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VOX | SOLID BODY

Vox Electric Solid Body Guitars

Solid electric guitars produced in the UK, Italy and Japan

Vox produced solid body guitars in the UK from 1961 until 1967, in Italy between 1965 and 1969, and Japan from 1969 onwards. Different guitars were available to different markets at different times. Initially JMI-made instruments were exported worldwide, but the Dartford plant could not fill demand. From the mid 1960s US guitar stores were stocking Vox guitars made in Italy by EME - a consortium made up of JMI, Thomas Organ co. and Italian guitar company Eko, whilst British Vox's were still produced by JMI. The two plants made noticeably different guitars.

Vintage Vox solid bodies like the teardrop-shaped Mark VI and the Phantom have made Vox guitars famous, and were produced separately in Britain and Italy, but there were very many lesser-known models produced throughout the 1960s, some of which sold in large numbers, like the Shadow, Stroller and Clubman, whilst some are incredibly rare, like the Apache and Scorpion.

UK JMI Vox guitars

The very earliest British instruments bear a remarkable similarity to certain early sixties models made by Fenton Weill; it is not clear whether these were manufactured by them, or a third company produced for both. Supposedly, Two UK furniture manufacturers (Stuart Darkins and then later, G-plan) produced Vox bodies and necks which were then assembled with Vox electronics at the Vox Dartford factory. It is tempting to suggest the differing models with the same names shown in the 1962 Vox Catalogue and 1963 Vox Catalogue represent the work of each company, although this is pure conjecture. Certainly Vox solid bodies were being produced at Dartford by 1965, at least to some extent. Certainly numerous prototypes and test models were made including the one-off Vox Kensington made for the Beatles.

The names of Vox guitars are quite interesting in themselves. Some clearly have musical references: Soloist, Duotone, etc. The name Soundcaster is clearly derived from Stratocaster, as was the instrument itself. Likewise Shadow almost certainly refers to the early sixties British band of the same name - actually THE biggest band in Britain at the dawn of the 1960s, and Vox endorsers too. Others are not so clear, but with the second world war still looming large in the minds of British citizens, it may be that many of these guitar names have military origins. During world war two there were British naval vessels named HMS Ace, HMS Consort, HMS Escort, and American aircraft named Phantom, Dominator, Apache, Scorpion and Marauder.

Italian Vox solid bodies

The JMI plant in Dartford could not keep up with worldwide demand, and production of additional solid body models was allocated to the Eko factory in Italy from 1965. As well as the much desired Mark (teardrop) and Phantom models, Eko produced a range of models not dis-similar to the UK Consort, and all named after British world war two aircraft (with the possible exception of the Vox Harlem): the Meteor (Gloster Meteor), Hurricane, Tempest (Hawker Hurricane & Tempest), Spitfire (Supermarine Spitfire), Bulldog (Bristol Bulldog, actually slightly pre-war), Super Meteor, and Harlem.

By 1967, with demand increasing still, a new plant was set up in Italy, producing a redesigned, but significantly slimmed down range of Vox guitars. This was in conjunction with JMI, Eko, and US distributor Thomas Organ, and was known as EME. The new solid body models were based on existing designs: the Phantom-styled Delta, Bulldog-styled Invader and Fender/Vox Consort-styled Thunderjet V260. Again, these three models had aircraft origins, but with production very much focused on the USA, American planes were chosen: Convair Delta Dagger, Douglas Invader and Republic Thunderjet.

Some of these guitars, both British and Italian, were fitted with built-in electronic effects, and it is perhaps these as much as anything that give Vox guitars their distinctive sounds.

Vox Mark VI Special
Vox Bassmaster
Vox Stroller
Vox Ace
Vox Shadow with original case
Six string
Vox SB1
Vox SB2
Vox Stroller V201
   1961 Vox Stroller Guyatone LG-50 style
   1963 Vox Stroller Guyatone LG-50 style
   1967 Vox Stroller
   1966 parts list
Vox Clubman V203
   1963 Clubman II
   1966 parts list
   1967 Clubman
Vox Ace V205
   1962 Vox Ace
   1963 Vox Ace
   1965 Vox Ace
   1966 parts list
Vox Super Ace V206
   1963 Vox Super Ace
   1966 parts list
Vox Shadow V208
   1963 Vox Shadow Guyatone LG-50 style
   1963 Vox Shadow
   1964 Vox Shadow | Soundclips
   1966 parts list
Vox Phantom VI V209
Vox Soundcaster V211
   1966 parts list
Vox Consort V212
   1963 Vox Consort
   1966 parts list
Vox Apache
Vox Dominator
Vox Duotone
Vox Escort
Vox Holborn
Vox Soloist
Vox Scorpion
Vox Phantom Mark III
Vox Mark VI V222
Vox Mark VI Special
Vox New Escort
   1966 New Escort
Vox Marauder
Vox Marauder Special
Vox Meteor V233
Vox Hurricane V234
Vox Spitfire V235
Vox Bulldog V241
Vox Super Meteor V242
Vox Harlem V244
Vox Thunderjet V260
Vox Delta V261
Vox Invader V262
Vox V.G.2

Nine string
Vox Mark IX V231
Vox Scorpion

Twelve string
Vox Bouzouki
Vox Phantom XII V221
Vox Mark XII V223
Vox Tempest XII V230
Vox Phantom XII Stereo V246

Japanese Vox solid bodies

Right at the end of the 1960s, Vox sold a number of rebadged Japanese instruments under the Vox marque. These included the Les Paul style sold body VG2.

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Vox guitars for sale

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1964 Vox Tear Drop Mark 5 12-String in 2-Tone Sunburst w / OHSC

1964 Vox Tear Drop Mark 5 12-String in 2-Tone Sunburst w / OHSC

Highland Park, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4395

This Used 1964 Vox Teardrop Mark 5 Twelve String Guitar is here on consignment and it is in nice shape. The neck is straight, the frets are still crowned, and the truss rod is functioning properly. The logo on the headstock is probably the most worn spot on the guitar. The body also shows some deep weather checking, something these guitars are fairly well-known for. Included with the guitar is the original hardshell case. This is the English-Made Vox, not the Italian version, a more rare bird, ... more
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1960s Vintage Vox Mark IX 9 string electric guitar 3 Tone Sunburst in OHSC

1960's Vintage Vox Mark IX 9 string electric guitar 3 Tone Sunburst in OHSC

Harrisonville, Missouri, 647**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

1960's Vintage Vox Mark IX 9 string electric guitar 3 Tone Sunburst in OHSC - Made in Italy very good condition
This great guitar has some very minor finish checking and it does have a ding in the finish on the top, but it is great overall and it comes in the original Vox hard case. It currently doesn??t have a pickup selector switch tip, but it should have one before we ship it, even if it is an aftermarket or replacement tip (please buy this thinking it doesn??t have the tip so you can ... more
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Vox Mark III Mini Electric Guitar, Aqua Green, Teardrop Shape, Too Cool Baby!

Vox Mark III Mini Electric Guitar, Aqua Green, Teardrop Shape, Too Cool Baby!

Brooksville, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

Make sure to check out my other 100 guitars!!!Shipping to the lower 48 states FedEx only, no post office boxes. I will not ship anywhere else. Make sure to check out my other 100 guitars at my ebay store "Axes Bold As Love Guitars " . Here is a very cool Vox Mark III mini . The guitar is in great condition, just mild surface scratches. These guitars feature a very short 18 3 / 4 inch scale length and are supposed to be tuned normally, but I find that they just don't sound in tune. I tune them ... more
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VOX Mark III V-MK3 Mini Sunburst Guitar W /  Black Hard Case

VOX Mark III V-MK3 Mini Sunburst Guitar W / Black Hard Case

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

$800

VOX Mark III V-MK3 Mini Sunburst Guitar W / Black Hard CaseGreat Condition Has Light Scratches on Body From Normal Use Strings: 6Year: 2013Body Type: Solid Finish: Sunburst Comes with Hard Black Case( 1 Lock Does not Close Fully)
#431400... more
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Phantom twelve string kit replica electric guitar Vox copy

Phantom twelve string kit replica electric guitar Vox copy

Ironton, Ohio, 456**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$420

Here is a 12-string Vox Phantom electric guitar replica I picked up secondhand. Third owner of this home-brewed rarity, I don't know anything about it except that it isn't a Glary. Three single coil pickups. Average quality wood. Slightly heavy but nothing ridiculous
Hardware is all included and installed correctly. Not bad, fairly new, run-of-the-mill pieces all put together: bridge, tailpiece, nut, strap hardware, tuning gears, used strings and pickups. The thing works and is not too bad ... more
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1965 / 67 Vox Mark VI

1965 / 67 Vox Mark VI

Providence, Rhode Island, 029**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2900

Here is A Rare 1965 / 67 Vox Mark VI . Almost 60 years old it??s in Collector Grade Condition with a few Minor dings and or scratches. One of the all-time great ??posing?? guitars, the Vox Mark VI is a true 1960??s classic. Made in Italy, sunburst finish and With the exception of a Pro Re-Fret She??s All Original. Not 100% positive the case is the original
Just completely checked By Jim @ Noll Guitars so she's 100% Ready to GO
The unmistakable teardrop-shaped Mark series guitars were ... more
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VOX MARK VI WITH MINT CASE Electric Teardrop Guitar 1960s SUPER NICE! ITALY!

VOX MARK VI WITH MINT CASE Electric Teardrop Guitar 1960's SUPER NICE! ITALY!

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

$5500


VOX MARK VI ITALY SUPER CLEAN WITH CASE!!!! I have owned the guitar for over 15 years, I'm the 3rd owner. The neck is in "10" condition, absolutely amazing, no marks at all! The body has normal veneer cracking due to age. It comes with the ORIGINAL CASE! Comfortable to play, and seems to have a distinct Beatles round tone that comes through. One of the finest guitars I've ever owned. It isn't going away cheap, because you'll never find one as clean as this. The serial... more
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Guitarra eléctrica Vox Consort 1963 / 4 JMI Dartford Kent UK

Guitarra eléctrica Vox Consort 1963 / 4 JMI Dartford Kent UK

Viladecans, 08***, SPAIN

€2000

Guitarra eléctrica Vox Consort, ideal para coleccionistas (las imágenes lo dicen todo) fabricada en 1963 y comprada en 1964 (lleva el sello del año de venta en el mástil y el número de serie en el clavijero), sin restauración, todo totalmente original, clavijero, ceja, clavija, trastes, mástil tensor, marcadores, posición, diapasón, mástil, cuerpo, pastillas, controles de volumen y tono, puente, protector o golpeador, 100% de origen!!
Vox Consort electric guitar, ideal for ... more
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VOX White Shadow M Series Japan Keystone Blue vintage superstrat electric 60 80

VOX White Shadow M Series Japan Keystone Blue vintage superstrat electric 60 80

Betws-y-Coed, LL24***, UNITED KINGDOM

£600


My guitar playing days are over alas, so here is one of the last of my once extensive collection?? I don??t know why I have been holding Onto this one?? Certainly not one of the most valuable or glamorous of my collection, just very playable?? Looking for a new home??
The Vox White Shadow was made between the years of 1984 and 1986. The White Shadow M Series was made in Korea in the late 80's and has a very different body shape
The Vox from the 60's was just called the Shadow, it was ... more
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1969 VOX SPITFIRE

1969 VOX SPITFIRE

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€759

1969 VOX Spitfire:
* alder body finished in a dark sunburst, has lots of wear & weather checking
* maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, frets are fine
* 3 original single coils
* pickguard is broken in 2 places
* new knobs
* low action
* a cool Jag knock off !
++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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60er Jahre VOX CLUBMAN - Made in ENGLAND

60er Jahre VOX CLUBMAN - Made in ENGLAND

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£399

Vox Clubman - PROJECT:
* missing: nut & bridge
* 1 pickup has a faint output, needs a rewind
* frets are super low
* SOLD AS IS - NO RETURNS
... more
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60er VOX PHANTOM  /  MARK VI HALSPLATTE

60er VOX PHANTOM / MARK VI HALSPLATTE

COLOGNE, GERMANY

$150

* has number etched into the chrome... more
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60er Jahre VOX PHANTOM  /  MARK VI HALSPLATTE - Made in UK

60er Jahre VOX PHANTOM / MARK VI HALSPLATTE - Made in UK

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£139

* somebody scratched numbers into it
... more
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1969 VOX SPITFIRE

1969 VOX SPITFIRE

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£750

1969 VOX Spitfire:
* alder body finished in a dark sunburst, has lots of wear & weather checking
* maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, frets are fine
* 3 original single coils
* pickguard is broken in 2 places
* new knobs
* low action
* a cool Jag knock off !
... more
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1960s Vox Stroller  /  Clubman electric guitar

1960s Vox Stroller / Clubman electric guitar

Milton Keynes, MK6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£199

Vox Clubman project. This is made up of parts from various Vox projects I had Knocking about
All you need is a bridge, some knobs and some scratchplate screws and you are good to go
The bulk of it comes from a 1967 Vox Stroller, and I am also including the unloaded Stroller scratchplate in good used condition (but with no circuitry). The loom and pickups here come from a mid-1960s Clubman / Duotone / Shadow - can't remember exactly what, but they are original, unmodified and date to ... more
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Sonia Davey Comment left 4th June 2014 23:11:17 reply
Hi, I'm looking for a valuation of my fathers old Vox escort. He bought it in the early seventies from a band mate, but we do not know how old it was then. Possibly 1960s? Is there a way to find out its year? It's red, and seems to be in good shape. Any help greatly appreciated.

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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