the teardrop-shaped Constellation and the Phantom-shaped Delta joined simpler models such as the Panther and Hawk, with less unusual body styles.

The end of the decade, and the end of Vox?

As the 1960s drew to a close, Vox were in trouble. Guitar production ceased in the UK, and later Italy; the only new Vox guitars were of Japanese decent, but these were only available for a short period. The VG4 was the last bass produced for several years, whilst Vox limped on only producing amplifiers. Eventually some new Japanese Vox basses were produced a decade later, such as the Vox Standard and White Shadow; although these bore no relation to the models of the 1960s, and although reasonable instruments, are of less interest to vintage Vox collectors.


Latest Vox bass updates

The most recent content posted to this site on vintage Vox bass guitars:

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.
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
1963 Vox Symphonic bass guitar The Symphonic bass was one of the models produced by JMI in the UK, primarily for the early sixties British market. It was comparatively high priced, still cheaper in the UK than the Fender Precision that it was emulating, but not by much, and actually more expensive in the USA. It only sold in small numbers in Britain and barely at all overseas. No equivalent model was produced in Italy, and although it remained in UK price lists as late as 1967, it is unlikely many instruments were shipped beyond 1965.
Vox Bassmaster bassThe Vox Bassmaster was one of numerous early Vox guitars styled, at least vaguely, on Fender instruments. As an entry level bass it wasn't bad. It had a very thin neck, and along with it's short, 30" scale, made an ideal students bass. It was British made, but a forerunner to later Italian models. Have a look at a 1963 Vox Bassmaster, and a 1965 Vox Bassmaster, with sound clips.
Vox bass pickups Vox guitar and bass pickups of the 1960s were all of relatively simple single-coil design. The first produced were British-made, and these appeared on all the early British models: The Clubman bass, the Bassmaster, and the Phantom bass. Later models were made in Italy, along with the guitars themselves, and these were largely for the American market, under the distribution of the Thomas Organ company.
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Vox bass guitars for sale

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1967 Vox V210 Phantom IV Bass the coolest Vox bass ever in fabulous condition !

1967 Vox V210 Phantom IV Bass the coolest Vox bass ever in fabulous condition !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

This is a very clean & original Vox Phantom IV Bass in a nice original Black finish. Its bound / dot inlaid R'wood neck is thin as always yet quite comfy. It has 2 single coil pickups w / 4 pole pieces have that 60's cool tone w / its rotary switch used for pickup selection. A single volume and tone control were also included. The 1966 US Vox catalog described the V210 Phantom IV Bass as follows: "Rugged and powerful solid body in striking Phantom design; fast neck with ebony fingerboard; ... more
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VINTAGE MID 60 " S VOX COUGAR BASS GUITAR EXCELLENT SHAPE SERIAL #23530

VINTAGE MID 60 " S VOX COUGAR BASS GUITAR EXCELLENT SHAPE SERIAL #23530

Depoe Bay, Oregon, 973**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

VINTAGE MID 60 " S VOX COUGAR BASS GUITAR EXCELLENT SHAPE. $1800 00 SERIAL # 23530... more
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1968 Vox Astro IV Bass  * MINT !! *  RARE

1968 Vox Astro IV Bass * MINT !! * RARE

Sherman Oaks, California, 914**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

One of the most holy Grail basses ever made in MINT CONDITION !!

Comes with the built in Fuzz distortion and treble booster working perfectly

One owner ! comes with all the original paperwork since purchase in 1968 !

This bass sounds punchy and absolutely incredible
... more
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1968 Vox V284 Stinger IV Bass very rare & Minty user friendly bass w / paperwork.

1968 Vox V284 Stinger IV Bass very rare & Minty user friendly bass w / paperwork.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

This is a very rare 1968 Vox Stinger IV Electric Bass Guitar made in Italy w / serial # 403393. Its 3-tone Sunburst finish is ultra clean over its laminated maple body. Its maple neck has a bound dot inlaid ebony fingerboard. The Stinger IV is a direct descendant of the Vox Wyman bass w / the same teardrop-shaped hollow body and very narrow neck. Bill Wyman's endorsement deal was relatively short-lived, by 1968 the bass no longer bore his name but Vox continued with the same basic design. The ... more
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Panoramic EKO Vox Italian Bass Guitar Crucianelli Project

Panoramic EKO Vox Italian Bass Guitar Crucianelli Project

Coldwater, Michigan, 490**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$699

Panoramic EKO Vox Italian Bass Guitar Crucianelli Project Another Ebayer said there is a picture on the Net with John Entwistle playing one of these in his early days I've had this for 30+ years and the pickguard just fell apart over time I meter tested each pickup and both are working
... more
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1966??s Vox Model Wyman Electric Bass Guitar

1966??s Vox Model Wyman Electric Bass Guitar

Saint Charles, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2599

1966??s Vox Model Wyman Electric Bass Guitar.
Excellent condition, tested and works. Comes with original case but one latch is missing
... more
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Panoramic Crucianelli Italian Project Bass Parts Guitar Neck & Body Eko Vox Rare

Panoramic Crucianelli Italian Project Bass Parts Guitar Neck & Body Eko Vox Rare

Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 156**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Up for auction is this panoramic crucianelli project parts bass guitar. I??m pretty sure this guitar is from the 60s. The guitar is just the body the neck with tuning knobs and strings as shown in the photos. Condition is used. There??s some cracks in the gloss finish as pictured. This would be an awesome project bass guitar to work on. I will have to take the strings and unbolt the neck off to ship. I do not have a box that big. Everything will be wrapped in bubble wrap. Overall cool vintage ... more
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Vox Teardrop Bill Wyman Bass Guitar 1966 Vintage Original Extremely Rare 

Vox Teardrop Bill Wyman Bass Guitar 1966 Vintage Original Extremely Rare 

Near Scotch Corner, North Yorkshire, England, DL11***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2099

Vox Teardrop Bill Wyman Bass Guitar Vintage Original 1966 Extremely Rare, British Made. In excellent condition, especially given the age of this beautiful instrument
An opportunity to own a really unique piece of musical history! I've owned and cherished this guitar for over a quarter of a century but sadly circumstances now dictate that I must part with it
13-inch wide single-bound laminated maple hollow body arch top teardrop-shaped bass. Made famous by Bill Wyman of the Rolling ... more
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1968 VOX APOLLO  /  COUGAR SEMI BASS CASE

1968 VOX APOLLO / COUGAR SEMI BASS CASE

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€350


1968 VOX BASS case -- made in ITALY:
+ fits an APOLLO OR COUGAR BASS but ONLY WITH A THIN NECK !
+ length is 110 cm , width at lower latch is 40 cm
+ grey tolex, has wear
+ yellow interior, has wear
+ all latches close fine
... more
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E-Bass  /  Bassgitarre VOX Mark IV "Teardrop" von 1967 in Tobacco Sunburst

E-Bass / Bassgitarre VOX Mark IV "Teardrop" von 1967 in Tobacco Sunburst

Bern, 3***, SWITZERLAND

€2250

Artikel: Musikinstrument Hersteller: Von Eko für Vox Typ: Mark IV "Teardrop" Jahrgang: 1967 Seriennummer: --- Zustand: Gebraucht, original, sichtbare Alters- und Gebrauchsspuren Format: Klassischer LongscaleZubehör: Originaler, jedoch unbrauchbarer Koffer gibt es kostenlos dazu, ideal für den Versand, ansonsten kaum mehr einsetzbar Sonstiges: Geniai zu spielender VOX in Jazz-Bass "Konfiguration "
ACHTUNG: Der Versand erfolgt aus der Schweiz. Bitte seien Sie sich bewusst, dass eventuelle... more
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1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - BESENSTIEL HALS - SUPER DÜNN - SHORT SCALE

1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - BESENSTIEL HALS - SUPER DÜNN - SHORT SCALE

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€555

1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - SUPER SLIM BROOMSTICK NECK :
* refinished with a spray can, rough
* body has extra routs
* super slim neck=easy to play
* 1 changed tuner
* pickguard is totally WARPED
* needs parts=pickups, electronics, bridge & new pickguard ++PLENTY of PARTS for SALE ++
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>
... more
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VOX BASSMASTER 1965 - short scale.

VOX BASSMASTER 1965 - short scale.

Bristol, BS3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£420

Vox Bassmaster 1965
One of the tuners are not original
No case
Sounds great
Good condition as you can see in the pictures
... more
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1962 VOX BASS TONABNEHMER - Made in Großbritannien

1962 VOX BASS TONABNEHMER - Made in Großbritannien

COLOGNE, GERMANY

$250

1962 VOX BASS PICKUP - made in U K. :
* 6, 51 K output
* center to center screw spacing is about 9 cm=check your bass, the later V 1 pickups were a bit shorter
* no logo on top
... more
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1969 VOX VIOLINE  /  SPYDER BASSHÜLLE - Made in ITALY

1969 VOX VIOLINE / SPYDER BASSHÜLLE - Made in ITALY

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£269


1969 VOX Violin Bass case -- made in ITALY:
+ tolex has a lot of wear, some rips, also worn through to the wood on the corners
+ yellow interior, has some wear, strap that holds the case open is gone
+ handle is missing
+ all latches close fine
+ worn but still solid
... more
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1960s Vintage VOX Panther V236 bass * Ideal for small hands

1960s Vintage VOX Panther V236 bass * Ideal for small hands

Himberg bei Wien, 2***, AUSTRIA

€899


Mid 60s VOX Pantherbass, made in Italy. The neck is super thin and narrow for smaller fingersand / or fast playing. Width at nut is just 1 3 / 8" or 35mm: an eighth of aninch (3 mm) narrower than a Fender Jazz bass
It features an uniquecanted single pickup with four pole pieces which is oriented to the strings atan angle to give increased bass response to the E and A strings while offeringbrighter tone to the D and G strings. Hard maple neck, rosewood fingerboard andsingle volume and ... more
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1969 VOX VIOLIN BASS - BUILT IN EFFECTS - DISTORTION - BOOSTER -TUNER

1969 VOX VIOLIN BASS - BUILT IN EFFECTS - DISTORTION - BOOSTER -TUNER

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€2090


1969 Vox Violin Bass -- rare model with built in effects:
+ maple body finished in brown burst, has LOTS of wear, small crack in lower f-hole, back was loose around jack input plate and reglued --- WORN
+ maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, very thin profile=like a broomstick, plays awesome, frets are fine, has a minor glued seam crack on headstock around the Vox logo
+ 2 x single coil pickups
+ built in DISTORTION( .sounds way coooool !! ), Treble / Bass Booster and G ... more
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Bass Guitar:VOX Clubman:Vintage1960s:Natural:Refurbished.

Bass Guitar:VOX Clubman:Vintage1960s:Natural:Refurbished.

Nunthorpe, TS7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£320

One Iconic, Vintage, VOX Bass Guitar, from the 1960s, with a slimline body, that has stood the test of time The Neck is straight, the joint solid, the frets and fretboard are in good condition, with a low action
The Hardwood, adjustable, Bridge is coupled to a monogrammed, Hofner Tailpiece The pickups are original producing a mellow tone, with a powerful delivery Few and far between The Headstock carries a new set of Period Tuners The pickups are controlled by a Volume and a Tone pot ... more
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1962 VOX BASS TONABNEHMER - Made in Großbritannien

1962 VOX BASS TONABNEHMER - Made in Großbritannien

COLOGNE, GERMANY

$250

1962 VOX BASS PICKUP - made in U K. :
* 6, 51 K output
* center to center screw spacing is about 9 cm=check your bass, the later V 1 pickups were a bit shorter
* no logo on top
... more
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1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - SUUUPER SLIM BROOMSTICK HALS

1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - SUUUPER SLIM BROOMSTICK HALS

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£499

1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - SUPER SLIM BROOMSTICK NECK :
* refinished with a spray can, rough
* body has extra routs
* super slim neck=easy to play
* 1 changed tuner
* pickguard is totally WARPED
* needs parts=pickups, electronics, bridge & new pickguard... more
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1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - BROOMSTICK HALS

1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - BROOMSTICK HALS

COLOGNE, GERMANY

$555

1969 VOX PANTHER BASS - SUPER SLIM BROOMSTICK NECK :
* refinished with a spray can, rough
* body has extra routs
* super slim neck=easy to play
* 1 changed tuner
* pickguard is totally WARPED
* needs parts=pickups, electronics, bridge & new pickguard
... more
eBay logo

Find more Vox bass guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Earthly Being Comment left 11th May 2013 11:11:21 reply
I have a 1978/9, (I am told), Vox Standard Bass. Black body fretted 40" long and really heavy. I cannot find an reference to it on the Web? Any ideas about its peformance as an instrument and while I am here, how much is it worth? I thank you for your time.

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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 bass Rose-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 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

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 catalog Hagstrom 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 President The 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.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual

1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording guitar owners manual The newly designed Les Paul Recording guitar was released in 1971, in many ways as an updated version of the Les Paul Professional that had debuted two years earlier in 1969. The new guitar came with a new owners manual explaining the (somewhat complicated) controls, their operation, and giving other specifications, including recommended strings, action and control settings. Compare with the broadly similar owners manual for the Les Paul Personal / Professional