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GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1964 | PAGE 9

Gibson Firebird VII and Firebird V

1964 Gibson electric guitars catalog page 9

Gibson Guitar and Bass 1964 Guitar and Bass catalog. Page 9. The first page of two on the new Gibson Firebird series. It comprised four guitar models, the Gibson Firebird VII and Firebird V on this page, and the Firebirds III and I on page 10. Two bass guitars in the same series, the Thunderbird basses, are shown on page 13.

This was, of course, the first catalog appearance of the Firebird series, and in fact the only appearance of these early 'reverse body' models; by the time of the next catalog in 1966, the entire series had been redesigned with a flipped body - the 'non reverse' Firebirds, as they are usually known.

The Firebird V and particularly the Firebird VII were the most deluxe of the series, and priced accordingly. In fact the Firebird VII was the most expensive solid body guitar produced by Gibson at this time, even out-pricing the SG Custom by $20. The September 1964 US price list (zone 1) suggests prices of $500 and $360 for the Firebird VII and V respectively.

Here is the ultimate in a solid body guitar by Gibson. A completely new and exciting instrument that offers all the sound, response, fast action and wide range that could be desired

1964 Gibson electric guitars catalog, page 9: Gibson Firebird VII and Firebird V
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Gibson Firebird for sale

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Gibson Firebird 76 Bicentennial Natural 1979 w / OHSC

Gibson Firebird '76 Bicentennial Natural 1979 w / OHSC

Clifton Park, New York, 120**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7600

This stunning Gibson Firebird '76 Bicentennial guitar is a true gem for any musician. With its solid body construction and electric guitar capabilities, it's sure to provide any sound you need to create your own unique music. The natural finish and OHSC case make it a beautiful addition to any collection

Crafted by the experts at Gibson, this electric guitar is top of the line. Its brand, Gibson, is synonymous with quality and innovation. The model is the Gibson Firebird ... more
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Vintage 1965, Gibson Firebird V, Non reverse body, Original & Pretty Sunburst

Vintage 1965, Gibson Firebird V, Non reverse body, Original & Pretty Sunburst

Agoura Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8750


Vintage 1965 Gibson Firebird "V" Model This is a Very clean and nice example if you like clean vintage instruments It remains all-Original with No cracks, damage or modifications
I checked the pots, they are dated the 39th week of 1965 and all electronics remain factory original
This guitar has been in my collection for 30 years
It has just been cleaned, re-strung with fresh D'addario 10's, set up and tested
All is working perfectly including the Vibrato assembly and Arm ... more
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ORIGINAL  1963 GIBSON  ES 345  /   FIREBIRD  GOLD  SILVER CAPPED  KNOBS  CLEAN!!!!

ORIGINAL 1963 GIBSON ES 345 / FIREBIRD GOLD SILVER CAPPED KNOBS CLEAN!!!!

Georgia, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$349

beautiful original clean 1963 gibson es 345 / firebird gold silver capped knobs - very clean original condition - print on the caps look sharp with very light patina - they fit a few other models from that era also - THE PRICE IS RIGHT!!!! - the buyer will be extremely happy that i guarantee
... more
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1966 Gibson Firebird III Non-Reverse, Ready to Play

1966 Gibson Firebird III Non-Reverse, Ready to Play

Westfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Done right and ready to play
This 1966 Firebird has all the modifications generally done to these guitars. Ready to use with any modern-day amp from super clean to high gain. Stays in tune and set up perfectly. All replaced parts are genuine Gibson. I love this guitar and it sounds and plays like a dream. Just time to thin the heard. Frets are original and in like new condition. I don't have the case. Will ship with a quality soft case, packed with care. Here is the list of repairs and ... more
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1982 Gibson Firebird Cherry

1982 Gibson Firebird Cherry

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3499

Very good condition Gibson 1982 Firebird in Cherry. All original. Gibson mini humbuckers. Shows general signs of play and use, and has had a neck break with a bit of an ugly repair job, but is rock solid and has held up very well over the years. Original pickups are super responsive and thick while having a nice bit of bite to them. One tone knob is missing as pictured, but I have it in a bag and will include it in the case upon purchase. Super killer player grade example of an 80??s Firebird. ... more
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Gibson Firebird 1965 - Original Inverness Green, Super Rare and Beyond Cool

Gibson Firebird 1965 - Original Inverness Green, Super Rare and Beyond Cool

Commerce Township, Michigan, 483**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12000

How do describe a guitar that's this rare? Gibson offered Custom Colors in 1965 for the radical, space-age Firebird Non-Reverse, but 95% of the time produced sunbursts. About 60 years have passed now, and how many Inverness Green Firebirds have survived in the dynamic guitar marketplace? Here is one in unfaded glory! The killer combination of 3 Vintage P-90s, effective Maestro trem, lightweight, massive tones, accurate innotation, Brazillian rosewood, aged mahogany, beautiful checking, simple ... more
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Vintage 1974 Gibson Les Paul ES-335 Firebird Harness Pots caps Switch

Vintage 1974 Gibson Les Paul ES-335 Firebird Harness Pots caps Switch

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

Rare Vintage 1974 Gibson Les Paul, ES-335, ES-175, Firebird Harness Potentiometers Pots Switch... more
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2023 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson 1963 Firebird V Electric Guitar w /  Hard Case

2023 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson 1963 Firebird V Electric Guitar w / Hard Case

Forked River, New Jersey, 087**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1480

Up for Sale Today:
2023 Epiphone 1963 Firebird V Electric Guitar
Ember Red
Right-handed
Guitar is in mint cosmetic condition.
Neck is straight with low action. No bowing
Tested and working properly
OEM hard case w / key is included
Please see pictures for more detail and feel free to ask any questions as we'd be happy to help
Comes exactly as pictured
Free Shipping within the contiguous USA
This item is for sale through eBay ONLY!
Please don't ask us to ... more
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all original 1964 Gibson FIREBIRD I Sunburst

all original 1964 Gibson FIREBIRD I Sunburst

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$27900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1964 Gibson Firebird I in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original and 100% complete with the only exception being one small chipped corner of the pickguard. The original hardshell case is included. This Firebird looks great with some nicks + dings, finish checking and other cosmetic wear. There is one filled screw hole near the bottom corner of the pickguard ... more
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Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1963 Firebird I

Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1963 Firebird I

Fargo, North Dakota, 581**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

This Inspired By Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird I was purchased as a project. I bought the husk and added the following:
Kluson Banjo Tuners
Gibson Firebird Pickup
CTS Pots
Orange Drop Cap
Switchcraft Jack
Tonepros Adjustable bridge
Gibson Volume / Tone Reflector knobs
Matching black pickgaurd and truss cover
Despite what the truss cover says, this is NOT a Gibson!
This stays in tune and plays amazingly. Comes with a brand new Gibson HSC. Feel free to ask any ... more
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Gibson Vintage 1966 Non-Reverse Firebird III Re-Fin Re-Build Pelham Blue w Case

Gibson Vintage 1966 Non-Reverse Firebird III Re-Fin Re-Build Pelham Blue w Case

Canton, Ohio, 447**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8808

The guitar pictured is the actual guitar you will receive!
At The Farm, we take actual pictures of each instrument and make sure they are fully set-up and ready to play before we ship them. Each instrument goes through a multi-point inspection, followed by a set-up process by our in-house tech staff. We then photograph each instrument with high-quality equipment in our on-site photography studio. We know that details like wood grain and color finishes can vary, so we want you ... more
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Vintage Gibson Early 70s Bass / FireBird Guitar hardshell Case  Purple Lined RARE

Vintage Gibson Early 70s Bass / FireBird Guitar hardshell Case Purple Lined RARE

Cave City, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$399

Great shape, clean, middle latch doesn??t function but the others function very well
... more
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1972 Gibson Medallion Firebird V Limited Edition Sunburst w /  Pat # Pickups, Case

1972 Gibson Medallion Firebird V Limited Edition Sunburst w / Pat # Pickups, Case

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

$9500

Up for sale, a 1972 Gibson Firebird V Medallion Limited Edition model in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. The first iteration of the Firebird V platform produced after the original early '60s run, the Medallion model is easily one of the rarest and shortest-lived Firebird models, with a total of only 336 Firebirds produced in this run. Made with a small gold medallion subtly inset into the mahogany on the upper bout (with a matching ... more
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1981 Gibson Firebird - Cherry - Vintage Electric Guitar - USED!

1981 Gibson Firebird - Cherry - Vintage Electric Guitar - USED!

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

$4995

1981 Gibson Firebird - Cherry - Vintage Electric Guitar - USED!
1981 Gibson Firebird - Cherry - Vintage Electric Guitar - USED!
1981 Gibson Firebird
Vintage Electric Guitar
Made in the USA!
Used! Just in on Consignment!
Used! Just in on consignment from one of our long-time regular collector / clients. This Gibson Firebird was made in the USA in 1981. From what I can tell, it??s basically the same spec as the Firebird ??76 Bicentennial model made between 1976 ?? 1979. The ... more
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1981 Gibson Firebird II Artist CMT Tobacco Burst Guitar W / Moog / OHSC-All Original

1981 Gibson Firebird II Artist CMT Tobacco Burst Guitar W / Moog / OHSC-All Original

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4499

This listing is for
1981 Gibson Firebird II Artist CMT Tobacco Burst Guitar W / OHSC
9 4 lbs
A very rare Firebird from the early 80's, this guitar is probably the nicest example you will find of this particular model
Only around 160 made, this beauty is in extraordinary shape
It is all original and the Moog electronics are intact and work great
The condition is amazing for a 40+ year old guitar. There are perhaps some tiny marks here and there, but overall definitely ... more
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Gibson 1982 Firebird II Artist CMT in Sunburst w /  Moog Active Electronics

Gibson 1982 Firebird II Artist CMT in Sunburst w / Moog Active Electronics

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 554**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8249

Here's a rare early 80s Firebird in great condition. It has the Moog designed electronics seen in the RD Artist series. The electronics are active- unlike normal tone controls these can provide a vast difference in tones. There's a compressor / expander in there as well as as some Moog magic- this thing is a testament to the electronics transformation we saw in the 80s. This Firebird is an great condition- with minor dents and surface scratches you'd expect from a 40+ year old instrument and ... more
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1981 Gibson Firebird II FM Artist CMT Sunburst

1981 Gibson Firebird II FM Artist CMT Sunburst

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

$5939

Up for sale is a super cool and hard to find 1981 Gibson Firebird II FM Artist CMT Sunburst. CMT stands for curly maple top and apparently this variation was only offered for a short time in limited numbers. This instrument came out of a collection of guitars that came from an ex Kalamazoo Gibson employee. It is marked "second" indicating a finish flaw or ding when it left Gibson. This is likely how the original owner ended up with it. This is the first and only time this guitar has been on the ... more
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1964 GIBSON FIREBIRD VII VIBROLA TREM COVER USA

1964 GIBSON FIREBIRD VII VIBROLA TREM COVER USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€499

1964 GIBSON FIREBIRD VII VIBROLA TREM COVER USA
1 cover ONLY
* was replated with a THICK golden layer
* has wear from being stored
... more
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1963 GIBSON SG JUNIOR  /  FIREBIRD VIBROLA TREMOLO USA

1963 GIBSON SG JUNIOR / FIREBIRD VIBROLA TREMOLO USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£479

1963 GIBSON SG JUNIOR / FIREBIRD VIBROLA TREMOLO USA :
* NO tremolo arm included
... more
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1965 GIBSON SG  /  FIREBIRD POT USA

1965 GIBSON SG / FIREBIRD POT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£397

1965 GIBSON SG / FIREBIRD POT USA :
* dated 14th week of 65
* shafts are squeezed together and some solder was added on the top=check last pics
... more
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Find more Gibson Firebird for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Dana Prosky Comment left 10th November 2015 21:09:51 reply
I own a 1964 Gibson Firebird V that is finished in Heritage Cherry. I have never seen a vintage Firebird in this color, mostly sunburst, is this a custom color?

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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.