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Univox Electric Guitar and Bass List

Instruments manufactured by Matsumoku

Univox was a brand created by American musical instrument distributor Merson / Unicord (based in Westbury, New York) in the mid-1960s, with guitars supplied by Aria and built at the Matsumoku factory in the city of Matsumoto, Japan. Most of these guitars were derivative of very well established models by the likes of Gibson, Mosrite Fender, Guild and Hagstrom - but they were of good quality and gained a good reputation in their own right - most notably the Univox Hi-Flier made famous by Kurt Cobain.

America had numerous regional guitar distributors offering Matsumoku-built instruments, and, at first at least, many of these were almost identical - save a finish, tailpiece or headstock shape. Two of the earliest Univox branded models, the UC-2 and HR-2 had numerous direct equivalents but branded Aria, Commodore, Conrad, Domino, Lyle, Maxitone, Orlando, Pan, Ventura - and no doubt others too.

Univox Electric Guitar and Bass List


Solid body guitars

UC-2 (1966-67)
UC-3 (1966-67)
1800 / U-1800 HiFlier (1968-)
  U-1800 - Sunburst
  U-1801 - White
  U-1802 - Black
U-1820 Badazz
  U-1820 - Sunburst
  U-1820N- Naked
  U-1821 - Cherry Red
U-1982 Rhythm & Blues / Mother
U-1986 Gimme
UHS-1 Lucy

Hollow body electrics

HR-2 (1966-1967)
1825 / U1825 Coily (1968-)
  U-1825 - Orange Sunburst   U-1826 - Red Sunburst   U-1827 - Green Sunburst 1832 12-string (1968-)
1900 (1968-)
1920 (1968-)
1925 (1968-)

Bass guitars

UB-1 (1966-67)
U-1800B HiFlier bass
  U-1800B - Sunburst
  U-1801B - White
  U-1802B - Black
U-1820B Badazz bass
  U-1820B - Sunburst
  U-1820NB - Naked
  U-1821B - Cherry Red
1835 / U1835 Coily bass (1968-)
  U-1835 - Orange Sunburst   U-1836 - Red Sunburst   U-1837 - Green Sunburst

Acoustic guitars

3009 (1968-)
3010 (1968-)
3011 (1968-)
U-3012
U-3013
U-3014
3015 (1968-)
3016 (1968-)
3017 12-string (1968-)
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Univox guitars for sale

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Vintage Univox Custom Hi Flier Sunburst Phase 1 With Case

Vintage Univox Custom Hi Flier Sunburst Phase 1 With Case

Columbus, Ohio, 432**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

All Original Univox Hi Flier Phase 1 Custom with original case. Guitar is in excellent condition with a few minor blemishes from use over the years
... more
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Vintage Univox Custom Hi Flier Black Phase 1 With Case.

Vintage Univox Custom Hi Flier Black Phase 1 With Case.

Columbus, Ohio, 432**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

All Original Univox Hi Flier Phase 1 Custom with original case. Guitar is in excellent condition with a few minor blemishes from use over the years. Tortoise Shell pickguard
... more
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Vintage Univox Custom Hi Flier Sunburst Phase 1 Transition Phase 2 With Case

Vintage Univox Custom Hi Flier Sunburst Phase 1 Transition Phase 2 With Case

Columbus, Ohio, 432**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

All Original Univox Hi Flier Phase 1 Custom with original case. Guitar is in excellent condition with a few blemishes to the outside upper horns from traveling in the case over the years

This is an interesting Phase 1 because it has a Phase 2 pickguard setup, but a phase 1 neck and body. Really cool, the parts are original to the guitar, it is a Phase 1 to Phase 2 transitional production run guitar. Pretty cool.
... more
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1970s Univox Ripper Clear Electric Guitar Made in Japan

1970's Univox Ripper Clear Electric Guitar Made in Japan

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

$1500

1970's Univox Ripper clear coated Electric Guitar Made in Japan.
Proceed with caution . This guitar is guaranteed to bring out your inner rock god! The body has an A- / B+ condition with a few signs of use as shown in the pictures. One of the screws holding down the pickguard is absent. Two of the three humbucker pickups are original to this guitar. A whammy-bar came with this guitar, and although it shows similar signs of patina, we are unable to confirm its provenance. The pictures of ... more
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Univox Hi Flier phase 4 guitar - late model    Cobain type

Univox Hi Flier phase 4 guitar - late model Cobain type

Manassas, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

Univox Hi-Flier, a late model phase 4. Excellent condition and comes with black velvet lined SBK hardshell travel case
Guitar is complete and original. Neck is straight, pickups are humbuckers and theyre hot. Same as the early Cobain favorite except with black pickguard and accents. One paint flake off, shown in pictures, the wood is fine though, and there are no other significant paint loss, dings or dents. The back is almost new and the jumbo wide frets are perfect and smooth as silk. ... more
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Univox 2x12 Custom Combo Guitar Amplifier U-235

Univox 2x12 Custom Combo Guitar Amplifier U-235

Collegeville, Pennsylvania, 194**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1237

Welcome. Thanks for stopping in. Looking for something unique? Up for sale is a Univox U-235 2x12 Custom Combo Amplifier restoration. This unit is SN-47744 manufactured in Japan in the early 1960s, most likely 1969-1970. This amp started as a head chassis which has been fully restored, modified, and mounted in a new 2x12 case. This amp is in excellent condition. This amp is fully customized including tone circuitry mods intended for guitar. This amp has lots of unique vintage appeal, and plenty ... more
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UNIVOX BASS 1970s

UNIVOX BASS 1970s

Princeton, Illinois, 613**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1150

Nice 70s / late 60s Univox bass
The chrome cover does rattle a bit and seems one screw side is stripped .doesn't affect palatability
At one point , someone did an inlay the side of fingerboard, in dot positions
Very functional
Not sure if original tuners ?
Gig bag
A time warp of cool
... more
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Univox Gimme Les Paul in Tiger Sunburst with Original Hard Shell Case

Univox Gimme Les Paul in Tiger Sunburst with Original Hard Shell Case

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

$1150

I am the original owner of this Univox Gimme made by Matsumoko in Japan! This is a great guitar for playing or to add to your collection. These things gave Gibson a run for its money. Researching it on the internet I found that the pickups are the same honey-colored plastic top humbuckers that were stock in the HiFlier Phases 3-4. I am pretty sure it was 1975 when my Dad bought it for me. This one has a special feature. It is a 2 bolt neck instead of the 4 bolt neck. The 2 bolts were shipped ... more
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Vintage Univox Les Paul Copy w /  HSC

Vintage Univox Les Paul Copy w / HSC

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1100


Item: Vintage Univox Les Paul Copy w / HSC!
Description: You are purchasing a Vintage Univox Les Paul Copy w / HSC! Awesome & all original without any issues. Gorgeous aesthetics and comfortable playability. Please inquire with any questions prior to purchase
Shipping: $80 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will vary. Overseas buyers pay their own import taxes Payment: We accept Paypal for your convenience. Payment ... more
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Univox Vintage Guitar Amplifier (Amp) U-1221

Univox Vintage Guitar Amplifier (Amp) U-1221

Collegeville, Pennsylvania, 194**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1062

Welcome. Thanks for stopping in. Up for sale is one of my Univox U-1221 Amplifier restorations. This unit is SN-59337 manufactured in Japan in the early 1970s, most likely 1970-1971. This amp is fully restored and in excellent condition. Intended for guitar, this amp's tone circuitry and effects remain true to the original designer's intentions. This amp has lots of vintage sound and plenty of punch
This amp is equipped with two (2) channels, each with Normal and Bright inputs, Volume, and ... more
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Univox Vintage Guitar Amplifier (Amp) U-320-APB

Univox Vintage Guitar Amplifier (Amp) U-320-APB

Collegeville, Pennsylvania, 194**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1009

Welcome. Thanks for stopping in. Up for sale is one of my Univox U-320-APB Amplifier restorations. This unit is SN-37997 manufactured in Japan in the late 1960s early 1970s, most likely 1969-1970. This amp is fully restored and in excellent condition. Intended for guitar, this amp's tone circuitry and effects remain true to the original designer's intentions. This amp sounds great
This amp has been completely restored and is in excellent condition. This amp is equipped with two (2) channels,... more
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Teisco Mosrite Univox Hi Flier 60??s Rare

Teisco Mosrite Univox Hi Flier 60??s Rare

Palm Harbor, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Super rare 60??s Teisco Mosrite copy. I??ve modified a lot on this guitar. (I included a picture of what it used to look like )

80??s Dimarzio Super Distortion Bridge Pickup (Gritty Classic)

Ibanez Infinity Neck Pickup (Thick single coil like tones despite being a humbucker)

Replaced rocker switches with a three way
Pots are original (250k I think?)

Replaced tone capacitor with a .22uf

Tuners aren??t original but they are better than ... more
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1970s Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT

1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT

Olmsted Falls, Ohio, 441**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR ITThis guitar has a great history was played by a member of the mushroom heads I was asked to sell his guitar but only if it was made like new by professionals Well it was taken apart, new wiring and a new rheostat, neck put back to it's proper place, buffing, replace a piece of plastic edge trim, and adjusting the resonator Etc. and last 4 new strings Last tested, made to go through it's scales, as you can see and hear in the video... more
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1970s UNIVOX GIMME U1988 Electric Guitar Flame Top Natural Made In Japan

1970s UNIVOX GIMME U1988 Electric Guitar Flame Top Natural Made In Japan

Bellingham, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

A super nice example of why these guitars are still very popular. From its exceptional great looks to the tone it produces you will be pleasantly surprised. This all original beauty is probably as nice as you will ever find. Most of the gold hardware still in great shape with very little fade. Frets are in great shape and has nice low fast action. Just a couple nicks from over 50 years of existence, it??s stunning. That includes the OHS case that??s also in great shape. If your gonna buy one get... more
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Univox Gimme Les Paul Sunburst 1970s W / Original Hard Case   FREE SHIPPING

Univox Gimme Les Paul Sunburst 1970s W / Original Hard Case FREE SHIPPING

Neosho, Missouri, 648**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$899

FREE SHIPPING Any questions, just ask ;)
Appears to be all original, except for the tuners, they've been replaced, and the original holes were filled in There is a thin hairline crack near the High E tuner, but doesn't effect the guitar at all Plays great, it has very low frets, which is why it feels like a Les Paul fret-less wonder Shows lots of MOJO wear throughout, I've circled in yellow; the bigger nicks Lots of buckle wear
But in very good condition, and a solid guitar, considering ... more
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1970??s Univox Hi-Flier Phase IV - Black

1970??s Univox Hi-Flier Phase IV - Black

Phoenix, Arizona, 850**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$850

The guitar has hairline cracks in neck pocket. It has the electronics and original pickups, all of it works.

Thanks for looking
... more
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Excellent Univox Vintage Guitar / Bass Amplifier (Amp) U-235-PB

Excellent Univox Vintage Guitar / Bass Amplifier (Amp) U-235-PB

Denver, Colorado, 803**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

BEAUTIFUL 1970 GUITAR / BASS AMPLIFIER, RARE ORIGINAL WITH VERY LIGHT USE PLEASE SEE THE PICTURES... more
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Univox Vintage Guitar Amplifier (Amp) U-235-PB

Univox Vintage Guitar Amplifier (Amp) U-235-PB

Collegeville, Pennsylvania, 194**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$755

Welcome. Thanks for stopping in. Up for sale is one of my Univox U-235-PB Amplifier restorations. This unit is SN42791 manufactured in Japan in the late 1960s, most likely 1967-68. This amp is fully restored and in excellent condition
Originally sold as a Bass Amp, this amp is also good for guitar. It has Bass, High, and Low inputs, Deep and Sharp switches, and incorporates the James tone stack which uses Bass and Treble controls. This amp sounds great, has low noise, has been burned in, and... more
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Univox LP Electric Guitar Made In Japan Open Book Head Stock 1970s W / HSC

Univox LP Electric Guitar Made In Japan Open Book Head Stock 1970s W / HSC

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

$750

Very Good Condition & Plays Excellent
1970's Univox Les Paul Style Style Electric Guitar
Made In Japan Early To Mid 70s With Open Book Headstock
Original Natural Finish
Includes Epiphone Hard Case Pictured
Weighs: 8 Pounds, 1 Ounce
PLEASE DO NOT mistake picture glare for flaws . If you think you're seeing something not mentioned in this listing, please ask!!
Here's The Run Down:
This is a Early to Mid 1970's Univox Les Paul Style, Lawsuit Era Electric Guitar, that ... more
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Very Cool Vintage Univox LP Style Cutaway Electric Guitar w / Case, Black - 1970s?

Very Cool Vintage Univox LP Style Cutaway Electric Guitar w / Case, Black - 1970s?

Harrisonville, Missouri, 647**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700

Very Cool Vintage Univox LP Style Cutaway Electric Guitar w / Case, Black - 1970s?






Description
This is a very cool looking and great playing Univox Les Paul style electric guitar that is from at least the early 70s. It has some typical nicks and scuffs as one might expect from an older guitar but it is in very good condition overall. We did have to clean out the electronics with deoxit which cleared it right up. We also put on a new nut and a new set of ... 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

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1961 Hofner Colorama I

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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

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1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280)

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1981 Gibson Marauder

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1971 'Pick Epiphone' Catalog

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1981 'Gibson Specials' Pre-Owners Manual

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1970s Shaftesbury 3263 bass

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1961 Hohner Zambesi

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1963 Vox Super Ace

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1966 Vox New Escort

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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

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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.