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SELMER | CATALOGS | 1972 GIBSON

1969 Selmer Gibson, Yamaha and Hofner guitars catalog

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1969 Gibson guitars for sale

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1969 Gibson SG Custom original owner

1969 Gibson SG Custom original owner

Rock Hill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$22000

In 1969 I was very fortunate to see Jimi Hendrix in Nuerenburg, Germany He played a Strat for all songs except for Red house when he went behind hisamps and came back playing a white Gibson SG Custom. Wow!! I had never such abeautiful guitar! I had to have one. Living in Germany it took 3 months forshipment from the States (which is a very long time for a 16-year old). Theguitar has been with me ever since
The guitar is actually in a pristine condition. Used 99% for home recording
... more
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Vintage 1966-7 or 1969 American Made Gibson Electric Guitar

Vintage 1966-7 or 1969 American Made Gibson Electric Guitar

Norwalk, California, 906**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1499

Vintage 1966-7 or 1969 American Made Gibson Electric Guitar Used Please verify condition and view pictures for details Free Shipping(You will be shipped exact item pictured)... more
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1969 Gibson Johnny Smith D

1969 Gibson Johnny Smith D

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

$12900

SKU: (#GAT0338)
1969 Gibson Johnny Smith, Attractive Cherry Sunburst finish, Ridiculously flamed Maple back, All solid wood construction, 1 & ¾ inches wide at the nut, Two Johnny Smith floating pickups, Gold hardware, Great low action, Superb archtop! VG++, Original hard case
??At Gary??s Classic Guitars we professionally clean, setup & pro pack for safe transit of your new guitar to your door! We would love to earn your business ??
??
... more
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1969 Gibson SG Custom Vintage Guitar Walnut, 100% Original w /  Pat # T-Tops, Case

1969 Gibson SG Custom Vintage Guitar Walnut, 100% Original w / Pat # T-Tops, Case

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

$17500

Up for sale, a 1969 Gibson SG Custom in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This extremely well-kept SG features a gloss Walnut nitro lacquer finish, the original trio of Pat # T Top humbuckers, and a long frame Maestro Vibrola. This particular instrument comes from the personal collection of Slipknot??s Jim Root, aka #4
The tonewood complement comprises solid mahogany neck and body construction, offering a rich ... more
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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
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1969 Gibson Johnny Smith D

1969 Gibson Johnny Smith D

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

$12900

SKU: (#GAT0339)
1969 Gibson Johnny Smith D, Cherry Sunburst, Deluxe Artistmodel, Carved Spruce top, Attractively Flamed Maple back and sides, Ebonyfingerboard with split block inlays, Two Floating Johnny Smith pickups, Goldhardware, Marvelous instrument with fantastic playability, Stunning example! EC+, Clean original hard case with case cover, $12, 900

... more
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Gibson SG Standard 1969

Gibson SG Standard 1969

Hyannis, Massachusetts, 026**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6850

Gibson SG Standard Guitar / Cherry / Circa 1969 with Engraved Lyre Tail piece with Vibrola
Ser # 855530
Vintage Gibson SG in good condition. There is evidence of a neck repair at some time. In production since the 60s this iconic guitar has withstood the test of time. This guitar has cosmetic wear marks and a few battle scars (see photos) but plays beautifully and looks great. Original hard case included
The Gibson SG was introduced in 1961 as a complete replacement for the Les ... more
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1970 Gibson Les Paul Custom 1969 Appointments Black Beauty

1970 Gibson Les Paul Custom 1969 Appointments Black Beauty

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

$13999

Just in is this killer 1970 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty
Quick Details
Weight 10lbs
Nut width 1 67 "
Depth at 1st fret 0 88 "
Depth at 12th fret 1 08 "
Just in on consignment from the family of the original owner is this beautiful 1970 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty. This Black beauty has all the transitional appointments of a 1969-70 Les Paul Custom, no "Made in USA" stamp. A three piece Mahogany neck with pancake body abr bridge with nylon saddles
The body ... more
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1969 VINTAGE Gibson es-340 All Original OHSC walnut Very Rare Collector Guitar!!

1969 VINTAGE Gibson es-340 All Original OHSC walnut Very Rare Collector Guitar!!

Durham, North Carolina, 277**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Plays like a wet dream. You want this.

This 1969 Gibson ES-340 electric guitar is a rare gem for collectors of vintage guitars. With its all-original features and Original Hard Shell Case (OHSC), it is a prized possession for any musician or guitar enthusiast. The body of the guitar is made of walnut, giving it a distinctive look and feel, while the Gibson brand and ES series ensure exceptional quality and sound.

The guitar is a must-have for fans of Gibson's ES ... more
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1969  /  70 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Vintage Electric Guitar w / OHSC

1969 / 70 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Vintage Electric Guitar w / OHSC

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

$17995

1969 / 70 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See All Photos)
Three Piece Mahogany Neck, Sandwich Body Construction, No "Made In USA" On The Back Of The Headstock - Transitional 60's To 70's Les Paul Appointments
Original Black Finish Showing Playwear, Small Scratches, & Nicks Throughout
Original Pickups With Added Gold Pickup Covers
Original Electronics
Original Tuning Machines (Appears They Were Removed At Some Point)
Original ... more
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Vintage! 1969 Gibson Byrdland Hollowbody Electric Guitar Honey Burst + OHSC

Vintage! 1969 Gibson Byrdland Hollowbody Electric Guitar Honey Burst + OHSC

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

$8995



Vintage! 1969 Gibson Byrdland Hollowbody Electric Guitar Honey Burst + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1969 Gibson Byrdland Hollowbody Electric Guitar with a Honey Burst Finish! The Gibson Byrdland had its origins in the requirements of busy working session guitarists ?? two working session guitarists in particular. Hank Garland and Billy Byrd were two of the top Nashville players throughout the 1950??s. They approached Ted ... more
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1969 Gibson ES 335 Guitar Blonde Finish with a Trapeze Tailpiece

1969 Gibson ES 335 Guitar Blonde Finish with a Trapeze Tailpiece

Laguna Hills, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14900

If they ever have a beauty contest - I think we have a winner.
I fell in love with this guitar in 1974 at a music store in Portland Maine. The 1st owner had upgraded the Tuners to Grovers Like Steve Tyler did with his Blonde 335, 1st thing I did was take the pickguard off (The Black just doesn't go with all the Blonde & Chrome)
I've babied this guitar for 50 years and It plays better than any guitar I've ever played. The neck is perfect and has never been adjusted. The frets are ... more
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1969 Gibson SG Standard Walnut Vintage Electric Guitar W /  Dimarzio & Grovers!

1969 Gibson SG Standard Walnut Vintage Electric Guitar W / Dimarzio & Grovers!

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 495**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Just in at Tone Chasers Music is this 1969 Gibson SG Standard. It has tons of vibe, rings like a bell, and sounds great plugged in. This guitar is in good condition with the pictured headstock repair, dings, and scratches being the most significant signs of wear. The bridge pickup and tuning machines were replaced with a Dimarzio Super Distortion and a Grover patent pending set but everything else is original. The pictured Gibson hardshell case is included. Tested, functional, and as pictured. ... more
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1969 Gibson ES-345 TDC Vintage Semi-Hollow Guitar Cherry, Collector-Grade, Case

1969 Gibson ES-345 TDC Vintage Semi-Hollow Guitar Cherry, Collector-Grade, Case

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

$9500

Up for sale, a 1969 Gibson ES-345 TDC in 100% original, collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of Gibson's premier semi-hollow models, the ES-345 TDC is an upscale version of the 335, with gold hardware and a six-position Varitone rotary switch, still factory wired for stereo operation. This ES-345 has a feel that is comfortable and intuitive, delivering a bold acoustic bark that translates well through the original patent sticker ... more
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1969 Gibson SG Custom Walnut w Original Case | ONE OWNER!

1969 Gibson SG Custom Walnut w Original Case | ONE OWNER!

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

$13500

1969 Gibson SG Custom Walnut w Original Case
Here is a really cool one owner late 1960's Gibson SG Custom in Walnut. The last of the good old 60's SG Custom's. This one is in nice condition and is playing well. The original fretless wonder frets still have decent life left and the guitar has a very nice vibe and is reasonably clean. It has no volute, no made in USA stamp and is a fully verified 1969 model with '69 dated pots and specs. Comes with the original black with marigold ... more
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1969 Gibson ES-150DC Electric Guitar - Walnut w /  Embossed Gibson Pickups

1969 Gibson ES-150DC Electric Guitar - Walnut w / Embossed Gibson Pickups

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4999

This guitar plays great. You'll definitely love this guitar and won't want to put it down.
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, Feel free to give us a call and check it out in person!
Layaway plans are also available. Message us for details.
Fast shipping! We ship, same day or next business day. Feel free to message us with any questions before purchasing or you can Google our shop: "GuitarFinds " , if you want to speak to an actual human regarding this guitar.
... more
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1969 Gibson SG Standard

1969 Gibson SG Standard

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

$9775

1969 Gibson SG Standard, Cherry Red, Large guard, EngravedLyre Tail piece with Vibrola, No volute or made in USA, Two Humbuckers, Lightweight, Superb sounding! Like AC / DC, Original hard case
... more
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Jimmy Page Gibson 1969 EDS 1275 Double Neck Signed Collectors Ed -$100K APRw / CoA

Jimmy Page Gibson 1969 EDS 1275 Double Neck Signed Collectors Ed -$100K APRw / CoA

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$54900


Jimmy Page Gibson 1969 EDS 1275 Double Neck Signed Collectors Edition - $100K APR w / CoA
ITEM DESCRIPTION:Presenting an extraordinary limited-edition collector's guitar from Gibson, this instrument is a true rarity, being #18 of only 50 produced in March 2024 to commemorate the grand opening of the Gibson Garage in London, England. Each of these exclusive guitars was personally played by legendary guitarist Jimmy Page. Following this, the necks were carefully wrapped in brown paper and ... more
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1969 Gibson Professional Walnut

1969 Gibson Professional Walnut

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3695

Vintage original 1969 Gibson Les Paul Professional in original Walnut finish
Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Features a Walnut finish, Mahogany body and neck, and Rosewood fingerboard
The Les Paul Professional was the second of the instruments Paul himself designed with Gibson following his re-engagement with the company in 1968. While Kalamazoo was most concerned with re-issuing the original 1950's models, an agreement was also struck to more accurately re-create Les Paul's highly ... more
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1969 Gibson Barney Kessel Sunburst w / factory BIGSBY

1969 Gibson Barney Kessel Sunburst w / factory BIGSBY

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

$6490


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1969 Gibson Barney Kesell in its original Sunburst finish with a factory Bigsby. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original and 100% complete. A later hardshell case is included. There are a couple of very minor surface cracks around the jack along with nicks + dings, lots of finish checking, finishing chipping over the headstock inlay and other cosmetic wear. The guitar itself remains ... 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.