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SELMER | CATALOGS | 1964 HOFNER / FUTURAMA | PAGE 5

Hofner President / Senator

Page 5 of the 1964 Selmer catalog

The single Venetian cutaway Hofner President (model 5122) and the non-cutaway Hofner Senator (5121) electric guitars were two of the most popular Hofner models offered by Selmer in the mid-1960s. Both guitars were available as full-bodied instruments (as illustrated) and as thinlines, with no difference in price. Furthermore, each model was also available as a (full body depth) acoustic model with no pickups or controls - see pages 20 and 21.

As with all the electric guitars in this brochure, there had been some upgrades in specification: most notably the change from 'Super-Response' ('Toaster') pickups, to the new design 'Nova-Sonic' units, and from the old Console controls to the more intuitive volume/tone for each pickup layout as used by Gibson, Guild etc. In previous catalogues (see the 1960, for example) the President is fitted with the same Compensator tailpiece as the Senator.

Each model was available in Brunette (sunburst) and Blonde (natural) finishes, and were priced as follows (United Kingdom 1964 pricing): President: Brunette/Blonde 46 gns./48 gns.; Senator: Brunette/Blonde 27 gns./28 gns.

Selmer 1964 Hofner and Futurama catalog page 5 - Hofner Verithin
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Hofner President guitars for sale

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1956 Hofner President Electric Guitar 2 Pickup Cutaway Sunburst Nice Shape W / HSC

1956 Hofner President Electric Guitar 2 Pickup Cutaway Sunburst Nice Shape W / HSC

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700


Vintage 1956 Hofner President Electric Guitar
2 Pickup, Cutaway, Sunburst
Plays / Sounds Great Without Issue
SN 2633
With Newer Hard Case Not Pictured
PLEASE DO NOT mistake picture glare for flaws . If you think you're seeing something not mentioned in this listing, please ask!!
There are lots of pics available, so when you receive it, its exactly what you expected, if not better. No surprises with this sale . Buy with confidence!
Here's The Run Down:
This is a Early... more
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1955 Hofner President Masterclass Fine Archtop Guitar Made in Germany | Natural

1955 Hofner President Masterclass Fine Archtop Guitar Made in Germany | Natural

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$999

1955 Hofner President Masterclass Guitar
Here is a beautiful Hofner President with very high grade woods. Stunning guitar overall. Comes with a newer hardshell case. Check out our website for more photos and other important info!
Condition: The guitar is pretty clean considering it's 70 years old! Light dings and scratches all around. Nothing too bad. Still in very good plus condition. Action is low and it plays well. The bridge is not original and not the ... more
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Hofner president

Hofner president

Horncastle, LN9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£995

Hofner president 1960
The guitar is in very good playing and looking condition
All electrics are working and the action is very low, with a straight neck
The guitar has a trussrod which means that the neck is not a fork handle diameter. An original hard shell case is in the deal as well
Happy hunting
... more
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Hofner Senator (1958)

Hofner Senator (1958)

Selby, YO8***, UNITED KINGDOM

£550

Hofner Senator (1958). Original label inside states model 4513. Good condition bought from new in 1958, well looked after by family No case or pickguard included.
... more
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Vintage 1964 Hofner Senator Bass Sunburst  /  Brunette 4-String Guitar *1960s*

Vintage 1964 Hofner Senator Bass Sunburst / Brunette 4-String Guitar *1960s*

Battle, TN33***, UNITED KINGDOM

£750

In good overall condition  However the action is quite high,  maybe the neck needs to be reset  no sound from the pickup,  needs a rewind  low price reflects this Cash on collection from Battle East Sussex.... more
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Hofner Senator guitar - 1960 - natural maple finish

Hofner Senator guitar - 1960 - natural maple finish

Penzance, UNITED KINGDOM

£400

Hofner Senator 1960 in a natural maple finish / Serial No. 10 442
The good the bad and the ugly
It's a well-loved guitar but needs some attention, hence the low price, compared to others on here It's been modified for a lefty but wouldn't take much (new nut) to change it back The neck has been reset and re fretted (by a professional luthier) and it plays ok (great sound!) but could do with setting up and new strings There's plenty of signs of wear, scratches, dings and cracked varnish... more
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Hofner President 1959

Hofner President 1959

Bristol, BS3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£550


A Hofner President from 1959 converted to Electro-acoustic by addition of a Pickup(Hofner Toaster copy, 9K ohms), Volume and Tone controls
The Headstock carries an original set of Hofner Tuners (high e needs attention) and the Hofner logo and inlays
The frets and fretboard are in good condition with a comfortable action
The Hardwood Bridge, with individual metal saddles is linked to an iconic, Compensator Tailpiece
The Acoustic voice is mellow, sounds great through an amp... more
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Hofner HCT  President bass guitar

Hofner HCT President bass guitar

Northumberland , NE66***, UNITED KINGDOM

£495

Hofner President Bass HCT reissue excellent like new condition - The Hofner President Bass pays homage to the original 1950s and 1960s issue with the 'Toaster' style pick ups - Fitted with new La Bella chrome flatwound strings - Dial in the authentic early Beatles sounds and the UK British Beat, Rock n Roll, cool Jazz and easy find a Country, Blues and acoustic bass vibe with the iconic 'Teacup' control panel - One of two I have for sale, (check my other advert) these basses have excellent ... more
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Hofner President 1958 Vintage Archtop Acoustic. Well Loved And Plays Just Fine

Hofner President 1958 Vintage Archtop Acoustic. Well Loved And Plays Just Fine

Reading, RG8***, UNITED KINGDOM

£650

This vintage Hofner President archtop guitar is being sold for a friend whose husband owned it before he passed.
Crafted in 1958, it still rings nicely, especially with the Hofner compensator holding the ball end of the strings. Please look carefully at the pictures as the D string strip is slightly bent - but has little impact on tone.

Very minor scratching and dings are highlighted on the pictures, otherwise a good, honest vintage guitar.
Still has the sellers badge on the ... more
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1959 Höfner President acoustic guitar

1959 Höfner President acoustic guitar

Felixstowe, IP11***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1000

1959 Höfner President acoustic guitarGorgeous with some cosmetic marks, some of which are very noticeable
Cosmetic damage can be seen in the pictures, nothing happening that effects palyability I'm a big fan of Höfner, they truly make fantastic guitars
The guitar palys well and looks beautiful (even with the cosmetic marks), constructed to last forever It comes with a TGI Extreme padded case (I bought this new, exactly for this occasion)
I box all my guitars for shipping, it is ... more
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Hofner Senator 1958 Archtop Acoustic Guitar

Hofner Senator 1958 Archtop Acoustic Guitar

Stoke-on-Trent, ST6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£499

Hofner Senator
In really good condition overall
Had replacement tuning peg (see photos)
Just needs a setup
... more
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Hofner Senator w /  Pickup but neck Issues

Hofner Senator w / Pickup but neck Issues

Bath, Somerset, BA2***, UNITED KINGDOM

£255

This guitar has, after some considerable work, cleaned up really nicely and has a good warm and clear sound

The body is in really good condition the wood colour is really warm and consistent. Pic 2 doesn??t reflect this as light was bad!)

One tuner different to the others but all seem to hold tuning really well

I don??t think the pickup is as old as the guitar but it, sounds like (and right for) the instrument rather than detracting from its character
more
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Hofner Senator Vintage 1957 Acoustic Guitar

Hofner Senator Vintage 1957 Acoustic Guitar

Bungay, NR35***, UNITED KINGDOM

£475

Hofner Senator 1957 Vintage Guitar. Serial number 4228 This is a used guitar and does have some marks and some damage round the neck area which I have tried to show on the photos Please let me know if you want some more pics This is being advertised elsewhere so could be removed if sold. Collection only.... more
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Vintage Hofner Senator (1957) Guitar

Vintage Hofner Senator (1957) Guitar

Bath, BA3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£500

For sale I have:- Hofner Senator 6 string acoustic guitar (Serial number 3767) complete with hard case. I??ve owned this guitar for around 10 years but rarely play it so have decided to put it up for sale. The guitar is in really nice condition for its age and has been really well looked after. The guitar does have some age related marks / scratches (See pictures). Stand not included Uk bidders only.... more
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Hofner President acoustic archtop vintage guitar George Harrison Beatles

Hofner President acoustic archtop vintage guitar George Harrison Beatles

London, Camden , NW0***, UNITED KINGDOM

£900

I was told it is the same model and year as George Harrison??s first good guitar when I got it, and I checked it back then.
The only details to take into account are: the pickguard is missing, the paint on the first fret section of the neck has some wear, and there are some cracks on the veneer at the back
The rest is in great condition, very little fret wear, straight neck, lovely look, and playing amazing.
... more
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Hofner guitar 1964 Senator Fabulous Condition And Playability

Hofner guitar 1964 Senator Fabulous Condition And Playability

London, SW11***, UNITED KINGDOM

£390

Hofner guitar 1964 Senator Fabulous Condition And Playability
... more
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Hofner PRESIDENT 1959

Hofner PRESIDENT 1959

Stroud, GL5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£800

This lovely Höfner President electric guitar from 1959 is a true gem for any guitar enthusiast. With its beautiful blond body colour, right-handed configuration, and iconic Höfner brand, this guitar is a must-have for any collection. The model year adds to its vintage appeal, making it a unique and special addition to any musician's arsenal
The guitar was purchased in a damaged condition, including a break where the neck meets the body. It has been fully refurbished and is now in ... more
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Hofner Senator

Hofner Senator

Grays, RM16***, UNITED KINGDOM

£650

Can deliver or post at your cost would prefer collecting due to value and fragility of the item comes with case
This Hofner Senator electric guitar boasts a classic design that will catch the eye of any musician. Crafted with high-quality materials, it delivers a rich and expressive tone that is perfect for a variety of musical genres
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this guitar is sure to impress. The sleek and stylish design features a comfortable neck and smooth ... more
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Höfner New President Archtop-Gitarre

Höfner New President Archtop-Gitarre

Leipzig, 04***, GERMANY

€2500

Hallo! Ich verkaufe meine Höfner, da ich sie selten bis fast nie spiele Die Gitarre ist in gutem Zustand, bis auf ein paar kleine Lacksprünge und Dellen, die auf den Bildern recht gut zu erkennen sein sollten. Ein zweiter Steg und der Koffer sind auch dabei Ich würde die Gitarre ungern versenden, bitte kommt vorbei und macht euch selbst ein Bild bzw. holt sie ab, falls sie euch gefällt! Ich habe einen Fender Princeton, über den die Gitarre ausprobiert werden kann
Der Verkauf erfolgt ... more
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Hofner Senator 66 Cutaway Electric Vintage 1967

Hofner Senator 66 Cutaway Electric Vintage 1967

Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22***, UNITED KINGDOM

£549

Condition
This is a 1967 model with serial number 397
I have owned this beauty since the late 1980s. Unfortunately, I have not played it for several years and its time for it to go to someone that will appreciate it and play it
Overall it is in very good condition throughout. It is 57 years old so has some minor marks and blemishes. No significant dings or damage. The lacquer is in very good condition though when I photographed it I noticed a couple of hairline cracks on the lower ... 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.