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GIBSON | CATALOGS | 1966 | PAGE 6

Gibson Byrdland, ES-355TD-SV, and ES-345TD

1966 Gibson 'Guitars & Amplifiers' catalog, page 6

1966 Gibson full line catalog. Page 6. Details of three high-end Gibson thinline electric guitars, the Byrdland, ES-355TD-SV and ES-345TD guitars.

1966 US zone 1 prices were: Byrdland, $775 ($800 natural finish); ES-355TD-SV, $775; ES345, $485 ($500 Cherry finish). The Byrdland was a special order instrument from the Gibson custom instrument department.

1966 Gibson Guitars & Amplifiers catalog, page 6: Gibson Byrdland, ES-355TD-SV, and ES-345TD
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Gibson Byrdland, ES-355TD-SV, and ES-345TD for sale

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Vintage 1950s Gibson L-5 CUSTOM Trussrod Cover Truss Rod L-5CES L5 Byrdland 1959

Vintage 1950s Gibson L-5 CUSTOM Trussrod Cover Truss Rod L-5CES L5 Byrdland 1959

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

$595

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1950s "CUSTOM" L-5 Rod Cover
Great original condition - correct for your vintage Gibson L-5, L-5c or L-5CES
These were also used on 1950's Byrdlands and other select few high end models
Incredible original condition!Clapton most famously had one of these installed on his legendary 1964 "Cream Era" 335
Original GOLD round-head mounting screws included as ... more
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NOS Gibson Guitar 6 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s  ES 355 L6 Stereo

NOS Gibson Guitar 6 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s ES 355 L6 Stereo

Lady Lake, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$37

NOS GibsonGuitar 11 Position Selector Switch from 1970??s
This waspicked up from a former worker at the Gibson Kalamazoo factory. He worked therefrom the 1970??s until they closed in 1984. This is a new oldstock and has neverbeen put on a guitar. This is an 11 position selector switch. I am not surewhich guitar this goes to
... more
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Vintage 1950s - 1960s Gibson Kluson Sealfast Tuners L-5CES Super 400 Byrdland!

Vintage 1950's - 1960's Gibson Kluson Sealfast Tuners L-5CES Super 400 Byrdland!

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

$995

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage 1950's thru 1960's Gibson / Kluson "SEALFAST" tuner set
This set is from late 1959. An incredibly well preserved set of Gibson hardware. These will outlive all of us!! This rare original set of tuners is correct for your GOLD HARDWARE high end archtop (L-5, Byrdland, Super 400, Johnny Smith, etc)
This is a fully complete set with ALL the original mounting hardware
Perfect ... more
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Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-335 mono wiring harness ES335 Es-345 Es-355 1966 1967

Vintage 1960s Gibson ES-335 mono wiring harness ES335 Es-345 Es-355 1966 1967

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

$595

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration, a fantastic:
Vintage Gibson 1967 ES-335 Wiring Harness
Correct for your mid 1960's Mono ES Gibson Restoration!
This harness is 100% original and in fantastic shape. It does not have any tone caps installed. Ready for the caps of your choice! The pots are all matched, the solder and wiring is all factory original to 1965. Pots date to early 1967 (137671x). Original switchtip and switch nut. Original pointer washers... more
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Vintage 1950s - 1960s Gibson M-69 PAF Ring set w /  Screws & Springs ES-335 345

Vintage 1950's - 1960's Gibson M-69 PAF Ring set w / Screws & Springs ES-335 345

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

$345

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson c 1959 m-69 Ring Set
Complete with original screws and springs!
This is the 3 / 8" bridge ring and the standard short neck ring
3 / 8" bridge ring is correct for ES (335, 345, 355) Guitars of this era.
This set has very light wear and a mild patina
Perfect for a vintage Gibson that is very clean!
- original condition with no breaks, cracks or splits in ... more
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Vintage! 1963 Gibson ES-345TD Stereo Varitone Cherry Red  All Original! + OHSC

Vintage! 1963 Gibson ES-345TD Stereo Varitone Cherry Red All Original! + OHSC

Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$25995



Vintage! 1963 Gibson ES-345TD Stereo Varitone Cherry Red All Original! + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1963 Gibson ES-345TD Stereo Varitone with a Cherry Red Finish! The Gibson ES-345 TD was launched in 1959, and first demonstrated at the summer trade shows of that year - along with the Gibson ES-355 stereo varitone. These models came one year after the successful launch of the Gibson ES-335 and Gibson ES-355 models. All of ... more
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1968 Gibson ES-345 - Cherry Red

1968 Gibson ES-345 - Cherry Red

Morgantown, Pennsylvania, 195**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9859

1968 Gibson ES-345 - Cherry Red


Please contact prior to purchase to ensure all your questions are answered


This guitar was just gone over head to toe by our tech and plays fast and smooth up and down the neck


Weight is a comfy 8 38 lbs on an accurate digital scale. It appears to be all original except for the tuners. Pickups have been checked and are correct

Overall, the condition is very good. This is one of the better ... more
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Vintage 1972  /  1973 Gibson ES-355TD w /  Original Hard Case - Converted To Mono

Vintage 1972 / 1973 Gibson ES-355TD w / Original Hard Case - Converted To Mono

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

$6500

Hi there,

I am with a heavy heart letting my gorgeous Gibson ES-355 go. I got this guitar earlier this year after many years of dreaming of a Walnut finished ES guitar. Little did I know I was gonna have go through a divorce, which I now am.

This guitar has, more or less, all original parts. I'll break it down below

Original:
Patent Sticker T Top Pickups
Pots and knobs
Capacitors
Bridge (original comes with the guitar, late 60s / early 70s ... more
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Vintage 1959 Gibson PAF Cover Gold Les Paul Custom ES-345 ES-355 1958 1957

Vintage 1959 Gibson PAF Cover Gold Les Paul Custom ES-345 ES-355 1958 1957

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

$995

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1959 Gold PAF cover
Correct for your Les Paul Custom, ES-345, ES-355 and others
This is a Standard Spaced PAF cover in EXCELLENT original condition
This one has a nice medium patina with some very cool wear
No amount of relicing can replicate vintage 60 year old wear . just can't
Not to mention the old alloys of these thin covers really let your PAF ... more
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Vintage 1977 Gibson ES-355 TD Varitone Stereo Walnut Electric Guitar w /  OHSC

Vintage 1977 Gibson ES-355 TD Varitone Stereo Walnut Electric Guitar w / OHSC

Plainview, New York, 118**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

Vintage 1977 Gibson ES-355 TD Varitone Stereo Walnut Electric Guitar w / OHSC Vintage 1977 Gibson ES-355 TD Varitone Stereo Walnut Electric Guitar w / OHSC
Description
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Welcome to All Music Inc's Musicdungeon, you are looking at an incredible vintage piece
This is the Vintage 1977 Gibson ES-355TD Stereo Electric Guitar. 24 75" scale. 1 55" nut width.... more
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1978 Gibson ES-355 TDW Walnut, Custom Ordered Super 400 Inlay, Case & Tags

1978 Gibson ES-355 TDW Walnut, Custom Ordered Super 400 Inlay, Case & Tags

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

$6800

Up for sale, a 1978 Gibson ES-355 TDW in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case, factory paperwork, and stereo cable. A custom-ordered one-off example, this vintage Gibson features chrome hardware from the factory, as well as split pearl block Super 400-style inlay on the ebony fingerboard
The untouched factory wiring is still set up for stereo operation, with both the original stereo splitter cable and a modern TRS to Mono 1 / 4" ... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson L-5 Trussrod Cover Truss Rod L-5C L-5CES L5 Byrdland 1959

Vintage 1950's Gibson L-5 Trussrod Cover Truss Rod L-5C L-5CES L5 Byrdland 1959

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

$495

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1950's Archtop "wide border" Truss Rod Cover
Great original condition - correct for your vintage Gibson L-5, L-5c or L-5CES, J-200, Byrdland and other high end Gibson Models.
Original GOLD roundhead mounting screws included as pictured!
An incredible and rare part
Get it back to stock, get it VINTAGE CORRECT

WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Check our feedback and ... more
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Vintage 1950s  /  1960s Gibson Kluson Sealfast Tuners L-5CES Super 400 Byrdland

Vintage 1950's / 1960's Gibson Kluson Sealfast Tuners L-5CES Super 400 Byrdland

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

$1195

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and original
Vintage 1950's thru 1960's Gibson / Kluson "SEALFAST" tuner set
This set is from late 1959. An incredibly well preserved set of Gibson hardware. These will outlive all of us!! This rare original set of tuners is correct for your GOLD HARDWARE high end archtop (L-5, Byrdland, Super 400, Johnny Smith, etc)
This is a fully complete set with ALL the original mounting hardware
Perfect ... more
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RARE Vintage 1977 Gibson ES-355 TDSV

RARE Vintage 1977 Gibson ES-355 TDSV

New Iberia, Louisiana, 705**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14495

RARE Vintage 1977 Gibson ES-355 TDSV "Sunburst" Semi Electric Guitar Excellent condition (Barely Used) Stereo, has iconic mother-of-pearl block inlays on the neck, Vibrola, veritone stereo, Dual Humbucker pickups to create the Gibson Semi-Hollow tone Gold tone hardware. The ES-355 is in its original Gibson case This is your chance to get your hands on a rare piece of Gibson history- 1977 ES-355 TDSV
Methods of payment include PayPal, ZelleWill ship when verification of funds received ... more
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1959 1960 1961 ?? 1964 GIBSON ES 345 355 STEREO TRUSS ROD COVER Vintage Nice RARE

1959 1960 1961 ?? 1964 GIBSON ES 345 355 STEREO TRUSS ROD COVER Vintage Nice RARE

Hemet, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$290

1959 1960 1961 ?? 1964 GIBSON ES 345 355 STEREO TRUSS ROD COVER Vintage Nice !

A Bit Yellowed as expected

1959 1960 1961 ?? 1964 GIBSON ES 345 355 STEREO TRUSS ROD COVER Vintage Nice RARE
... more
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Gibson ES345 Stereo 1970s walnut owner right and left handed $4500 00

Gibson ES345 Stereo 1970s walnut owner right and left handed $4500 00

Denver, Colorado, 802**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Gibson ES345 Stereo 1970s walnut owner right and left handed $4500 00. Condition is Used. Local pickup only.... more
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1960 Gibson ES-355 TD Cherry Mono w /  Factory Bigsby, Period-Correct HSC

1960 Gibson ES-355 TD Cherry Mono w / Factory Bigsby, Period-Correct HSC

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

$32999

1960 Gibson ES-355 TD Cherry Mono w / Factory Bigsby, Period-Correct HSC
Vintage Gibson Collectors! We have a truly rare and unique guitar to share with you today! For sale is this 1960 Gibson ES-355 TD model. The 355 is right up there with the Les Paul and Stratocaster, in terms of its impact on modern music. Chuck Berry, B B. King, Keith Richards??The names go on and on. Nearly every popular rock musician, can trace some influence to a player that used a 355, in some form
Featuring a ... more
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Gibson ES-355 1963 - Cherry Red

Gibson ES-355 1963 - Cherry Red

Williamsport, Pennsylvania, 177**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1199

This Gibson ES-335 was made in the USA in 1963. It is an extremely cool example that shows normal play wear but breaks or repairs or any structural damage. The finish is original and look great. Being a 1963 it has a larger profile neck than the 1961 / 2 examples , and it is really a joy to play. It also has the first generation patent number pickups that are identical to PAFs except for the sticker. Most of the parts are original but the tuners have been changed to Grovers, it has been ... more
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Used 1967 Gibson ES-355 TDC Stereo Electric Guitar with Hard Case

Used 1967 Gibson ES-355 TDC Stereo Electric Guitar with Hard Case

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

$15000

This is a Used 1967 Gibson ES-355 TDC Stereo Electric Guitar. We are selling this on consignment for a customer of ours. Gorgeous Guitar. I'd consider it to be in Great to Excellent Condition. The quality of the Condition is surprising considering it's age. The only modifications that were added are a Bigsby Trem, and the original owner installed a make-shift 23rd Fret. It actually works well. I'm sure this can be removed if needed. Guitar is set up and plays great. Comes with the Original ... more
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Vintage 1957 Gibson ES-295 GOLD Hollow Archtop Electric BYRDLAND Guitar & Case

Vintage 1957 Gibson ES-295 GOLD Hollow Archtop Electric BYRDLAND Guitar & Case

Boaz, Alabama, 359**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$19879

This is an original 1957 Gibson es-295 GOLD BYRDLAND.
It's a true gem for any musician or collector. With a beautiful hollow archtop body made of maple and finished in a classic gold color, this guitar is a stunning piece of musical history. The 6-string instrument was crafted in the United States in 1957 and has since become a sought-after piece
These are rare guitars and were very well crafted
See the pictures for the overall condition of this guitar. It does have some nicks, ... more
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Find more Gibson Byrdland, ES-355TD-SV, and ES-345TD for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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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.