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GIBSON | PARTS | BRIDGES AND TAILPIECES | TOP ADJUST TUNE-O-MATIC

Gibson 1980s three-point top-adjust "tune-o-matic" bridge

Early 1980s bridge for Gibson guitars

Some guitars fitted with this bridge

1981 Gibson Victory MVII

The top-adjust bridge was first used on the Gibson Explorer II, ES-335 dot, and later the Victory MV2 and MV10 models, and although clearly a very well conceived piece of hardware, it does not seem to have gained the useage perhaps it deserved. It was widely promoted as part of Gibson's spare parts merchandising, appearing on the cover of the 1983 parts price list.

It was designed by Gibson staff member Rendal Wall (who was also responsible for the TP-6), with a patent filed in November 1980, and granted in June 1982.

Supposedly, Victory MV guitars (at least initially) were shipped with both nylon and brass saddles, however the vast majority seen today are equipped with nylon, with no brass saddles hanging around the case!

It was described at length in the 1981 Gibson MV literature "Not only has it simplified the standard method of intonation adjustment (no more fumbling around the string and behind the bridge with your screwdriver), the 'top adjust' allows the player to change insert saddles from nylon to brass quickly and easily. now you can 'tailor' your sound to suit you exactly".

Aswell as easy intonation of the saddles, the bridge unit itself could be moved forwards or backwards "for radical string guage and/or climatic intonation adjustment"; the second image below shows the three potential post holes in the underside of this unit.

The fourth image below demonstrates the top slant of this unit - this allows the tailpiece to be lowered or raised without the string touching the bridge base - as would be the case with the standard 'flat-topped' bridge designs. The relative height of the stop bar affects sustain and stiffness of action, again as described in the Victory MV owners manual.

Gibson part number 80087 (chrome) and 80088 (gold).

List of Gibson guitar pickups

Gibson 1980s three-point top-adjust "tune-o-matic" bridge

Gibson 1980s three-point top-adjust "tune-o-matic" bridge

Gibson 1980s three-point top-adjust "tune-o-matic" bridge

Gibson 1980s three-point top-adjust "tune-o-matic" bridge

Gibson 1980s three-point top-adjust "tune-o-matic" bridge

Gibson 1980s three-point top-adjust "tune-o-matic" bridge

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1963 Gibson Sg Standard w /  case. bridge pickup inop bad connection? Make Offer

1963 Gibson Sg Standard w / case. bridge pickup inop bad connection? Make Offer

Chesapeake, Virginia, 233**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6900

Great playing guitar, the bridge pickup stopped working all of a sudden, I'm sure it's just a connection. Selling it as is for that reason. Recently set up and gone over with a fine tooth comb by Billy Etheridge in Suffolk Va
Has an old refinish and also maybe looks to have had a partial neck reset at some point. Original tuners, original maestro, original electronics. Unoriginal patent pickups see pics. Plastics unoriginal. Missing the last fret. Case has cosmetic and needs latches, only ... more
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1965 GIBSON SJ (SOUTHERN JUMBO) GUITAR IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, WITH ADJ. BRIDGE

1965 GIBSON SJ (SOUTHERN JUMBO) GUITAR IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, WITH ADJ. BRIDGE

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

$6500

This is a 1965 Gibson SJ (Southern Jumbo) in very good condition. The original finish has some normal finish wear, primarily just a few nicks or dings, and some moderate finish checking. There are no cracks in the body, neck, or headstock repairs, or structural issues of any kind. This is an issues-free guitar. Only the tuners have been changed to Schallers some time ago by a previous owner. We do not have the originals. Otherwise, the guitar is fully original with Brazillian Rosewood bridge and... more
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"REAL" 1959 GIBSON SUNBURST LES PAUL  ABR-1  NICKEL NO WIRE BRIDGE  CLEAN & NICE

"REAL" 1959 GIBSON SUNBURST LES PAUL ABR-1 NICKEL NO WIRE BRIDGE CLEAN & NICE

Georgia, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1799

beautiful original 1959 gibson sunburst les paul ABR-1 nickel no wire bridge - has the original saddles and screws to boot - wonderful patina - THE PRICE IS RIGHT!!!! the buyer will be extremely happy that i guarantee
... more
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Vintage 1961?or 1962? Gibson Nickel ABR-1 Bridge Tune-a-Matic No Wire Les Paul

Vintage 1961?or 1962? Gibson Nickel ABR-1 Bridge Tune-a-Matic No Wire Les Paul

Summerfield, Florida, 344**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Vintage 1961?or 1962? Gibson Nickel ABR-1 Bridge Tune-a-Matic Les Paul StandardThere is no wire to hold to hold the saddle in!This was my late Uncle's who played in a band since the 50'sAny questions, please email if anyone finds something with the listing that is not correct , please let me know I did the research and based on my history with the item, it is authentic my only question is the year .... more
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Vtg 1942 Gibson EH-125 150 185 Lap Steel Guitar Bridge Cover Nickel Part 1943

Vtg 1942 Gibson EH-125 150 185 Lap Steel Guitar Bridge Cover Nickel Part 1943

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$750

Brass construction, Nickel finish, normal light vintage wear , Nice condition for a 82 Year old part, includes original, mounting screws. Rare Gibson Part, Thanks for looking
... more
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Gibson L-1 Acoustic Archtop Guitar Bridge Ebony RARE Part 1902 1910 1920s

Gibson L-1 Acoustic Archtop Guitar Bridge Ebony RARE Part 1902 1910 1920s

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

Carved Ebony wood have any questions normal vintage wear string grooves are good no grain cracks super rare vintage Gibson Bridge. Thanks for looking
... more
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Vintage Gibson 1965 ABR-1 Bridge Chrome - NO patent Number RARE w /  nylon saddles

Vintage Gibson 1965 ABR-1 Bridge Chrome - NO patent Number RARE w / nylon saddles

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

$595

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson 1965 -1966 ABR-1 Bridge
Correct for your mid 60's SG Standard, ES-335 or SG Standard!
Excellent condition, no sag ready to rock! VERY nice original condition.
All original saddles, which have double notches but are still in fantastic condition. Chrome finish in great shape. Original retaining wire and nickel saddle screws. Original thumbwheels included... more
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Vintage Gibson 1965 ABR-1 Bridge Chrome - NO patent Number RARE w /  nylon saddles

Vintage Gibson 1965 ABR-1 Bridge Chrome - NO patent Number RARE w / nylon saddles

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

$595

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson 1965 -1966 ABR-1 Bridge
Correct for your mid 60's SG Standard, ES-335 or SG Standard!
Excellent condition, no sag ready to rock! VERY nice original condition. All original saddles, which have no double notches and are in fantastic condition. Chrome finish in great shape. Original retaining wire and nickel saddle screws. Original thumbwheels included as ... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson Nickel Les Paul Wraparound Tailpiece Bridge

Vintage 1950's Gibson Nickel Les Paul Wraparound Tailpiece Bridge

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$550

Vintage 1950's Gibson Nickel Les Paul Wraparound Tailpiece Bridge
Weighs 30 grams. Sanded bottom. It has some wound-string wear
Shipped with full insurance... more
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VINTAGE GIBSON EBONY ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP BRIDGE HOWARD ROBERTS INLAY

VINTAGE GIBSON EBONY ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP BRIDGE HOWARD ROBERTS INLAY

Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$549

Vintage 1970's Gibson ebony acoustic arch top guitar bridge with inlays. The post are gold versus showing very little tarnish from over the years. Bridge I believe comes from a Howard Roberts or possibly a super 400 from my research but there could be another model or two that have used the same bridge. Over all the bridge is a beautiful piece and deserves to go on an amazing guitar. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at any time. Overseas buyers please email me first before ... more
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VINTAGE GIBSON L-5 ACOUSTIC ARCH TOP GUITAR BRIDGE 1970S

VINTAGE GIBSON L-5 ACOUSTIC ARCH TOP GUITAR BRIDGE 1970'S

Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$509

Vintage Gibson L-5 arch top bridge for sale. Bridge has beautiful inlay work along with a wired bridge on top. This bridge is early 70's from what ive seen online. Condition is good showing very little tarnish or wear from over the years. If you have any questions please feel free to email me. Over seas buyers please email me first before buying. Continue to watch my listings for more vintage guitar parts as I have boxes of stuff I will be listing in the following weeks. Thanks... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson Rosewood Archtop Bridge and Base - L-5ces, Super 400 ES175

Vintage 1950's Gibson Rosewood Archtop Bridge and Base - L-5ces, Super 400 ES175

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 thru 1960's Rosewood Archtop Bridge
This original Brazilian rosewood bridge and base is in fantastic original condition
Correct for the L-5CES, Byrdland, Super 400, ES-175 and any other Gibson arch tops from this era. The tone on these is INCREDIBLE! They don't make them like this anymore.
Perfect for the restoration of your vintage Gibson OR dress up... more
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Vintage 1950s Gibson Rosewood Archtop Bridge and Base - L-5ces, Super 400 ES175

Vintage 1950's Gibson Rosewood Archtop Bridge and Base - L-5ces, Super 400 ES175

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

$395

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A completely original and fantastic
Vintage Gibson 1950's thru 1960's Rosewood Archtop Bridge
This original Brazilian rosewood bridge and base is in fantastic original condition
Correct for the L-5CES, Byrdland, Super 400, ES-175 and any other Gibson arch tops from this era. The tone on these is INCREDIBLE! They don't make them like this anymore.
Perfect for the restoration of your vintage Gibson OR dress up... more
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Vintage Gibson 1960s ABR-1 Chrome Bridge Patent Number Brass 50s saddles ES335

Vintage Gibson 1960's ABR-1 Chrome Bridge Patent Number Brass 50's saddles ES335

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

$345

Vintage Correct Parts is proud to offer, for your consideration,
A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson 1966 - 1969 ABR-1 Bridge
Correct for your mid to late 60's Les Paul Goldtop Standard, ES-335 or SG Standard!
Excellent condition, no sag ready to rock!
This one is cool as it has 1950's style nickel plated brass saddles!
Original thumbwheels!!!
The chrome finish has very cool vintage patina and wear
Saddles are in fantastic shape on this one, NO double ... more
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60??s 70??s VINTAGE GIBSON ABR-1 TUNE-O-MATIC GUITAR BRIDGE Chrome With Wire

60??s 70??s VINTAGE GIBSON ABR-1 TUNE-O-MATIC GUITAR BRIDGE Chrome With Wire

Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Great shape for age, please use pics for reference. This is an authentic vintage gibson piece.
... more
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Vintage Gibson 1960s ABR-1 Chrome Bridge Patent Number Nylon Saddles ES-335 SG

Vintage Gibson 1960's ABR-1 Chrome Bridge Patent Number Nylon Saddles ES-335 SG

Portland, Maine, 041**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$259


A fantastic and completely original
Vintage Gibson 1966 - 1969 ABR-1 Bridge
Correct for your mid to late 60's Les Paul Goldtop Standard, ES-335 or SG Standard!
Excellent condition, no sag ready to rock!
Original nylon saddles,
The chrome finish is very clean! Minimal patina and wear
Saddles are in fantastic shape on this one!
... more
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Vintage Gibson 70s-80s TP-6 Guitar Tailpiece Bridge Orig. Adj. Screws / Inserts

Vintage Gibson 70's-80's TP-6 Guitar Tailpiece Bridge Orig. Adj. Screws / Inserts

Centralia, Washington, 985**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Here we have an original Vintage Gibson TP-6 Tailpiece Bridge with Original Adjustable Mounting Screws and Inserts. These were introduced in the mid 1970's and were available through much of the 80's on Les Paul Standards and Customs and SG GT's and Customs (as well as on other models). They are direct replacements for regular Stop Bar Bridges. Their claim to fame was that they could be fine-tuned with the small adjustment screws on each string. Here's your opportunity to put that nice vintage ... more
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1968 USA Gibson EBO Bass Guitar Vintage Bridge Base Part 1969 1970

1968 USA Gibson EBO Bass Guitar Vintage Bridge Base Part 1969 1970

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Alloy construction , chrome finish , normal vintage wear , locking screws are in place. Very nice example nice original 60s Gibson part. Thanks for looking
... more
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Vintage Early 1960s Gibson EB-0  /  EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$175

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
... more
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Vintage Pro-Bucker By Epiphone USA Gibson Les Paul Humbucker Pickups Neck Bridge

Vintage Pro-Bucker By Epiphone USA Gibson Les Paul Humbucker Pickups Neck Bridge

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

Two Vintage Epiphone USA humbucker ceramic pickups with lightly aged chrome covers with multi conductor plastic full length lead wire. The pickups have healthy readings

This will make a great part for your custom guitar project or restoration

Fast shipping with same day handling and bonus guitar pick included!

Shipments make use of repurposed and recycled materials for minimal impact on the environment  

Your 5 star positive feedback is greatly ... 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

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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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

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1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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1961 Hohner Zambesi

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1963 Vox Super Ace

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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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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.