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FENDER | CATALOGUES | 1963 1964 | PAGE 4

Fender Showman, Dual Showman, Twin Reverb, and Concert amplifiers

Fender 1963/1964 catalog page 4

Fender 1963/1964 guitar catalogue. Page 4 begins a double page spread dedicated to Fender amplifiers. Although a total of ten amplifiers are included across pages 3-5, not all models in the Fender line are included in this catalogue. On this page, the 4x10" Fender Concert, the 1x12" or 1x15" Showman, the 2x15" Dual Showman, and the 2x12" Twin Reverb.

Fender amplifiers were considerably more expensive than their guitars. The July 1963 US list prices for these Fender amplifiers were as follows: Fender Dual Showman $915, Showman (15") $660; Showman (12") $625; Twin Reverb $469.50; Concert $369.50.

1963 1964 Fender guitar catalog page 4 - Fender Showman, Dual Showman, Twin Reverb, and Concert
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1974 Fender Twin Silver Face. Stock. No Mods. Original. 2 X 12 Combo. Speakers.

1974 Fender Twin Silver Face. Stock. No Mods. Original. 2 X 12 Combo. Speakers.

Omaha, Nebraska, 681**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Fender Twin 1974 Silver Face. Stock, No Mods, Original. Condition is "Used " .
Pull out Master Knob
Speaker mfg code dates the amp at 1974
However I could be an early 1975. Stock. No mods Tubes: RCA 7552 Speakers:
Fender blue label
Oxford 465's
Made in U S.A
005379
465-412
12T6-10... more
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Fender Twin Reverb Tube Amp 1979-1989

Fender Twin Reverb Tube Amp 1979-1989

Sugar Land, Texas, 774**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Product Description
Stock #: M316
Manufacture: Fender
Model: Twin Reverb
Description: For sale is a Fender Twin Reverb tube amp. This amp is showing signs of wear from use over the years. The serial number dates this specific amp to 1979-1980. There is some white marks on the top of the amp. Please examine the photos very carefully to determine more details on the condition of the item . THIS ITEM IS LOCAL PICK UP ONLY!!! Feel free to ask any questions you may have. You are welcome ... more
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1958 Fender Twin or Deluxe set of 2 Jensen 12" P12Q speakers but need re-coning.

1958 Fender Twin or Deluxe set of 2 Jensen 12" P12Q speakers but need re-coning.

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

$495

We have a rare matched set of 1958 Fender by Jensen 12" P12Q blue back Speakers from a Twin, Tremolux or Deluxe Tweed Amp dated from the 16th week of 1958. They are in need of a complete recone service & would be perfect for any application in any amp made during the late 50's or early 60's. They are sold "as-is" & are completely original.... more
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1958 Fender Twin or Deluxe Jensen 1x12" C12Q speaker but needs re-coning.

1958 Fender Twin or Deluxe Jensen 1x12" C12Q speaker but needs re-coning.

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

$250

We have a rare 1958 Fender 1x12" Speaker by Jensen its a C12Q blue back Speaker from a Tremolux or Deluxe Tweed Amp dated from the 11th week of 1958. It needs of a complete recone service & would be perfect for any application in any amp made during the late 50's or early 60's. This is being sold "as-is" & is completely original.... more
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1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A  Guitar Amplifier

1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Guitar Amplifier

Birmingham, Alabama, 352**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$19500

This is a 1958 5F8 Tweed Twin chassis. Serial #A00053
Obviously, its pretty rough, but it works, and it screams.
When I got it (chassis only), it had been neglected for years and was a mess. It needed a full cap job, new 3 prong cable, fuse holder, a few of the pots replaced, 1 input jack, the rectifier socket, and little bit of wiring cleanup work.
After all that, and installing a full new set of Tung Sol tubes, she fired right up. The transformers and all the Astrons and components... more
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1974 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface - master volume, foot switch

1974 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface - master volume, foot switch

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$875

1974 silver face twin reverb, with foot switch, master volume (factory, per the year), 3 prong power cord, good caster wheels mounted underside.
LOCAL PICKUP IN HOUSTON (77018). I don??t know how I could ship this monster without risking damage or incurring major cost to do it right.

Sounds great on both channels. Tone controls work well, reverb and vibrato work great. Loud! It breaks up at lower volume on the rev / vib channel, which is how I use it. But can be pristine clean if... more
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Fender Twin Reverb 1974 Silverface

Fender Twin Reverb 1974 Silverface

Peekskill, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1495

This is a vintage 1974 Fender Twin Reverb with a Silverface panel. Arguably Fender's most recognized amplifiers, the Twin Reverb is all tube and pushes around 100W through two 12" speakers. This particular one is in amazing condition, having been purchased and tucked away soon after. It recently brought out of storage and was serviced, given fresh electrolytic capacitors and a Blackface adjustable bias circuit. Notably, it features its original vintage tube complement, including all RCA 6L6 / ... more
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1962 Fender Concert 6G4-A  2x10 Tube Combo Amplifier w /  Allessandro Spkrs #46004

1962 Fender Concert 6G4-A 2x10 Tube Combo Amplifier w / Allessandro Spkrs #46004

Burbank, California, 915**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

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eBay Template Design by OCDesignsOnline HomeAboutTestimonialsPoliciesContactSell your Gear 1962 Fender Concert 6G4-A 2x10 Tube Combo Amplifier w / Allessandro Spkrs #46004 ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Item DescriptionWORKING CONDITION: Very Good - Works well. However, when playing through the vibrato ... more
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RARE VINTAGE 1975 FENDER SUPER TWIN GUITAR AMP PROFESSIONALLY OVERHAULED RARE

RARE VINTAGE 1975 FENDER SUPER TWIN GUITAR AMP PROFESSIONALLY OVERHAULED RARE

Mount Holly, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$749

VINTAGE 1975 FENDER SUPER TWIN GUITAR AMP PROFESSIONALLY OVERHAULED. Condition is Used. RARE RARE RARE
This amp is NOT a twin reverb. It is a super twin. It has NO REVERB. The super twin has more power
I bought this amp in 1983 and never used it professionally. Very clean. Does have some tape residue in spots. With original cover that has some wear and splits. The speakers are original. No foot switch. On the back it says it has 180 watts at 4 ohms. In 2020 I had it ... more
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Vintage 1971 Fender Twin Reverb Amplifier Silver Face Works 2x12 Original Tubes

Vintage 1971 Fender Twin Reverb Amplifier Silver Face Works 2x12 Original Tubes

West Covina, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

Get ready to rock with this vintage 1971 Fender Twin Reverb Amplifier Silver Face. This classic combo amp features two 12 inch speakers and two channels, making it perfect for performances in any venue. The Fender Tone Master product line is known for its high-quality vacuum tube amplifier technology and this model is no exception.

The amplifier is in excellent working condition with all original tubes intact. It's suitable for anyone looking for that authentic vintage sound. ... more
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1973 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface Vintage Tube Amp, Serviced w /  Hangtag, Cover

1973 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface Vintage Tube Amp, Serviced w / Hangtag, Cover

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2400

Up for sale, a 1973 Fender Twin Reverb in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hangtag, Victoria Luggage slip cover, and two-button footswitch. Loaded with the original pair of Oxford 12T6 12" drivers and a matched quartet of brand new Sovtek 5881 (6L6GC) power tubes, this amp lives up to its reputation for delivering the most formidable, glassy, and balanced clean tones a tube amp can provide. Perfect not only for guitar, the Twin is an excellent choice ... more
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Vintage Fender Dual Showman Reverb Amp TFL 5000D Serviced Tube Recapped Pedal

Vintage Fender Dual Showman Reverb Amp TFL 5000D Serviced Tube Recapped Pedal

Custer, South Dakota, 577**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

This vintage Fender Dual Showman Reverb Amp TFL 5000D is a classic piece of musical equipment that has been fully serviced and recapped. With its vacuum tube technology, it delivers warm and rich tones that are perfect for electric guitars. Made in the United States, this amp is a true gem for any musician The brand, Fender, is known for its high-quality musical instruments and gear, and this Dual Showman model is no exception. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, this ... more
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Vintage Fender Showman Cabinet with dual D140-F JBL Speakers

Vintage Fender Showman Cabinet with dual D140-F JBL Speakers

Glendale, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Notes: 1. Item is for sale locally and if sold locally, this listing will be terminated immediately 2. We are not experts in these vintage musical instruments - please make sure that these are right for your application before buying / bidding 3. LOCAL PICKUP ONLY
Fender Showman Single Cabinet converted to Dual with Signature JBL D140-F Lansing gray speakers serial #17514 / 17538. Black tolex with black grille cloth! Has guides on two sides!
Measurements: 36?? x 24?? x 11 1 / ... more
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Vintage 1964 Blonde Fender Showman Guitar Tube Head AB763

Vintage 1964 Blonde Fender Showman Guitar Tube Head AB763

Spring, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2150

Completely restored, recapped, new tube sockets, retubed matching pairs by Todd Sharp of Nashville Amplifier Service & Todd Sharp Amps. Very good condition, clean and performs beautifully. Punchy and powerful as expected from a proper example of this model. *No back panel. Prefer local sale
Shipping can be sketchy, and postage is a bit expensive due to the size and type of the box required plus insurance. Feel free to make your own shipping arrangements or pickup local, ??I??m happy to ... more
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1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Vintage Tube Amp 2x12 w /  Jensen P12N

1958 Fender High Power Tweed Twin 5F8-A Vintage Tube Amp 2x12 w / Jensen P12N

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14000

Up for sale, a 1958 Fender "High Power" Tweed Twin 5F8-A in excellent condition and in perfect working order. This Twin features a very original circuit, rehoused in an replica speaker cabinet and loaded with a pair of era-correct Jensen P12N alnico magnet speakers
Occupying a very narrow window in Fender's golden age, the 5F8-A Twin was the pinnacle of Tweed era evolution and unmatched in power and headroom, first available in late 1957 and retired by January, 1960. This example was made in... more
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1964 Fender Twin Reverb

1964 Fender Twin Reverb

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4995

1964 Fender Twin Reverb, Black panel FEI model, Two Jensenspeakers, beautiful Clean condition, Hard to find year, Original footswitch, Addedcasters, beautiful amp, Excellent condition
A word aboutpurchasing any of these rare Vintage amps, ??these amps need to be regularlycared for??. These are very old and mayneed to be or may have been serviced in the past. We recommend that any ofthese amps upon purchase be serviced and then regularly looked over by askilled amp tech. Used amps are ... more
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1982 Fender Operation Instruction Manual 019924A / Fender Concert Series Amplifier

1982 Fender Operation Instruction Manual 019924A / Fender Concert Series Amplifier

Rockford, Illinois, 611**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$65

This vintage 1982 Fender Operation Instruction Manual is a must-have for any serious guitar enthusiast. The 10 page manual provides detailed instructions on how to operate the Fender Concert Series Amplifier, model number 0199A, which was manufactured in the United States. Additional items included with this offer, a fully printed schematic and a limited warranty information card

In addition to its practical value, this manual is also a prized collector's item. It is rare to ... more
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Vintage 1972 Fender Twin Reverb

Vintage 1972 Fender Twin Reverb

Lafayette, Louisiana, 705**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Check out what the consignment team found!
Vintage Fender Twin Reverb Amp up for grabs. This 1972 amp comes with the original foot switch and amp cover. The amp does need some TLC. It has a broken knob and the pots need to be cleaned. It also has casters to help move about
Local pickup only on this one. Serious inquiries only
... more
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1965 Fender Showman

1965 Fender Showman

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3995

1965 Fender Showman head and 1X15 speaker cab, Four 6L6tubes, Massive sounding rig with a great clean sound, The bass sounds robust! Amazing Fender vibrato, Super cool amp
A word about purchasing any of these rare Vintage amps, ??these amps need to be regularly cared for??. These are very old and may need to be or may have been serviced in thepast. We recommend that any of these amps upon purchase be serviced and thenregularly looked over by a skilled amp tech. Used amps are sold here on ... more
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1974 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface Guitar Amp 2x12 Speaker Combo w /  Footswitch

1974 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface Guitar Amp 2x12 Speaker Combo w / Footswitch

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

$2000

... more
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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.

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 bassRose-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 ZambesiThis 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 AceThe 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 EscortThe 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 CareCatalog 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 FolkThe 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 guitarThe 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 catalogHagstrom 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 PresidentThe 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.