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FENDER | CATALOGS | 1970 | PAGE 2

1970 Fender guitar, bass and amp catalog - page 2

Fender 1970 guitar and bass catalog. Page 2.

Fender now makes a full line of solid body and semi-acoustic guitars and basses. From the low-cost beginner and student models like the Musicmaster and Bronco. To the three pickup Stratocaster and the highly versatile Jazzmaster. And the Jaguar, which gives you all the Fender you can get in a solid body guitar. Whether your style is "Rock," "Country" or "Jazz," you know there's a Fender electric guitar to communicate your message.

1970 Fender guitar and bass catalog - page 2
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1970 Fender Rosewood Telecaster Vintage Guitar w /  Case

1970 Fender Rosewood Telecaster Vintage Guitar w / Case

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

$23800

Up for sale, a 1970 Fender Rosewood Telecaster in excellent condition and in perfect working order. The instrument is made entirely of rosewood, minimally chambered from the factory with a small central strip of maple bisecting the body, weighing 9lbs 2oz. Extremely original and well-kept, this Telecaster features stock electronics, hardware, plastics and its gloss finish, highlighting the grain of the rosewood
Ever since George Harrison slung a Fender prototype of this model over his ... more
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1971 Fender Telecaster W rosewood Neck.

1971 Fender Telecaster W rosewood Neck.

Yorba Linda, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7100

This 1971 Fender Telecaster is a true classic for any guitar enthusiast. With its iconic rosewood neck and body, this electric guitar is a must-have for collectors and musicians alike. The guitar is designed for right-handed players and features a 6 string configuration
The Fender Telecaster is known for its exceptional sound quality and playability, and this guitar is no exception. Its solid body type and high-quality materials, including rosewood and maple, ensure that this guitar will ... more
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1971 FENDER STRATOCASTER, 4-BOLT NECK, FULLY ORIGINAL, INCLUDES HANGTAG AND CASE

1971 FENDER STRATOCASTER, 4-BOLT NECK, FULLY ORIGINAL, INCLUDES HANGTAG AND CASE

Harrison, Arkansas, 726**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12500

THIS IS A FULLY ORIGINAL, EARLY 1971 4-BOLT NECK FENDER STRATOCASTER, DATED MARCH 1971, IN MODERATELY WORN CONDITION. IT EVEN INCLUDES ITS UNTAMPERED 3-WAY SELECTOR SWITCH WITH ITS FULLY ORIGINAL WIRING HARNESS AND UNBROKEN SOLDER JOINTS. THE ORIGINAL HANGTAG WITH MATCHING SERIAL NUMBER, AS SEEN IN THE CLOSE-UP, IS INSIDE THE CASE POCKET OF THE ORIGINAL TAILED-LOGO CASE, AS SEEN IN THE LAST PICTURE
THE ONE-PIECE MAPLE NECK SHOWS SOME NORMAL PLAYING WEAR, ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL FRETS, AS ... more
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1971 Fender Precision Bass with Warmoth Fretless Neck (modified)

1971 Fender Precision Bass with Warmoth Fretless Neck (modified)

Poway, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2495

This bass has an incredible history. The bass started life as a 1971 Fender Precision bass. A few years later, the Schecter Guitar Research company in Van Nuys, California did an upgrade and added Bartoline pickups, changed to a Bad Ass II bridge, changed to a Schecter chrome plated brass pick guard, and redid the electronics using Bourns high performance potentiometers which was Schecter's trademark. Around the late 80s, the neck was upgraded to a Wormoth fretless. The Schaller tuning machines ... more
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1971  /  1978 Fender telecaster

1971 / 1978 Fender telecaster

Naples, Florida, 341**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3595

1971 / 1978 Fender Telecaster. Plays great and sounds great ! The original fender RARE Flame neck is 1978 is straight with good feet life left. The original Fender awesome flame body is 1972 and has a non pro pool cavity. 1978 pickups, as well as bridge and saddles , neck plate, control plate, knobs and strap buttons. The tuners are newer, as well as 3 way switch, pickguard and non original pots and cap. Weight of guitar is approx 7 5lbs. Come with addition pickguard and new humbucker ... more
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1972 fender precision bass Original P Bass

1972 fender precision bass Original P Bass

Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

This is my baby. It??s a 1972 fender precision bass. Everything on this bass is original. I bought this at a guitar show in the late 90s. I??ve gigged with it and recorded with it for more than 25 years. It is extremely hard for me to part with it but I have a hand injury and unfortunately can??t play the bass anymore. I may be bias but I??ve never felt a better playing bass.
It??s got some cosmetic wear from years of gigging (see photos)but it is solid. American made. Maple neck. Good ... more
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1972 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Mocha with Hard Shell Case

1972 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Mocha with Hard Shell Case

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 354**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2150

I was going to be a big rock star, but unfortunately I can barely play 3 chords from Gloria. Oh well
I also bought this vintage guitar from the original owner as an investment. Classic, vintage
The guitar plays well in my opinion. It is mechanically sound. Electrically, I think everything works, but the controls are a little scratchy. I haven't taken it apart so I don't know if they are original. I didn't let my brother-in-law touch it; he was going to "tune" it. Oops
The mocha ... more
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1972 Fender Precision Bass Rosewood Fretboard Riggio Refin

1972 Fender Precision Bass Rosewood Fretboard Riggio Refin

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 838**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Northwest Vintage Guitars is very proud to present this 1972 Fender Precision Bass with an amazing Joe Riggio aged, weather checked, and reliced Olympic White Nitrocellulose finish   Introduced in 1951, the Precision Bass took it's current split pickup form in 1957 and it has remained largely unchanged to the present day   The dark, striated Rosewood fretboard is sublime and the flamed maple neck is surely a bonus   
This example received this beautiful Olympic White aged and relic finish... more
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1971 Fender Mustang Bass - Competition Red - Vintage Short Scale Bass

1971 Fender Mustang Bass - Competition Red - Vintage Short Scale Bass

Springfield, Virginia, 221**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Original '60s fat Mustang sounds meet with the comfortable contoured body of a '70s!
* Everything is original except for pickups and pickguard, both are originally from 1967 *
*Body: * Refinished in Nitro Candy Apple Red with stripes to restore its original beauty. The routes have been filled (see photo)
*Neck: * The original finish has aged nicely. The truss rod functions properly. (The truss rod nut has been replaced because the original threads were becoming loose; the original ... more
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Vintage 1971 Fender Precision Bass Modified Ocean Turquoise with OHSC

Vintage 1971 Fender Precision Bass Modified Ocean Turquoise with OHSC

Santa Monica, California, 904**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }The 70's were a funky time, and funky times brought funky mods, which led to funky basses like this funk machine!  Here we have a heavily modified vintage Fender Precision Bass   There is a lot going on with it .we've done all the digging we could, and are presenting with as much info as possible   Here's the scoop:
This instrument began life in 1970 as an Ocean Turquoise P Bass   That's when the body was built - and we say 1970 because that's ... more
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1972 / 1977 Fender Stratocaster Black and Maple, Parts Built ?? OG Grey Bottom Pups

1972 / 1977 Fender Stratocaster Black and Maple, Parts Built ?? OG Grey Bottom Pups

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

$6200

1972 / 1977 Fender Stratocaster Black and Maple, Parts Built ?? OG Grey Bottom Pickups, Iconic Look, Unmatched Playability
Here??s a Strat that has a very cool story to tell. Built from a 1972 Fender neck and a 1977 Fender body, this maple-on-black beauty oozes vintage charm while offering a flawless, modern playing experience. The original grey-bottom pickups from the late ?70s are still intact, delivering that unmistakable bell-like chime, warm midrange, and crisp articulation that make a ... more
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Used Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline - 3-Color Sunburst

Used Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline - 3-Color Sunburst

Maryville, Tennessee, 378**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1850

Fender American Vintage II 72 Telecaster Thinline-3 Tone Sunburst. This guitar is in excellent condition with no gouges, dings, and has virtually zero play wear. It does have "used" gently stamped on the back of the headstock. The action is nice and low and it plays and sounds great! Comes with OHSC and case candy
WEIGHT: 7 pounds 5 ounces
The Fender® American Vintage II series presents a remarkably accurate take on the revolutionary designs that altered the course of musical history. ... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline - Aged Natural - USA MADE!

Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline - Aged Natural - USA MADE!

Winnetka, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1695

Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline - Aged Natural - USA MADE!
Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline - Aged Natural - USA MADE!
American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline
Maple Fingerboard / Aged Natural
Used! Just in on Trade!
Immaculate, As-New Condition!
Used! Just in on trade from one of our long-time regular clients. The Fender American Vintage II series presents a remarkably accurate take on the revolutionary designs that altered the... more
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1972 American Made Fender Telcaster New Never Used. 2200 00

1972 American Made Fender Telcaster New Never Used. 2200 00

Fayetteville, North Carolina, 283**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

A 1972 American-made Fender Telecaster in pristine condition is being sold for $2200. This vintage electric guitar has never been used and is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. With its iconic brand and specific year of manufacture, this Fender Telecaster is a valuable piece of musical history waiting to be enjoyed by its new owner
... more
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1972 24" student scale Fender musicmaster rosewood  Guitar neck,

1972 24" student scale Fender musicmaster rosewood Guitar neck,

Livermore, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

American made 1972 24" student scale Fender musicmaster rosewood Guitar neck, no nut, no string tree, no tuners, tuning holes widened to fit newer style keys serial s703972
stamped 1900-8573
... more
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1970 24" student scale Fender musicmaster rosewood  Guitar neck,

1970 24" student scale Fender musicmaster rosewood Guitar neck,

Livermore, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

American made 1970 24" student scale Fender musicmaster rosewood Guitar neck, with nut and string tree, no tuners
stamped 16 408 1090
... more
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1972 Fender Jazzbass Precision Case Rough

1972 Fender Jazzbass Precision Case Rough

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 187**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

Worth it if you need it for a Fender Bass Very Rough . Poor Messy . See Photos . sale final . no returns... more
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1971 Fender Coronado II Vintage Hollowbody Guitar Sonic Blue w /  Case

1971 Fender Coronado II Vintage Hollowbody Guitar Sonic Blue w / Case

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

$5500

Up for sale, a 1971 Fender Coronado II in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, finished in custom color Sonic Blue nitro lacquer and complete with the original Victoria Luggage hardshell case. Hailing from the very end of the Coronado's production run, this rare custom color example has some of the model's most desirable features, with a Dynamic Vibrato tailpiece and Mustang-style bridge with barrel saddles
This Coronado is featherweight at 6lbs 7oz with a fully ... more
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1972 Fender Competition Mustang Competition Burgundy, Collector-Grade w /  Tags

1972 Fender Competition Mustang Competition Burgundy, Collector-Grade w / Tags

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

$9000

Up for sale, a 1972 Fender Competition Mustang in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and all hangtags and case candy. This exceedingly well-kept Mustang is finished in Competition Burgundy, essentially Lake Placid Blue with a racing stripe and a subtle purple burst on the body edges (this one presents with more purple at the edges than most)
Smooth and clear-sounding acoustically, this Mustang offers plenty of sparkling snap and ... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline Electric Guitar - Lake Placi

Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline Electric Guitar - Lake Placi

Barton, New York, 137**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1959

The Fender® American Vintage II series presents a remarkably accurate take on the revolutionary designs that altered the course of musical history. Built with period-accurate bodies, necks and hardware, premium finishes and meticulously voiced, year-specific pickups, each instrument captures the essence of authentic Fender craftsmanship and tone.
The Telecaster® Thinline first debuted in July of 1968 and the semi-hollow design was created to produce light instruments from heavy... 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.