1965/66 Selmer Guitars and Accessories Catalog, Page 37: Gibson SJN and J-45 >> Vintage Guitar and Bass
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SELMER | CATALOGS | 1965/66 | PAGE 37

Gibson SJN Country Western and J-45 flat-top jumbo acoustics

1965/66 Selmer 'Guitars and Accessories' catalog page 37

SJN Country Western and J-45 flat-top jumbo acoustics. These guitars have quite a lot in common: the same size, scale, and body/neck woods. The SJN was the natural finished equivalent of the SJ Southerner Jumbo; a finished spruce top with mahogany sides, back and neck. The J-45 was finished in walnut save the Cherry sunburst top. The fancier split parallelogram neck position markers and crown headstock inlay of the SJN largely accounted for the differences in price of the two models.

Country-Western artists have no greater favourite. They praise the SJN's improved jumbo size and shape, its deep resonance, powerful tone and de luxe appearance, and its Gibson quality

1965/66 Selmer "Guitars and Accessories" catalog, page 37: Gibson SJN Country Western and J-45 flat-top jumbo acoustics
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GIBSON Vintage 1949 J-45 Acoustic Guitar & Hardshell Case

GIBSON Vintage 1949 J-45 Acoustic Guitar & Hardshell Case

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 875**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Vintage 1949 Gibson J-45 Acoustic Guitar
Serial number 4441 7. This is a fantastic sounding instrument. I have owned and sold thousands of guitars but kept this one for many years because it was special. Some accomplished musicians have played the instrument and all though it sounded amazing. Super light 3 lb. 14 oz . The guitar plays easily with very low action. String height low E is 3 / 32" and high E 3 / 64 " . 1 5 / 8" nut width. I would describe the neck profile is smaller to medium.... more
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VINTAGE 1969 GIBSON J-45  GUITAR TOBACCO SUNBURST

VINTAGE 1969 GIBSON J-45 GUITAR TOBACCO SUNBURST

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

$2100

This vintage Gibson J-45 guitar is a dream come true for any musician. Its tobacco sunburst finish adds a touch of elegance and warmth to its mahogany body. With 19 frets and a 6-string configuration, this acoustic guitar is in near perfect original condition. My mother??s guitar, but because it was a gift from her father and she never learned to play, there is very minimal wear and still has exact parts as the day it was made.

The guitar comes with a non-original Gibson hardshell ... more
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Gibson J-45 ROSEWOOD Factory Second Acoustic Guitar - Vintage 1974-1975

Gibson J-45 ROSEWOOD Factory Second Acoustic Guitar - Vintage 1974-1975

Pomona, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

Here??s your chance to own a vintage Gibson J-45 ROSEWOOD Factory Second Acoustic Guitar, manufactured between 1974 and 1975. Renowned for its rich, warm tone and superior resonance, the Gibson J-45 is a timeless classic. This model is especially valuable to collectors and players alike
Condition:
Used Guitar: This instrument shows natural wear expected of a guitar from the 1970s, with minor surface scratches and dings that contribute to its vintage appeal Factory Second: The ??2?? ... more
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VINTAGE 1965 GIBSON J-45  GUITAR TOBACCO SUNBURST MAHOGANY BACK / SIDES / NECK

VINTAGE 1965 GIBSON J-45 GUITAR TOBACCO SUNBURST MAHOGANY BACK / SIDES / NECK

Littlefield, Texas, 793**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2850

This is a very nice 1965 Gibson J-45 I purchase it from an estate and it is just as I found it except for having a set of light strings put on it. I was told the bridge has been modified so it no longer adjusts. The guitar plays and sounds fantastic The nut width is 42 3 mm The action is very low at the nut but gets higher towards the bridge but is still very playable it has a very small crack from the sound hole to the neck I was told it was probably caused by the original pick guard shrinking.... more
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1966 Gibson J-45 ADJ.

1966 Gibson J-45 ADJ.

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5340

1966 Gibson J-45, Cherry Sunburst Finish, Adjustable bridgewith White ceramic insert, Great player with plenty of volume, Warm and richtonality, Sweet one! VG++, Newer hard case
... more
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Vintage! 1950??s National 1155 Gibson J-45 Style Guitar w /  Brazilian Board + Case

Vintage! 1950??s National 1155 Gibson J-45 Style Guitar w / Brazilian Board + Case

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

$2995



Vintage! 1950??s National 1155 Gibson J-45 Style Guitar w / Brazilian Board + Case

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this Vintage! 1950??s National 1155 Gibson J-45 Style Acoustic Guitar with a Sunburst Finish! These guitars are downright awesome for old-school strumming. They feature the cool, adjustable-neck-angle National Stylist necks mated to (mostly) choice 1950s Gibson J-45 bodies. National and Gibson shared the same parent company at ... more
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1968 Gibson Country Western Acoustic Guitar Vintage

1968 Gibson Country Western Acoustic Guitar Vintage

Lake Stevens, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

1968 Gibson Country Western. A nice example with all the features characteristic of this year of the model. No cracks or breaks. Very nice sound. Neck angle is good. Action is good. Original wooden saddle is included, but has been upgraded to a drop-in bone replacement. Saddle is currently set up very high so there??s plenty of room to move it down if you want. No bridge lift

Video demo: https: / / youtu be / vzl64X30TU8?si=J857NWCdyhGckrE

Some cosmetic wear from regular ... more
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Gibson 1960s CASE J-45 J-50, SJ, SJN, Country Western, J-160E

Gibson 1960's CASE J-45 J-50, SJ, SJN, Country Western, J-160E

Boca Raton, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$149

1964 J-50 case
Great shape -all latches work
Clean red furry interior. No Gibson badge. Original case for my 1964 J-50
Lemmie know if you need a photo of interior.... more
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1960 Gibson J-45 a rare example w / a Flat Wide neck its 1 of a kind & Minty !

1960 Gibson J-45 a rare example w / a Flat Wide neck its 1 of a kind & Minty !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

We have available this rare 1960 Gibson J-45 that??s wonderfully cool & all original. It??s been blessed by having 1 of Gibson??s very earliest Cherry Sunburst finishes over a spruce top w / a fabulous deep color that changed by 1962. Its ultra clean mahogany back & sides have stunning stripes sides & its ultra flat & side neck is quite clean too. Its still sports its original single line Kluson 3-in-line tuners w / plastic buttons. What??s the neatest thing about this rare beast... more
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1977 Gibson J-45 Deluxe Vintage Acoustic Guitar

1977 Gibson J-45 Deluxe Vintage Acoustic Guitar

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

$2999

1977 Gibson J-45 Deluxe Acoustic Guitar - Vintage Sunburst Beauty
Description:
Up for sale is a stunning 1977 Gibson J-45 Deluxe, a timeless classic with the iconic sunburst finish. Known as the "workhorse" of acoustic guitars, the J-45 is renowned for its balanced tone, exceptional playability, and enduring legacy in music history
Features:
Year: 1977Model: J-45 DeluxeTop: Solid Sitka SpruceBack & Sides: MahoganyNeck: Mahogany with a Rosewood fretboardFinish: SunburstScale ... more
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Vintage 1974 Gibson Southern Jumbo SJ Acoustic Guitar

Vintage 1974 Gibson Southern Jumbo SJ Acoustic Guitar

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

This 50 year old original  Gibson Southern Jumbo SJ Acoustic Guitar is a rare gem for any music enthusiast. With its huge body and huge sound quality, ( see label for details of model USA made  ) it is a superb example of original craftsmanship . 
See all images 
Bought from the original owner??s grandson a few years ago  
Condition :

The guitar is used but not showing any serious wear on the body other than light scratching and a few nicks here and there ( see pictures... more
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Gibson SJ Deluxe Acoustic Guitar 1974

Gibson SJ Deluxe Acoustic Guitar 1974

Greenwood, South Carolina, 296**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3250

I have a 1974 Gibson SJ Deluxe acoustic guitar with the original case. This is probably the nicest 50 year old guitar that I??ve seen showing only very light signs of any use. The frets and fretboard look new. The guitar is in amazing condition. It even has all the tags, keys, and brochures that came with the guitar when it was bought new. Would prefer local pickup but would possibly consider meeting within a reasonable distance of South Carolina. If you have any questions, let me know. Thanks ... more
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1955 Gibson Country Western Natural w / HSC

1955 Gibson Country Western Natural w / HSC

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

$7495

1955 Gibson Country Western Natural w / HSC
This Guitar Is In Very Good Overall Condition With Some Play Wear Visible Throughout (Please See All Photos)
Located At IVG Orange
No Cracks Visible, Finish Checking Visible On The Back Of Body
Strum Marks Visible Around The Soundhole
Possibly Refretted, Small Frets Are In Great Condition
Neck Appears To Have Been Reset Some Time Ago
Original Saddle Is Sitting Low But Can Still Go Down Some
Tuners Have Been Changed To ... more
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1963 Gibson SJ Country Western Southern Jumbo Sunburst Finish Acoustic Guitar

1963 Gibson SJ Country Western Southern Jumbo Sunburst Finish Acoustic Guitar

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

$6995

1963 Gibson SJ Country Western Southern Jumbo Sunburst Finish Acoustic Guitar w / OHSC
Located At IVG Burbank
In Excellent Overall Condition With Some Light Scratches, Dings And Playwear
Sunburst Finish
Spruce Top
Mahogany Back And Sides
Mahogany Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard
Weight 4lbs 10oz
Nut Width 1 11 / 16 "
Neck Depth At 1st Fret .86 "
Neck Depth At 12th Fret 1 32 "
Comes With Original Hardshell Case
Made In Kalamazoo, MI
... more
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Gibson Deluxe SJ (Southern Jumbo) 1970s Acoustic Guitar- Natural

Gibson Deluxe SJ (Southern Jumbo) 1970's Acoustic Guitar- Natural

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

$2700

1970's Gibson Deluxe SJ (Southern Jumbo)
Serial Number - A013036
This is a wonderful guitar that was brought back from the brink. It has gotten a neck reset and a new set of frets, so it sounds amazing!
Specifications:
Top - SpruceBack and sides - MahoganyNeck- MahoganyFingerboard - RosewoodStrings - SteelRight HandedMinor dings and scratchesWelcome to Guitar Apothecary, where passion meets curation in the world of exclusive guitar collection. As connoisseurs of craftsmanship and ... more
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GIBSON J-45 STANDARD VINTAGE GUITAR - SUNBURST W /  GIBSON HARD CASE (MVP020860)

GIBSON J-45 STANDARD VINTAGE GUITAR - SUNBURST W / GIBSON HARD CASE (MVP020860)

Turlock, California, 953**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

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1963 Gibson J-45 ADJ no finish project guitar

1963 Gibson J-45 ADJ no finish project guitar

Citrus Heights, California, 956**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

I really don??t want to sell this J45??. it??s a wonderful guitar but i figured i??d put it up to see if any interest is out there. Vintage 1963 Gibson J45 with stripped finish . This thing sounds amazing! Even with its original composite bridge. This use to be a sunburst finish . Unfortunately someone stripped the finish and then basically abandoned it and put it back in the case. it??s been played a little with no finish but not much . No significant damage to the wood?? a bit of ??buckle ... more
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Gibson J-45 1950 Vintage Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst

Gibson J-45 1950 Vintage Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst

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

$8899

This is a fantastic sounding J-45 from 1950! This mahogany body, spruce top, vintage acoustic Gibson is one of the iconic models from the golden age of guitar building. The guitar has seen its share of expected repairs but is in great shape overall and ready for the next 75 years of action
The top shows a medium amount of strum wear on either side of the fingerboard extension. The finish is well-checked and the back of the neck shows wear up and down. The nut has been replaced and the guitar... more
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1968 Gibson J-45 ADJ Deluxe Cherry Sunburst Dreadnought Vintage Acoustic Guitar

1968 Gibson J-45 ADJ Deluxe Cherry Sunburst Dreadnought Vintage Acoustic Guitar

Sonoma, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3480

Late 1968 Gibson J-45ADJ Deluxe Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar with a Cherry Sunburst finish. There are no breaks, cracks, or repairs. Everything is original except for newer strap buttons. This features the broad shoulders body instead of the earlier soft shoulders. The bridge is adjustable and the string action height is currently set to 2 20mm at the 12th fret with light strings. It weighs 5 05 pounds. The neck thickness measures 0 840" at the 1st fret and 0 976" at the 9th fret
Overall in ... more
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1968 Gibson Country Western

1968 Gibson Country Western

Smyrna, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3750


1968 Gibson Country Western Acoustic. Previous owner had bridge replaced and cracks sealed by a luthier. Could use a little work but overall plays great and comes with original case. I??m not in a rush to sell it but entertaining cash offers
... 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.