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GUILD | CATALOGS

Guild Guitar Catalogs

Original literature promoting Guild musical instruments

Guild produced numerous catalogs, brochures and pamphlets for their guitars, bass guitars and amplifiers, although typically they separated electric guitars from acoustics and amplifiers. A number of these catalogs are detailed below. Follow the links for a closer look at the individual catalog pages, and to find out more about the guitars contained within.

1962 Guild catalog
1962 Guild catalog coming soon
1968 Guild catalog
1963 "Guild Guitars / Amplifiers" catalog - two-colour sixteen page catalog containg 23 electric guitars, 5 archtop acoustic, 6 classic acoustic, 5 flat top acoustic and 6 amplifier models. Dimensions 12" x 9". New models include Guild's new line of solid body electrics, the S-200 Thunderbird, S-100 Polara and S-50 Jet-Star, the George Barnes Guitar in F and Guild Acousti-Lectric, and the Guild Valencia F-40 and Mark VI Classic acoustics.
1966 Guild catalog
1966 Guild catalog coming soon
1968 Guild catalog
1968 Guild "America's Finest" catalog - two-colour sixteen page catalog containg 23 electric guitars, 5 basses, 5 archtop acoustics, and 10 flat top acoustics. Dimensions 12" x 9". New models include the newly reissued M-75 electric six string, the M-85 bass, dual-pickup Starfire bass, D-40-E and F-212-E electric acoustic flat-tops, and the D-35 Bluegrass
1969 Guild guitar catalog
1969 Guild "Electric Guitars & Basses" catalog - this brochure was the first of several single sheet flyers, folded into panels. It contained eleven electric guitars, and two basses.
8 pages. Dimensions 7 1/4" x 3 1/2").
1970 Guild catalog
1970 Guild "Electric Guitars & Basses" catalog - the 1970 brochure is broadly the same as the 1969, though expanded with two extra panels featuring the guild ST series guitars and S-100 guitar and JS bass.
1971 Guild catalog
1971 Guild "Electric Guitars & Basses" catalog - the last of three fold-out brochures; this still has 10 panels, and much the same line up as the previous catalog, though the photographs are now updated in some cases. Guild humbuckers are now fitted to all the bass models and the ST guitars are replaced by more solid-bodies; the S-50 and S-90.
1975 Guild "Electric Guitars & Basses"  catalog
Guild 1975 guitar and bass catalog. A larger catalog than the small fold-out brochures released by Guild earlier in the 1970s, but not especially long at just twelve pages. For the first time, solid body guitars outnumber hollow body/semi acoustic models.
1978 "Guild Electrics"  catalog
Guild 1978 guitar and bass catalog Guild continued in developing their solid body lines with the launch of some completely original designs: the S-300, S-60, and S-70 models replacing the SG styled S-50, S-90 and S-100. Likewise the B301 and B302 replace the JS1 and JS2. Twelve pages.
1982 Guild catalog
Guild 1982 "Electric Guitar" catalog. "Re-introducing Guild electric guitars and basses. Over the last two years, we've made major changes in all areas throughout the line" - the 1982 catalog featured a few hollow body classics, but mostly brand new solid bodies: M-80, X-82, X-79, S-25, S-250, S-275, and several basses: X-702, SB-201, SB-202, SB-203, SB-502E
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1967 Vintage Guild Aragon F-30 NT Hoboken Natural USA 1960s +OHSC

1967 Vintage Guild Aragon F-30 NT Hoboken Natural USA 1960s +OHSC

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1997

Up for sale is a Super RARE 1967 Guild Aragon F-30 NT Hoboken Guitar!
Comes in The Original Hard-Shell Case
This Guitar is in VERY GOOD Cosmetic condition! Has some honest wear. Has a major dent on the neck (see pics)
Neck is PERFECTLY straight which plays itself! Action is comfortably low! The original frets show little wear! We can also set the guitar up with strings of your choice!
The guitar is made beautifully, and has a wonderful balanced rich tone with a typical loud ... more
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USED Guild S-200 Thunderbird (051)

USED Guild S-200 Thunderbird (051)

Pikeville, Kentucky, 415**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700

Physical Condition
This guitar is in great condition with only some light wear. There are a few light scratches here and there over the body, some various scuffs and scratches on the pickguard, and some tarnishing on the hardware, but clean condition overall. Otherwise, there is no other cosmetic damage to make note of aside from some superficial scratches associated with normal play and use. Overall, this is a great sounding and playing guitar
Fretwear
This guitar only has ... more
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Guild B-301 Bass Pickguard

Guild B-301 Bass Pickguard

River Forest, Illinois, 603**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$99

This is a used pickguard from a Guild B-301 or B-301A bass guitar. It is 3-ply (black / white / black). It is in very good condition. There are a couple of small abrasions that you can see in the last photo. They are only noticeable close up. I will pack carefully and ship by FedEx fully insured.... more
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Guild X-79 Skyhawk w / Orig Case & Finish, 1982 s / n, Seymour Duncan Humbuckers

Guild X-79 Skyhawk w / Orig Case & Finish, 1982 s / n, Seymour Duncan Humbuckers

Andover, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

Guild X-79 Skyhawk in the original finish and hard case. Serial number AD100835 indicates 1982 as year of production. Professionally serviced, set up, and tested, then stored in its case for the past 5 years.
Player grade, well cared for with wear expected on a 43 year old gigging guitar. Instrument was professionally serviced and set up, tested, then stored in its case untouched for several years. Excellent playing condition. Controls may initially be slightly noisy due to lack of use, but ... more
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Guild F-250E Deluxe Jumbo Acoustic Electric - Antique Burst

Guild F-250E Deluxe Jumbo Acoustic Electric - Antique Burst

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

$449

The all-new F-250E Deluxe Blonde is a modern jumbo acoustic guitar with designs rooted in Guild's long heritage as the leader in big-bodied acoustics since the 1960s. The "blonde" tonewood pairing of Sitka Spruce with Flamed Maple back and sides is not only eye catching, but combined with Guild's signature arched back design allows for enhanced volume and projection, long sustain, and a lush, full sound. Performers have long revered maple for its ability to sing over a crowded room and resist ... more
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1987 Guild Manhattan X-170 Archtop Electric Guitar Blonde w /  Case, USA Westerly

1987 Guild Manhattan X-170 Archtop Electric Guitar Blonde w / Case, USA Westerly

Brookings, Oregon, 974**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1650

Nice Hollow body Archtop with plenty of flame! It has a fresh set of Tomasic Enfield Flat wound strings and original case. This fully functional and solid guitar is a player has some wear and tear and plenty of mojo. Perfect for gigs without the worry! I'm guessing there once was a Bixby Vibrato that was removed and a few mounting holes plugged and touched up. (see photo of that and other dings). Plays and sounds nice!... more
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MEGARARE Vintage 53 GUILD X-350 STRATFORD 3 Pickup Archtop Guitar HANG TAG !

MEGARARE Vintage '53 GUILD X-350 STRATFORD 3 Pickup Archtop Guitar HANG TAG !

Wilmington, Delaware, 198**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400


MEGARARE Vintage '53 GUILD X-350 STRATFORD 3 Pickup Archtop Guitar HANGTAG !


I owned this guitar and regrettably sold it 35 years ago - was shocked when I found this hang-tag! Good condition, laminated covering. Light penciled numbers that I assume to be prices
Good condition - POSSIBLY THE ONLY ONE ON THE PLANET!!!

BEST OF LUCK WITH THE AUCTION!
FREE USA shipping.
TERMS OF SALE
Sold 'as-is'.

... more
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1968 Guild X175 - Dearmond Pickups - Great Player - Amazing Tone

1968 Guild X175 - Dearmond Pickups - Great Player - Amazing Tone

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2400


Presented for your consideration is a 1968 Guild X175 featuring a stunning Sunburst finish. This guitar showcases a commendable condition overall, exhibiting considerable play wear, with a potential refinish on the back. The Dearmond pickups offer an exceptional vintage tone, characterized by their creamy smoothness. Additionally, its playability is outstanding, boasting low action and minimal fret wear. A reliable instrument for any player!
Comes with an original case and case candy ... more
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VINTAGE GUILD  DREADNOUGHT GUITAR CASE,  1960 S,   43" X 16" X 5 " , SOLID

VINTAGE GUILD DREADNOUGHT GUITAR CASE, 1960' S, 43" X 16" X 5 " , SOLID

Trenton, New Jersey, 086**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$149

This is a vintage Guild dreadnought guitar case made in the USA in the 1960's. The interior measurements are: Length - 43 " , bottom bout - 16 " , depth - 5" One hinge on the bottom is broken. Some of the vinyl on the bottom will need to be glued (see photo). Interior good. Pocket good. Thanks for looking and best of luck!
... more
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1977 Guild D-35NT Dreadnought Acoustic Natural w / OHSC

1977 Guild D-35NT Dreadnought Acoustic Natural w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1695

1977 Guild D-35NT Dreadnought In Natural Finish
This Guitar Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Some Cosmetic Playwear Throughout Including Small Dings, Marks And Scratches
Strap Burn On Back of Neck As Shown
Added Transducer Pickup
Made In USA
Dreadnought Body With Mahogany Back And Sides And Sitka Spruce Top
Mahogany Neck With Indian Rosewood Fingerboard And Dot Inlays
Original Frets Show Some Play ... more
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Vintage Guild F-20 Acoustic Guitar Serial # 16737 For Restoration

Vintage Guild F-20 Acoustic Guitar Serial # 16737 For Restoration

Shrewsbury, New Jersey, 077**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

ESTATE FIND SOLD STRICTLY AS IS FOR RESTORATION ONLY, NO RETURNS. It has a crack to the back of the body and the top shows some warping. See all 20 pictures. I??m not a musician so there could be more damage than what??s shown and what I can see. The apparently original HSC is included but in Fair Condition. Please consult the shipping calculator for shipping costs, Thanks... more
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1974 Guild F50 Navarre Blond Maple Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

1974 Guild F50 Navarre Blond Maple Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

Henderson, Nevada, 890**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

I'm selling my 1974 Guild F50 maple jumbo with original case, picked up some dings during 50 years but it's in great condition and pays and sounds like magic
... more
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VINTAGE Guild Dean Mark 69159 PRO MARK Mahogany classical Acoustic Guitar AS IS

VINTAGE Guild Dean Mark 69159 PRO MARK Mahogany classical Acoustic Guitar AS IS

Pasadena, California, 911**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$651

please review pictures and full item details before making purchase : This Used to be my grand father's guitar (I personally do not play guitar was keep as memory of him but ready to let it go to someone who can use it or a true guitar collector)is and original VINTAGE Guild Dean Mark reddish Mahogany brown 69159 PRO MARK Mahogany classical Acoustic Guitaroffering AS IS conditionORIGINALLY IS A 6 STRING GUITAR MISSING ONE STING THE 5 strings play well for it age and easily, guitar does presents... more
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Guild 1965 Cherry Starfire III Body & Neck

Guild 1965 Cherry Starfire III Body & Neck

Glassboro, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$860

Gibson DependableHome of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description: Guild ... more
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Vintage Grover, 1973, Guild Bass Guitar Tuners M85 , Starfire set of 4

Vintage Grover, 1973, Guild Bass Guitar Tuners M85 , Starfire set of 4

Oakland Gardens, New York, 113**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

These are rare Bass tuners from a Guild Bass I owned years ago. They are from a Guild M85 bass from 1973 I think, but would also fit on a vintage Guild Starfire bass from the same era. They are USA made Grover tuners that came on the Guild basses from the factory There are four tuners with their bushings, They are missing the screws. Sold as is to buyers with a history on eBay that have completed 5 purchases. These are a great find for someone doing a restore on a bass like this.... more
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Gretsch Guild 335 Starfire 6120DC Country Gentleman case 1960s

Gretsch Guild 335 Starfire 6120DC Country Gentleman case 1960s

Utica, New York, 135**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Cool vintage case. Guitars are NOT included. They are pictured to show what the case can fit. all latches and handle work, the bottom is falling around the edges. Nothing a little duct tape can??t handle!

Ships fully insured
... more
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One Vintage  Bass Side 30s-50s Grover Sta-Tite USA Guitar Tuner !  Martin Guild

One Vintage Bass Side '30s-50s Grover Sta-Tite USA Guitar Tuner ! Martin Guild

Wilmington, Delaware, 198**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$36



One (1) Vintage Bass Side '30s-50s Grover Sta-Tite USA Guitar Tuner ! Martin & Guild GUITARS!
As shown - ONE (1) bass side Grover bass side tuner. Good / average condition. Might be able to clean up a bit for a better appearance. Original 1930s-50s GROVER USA tuner - NOT modern repros. Will need fresh lubrication for optimal performance. BEST OF LUCK WITH THE AUCTION!
Buyer pays shipping.
TERMS OF SALE
Sold 'as-is'. Used item. If there is any chance that you ... more
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1980 Guild D25 Mahogany Vintage Acoustic Guitar with Case * BARELY PLAYED *

1980 Guild D25 Mahogany Vintage Acoustic Guitar with Case * BARELY PLAYED *

Sarasota, Florida, 342**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$750

According to the Guild website this is a 1980 Guild model D25 acoustic 6-string guitar. Looks to be all original. No cracks or splits. Neck is straight and bridge is on tight. The finish is amazing and to me (not a guitar guy) looks like it was rarely played as the neck where you'd grip it and the pick guard seem very un-worn. Look at the pictures! I auto-filled all the info from a guitar by Guild that looked identical to this one. Includes a nice fur-lined case. Message me with questions and ... more
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Guild Newark St. Collection Kim Thayil Signature Polara

Guild Newark St. Collection Kim Thayil Signature Polara

Anoka, Minnesota, 553**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$625


In great used shape look at pictures closely for condition sold in as is condition no returns so please ask any and all questions before buying ?? Crafted with a Mahogany body and neck, adorned with a Guild 70??s headstock, the Polara Kim Thayil pays tribute to Kim??s favorite features from his ??78 S-100. Equipped with Grover Original RotomaticsĀ® tuners for stability, Guild HB-1 Humbuckers with Alnico II Magnets for warm yet articulate timbre, and a phase accurate to vintage spec. The... more
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1962 Guild DE-500 Duane Eddy guitar

1962 Guild DE-500 Duane Eddy guitar

Huntington Beach, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6800

Excellent first year production 1962 Guild DE-500 Duane Eddy model
Beautiful bright sunburst laminated spruce top , 2 piece flamed maple back
flamed neck and sides of body
All original with guild / bigsby tailpiece
Original Tuners still hold there tune
DeArmond pick ups sound awesome
Everything works as it should
Some slight divots on the 3 lower frets really do not effect play
Super clean comes with original case
Ready to go... more
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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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

1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini

1961 Hofner Colorama I

1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)

1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.

1960 Hofner Colorama II

1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

1971 Epiphone 1820 (ET-280) bassBy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.

1981 Gibson Marauder

1981 Gibson MarauderProduction of Bill Lawrence's Gibson Marauder began in 1974, with production peaking in 1978. But by 1980 the model was officially discontinued, though very small numbers slipped out as late as spring 1981. Over 7000 examples shipped between 1974 and 1979, and although no totals are available for 1980 and 1981, it is unlikely production reached three figures in either of these years. These final Marauders were all assembled at the Gibson Nashville plant, and had some nice features not available through the later years of production, such as a rosewood fretboard, and in this case, an opaque 'Devil Red' finish. It's a great looking and fine playing guitar!

1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

1971 Pick Epiphone catalogWhen Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo to the Matsumoku plant in Japan, a whole new range of electric, flattop and classic acoustic guitars was launched. Between late 1970 and 1972 the new models were launched and refined. This 'folder' catalog contains various inserts released over these years detailing four electric six-strings (ET-270, ET-275, ET-278, and thinline EA-250), three bass guitars (ET-280, ET-285, and thinline EA-260), three folk/steel acoustics, four jumbo flattop acoustics, two 12-string jumbos, four classic acoustics, and a banjo.

1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

1981 Gibson Specials Pre-Owners Manual'Gibson Specials' was part of the June 1981 pre-owners manual series, but unlike the other folders contained a mish-mash of different guitars: limited editions, test marketing and close outs. "You will find the unusual, the brand-new, and the bargain within this folder". End of line 70s guitars like the Marauder, S-1, and L-6S Custom mixed in with brand new models the The V, The Explorer and the Flying V Bass.
It was the largest folder in the series, with 24 inserts, (19 guitars and 5 basses): Guitars: 335-S Standard, Melody Maker Double, Marauder, L-6S Custom, S-1, RD Artist, Firebird, Firebird II, Flying V, Flying V-II, The V, Explorer, Explorer II, The Explorer, The "SG" Standard, Les Paul Artist, Les Paul Artisan, ES-335 Heritage, ES-175/CC Basses: Grabber, G-3, L-9S, RD Artist Bass, Flying V Bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bassRose-Morris were selling Shaftesbury-branded Rickenbacker copy instruments from the late 1960s right through the 1970s. The 3263 bass was one of the first models, (alongside the 3261 six string and 3262 twelve string) available from late 1968 until about 1974. The earliest incarnation was a set neck bass, produced very briefly in Japan. But production quickly moved to Italy. This bolt-on neck example was built by Eko, in Recanati, using the same hardware and pickups as fitted to Eko, and Vox basses built around the same time. It's certainly a fine looking bass, and not a bad player either.

1961 Hohner Zambesi

1961 Hohner ZambesiThis very early, and pretty rare British-built guitar is branded Hohner London. Hohner were, of course, a German company, better known for their harmonicas and accordions, but they were keenly expanding into guitars at the birth of the 1960s. This model, along with the Hohner Amazon and (particularly) the Hohner Holborn, bear some similarity with Vox guitars of the same period; furniture manufacturer Stuart Darkins constructed bodies and necks for both brands, with Fenton Weill assembling them using their hardware and pickups. These guitars do have some hardware peculiarities, and they are not the most adjustable of instruments, but they actually play very nicely, being solidly built out of some very nice woods. Check out the video on this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

1963 Vox Super AceThe Vox Super Ace was a mid-priced British solid body electric guitar, produced by JMI at their factory in Dartford, Kent. It was broadly modelled on the Fender Stratocaster, and a sibling model to the dual-pickup Vox Ace. Both the Ace, and Super Ace (along with several other models), were redesigned in 1963 with a new body shape, headstock style, and pickup layout - only increasing the resemblance to the aforementioned Fender. The Super Ace had a 1963 price tag of £47 5S. It's a pretty nice playing guitar with some lovely sounds - check out the videos on this page, and in the Vintage Guitar and Bass supporting members area

1966 Vox New Escort

1966 Vox New EscortThe Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin CareCatalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger FolkThe Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitarThe Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music

1959 Hofner Committee

1959 Hofner CommitteeThe Hofner Committee was a truly beautiful guitar produced in Germany, primarily for the UK market. It was a large bodied (initially 17 1/2") guitar with a carved spruce top, available as an acoustic or electric guitar. By the early sixties the carved top was replaced with a laminate, and although still a very fine guitar, the earlier carved top examples, with frondose headstock (like the example shown here) are far more highly prized amongst musicians and vintage guitar collectors.

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean

1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins TennesseanThe Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean, or model 6119 was Gretsch's best selling hollow body of the 1960s. This wonderfully faded example from 1965 was originally Dark Cherry Red, but has turned a mid-orange brown. The original color, however, can be seen underneath the pickup surrounds. 1965 specs: maple body, two-piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and Hi-Lo 'Tron single coil pickups. Nickel plated Gretsch Bigsby tailpiece.

1965 Gretsch 'For the Spectacular Sound of the Times' guitar and amp catalog

1965 Gretsch catalogThe 1965 Gretsch catalog, or catalog #32, featured 10 hollow body electric guitars, including the newly launched Gretsch Viking; four solid body electrics, including the Astro Jet - making it's only catalog appearance; just one bass, the single pickup PX6070; nine acoustics and 12 tube amplifiers. Pride of place went to the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman that adorned both the front and back covers. 24 pages, six of which are in full color.

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret ends

Guitar Repair: fixing fret buzz and sharp fret endsLoose frets are especially problematic in certain old guitars, but are generally very easy to fix. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little time. Fixing loose frets can eliminate fret buzz, remove sharp fret ends, and greatly improve the tone of any guitar. If your luthier bill will be greater than the value of your guitar, definitely time to have a go yourself!

1966 Hagstrom 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog (Merson USA)

1966 Hagstrom guitar catalogHagstrom guitars were distributed in the mid-1960s United States by Merson of USA. This eight page 'worlds fastest playing neck' catalog, printed in two-colors contained six solid body electrics, three solid body basses, two electric acoustic guitars, two electric acoustic basses and five acoustics.

1965 Hofner President

1965 Hofner PresidentThe President was produced by Hofner in Bubenreuth, Germany, specifically for Selmer, who distributed the brand in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other commonwealth nations. The President was a hollow body electric acoustic, available as a full body or thinline, and with blonde or brunette finish. It was a great playing guitar that sold fairly well in the second half of the 1950s, throughout the 1960s, and into the very early 1970s. The example shown here is a full-body depth guitar in blonde - and as a 1965 guitar, one of the last to feature the rounded Venetian cutaway. From late 1965 until 1972, the President sported a sharp Florentine cut. Naturally, such an electric acoustic suggests jazz and blues, but many of the original British Hofner President players were part of the rock 'n roll, skiffle and beat scenes of the late 50s and early 60s.

1963 1964 Fender catalog

Fender 1963 catalogue"The Choice of Professional and Student Musicians Everywhere" This eight page catalogue was included as an insert in the 1963 annual "school music" issue of Downbeat magazine (September 1963). As well as keyboards and pedal steels, this catalog contains seven guitars, three basses and ten amplifiers - from student guitars such as the Musicmaster and Duotone to professional models like the new Jaguar.