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WEM | AMPLIFIERS | ER-15

WEM ER-15

14w valve guitar amplifier

In the early-mid 1960s, WEM produced a number of combo amplifiers (such as the Scout, Dominator, Westminster etc). But the 15 watt WEM ER-15 control amplifier head was designed to be a more versatile unit, depending on what speaker it was paired with: e.g. suitable for guitar (Dual Ten, or Super Twelve) or bass (Power Bass). Furthermore the control unit could be paired with more than one cabinet. As the name suggests the Dual Ten was fitted with two 10" speakers, the Super Twelve just one 12", and the Power Bass, one 12" bass speaker.

The WEM Control ER 15 evolved from the early 1960s Pick-a-Back / Pick-a-Bass control unit. Visually they were very similar, though the Pick-a-Back / Pick-a-Bass was slightly less powerful at just 14 watts. But both were 2 channel amps, with the same volume, treble and bass controls for each channel, and a choice of speaker configurations, but just two: the Pick-a-Back corresponding to the Dual Ten with two 10" speakers; and the Pick-a-Bass with one 12" bass speaker. But there was some crossover - in the rig shown below the ER-15 is paired with a slightly older Pick-a-Bass (not Power Bass) cabinet.

The ER-15 was described as follows in the 1964 WEM catalogue

15 watts of wide range playing power. Two input channels each with independent volume, treble and bass controls. This unit is typical of the W.E.M. electronics. It will give long and reliable service under any conditions. The E.R. 15 is primarily intended as the power source for any of the loudspeaker systems shown separately to drive existing 15 ohm speakers. Used with other W.E.M. equipment it proves to be a very versatile piece of equipment.

Like other WEM gear, these were produced in London, England, and had a January 1965 price of £24 3S

WEM control ER-15 head

The Control ER-15 head with two channels - each with gain, bass and treble control. Included with this unit were two metal 'screws' each XXcm long, enabling the head to be attached to the speaker cabinet. Naturally, from the early 1960s, this is a valve amplifier, equipped with two 12AX7s, and two EL84 power tubes.

WEM ER-15 with Pick-a-Bass cabinet

But the two units were designed to be positioned horizontally (as shown above), vertically (as shown below) and, in fact, in a number of other orientations (see page 4 of the 1964 WEM catalogue). This amp was all about versatility! The cab even came with four detachable legs that screwed into the bottom, allowing it to stand upright.

WEM ER-15 with Pick-a-Bass cabinet in upright orientation

Amp head: Height 18cm/7ins • Width 40.5cm/16ins • Depth 20cm/8ins
Speaker cabinet: Height 66.5cm/26ins (without legs) • Width 43cm/17ins • Depth 30cm/12ins

WEM ER-15 video clips

1961 Hofner Colorama I / 1963 WEM ER 15 (3m 07s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1961 Hofner Colorama, 1963 WEM ER-15

This is a wonderful playing guitar - and it sounds pretty cool through the WEM ER15. The Hofner Colorama was sold by Selmer in the UK 1958-1965: yet the several different guitars were included under the moniker at different times. In 1961 it was a nice set-neck solid body, with a Hofner 510 diamond logo pickup, and a long 6-in-a-row headstock. The controls of these single pickup models are easier to understand than the dual pickup examples, but are still not totally intuitive. These are 1) natural pickup sound 2) treble cut 3) bass cut 4) treble and bass cut. Because the electronics on these controls only act on a single pickup, there is not quite the range of sounds on a dual pickup example, and frankly, they seem pretty subtle. Compare this to the dual pickup 1960 Colorama - the treble/bass switches also turn pickups on/off making the effect far more noticeable - and because of this, using the treble and bass cut together is not possible.

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

1961 Hofner Colorama I / 1963 WEM ER 15, long version (long version, 7m 18s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1961 Hofner Colorama, 1963 WEM ER-15

Long version of this video with extra amp settings: starting off clean and gradually getting crunchier as we go. An easy playing guitar and a sweet sounding amp.

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II / 1963 WEM ER 15 (4m 41s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1960 Hofner Colorama, 1963 WEM ER-15

This is a great little guitar - and it sounds pretty cool through the WEM ER15. The Hofner Colorama was sold by Selmer in the UK 1958-1965: yet the several different guitars were included under the moniker at different times. In 1960 it was a nice set-neck semi-solid - and one of the lightest guitars i've ever played! The controls are not totally intuitive, but the five basic settings have real character. These are 1) both pickups 2) neck pickup 3) neck pickup with treble cut 4) bridge pickup 5) bridge pickup with bass cut.

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

1960 Hofner Colorama II / 1963 WEM ER 15, long version (long version, 9m 42s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1960 Hofner Colorama, 1963 WEM ER-15

Long version of this video with extra amp and guitar settings. The treble pickup is biting, the 'bass on' (neck pickup + treble cut filter) is fat and warm. Very easy to alternate between jagged stabs and lazy laid back jazz.

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

1966 Vox New Escort / 1963 WEM ER15 (7m 57s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1966 Vox New Escort, 1963 WEM ER-15

This is a fabulous guitar - Vox's take on the Fender Telecaster (which was in pretty short supply in mid-1960s Britain), and actually a pretty awesome player. It sounds pretty good through this 1963 WEM ER15 with some lovely rich tones, but check it out through the 1965 Vox AC4 and early 70s WEM Dominator

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass / 1963 WEM ER 15 (short version, 2m 26s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1966 Vox Symphonic, 1963 WEM ER-15

This clip shows this 1966 Vox Symphonic bass played through a 1963 WEM ER15 with 1x12" Pick-A-Bass cab. This is a really nice playing bass, not dissimilar from the early 1960s Precision on which it was based. It's got a good tone, and is a far more substantial bass than many made by Vox. Strung here with Fender 9050L flatwound strings. This video shows a small sample of sounds using different bass and amp settings. See the longer version for a more in depth view of what this guitar/amp combination can do.

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

1966 Vox Symphonic bass / 1963 WEM ER15 (long version, 4m 18s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1966 Vox Symphonic, 1963 WEM ER-15

This clip shows this 1966 Vox Symphonic bass played through a 1963 WEM ER15 with 1X12" Pick-A-Bass cab. This is a really nice playing bass, not dissimilar from the early 1960s Precision on which it was based. It's got a good tone, and is a far more substantial bass than many made by Vox. Strung here with Fender 9050L flatwound strings.

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 Bassmaster / 1963 WEM ER15 (2m 28s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Bassmaster, 1963 WEM ER-15

A UK-built (JMI) 1963 Vox Bassmaster dual pickup bass guitar, played through an (also 1963) British WEM ER-15 head with Pick-A-Bass cab. I usually prefer flatwounds on basses like this, but the ancient rattley roundwounds that were on it just sounded so great cranked up, I had to record it. Check it out - listen to the end!

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 Clubman / 1963 WEM ER15 (3m 14s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Clubman II, 1963 WEM ER-15

More about this guitar: https://www.vintageguitarandbass.com/vox/1963_Clubman_II.php Two from 1963. The Vox Clubman came as a single or dual pickup guitar - pretty basic, but with Vox's standard V1 pickups pretty nice sounding too. The WEM ER15 functions equally well as a guitar or bass amp, and with the gain turned up has PLENTY of bite.

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 Shadow / 1963 WEM ER15 (5m 35s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Shadow, 1963 WEM ER-15

A nice dual pickup 1963 Vox Shadow played through a 1963 WEM ER15 amplifier. Early Vox guitars often don't have great build quality, but the pickups are pretty nice. With a little love and attention (specifically frets and set-up), these lightweight guitars can sing like a lark!

There were several Vox Shadow variants. Check out vintageguitarandbass.com for a whole lot more on the Vox Shadow.

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

1967 Gibson Melody Maker Bass / 1963 WEM ER15 (2m 05s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1967 Gibson Melody Maker bass, 1963 WEM ER-15

A really cool bass, played through an equally cool amp. A rare Gibson Melody Maker bass, circa 1967, through a British WEM ER15 tube amplifier, with 'Pick-A-Bass' cabinet. With Gibson's hot EB-humbucker, a short 30" scale, all-mahogany construction - and finally strung with flatwounds - this bass is just SUPER FAT.

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 amplifiers for sale

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Wem Power Bass Amp. Control Er15

Wem Power Bass Amp. Control Er15

Huntsville, Alabama, 358**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$795

Wem Power Bass control er15 amp. Mid 60's mfg. In storage since 69. The amp is in excellent playing condition, the cabinet fair condition. It's still wired to European 220v and is played through a step up transformer here in the US. The transformer is included. All original except 1 replaced knob
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80s WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO TUBE AMP - made in ENGLAND

80's WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO TUBE AMP - made in ENGLAND

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

€599

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80s WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO -- made in England

80's WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO -- made in England

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

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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

£466

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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Vintage 1970s WEM Watkins Westminster MKIX 1x12 Valve Guitar Amplifier Combo

Vintage 1970s WEM Watkins Westminster MKIX 1x12 Valve Guitar Amplifier Combo

Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM

£395

Vintage 1970s WEM Watkins Westminster MKIX 1x12 Valve Guitar Amplifier Combo
A wonderful 1970s WEM Westminster MKIX 1x12 combo, complete with a Britdale 12" speaker, which I am almost certain is original. However, I've priced it to sell as if the speaker is an early replacement - grab a bargain! The transformers are original to the amplifier also. I found this one local to me, and it's super clean and uncirculated. Instant classic 'Oasis' style sounds! You'll not be disappointed. Please check... more
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80s WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO TUBE AMP - made in ENGLAND

80's WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO TUBE AMP - made in ENGLAND

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

€599

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80s WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO -- made in England

80's WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO -- made in England

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

€599

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WEM Westminster 15 Amplifier

WEM Westminster 15 Amplifier

South Shields, NE34***, UNITED KINGDOM

£363

This is a vintage WEM Westminster 15 Amplifier from the 1970s
Very good condition for its age. Has been in storage for approx 15 years but was serviced just before then.
These amps are still being used by top bands for gigs and recordings, real vintage valve sound!
(The WEM logo badge needs securing on properly, I??m not good at stuff like that )
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WEM PA 40 Amplifier & 2 Speakers WITH 2X10 IN EACH CAB

WEM PA 40 Amplifier & 2 Speakers WITH 2X10 IN EACH CAB

Carlisle, CA10***, UNITED KINGDOM

£461

This WEM PA 40 amplifier and speaker set is the perfect addition to any musician's collection. With two speakers and two channels, it's suitable for a range of Vocals , guitars including acoustic, acoustic electric, and electric. The head amplifier type provides a versatile and powerful sound, while the WEM product line ensures high quality and reliability. Ideal for small to medium-sized gigs, this amplifier and speaker set is a must-have for any guitar enthusiast. Whether you're a beginner or ... more
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WEM ER40  Amplifier + 2 original speakers

WEM ER40 Amplifier + 2 original speakers

Carlisle, CA1***, UNITED KINGDOM

£313

WEM ER 40 PA system, including a keyboard, guitar and bass amplifier, and 2 original speakers. The amplifier is 2 channel, with 2 inputs per channel, treble boost, 40 Watt. The speakers are also 40 watt, 12 ohms with 12" drivers. Great, clear sound. Classic 70's rigg.... 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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*Ex Suzi Quatro* Vintage 1972 WEM Starfinder 4x12 Guitar Amplifier Cabinet 1970s

*Ex Suzi Quatro* Vintage 1972 WEM Starfinder 4x12 Guitar Amplifier Cabinet 1970s

Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM

£5495

*Ex Suzi Quatro* Vintage 1972 WEM Starfinder 4x12 Guitar Amplifier Cabinet 1970s
I cannot express how excited I am to offer this truly rare cabinet for sale. This wonderful thing was rescued from a skip in London, of all places!! It's a 1972 WEM Starfinder 4x12 cabinet that was used by Suzi Quatro on her first tour with Slade and Thin Lizzy in 1972, and then subsequently during her own 1974 tour. Suzi and her son have very, very kindly confirmed this. The Celestion G12H speakers are slightly ... more
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80s WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO TUBE AMP - made in ENGLAND

80's WEM DOMINATOR 25 MK II COMBO TUBE AMP - made in ENGLAND

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€499


80's WEM Dominator 25 MK II COMBO -- made in England:
+ 25 watts
+ all tubes
+ NO SPEAKER INCLUDED (cut for a 15 ")
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
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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
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Watkins WEM Clubman Makin Controlled Power Amplifier

Watkins WEM Clubman Makin Controlled Power Amplifier

Derby, DE21***, UNITED KINGDOM

£300

Rare vintage Watkins wem clubman mk ii 1960s guitar amp in good working order condition is pretty good for its age please look at pictures before bidding. Please look at video

https: / / youtu be / Jnee7MO4unM?si=C7rTyB2Q4zRTxva



COLLECTION ONLY THANKS
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4 Ohm ELAC UK  Alnico 2 x  loud Speaker 5W Selmer Watkins WEM guitar Valve amp

4 Ohm ELAC UK Alnico 2 x loud Speaker 5W Selmer Watkins WEM guitar Valve amp

Brancaster, Norfolk, PE31***, UNITED KINGDOM

£124

The product is a vintage 4 Ohm ELAC CELESTION UK Alnico 2 xloudspeaker, suitable for various types of guitars and amplifiers from theearly 1960s. With a maximum short term power handling of 18 watts when wired inseries, and an RMS power handling of 10 watts, this speaker is designed for usewith valve amplifiers such as Selmer, Watkins, and WEM, VOX PATHFINDER, VOX, VALCO, DALLAS ARBITER ETC. The speaker features an elliptical cone shape, alnico magnet, and vacuum tube technology, making it ideal... more
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Pair of matching 2x10 Elac 10" ALNICO guitar speakers  Wem Vox Dallas sixties

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

London, E7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£593

pair of matching early sixties Elac 10" Alnico guitar speakers
10 watts @ 4 ohms each

as would be used in a Watkins / WEM combo or a Dallas arbiter valve combo, Vox also used these in their Domino series and AC10's as well as Selmer and a few other British manufacturers (Carlsbro, BIRD etc)

The cones move freely and they have no issues, Alnico speakers with their original cones are RARE, most of them didn't survive the sixties and the onset of 100w amplifiers!
Price is ... more
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Wem Dominator 45  BASS - Vintage All Valve Amp (EL84 / ECC83 / Eminence Delta 15 " )

Wem Dominator 45 BASS - Vintage All Valve Amp (EL84 / ECC83 / Eminence Delta 15 " )

Exeter, EX5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£313

For Sale is my old Wem Dominator 45 Bass amp from around 1978 / 9. It's all valve with X3 ECC83 valves (which I think are JJ) and X4 EL84 valves which I upgraded to EL84-Cz TAD PREMIUM Matched, in around 2009. I also upgraded the desintergrated celestion speaker that it came out of the factory with an Eminence Delta (still the 15" variety). I've owned the amp for over 30 years, it was actually my first ever amp
Please see the front grille damage from a very naughty flatcoat retriever from a ... more
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Vintage 1970s WEM Elac 2x10 w /  Tweeter PA Amplifier Cabinets EMPTY *Ex Graphite*

Vintage 1970s WEM Elac 2x10 w / Tweeter PA Amplifier Cabinets EMPTY *Ex Graphite*

Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM

£395

Vintage 1970s WEM Elac 2x10 w / Tweeter PA Amplifier Cabinets EMPTY *Ex Graphite
I am so excited to offer this pair of cabinets for sale. These were originally owned by British Rustic-Folk band Graphite, who stencilled their band name to the rear, and then were sold on to a small studio where they'd been for many years, unused. They're what I believe to be one of only a handful of custom made PA cabinets. I've not seen another set of 2x10 PA columns, with the added Celestion T1360 tweeters.... 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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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