Vintage Guitars
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions
SELMER | CATALOGS | 1968 | PAGE 69

Gibson Les Paul Custom and Standard

1968/1969 Selmer 'Guitars and Accessories' catalog page 69

The Gibson Les Paul had been deleted in early 1961 (actually it had evolved into the Gibson SG, but that's another story), but had only increased in popularity during its absence. And nowhere moreso than in the UK. Guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Paul Kossoff and Peter Green had so successfully demonstrated the good looks, and thick tonal properties of the Les Paul, that Selmer and in turn Gibson simply had to take note. The Les Paul was reissued in 1968, and two models were initially available, the black Les Paul Custom and gold top Les Paul Standard.

Here is the ultimate in a solid body Gibson Electric Spanish Guitar. Players rave about the extremely low smooth frets and playing action, call it the "Fretless Wonder". Features clear, resonant and sparkling tone, with widest range of tone colourings. Finished in solid ebony colour for rich contrast with gold plated metal fittings. Solid Honduras mahogany body with carved top; graceful cut-away design; bound with alternating white and black strips. Mahogany neck with exclusive Gibson Truss Rod neck construction. Bound, ebony finger board, deluxe pearl inlays. Exclusive peghead design with distinctive pearl inlays. Two powerful magnetic type pick-ups. Individually adjustable gold plated polepieces. Humbucking style for increased power, greater sustaining and reduced hum and noises from electrical disturbances. Separate tone and volume control for each pick-up which can be preset. Three-way toggle switch select either front or back pick up, or both simultaneously. Tailpiece can be moved up or down to adjust string tension. Tune-O-Matic bridge permits adjusting string action and individual string lengths for perfect intonation. Gold plated Sealfast individual machine heads with deluxe buttons. Gold-plated metal end pin and strap holder.

Note, the Les Paul Custom is one of the most expensive guitars in this catalog, only beaten by the Barney Kessel guitars shown on page 64. 1968/1969 UK prices for the Gibson Les Paul were as follows:

5545Les Paul Standard245 gns
5436Les Paul Custom339 gns

Demand for these instruments was incredible, but with such a price tag, few budding guitarists could afford the real thing. It was not long before Les Paul-styled copies were very widely available. But Selmer provided some of the very first, with their Hofner Club guitars. Like the Les Paul, these were very well respected guitars that had also been discontinued earlier in the 1960s (1963?), and were now due a comeback. A new version, the Hofner Club 70 appears for the first time on page 44 of this catalog. Although it has some visual similarity to the Les Paul, it really bears little similarity tonally. It's a nice guitar, but if you were after that fat Les Paul sound, you'd be disapointed.

1968 Selmer "Guitars and Accessories" catalog, page 69: Gibson Les Paul Custom and Standard
Got an opinion on the contents of this page? Disagree with something written above? Please comment

2024 Vintage Guitar price guide 2024 Vintage Guitar price guide

Need the value of your guitar? The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2024 is out now: Amazon


Gibson Les Paul guitars for sale

Vintageguitarandbass.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10695

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 With original hang tag and blank guarantee card returnable to Kalamazoo
Being offered from the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC

CONDITION AND PRICING PLEASE READ:
All electronics work and are original . very clean guitar. The Frets are ok but here is what my luthier said. The neck is slightly bowed on low E side and straight on high E side which he states can be fixed by replacing frets and compensating for ... more
eBay logo
Unplayed! Gibson Custom 1976 Mike Ness Les Paul Deluxe Aged Goldtop + COA OHSC

Unplayed! Gibson Custom 1976 Mike Ness Les Paul Deluxe Aged Goldtop + COA OHSC

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

$12995



Unplayed! Gibson Custom 1976 Mike Ness Les Paul Deluxe Aged Goldtop + COA OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to present this 2021 Gibson Custom 1976 Mike Ness Les Paul Deluxe with an Aged Goldtop Finish! Since 1978, Social Distortion and frontman Mike Ness have churned out their distinctive brand of aggressive SoCal-style punk. Even though Mike hails from Fullerton, Calif , his taste in guitars is pure Michigan. A self-proclaimed ??Gibson guy, ?? Mike... more
eBay logo
1961 Gibson Les Paul / SG Custom original WHITE with Sideways Vibrola

1961 Gibson Les Paul / SG Custom original WHITE with Sideways Vibrola

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$31900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Custom in its original White finish with gold hardware and a factory sideways Vibrola. It has a great playing neck with very worn frets, but still playable. It's all original with the exception of one volume knob. It's also 100% complete along with its original hardshell case. This original Les Paul Custom looks great with lots of minor nicks + dings (most have been touched-up with white... more
eBay logo
Aria Pro II LS-500 Les Paul Tobacco Burst 1978 With Gibson Pickups Fresh Setup

Aria Pro II LS-500 Les Paul Tobacco Burst 1978 With Gibson Pickups Fresh Setup

Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

1978 Aria Pro II LS-500 in tobacco burst
Flame maple one piece top and chambered mahogany body. Three piece mahogany neck. Long neck tenon
Chrome hardware, Gotoh bridge, original MIJ tail piece. Sealed tuners
The body has nicks, dings, dents, and a few finish checks. One on the top by the bridge tone pot, and a few more on the back of the headstock around the tuners
The frets show some wear, but less than normal for a 45 year old guitar
The pickups have been replaced with a ... more
eBay logo
Gibson Rare Vintage 1970??s Flower Tuner Ferrules Les Paul ES SG 1973-1977

Gibson Rare Vintage 1970??s Flower Tuner Ferrules Les Paul ES SG 1973-1977

Green Bay, Wisconsin, 543**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$135

Gibson Rare Vintage 1970??s Flower Tuner Ferrules Les Paul ES SG 1974-77. Very nice condition

Also available on other site and locally, so listing can end at any time. If it sells on both, the first winner will receive the guitar, the other will be fully refunded
Continental U S. Lower 48 bidders only. PayPal only. Those with less than 10 feedback should contact me first. Happy to answer questions promptly and provide more pics. Thanks and good luck
... more
eBay logo
RARE! 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard Royal Tea Burst w /  Factory Humbuckers! +Case

RARE! 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard Royal Tea Burst w / Factory Humbuckers! +Case

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

$4995



RARE! 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard Royal Tea Burst w / Factory Humbuckers! +Case

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is Excited to offer up this 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard with a Royal Tea Burst Finish! The 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard is a vintage electric guitar that's highly regarded among musicians and collectors for its timeless design, tonal richness, and historical significance. This particular Les Paul model from 1975 features factory-installed ... more
eBay logo
1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

Just in is this great 1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty
Quick Details
Weight 10 2
Nut width 1 69inches
Depth at 1st Fret 0 81 inches
Depth at 12th Fret 1 00 Inches
This 1973 Les Paul Custom is in great shape with no breaks or repairs
The body is in almost perfect shspe with the exception of a small wear mark through the paint and into the wood on the treble side of the neck between the 9th and 10th frets. This happened from the guitar sitting in its case over years ... more
eBay logo
1967 Gibson Full Line Retail Price List Les Paul SG Trini Lopez J-50 ORIGINAL

1967 Gibson Full Line Retail Price List Les Paul SG Trini Lopez J-50 ORIGINAL

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$79

1967 Gibson Full Line Retail Price List Les Paul SG Trini Lopez J-50 ORIGINALHandling fee is for shipping insurance only
... more
eBay logo
Gibson Les Paul Custom Cherry Sunburst 1970 w / OHSC (Refret)

Gibson Les Paul Custom Cherry Sunburst 1970 w / OHSC (Refret)

Renton, Washington, 980**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom in Cherry Sunburst finish made in 1970 with Original Hard Shell Case. This guitar features a double bound sandwich body, mahogany / maple / mahogany body with a 3-piece maple top, 3-piece mahogany neck and bound ebony fingerboard. Equipped with set of original gold covered Gibson patent sticker T-Tops in the neck and bridge position. Controlled by 2 Volume, 2 Tone knobs and a 3-Way Toggle Switch comprised of original pots, caps and switch dating to 1970 with the ... more
eBay logo
1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom Rare Tobacco Burst Vintage Guitar

1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom Rare Tobacco Burst Vintage Guitar

Peoria, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

This vintage 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom guitar in a stunning tobacco burst color is a rare find for any collector or musician. With a solid body type and electric guitar type, this guitar delivers excellent sound quality and tone. The brand name Gibson is synonymous with quality, and this guitar is no exception. The model name Custom is fitting for this guitar, as it boasts a unique design and style. Perfect for those looking for a classic or vintage sound, this guitar is a must-have for any ... more
eBay logo
RARE! 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar Tobacco Burst + OHSC

RARE! 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar Tobacco Burst + OHSC

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

$5495



RARE! 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar Tobacco Burst + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to present this 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar with a Tobacco Burst Finish! The Les Paul Standard is a legendary instrument known for its iconic design and exceptional sound. Whether you're a professional musician seeking a vintage tone machine or a collector interested in a piece of guitar history, this Les Paul Standard delivers a ... more
eBay logo
1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom w / 3 original PAF pickups + Fretless Wonder HANG TAG!

1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom w / 3 original PAF pickups + Fretless Wonder HANG TAG!

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$98000


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom in its original Black finish. It's all original and 100% complete along with its original hardshell case and original HANG TAG stamped "LES PAUL CUSTOM FRETLESS WONDER " . There's also a copy of the original sales ledger where the original owner made multiple payments of $13 a month for over a year. It has a good playing neck, but the small original frets are very worn as this would ... more
eBay logo
1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom

1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Hillsborough, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9899

This is a 1972 Gibson Les Paul Custom electric guitar from the Gibson Les Paul series. It features a custom model design and is a part of the Musical Instruments & Gear and Guitars & Basses categories. Serial # 627256
... more
eBay logo
1963 Gibson SG Les Paul Standard vintage guitar

1963 Gibson SG Les Paul Standard vintage guitar

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

$21500

1963 Gibson SG Les Paul Standard, Cherry Red, Sideways Vibrola, Two mighty soundingearly patent sticker humbuckers which are virtually the same as PAF??s, Fastplaying neck, Resonant sounding acoustically, Super cool, VG+, Nice Original hardcase... more
eBay logo
1978 Gibson 25 / 50 Anniversary Les Paul Tobacco Sunburst w /  OG Hardshell Case

1978 Gibson 25 / 50 Anniversary Les Paul Tobacco Sunburst w / OG Hardshell Case

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

$8000

1978 Gibson 25 / 50 Anniversary Les Paul Tobacco Sunburst w / Original Hardshell Case
Les Paul fans, we have a special guitar to share with you today. For sale we have a rare and collectible Les Paul 25 / 50 Anniversary model. This guitar was made to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Les Paul, as well as the 50th anniversary of Les?? musical career! This is essentially a Les Paul Custom but it??s dressed to the 9??s and tricked out with premium features that were never before seen on ... more
eBay logo
1969-1970 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe ultra rare made late 1969 completed Jan. 1970.

1969-1970 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe ultra rare made late 1969 completed Jan. 1970.

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

$12495

This is a crazy cool, rare & untouched all original late 1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe from a very transitional year for Gibson before the 70??s guitar push started as these changed drastically just post-1970. It??s an early Deluxe model in the very desirable Gold Top finish over the 1st of the sandwich bodies w / its natural finished figured mahogany back & neck. Its early 3-piece mahogany neck feels fabulous w / its trapezoid inlaid rosewood fingerboard. It??s got no dot in its Gibson ... more
eBay logo
1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst w /  Original Case and Amplifier

1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst w / Original Case and Amplifier

Babb, Montana, 594**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$18000

Excellent Package for the vintage guitar enthusiast:
Original 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Sunburst single cut, solid body, electric guitar Very Good to Excellent Condition
Original "Alligator" case (small area of trim missing)
1957 GA-5 Gibson Amplifier with cords and extras... more
eBay logo
1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom Vintage Guitar Natural w /  Lollar Pickups, Case, Tag

1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom Vintage Guitar Natural w / Lollar Pickups, Case, Tag

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

$6000

Up for sale, 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and warranty card. This Norlin-era Les Paul features a gloss Natural nitro lacquer finish, loaded with a pair of boutique Lollar Imperial humbuckers
Featuring a Norlin-era tonewood complement of a mahogany body (non-sandwich), three-piece maple top, three-piece maple neck, and bound ebony fingerboard, and this guitar has plenty of natural sustain, punch, and... more
eBay logo
1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Tobacco Sunburst

1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Tobacco Sunburst

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11999

Just in is this great 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior
Quick Details
Weight 7 8lbs
Nut Width 1 69
Depth at 1st fret 0 88
Depth at 12th 1 00
This is a great playing and sounding 1957 Les Paul JR
The Tobacco burst finish shows its wear and age with dings and small chips on it to be expected from a guitar this vintage. The clear also has some light rash or burn to it so there is light spotting or dimples in the lacquer. It is mostly on the back and bottom of the guitar. We tried ... more
eBay logo
Rare ~ 1979 ~ Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) ~ Tobacco Burst ~  1 Owner ~ All Original

Rare ~ 1979 ~ Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) ~ Tobacco Burst ~ 1 Owner ~ All Original

Monrovia, California, 910**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

I bought this Les Paul in Nov of 1980 from Rainbow guitars in Tucson Arizona. Ive had it all these years and have enjoyed playing it off and on. Its only been played at home and Ive taken care with it and its always stored in its case. It has all the original components, knobs, T-Top pickups etc. The only thing that has been replaced is the strings. Its been professionally set up and adjusted a couple of times. Everything else is as it left the Kalamazoo factory in 1979. It has the original ... more
eBay logo

Find more Gibson Les Paul guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 0 comments on this page so far. Add your comment

Comment on this article

Anti-spam question - to catch web robots

Contact
info@vintageguitarandbass.com

mailing list

Follow

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

Other Great Sites

Recent posts on vintage guitar and bass

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.