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WEM | AMPLIFIERS | CLUBMAN MK8

WEM Clubman MK8

5w valve guitar amplifier

Smaller 1960s and 1970s WEM amplifiers are undergoing a bit of a renaissance just now; they make great recording amps, and can be used live when mic'd or more than one is used. The WEM Dominator is a particular favourite, but the WEM Clubman and Westminster also perform very well. It drives at low volumes, providing some great crunchy and overdrive tones without disturbing (at least too much) the neighbourhood.

WEM Clubman MK8

WEM (Watkins Electric Music) produced their first amp in 1954, but it is between the late 1960s and early 1970s that the brand had their biggest impact, in venues large and small and for smaller practise amps like this.

Description from early 1970s WEM advertising

A sturdy valve amplifier producing 5 watts of clean power helped by a heavy duty 12 " speaker. Ideally suited for the young musician, an ideal student amplifier. Two inputs with volume control and separate treble and bass controls. Finished in black leather cloth with silver trim.

The Clubman is actually the smallest amplifier in the early seventies WEM range. Despite this, it is still quite loud. If you like the tone of an overdriven valve amp, but don't want to disturb the neighbours too much, then this is a great amp for playing at home.

Tonally, this is a smooth, deep amp that sounds just amazing when cranked up, and the tone rolled off; some great cleaner tones too, but absolutely never sterile. Have a listen to some of the soundclips below.



WEM Clubman MK8 controls
WEM logo
WEM Clubman back view
WEM Clubman serial number

WEM Clubman MK8 video clips

1969 Gibson Melody Maker Double / 1972 WEM Clubman mk8 (short version, 5m 51s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

This is a lovely late 1960s dual pickup Gibson Melody Maker D guitar. Pots date to December 1968 / January 1969. It plays beautifully and just rocks through a WEM. This Clubman (mk8) probably dates to the very early 1970s. 5w, all-valve, with superb clean tones, but super gainy when pushed. This has a lot of crunch with the volume up high, and extreme bite when the treble is turned up too. It's loud, but not too loud. This is an AWESOME combination -you just can't stop playing!

Recorded here with an Electrovoice RE-20 (left channel) and a Shure SM57 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1969 Gibson Melody Maker D / 1970s WEM Clubman mk8 (long version, 8m 52s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1969 Gibson Melody Maker D, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

The WEM Clubman is one of my favourite amps. It's small; probably too small to play out; but capable of some really gritty sounds. Fantastic recording amp. Clean sounds first, getting gainier as we go through. Check it out!

Recorded here with an Electrovoice RE-20 (left channel) and a Shure SM57 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1963 Vox Super Ace / 1972 WEM Clubman mk8 (short version, 1m 27s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Super Ace, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

The WEM Clubman is one of the brands smaller amplifiers - just 5 watts through a single 12 inch speaker. But it's an awesome sounding amp, especially if you want a bit of grit! And the three-pickup Vox Super Ace has a lot of different tones. This video shows just one sound: the middle pickup of the Vox with the tone rolled down a little, through a fairly tame amp. Crank up those controls for some MUCH hotter sounds. Check out the other long version of this video in the vintageguitarandbass 'supporting members' area to see what this combination can do. Strung with Gibson bright wires (10-46).

Recorded here with a Shure SM57 (left channel) and a Heil PR-40 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1963 Vox Super Ace / 1972 WEM Clubman mk8 (long version, 11m 17s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Super Ace, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

The WEM Clubman is one of the brands smaller amplifiers - at just 5 watts through a single 12 inch speaker, you're probably going to have the volume turned up somewhat. And this is where the magic is. Yes the clean tones are nice, but when you crank this amp, you get some seriously rich, and superbly creamy overdrive. As always, we start clean, turning gain up as we go. The three V2 single-coil pickup Vox Super Ace has plenty of tonal variation too. The combination of Vox Super Ace and WEM Clubman must have disturbed countless neighbours in the UK in the early 1970s. Not loud enough to gig, but a great recording set up with some awesome tone! TURN IT UP! Strung here with Gibson bright wires (10-46).

Recorded here with a Shure SM57 (left channel) and a Heil PR-40 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1972 Hagstrom HIIN OT / 1972 WEM Clubman mk8 (7m 31s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1972 Hagstrom HIIN-OT, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

This is an awesome guitar, and an amazing amp. Early seventies Hagstroms were similar in style to the 1960s ancestors, but equipped with humbuckers and a vol / vol / tone / tone control layout. Great guitars, exceptionally playable. This one's fitted with Rotosound RS200 (gauges 12-52) top tape flatwound strings.

This video goes from clean to fuzz, as we turn up the amp. The 1972 WEM Clubman is an awesome 5w, all-valve combo with super nice warmth, that gets super gainy when pushed. A really great recording amp!

Recorded here with an Electrovoice RE-20 (left channel) and a Shure SM57 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

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WEM Westminster 15 1x12" Combo 1973 - Black

WEM Westminster 15 1x12" Combo 1973 - Black

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$799

Here we have a vintage 1973 WEM Westminster 15 tube combo amplifier! This is a 1x12" amp with 15 watts that is in excellent condition. It has two inputs with a treble boost switch, volume and bass controls plus a treble control that also turns the amp off. It has a 3 prong US power plug but appears to still be a 220 voltage amplifier. The exterior is in fantastic shape and the amp appears to be in good working order. Please review interior shots
... more
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WEM Dominator Bass 15?? tube combo amp 1970s

WEM Dominator Bass 15?? tube combo amp 1970s

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1499

WEM Dominator Bass
Year: 1970s
Speaker Configuration: Original and rare "spider web" basket speaker. 15"
Power Requirement: 120v standard US cable
Approx. wattage: 15
Cosmetic Condition: Excellent with some small marks in some spots
Operational Condition: Fully-Functioning
Description: Look at this English bruiser from the 1970s! 15 watts, 2 EL84 tubes. This amp was the big brother to the Westminster and nearly identical electronically. For most styles, this amp makes a ... more
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Wem Dominator 45 AP Combo Amp

Wem Dominator 45 AP Combo Amp

London, E5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£491

This is a rare Combo amp by WEM, that can be used for guitar or bass, or other instruments. I have only used it with guitar. A telecaster or Strat sound awesome through it as does a Les Paul The 15 inch speaker gives your sound a clarity and body. This is a loud amp with big character. The 'bright' switch will give funky players shimmer and sparkle. Rock guitarists will love its grit and headroom that will find it's place in the mix even with loud drummer or bass This amp is in good used ... more
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extremely rare blue / cream 1961 mk2 watkins wem copycat

extremely rare blue / cream 1961 mk2 watkins wem copycat

Redcar, TS11***, UNITED KINGDOM

£364

Crafted to cater to the electric guitar aficionado, this extremely rare 1961 MK2 Watkins WEM copycat cabinet presents a distinctive blue and cream colour scheme that is sure to stand out. Its vintage aesthetics are matched by a robust build quality, making it a solid choice for musicians who value both style and substance The cabinet's origins can be traced back to the reputable WEM brand, known for their quality amplifiers, indicating that this piece is not just a collector's item but also a ... more
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Wem Dominator Mk3 Oasis.

Wem Dominator Mk3 Oasis.

Fraserburgh, AB43***, UNITED KINGDOM

£721

In really nice condition a wem dominator mk3
These are from 1970s and have become more sought after recently after everyone realised oasis used them in their early days
17 watts non master volume so is quite loud before they overdrive but they are also great pedal platforms
This one has a slight buzz when on. It doesnt bother me but keep in mind when bidding. Because of this starting price is lower.... more
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WEM Watkins 2 X 12 Speaker Cabinets Celestion G12h

WEM Watkins 2 X 12 Speaker Cabinets Celestion G12h

Bournemouth, BH8***, UNITED KINGDOM

£995

Very nice example for year. All up together and working perfectly    If you want to collect from Bournemouth and pay old fashioned money then I can make it £495 but you need to contact me first to discuss times
... more
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WEM Amplifier / Cab Box  Logo-Plate 60er Vintage ORIGINAL !!!

WEM Amplifier / Cab Box Logo-Plate 60er Vintage ORIGINAL !!!

Niederkrüchten, 41***, GERMANY

€53

Originale WEM Metall Logo aus 60er. !!!! RAR !!! Selten !!! Versand nur Deutschland und EU !! NO INTERNATIONALE SHIPPING !!!! EU BIDDERS ONLY !!!!... more
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Pair of matching 2x10 Elac 10" ceramic guitar speakers  Wem Vox Dallas sixties

Pair of matching 2x10 Elac 10" ceramic guitar speakers Wem Vox Dallas sixties

London, E7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£389

pair of matching mid sixties Elac 10" guitar speakers
10 watts @ 8 ohms each
These were originally in a Selmer two tone cab
as would be used in a Watkins / WEM combo or a Dallas arbiter valve combo, I think Vox also used these in their Domino series as well as Selmer and a few other British manufacturers (Carlsbro etc)

fully functional with no issues, I collect speakers so these will be well packed and arrive ready to rock
These can be wired in either 16 ohms or 4 ohms ... more
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1979 WEM - Dominator 45 - ID 1744

1979 WEM - Dominator 45 - ID 1744

Emmering, 82***, GERMANY

€977

Rare British Combo
Zustand: Gut
SerNr: CW81773
Gewicht: 25 kg Versandklasse: Heavy
Differenzbesteuert nach §25 UStG
Dieser seltene Brite kann sowohl als Gitarren, als auch als Bassverstärker genutzt werden.
Er bleibt lange clean und ist sehr stabil im Bass Fundament, geht dann bei Volllast in eine leichte Sättigung über. Auf Pedale reagiert er äusserst freundlich
2 Kanäle
45 Watt
4 x EL84
15" Fane Speaker
Guter Zustand, frisch gecheckt in der Guitar ... more
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1977 WEM ?? Westminster - Abi von Reininghaus -

1977 WEM ?? Westminster - Abi von Reininghaus -

Emmering, 82***, GERMANY

€1027

Abi von Reininghaus, erfolgreicher deutscher Gitarrist,
Komponist, Buch- und Kolumnenautor,
Dozent und Gitarrenversteher
trennt sich von einem Teil seines Equipments
Besondere Instrumente und Verstärker
?? treue Weggefährten aus fast 40 Jahren
extremer Kreativität und leidenschaftlicher Suche
nach dem perfekten Sound ??
suchen neue Liebhaber!
Kultiger kleiner, leichter Röhren-Amp für Studio oder Live
Zustand: Gut
SerNr: CW 77538
Gewicht: 18 kg ... more
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Pink Floyd 1970s rare WEM and AVIS  stickers and WEM Catalogue  all mint

Pink Floyd 1970s rare WEM and AVIS stickers and WEM Catalogue all mint

Northwich, CW9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£140

WEM catalogue mint and four WEM / Pink Floyd related late 60s / 1970s stickers all mint unused and rare -Wham its WEM sticker, Pink Floyd use WEM sticker, and Pink Floyd use AVIS Van Hire sticker, and AVIS van and truck rental sticker slight yellowing to paper on back of sticker but fronts are fine
can ship well packed anywhere in the world... more
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Vintage 1960s Elac 10N / 87 15ohm 10" Speaker Watkins V Front Vox AC10

Vintage 1960s Elac 10N / 87 15ohm 10" Speaker Watkins V Front Vox AC10

Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM

£125

Vintage 1960s Elac 10N / 87 15ohm 10" Speakers Watkins V Front Vox AC10
This is a wonderful original Elac 10N / 87 speaker, as used in Vox AC10 and Watkins V Front amplifiers. This is 16ohms and in perfect working order - and super clean condition too! Original cones, tested well, and ready to go! I've got quite a few of these, so if you need more let me know. Please have a close look at the high resolution photographs below, as these form part of our description. I am always willing to do a ... more
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WEM ER40 AMPLIFIER & STARFINDER 4 X 12  CABINETWITH 4 16OHM CRESCENDOS FLOYD ETC

WEM ER40 AMPLIFIER & STARFINDER 4 X 12 CABINETWITH 4 16OHM CRESCENDOS FLOYD ETC

Cheshire, CW9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4800

USED ITEMS- ORIGINAL WEM ER40 AMP HEAD AND REFURBISHED MINT WEM STARFINDER 4 X12 CABINET FITTED WITH FOUR GILMOUR / FLOYD TYPE 122326 16 OHM CRESCENDOS- CABINET IS BIRCH PLY AND HAS ORIGINAL WEM STYLE FRONT TO BACK METAL BRACING BAR- CAB WOULD ALSO WORK WELL WITH HIWATT DR103
CAN SELL CAB WITHOUT ER40 IF REQUIRED MESSAGE ME
CAN SHIP ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD... more
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WEM AX-100 ultra rare 100 watt solid state amp top 1970s

WEM AX-100 ultra rare 100 watt solid state amp top 1970s

Whitstable, CT5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£175

I have listed as spares or repair as I don??t have any music equipment to test with. Came from a collection of music items When plugged in, powers up with no funny noises or smells, red power light comes on Please view all photos to satisfy with regards condition, Varys marks on the casing Happy for prospective buyer to collect or come and test.... more
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Set of 7x Vintage 1970s  1 / 4?? control knobs - Carlsbro - WEM - Watkins

Set of 7x Vintage 1970's 1 / 4?? control knobs - Carlsbro - WEM - Watkins

London, E7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£125

Set of x7 vintage 1970's Taiwanese amplifier control knobs
these will fit a 1 / 4" shaft and afix with grub screws
these are just over an inch wide and are nice and heavy not cheap like the later knobs in this style
Perfect if you have a vintage seventies amplifier / FX unit and want some period correct knobs
Buy them before I decide to buy an amp to put them on!!
the listing is for 7
anything else just ask
... more
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WEM ER 30 Röhrenverstärker Und Dual Twelve Boxen

WEM ER 30 Röhrenverstärker Und Dual Twelve Boxen

Coesfeld, 48***, GERMANY

€456

Erleben Sie die authentische Klangqualität des WEM ER 30 Röhrenverstärkers, einer echten Rarität für Musikenthusiasten. Dieser Combo-Röhrenverstärker, bekannt für seine präzise Verstärkertechnik und die Anbindung an einen einzelnen Lautsprecher, liefert einen reinen, unverfälschten Klang, der von Musikern mit höchsten Ansprüchen geschätzt wird. Die Verbindung zu zwei Boxen erweitert Ihr Klangerlebnis und sorgt für eine beeindruckende Raumfüllung. Ein Muss für Liebhaber ... more
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70s WEM BAND MIXER 100 AMP - OLDIE - made in UK

70's WEM BAND MIXER 100 AMP - OLDIE - made in UK

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€299

70's WEM Band Mixer 100 :
+ additional fan in back & plus a knob are installed
+ 220 volts version
+ 2nd slider knob from left is also missing
+ untested
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>
... more
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WEM AX-100 ultra rare 100 watt solid state amp top 1970s

WEM AX-100 ultra rare 100 watt solid state amp top 1970s

Knaresborough, HG5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£350

WEM AX 100Watkins Electric Music Ltd
I've had this amp for 40 years and it's not been used since my teenage bands last rehearsal / gig 38 years ago . It's been well stored and in amazing condition for an amp that's well over 50 years old.
This is a very rare British built amp that's famous for that retro 60's and 70's sound.
Technical 100 watts, 4 inputs, send / return, slave output
Great for use with multifx units or pedal boards, clean solidstate with much brilliance, or ... more
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Pair of matching 2x10 Elac C 10" ceramic guitar speakers 1965 Wem Vox Dallas

Pair of matching 2x10 Elac C 10" ceramic guitar speakers 1965 Wem Vox Dallas

London, E7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£313

pair of matching mid sixties Elac 10" guitar speakers
10 watts @ 8 ohms each
These were originally in a Selmer two tone cab
cool ceramic guitar speakers with their original cones, one of the frames is unpainted, not sure why, both have their model no stamps and Elac labels,
fully functional with no issues(just some dust flecks to one of the cones), I collect speakers so these will be well packed and arrive ready to rock
These can be wired in either 16 ohms or 4 ohms and will ... more
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Watkins dominator mk1 bass amp see description

Watkins dominator mk1 bass amp see description

Stockbridge, SO20***, UNITED KINGDOM

£261

Here we have my dads old watkins dominator bass mk1, a classic british tube amp made from 1972 to late 70s
we've owned this one for about 30 years. it's always been a bit crackly so was only lightly used as a static practice amp, however the hum hiss and crackle has got worse over the years due to dust and lack of maintenance so it's time to hopefully find someone to revive and enjoy it
non original front cloth and missing it's badge
every bit as scuffed, scratched and worn overall as ... more
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Find more WEM Clubman amps for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 3 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Andrew Comment left 12th February 2016 03:03:51 reply
I am currently selling a circa 74 Clubman. It would be nice if it went to an appreciative home.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WEM-Clubman-Guitar-Amp-/262280262746?hash=item3d111f345a:g:Z6oAAOSw~OVWt1vP Thank you Andrew
Andy Liggins Comment left 25th September 2014 20:08:35 reply
Hi - thank you for the article. Do you know what make of valves were originally used in these please? Thank you. Andy
franjo Comment left 22nd November 2012 09:09:14 reply
thanks for thegreat work, presenting the thing in a very pure way! many regards

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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