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VOX | SOLID BODIES | SUPER ACE | 1963 SUPER ACE

1963 Vox Super Ace

Solid-body three-pickup electric guitar

This page has extra content in the Supporting Members area, including additional images, video content, circuit diagram and scratchplate tracing. If you are a supporting member you can access this here
1963 Vox Super Ace 1963 Vox Super Ace
Model: 1963 Vox Super Ace
Pickups: Three Vox V2 pickups
Scale: 25 1/2"
Body: approx 18" x 12.5" and 1.3" deep. Agba (Nigerian Cedar). Overall length 37 1/2"
Neck: One-piece sycamore, with rosewood fretboard. Width at nut 1 2/3"
Hardware: De Luxe tremolo, Van Gent closed gear tuning keys
Weight: 2.94 kg

With the successful introduction of the Vox Ace in late 1960, it was no surprise that an expanded, 3-pickup version, the Super Ace, was added to the range in 1962. But both the Ace and Super Ace were redesigned in 1963, with a new body style, headstock and pickups; and an example of this redesigned Vox Super Ace is shown here. The old-style Super Ace had a central pickup placed right back against the bridge pickup. The redesigned version, more sensibly, placed the pickup centrally between the two other pickups. It was, like much of the rest of the Vox line, a broad attempt to fill the desire for Fender guitars, at a time when these American imports were out of reach for the vast majority of British guitarists.

But this is a pretty early example and there are some features that would be refined as production went on. In fact this example had to undergo a few modifications during assembly, to get the design to work. Notice how close the bridge cover is to the scratchplate - it has actually had a small corner cut out to allow it to sit flush on the guitar body! Furthermore the control cavity routes have been expanded after painting, to accommodate the three-way switch. Nothing has been repositioned, and the scratchplate/electronics are all original. This is an example of early 1960s JMI workmanship! You can find out a lot more about the inside of this guitar in the supporting members area here.

Identical specification as for the Ace model, but with an extra pick-up to provide maximum tonal response and variation. Additional controls are fitted for the operation of this pick-up, also a flick action tone change switch. Choice of red, white or sunburst polyester finish.

The 'new' Super Ace was first pictured in the 1963 Vox Precision in Sound catalog, but with the description copied from the 1962 catalog - incorrectly describing the pickup placement of the old version. The correct desription did appear in 1964 literature

Often the history of individual guitars is lost as the instrument passes from owner to owner, however this example is an exception. It was produced in the second half of 1963 (from the serial number - also the potentiometers date to July 1963, more about dating vintage Vox pots), shipped in 1963/64 and sold in late 1964 by Manns Music (still there) in Colchester High Street. It saw service in local band 'Stage One' for a couple years before being retired. Not a long career then! The original price for the Super Ace in late 1963 was £47 5S. This placed it in the middle of their solid body range. The single pickup Stroller was just £19 19S, whilst the very fine Soundcaster (not far off a Fender Stratocaster in terms of build and playability) cost £89 5S. By contrast, in early 1964, a genuine Fender Stratocaster (Sunburst finish) cost a whopping £173 5S; a red one £180 12s!

And this is a pretty nice playing guitar. A lot lighter than the Soundcaster, but with the same pickups, a nice curved radius rosewood fretboard, and a functional Vox De Luxe tremolo. The neck has no adjustable truss rod, but the set up is still pretty nice. And quite capable of producing some lovely tones too. Check out the video clips at the end of this page.

1963 Vox Super Ace

The controls of this guitar are a little different from many modern guitars, although quite typical for early Vox models. Rather than having a master tone, there is a tone control for the neck pickup, one for the middle pickup, but no ability to adjust bridge pickup tone. The third pot is a master volume. Combined with the three-way pickup-selector switch (neck/middle/bridge), this allows for quick tonal changes - perhaps a warm rhythm sound from the neck pickup with tone control turned down, to a piercing lead from the bridge. Of course, there is no way to combine pickups with this set up.

1963 Vox Super Ace V2 pickups
The three pickups are identical, all Vox V2 single coils with exposed (but not adjustable) polepieces. For a more detailed look at these pickups, see the additional content in the members area.
1963 Vox Super Ace De Luxe tremolo
The De Luxe tremolo is covered with a chrome metal cover marked 'VOX PAT. APP. FOR'
1963 Vox Super Ace pickup selector switch
The three way pickup selector switch is black bakelite,
1963 Vox Super Ace control knobs
Volume and tone controls are topped with black plastic knobs held in place with a hex grub screw
1963 Vox Super Ace headstock front
The headstock front, showing single decal, with Vox logo, "Super Ace" model designation, and JMI Dartford Kent.
1963 Vox Super Ace headstock reverse
The headstock reverse, with van Ghent strip tuning keys, and stamped 5-digit serial number,
1963 Vox Super Ace Controls

1963 Vox Super Ace video clips

Subscribe to the vintageguitarandbass youtube channel for more vintage guitar and bass demos. Also, check out the other Vox Super Ace videos in the supporting members area.

1963 Vox Super Ace vs 1973 Fender Vibrolux - Garage Punk Explosion (short version, 1m 17s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Super Ace, 1973 Fender Vibrolux Reverb

Here is a very short clip of a super cool Super Ace by Vox. Made in England in the JMI factory circa 1963 - and paired with a gorgeous 1973 Fender Vibrolux Reverb. Check out the other clips of this guitar/amp combination, or watch the long version (25+ different, from rich and warm, through superbly crunchy, to interplanetary exploration) in the vintageguitarandbass 'supporting members' area here. Strung with Gibson bright wires (10-46).

Recorded here with a Shure SM57 (left channel) and a Heil PR-40 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1963 Vox Super Ace vs 1973 Fender Vibrolux - Spaghetti Western (short version, 1m 33s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Super Ace, 1973 Fender Vibrolux Reverb

Here is a very short clip of a super cool Super Ace by Vox. Made in England in the JMI factory circa 1963 - and paired with a gorgeous 1973 Fender Vibrolux Reverb. The Vibrato and Reverb on this amp are just MAGNIFICENT. Check out the other clips of this guitar/amp combination, or watch the long version (25+ different, from rich and warm, through superbly crunchy, to interplanetary exploration) in the vintageguitarandbass 'supporting members' area here. Strung with Gibson bright wires (10-46).

Recorded here with a Shure SM57 (left channel) and a Heil PR-40 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1963 Vox Super Ace / 1973 Fender Vibrolux (long version, 16m 09s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Super Ace, 1973 Fender Vibrolux Reverb

1963 Vox Super Ace vs 1973 Fender Vibrolux (Shure left, Heil right) Strung with Gibson bright wires (10-46) - The Vibrolux is an AWESOME amp! Like it's big brother, the Fender Twin, it has a great clean tone, cavernous reverb, and the most amazing vibrato - but in a smaller 40 Watt 2x10 package. A superb recording amp indeed. And just perfect for blues. But it does rattle a bit when turned to high. I use other amps for distorted tones, but the Vibrolux is the GOD of clean! The Vox Super Ace, with it's V2 single coil pickups has a really great sound too - three three pickups operate one at a time, with tone controls for the middle and neck only - this guitar has some superbly beautiful warm tones, with these tones rolled down a little (or a lot!). It doesn't do bright and piercing as well as it does warm and rich, but it's a real pleasure to play. This video demonstrates 25+ sounds, from rich and warm, through superbly crunchy, to interplanetary exploration.

Recorded here with a Shure SM57 (left channel) and a Heil PR-40 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1963 Vox Super Ace / 1972 WEM Clubman mk8 (short version, 1m 27s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Super Ace, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

The WEM Clubman is one of the brands smaller amplifiers - just 5 watts through a single 12 inch speaker. But it's an awesome sounding amp, especially if you want a bit of grit! And the three-pickup Vox Super Ace has a lot of different tones. This video shows just one sound: the middle pickup of the Vox with the tone rolled down a little, through a fairly tame amp. Crank up those controls for some MUCH hotter sounds. Check out the other long version of this video in the vintageguitarandbass 'supporting members' area to see what this combination can do. Strung with Gibson bright wires (10-46).

Recorded here with a Shure SM57 (left channel) and a Heil PR-40 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1963 Vox Super Ace / 1972 WEM Clubman mk8 (long version, 11m 17s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Super Ace, 197X WEM Clubman MK 8

The WEM Clubman is one of the brands smaller amplifiers - at just 5 watts through a single 12 inch speaker, you're probably going to have the volume turned up somewhat. And this is where the magic is. Yes the clean tones are nice, but when you crank this amp, you get some seriously rich, and superbly creamy overdrive. As always, we start clean, turning gain up as we go. The three V2 single-coil pickup Vox Super Ace has plenty of tonal variation too. The combination of Vox Super Ace and WEM Clubman must have disturbed countless neighbours in the UK in the early 1970s. Not loud enough to gig, but a great recording set up with some awesome tone! TURN IT UP! Strung here with Gibson bright wires (10-46).

Recorded here with a Shure SM57 (left channel) and a Heil PR-40 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1963 Vox Super Ace / 1964 Vox AC4 (9m 24s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1963 Vox Super Ace, 1964 Vox AC4

This is a really cool British-built vintage guitar from the early 60s. Nice sounding, with plenty of mellow with the neck pickup selected and the tone rolled down, but maybe not as much bite as you'd expect from the bridge pickup alone. (Perhaps the springs should be removed to raise the pickup further). The tremolo is pretty useable, and doesn't detune the guitar significantly with a little use - i've not really tried any dive bombs mind you! The AC4 is a cool amp, with a beautiful basic sound; it isn't really loud enough to disturb anyone else, but this does mean it doesn't get especially gainy either. I generally wish it would give a little more... Strung with Gibson bright wires (10-46).

Recorded here with a Shure SM57 (left channel) and a Heil PR-40 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

Vox Super Ace 'supporting members' content

Extra content on this guitar is included in our Supporting Members area here

  • 45 extra images (with description): large detailed images including body routes, circuitry, components
  • Detailed wiring diagram
  • Pickguard tracing (PDF for accurate printing)
  • Extra video content (3 videos, 36m 50s: Fender Vibrolux Reverb, Vox AC4, WEM Clubman)
Got an opinion on the contents of this page? Disagree with something written above? Please comment

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Vintage Vox guitars for sale

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Vintage Vox TEAR DROP  Guitar Case Slip Cover BLACK

Vintage Vox TEAR DROP Guitar Case Slip Cover BLACK

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

$120

good working condition 46x4x17 bottom46x4x6 top... more
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Vox MARK 5 Mini Guitar

Vox MARK 5 Mini Guitar

Santee, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$149


At top 40 guitarsour customers satisfaction is our first concern All of our items have a 14 day return policy If after 14 days you are not completely satisfiedwith your purchase, please return it for a full refund .Peace be with you
all returned items must be in the same condition theywere at the time of sale. All original packing must be included
Up for Sale is a
Vox MARK 5 Mini Guitar!
Our luthier did a complete setup. Brand new strings were installed. Gig ready on ... more
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Vintage 60??s Vox TEAR DROP  Guitar Hard Case

Vintage 60??s Vox TEAR DROP Guitar Hard Case

Las Vegas, Nevada, 891**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Vintage 60??s Vox TEAR DROP Guitar Hard Case . This vintage guitar case is in good used condition. It presents signs of use. Like scuffs, scratches and one of the latches is missing a piece, handle seems to be fixed with wire. Inside measurement are: 43in x 16in x 5in depth. For more details and measurements please refer to the pictures or if you have any questions please feel free to email me
... more
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Vox Bobcat S66 Semi Hollowbody Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

Vox Bobcat S66 Semi Hollowbody Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

New Bern, North Carolina, 285**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$425

For sale is an almost mint Vox Bobcat S66 with a sunburst finish. Very nice guitar at a great price!


SPECIFICATIONS:

Body: Maple

Center block: Spruce

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Scale: 25??

Nut width: 1 69??

Peg: Grover open gear

Pickup: VOX S66 single coil pickup x 3

Control: VOLUME X 3, TONE X 1

... more
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Vintage 1963 VOX Ace Electric Guitar

Vintage 1963 VOX Ace Electric Guitar

Gurnee, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$570

Vintage 1963 VOX Ace Electric Guitar
Item # 57474-1This guitar is a survivor restoration project. it is almost complete except for the tuners. The bridge pickup doesn't work but the neck pickup does. Probably an easy fix but I did not take it apart. Has some finish checking but for 61 years old it looks really good. Pretty rare this guitar was not offered in the United States. Selling as is. Please have a good look at the pictures. I'm happy to answer any questions concerning this guitar. ... more
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Vox Bobcat V90 3-Tone Sunburst w / OHSC

Vox Bobcat V90 3-Tone Sunburst w / OHSC

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

$795

Vox Bobcat V90 In 3-Tone Sunburst Finish
This Guitar Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Excellent Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Minimal Cosmetic Playwear Throughout With Some Small Marks And Scratches Visible
Made In Korea
Laminate Maple Semi-Hollow Body
22-Fret Mahogany Neck With Bound M acassar Ebony Fingerboard
Dual Soapbar Single-Coil Pickups
Grover Sta-Tite Tuners
25" Scale Length
1 11 / 16" Nut Width
Neck Depth At 1st ... more
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PANaramic EKO Vox Electric Hollow body Guitar vintage used w /  Road Runner case

PANaramic EKO Vox Electric Hollow body Guitar vintage used w / Road Runner case

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

$850

Hi This is very nice 60es Rarest and hard to fined PANaramic guitar ,one of the first production of hollow body's of Vox factory .This is an AUTHENTIC and ORIGINAL Vox Eko cooperation made in ITALY product with AUTHENTIC and ORIGINAL electronics, 5 tuners (6 one D tuner is klasson tip substitution) and Original good working pickups on it. This is old guitar with multiple scratches digs and finish cracks all over ,but NOTHING series Electronics and hardware works just fine, The frets are very ... more
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1960s Vox Tempest XII Electric 12-String Guitar ?? Sunburst Finish, Original

1960s Vox Tempest XII Electric 12-String Guitar ?? Sunburst Finish, Original

Post Falls, Idaho, 838**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$850

Description:
For sale is a rare and original Vox Tempest XII electric 12-string guitar, serial number 256334, crafted in Italy during Vox??s partnership with EKO (circa 1965??1968). This model, with its distinctive sunburst finish, contoured body, and jangly tone, became a staple of the 1960s British Invasion era
Key Features:
Body: Contoured Italian-made body with vintage sunburst finishNeck: Bolt-on neck with rosewood fingerboard and dot inlaysPickups: Dual Vox single-coil pickups ... more
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Vox V219 Bobcat c. 1966 - Sunburst

Vox V219 Bobcat c. 1966 - Sunburst

Peekskill, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$995

This is a vintage c. 1966 Vox V219 Bobcat with a Sunburst finish. Inspired by the surging popularity of the Gibson ES-335 and the Hofner "Very-Thin " , the Bobcat takes its cues from both
Made in Italy by Eko, the Bobcat was considered "electro-acoustic" with its hollow-body construction. It has three single coil pickups, a hinged true vibrato tailpiece, 2-position string damper (which has its original material, albeit a little old and dry), zero-fret, and double T-bar and adjustable truss ... more
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VEGA ELECTROVOX MAPLE ARCHTOP W /  TONE SWITCH - CIRCA 1940-1950 *READ (P03033664)

VEGA ELECTROVOX MAPLE ARCHTOP W / TONE SWITCH - CIRCA 1940-1950 *READ (P03033664)

Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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Vintage VOX Spitfire  Electric Guitar - USED

Vintage VOX Spitfire Electric Guitar - USED

Spencerport, New York, 145**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1049

Up for grabs:
Vintage VOX Spitfire Electric Guitar - USED
COOL FSA FIND
PLEASE ASK FIRST ABOUT INTL SHIPMENTS AND WE DO NOT LOWER VALUES. NEW Please inquire about international shipments before you buy, please! We cannot ship everywhere due to box size limits
All guitars ship insured FEDEX, international shipments must meet country specific size limitations and shipping constraints and we will not lower the value for customs and may not ship the same day, we have our handling ... more
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1960s VOX made in England JMI Super Ace short-scale Sunburst

1960's VOX made in England JMI Super Ace short-scale Sunburst

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

$1090


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1960's made in England JMI Vox Super Ace short-scale guitar in its original Sunburst finish. It has a good playing neck with great frets. It's all original and includes a period correct non-original Vox hardshell case. This Super Ace looks great with nicks + dings, some finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The tremolo arm is just a bit loose, but works. The guitar itself remains structurally sound with no ... more
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Teardrop Guitar 1960s Kapa Minstrel Vox Phantom

Teardrop Guitar 1960's Kapa Minstrel Vox Phantom

Ventura, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1100

1967 KAPA MINSTREL
MANUFACTURED IN MARYLAND, USA
This teardrop kapa has had only one owner in its lifetime, being stored in a soft shell case and taken out only to be polished and played once in a while. The guitar is in great shape and plays fantastic
Action is great, neck is razor thin and feels like a charm in your hands. All pickups work properly, tuners stay in tune and the tremolo arm is more than reliable. A minor smudge on the pickguard can be seen in the photos. Two minimal ... more
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Domino Californian Guitar 1960s - White Vox phantom style

Domino Californian Guitar 1960s - White Vox phantom style

Yucca Valley, California, 922**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1190

late 1960's Domino Californian - sounds awesome! These are super cool guitars very much in the style of Vox Phantom. The off white color and body styling look just great
There is a switch for each pickup, or both at the same time (which sounds particularly good), and a "strangle" switch which thins out the tone for lead playing. Pickups sound really great with a surprising amount of chunk. Adding the strangle switch gets you to jangle territory really nicely.
The guitar was recently ... more
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1967-68 Vox Bossman Hollowbody Electric Guitar Cherry Red w /  Original Case V265

1967-68 Vox Bossman Hollowbody Electric Guitar Cherry Red w / Original Case V265

La Crescenta, California, 912**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

1967-68 EKO Vox Bossman V265 Hollowbody Electric Guitar in Cherry Red for sale. Nice condition for its age! Plays when plugged in but its pickup is non-original so the built-in effect's electronics need some work. The pickguards and nameplate are also not present. Original hardshell case included, which is in remarkably clean shape. Solid neck, still straight with no loosening issues. Nice patina all around. Great guitar, she's almost there! Offered for local pick up, but shipping may be ... more
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Super Clean Vox Phantom VI Black Electric Guitar W /  Hardshell Case Rare Retro

Super Clean Vox Phantom VI Black Electric Guitar W / Hardshell Case Rare Retro

Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

A really cool guitar in amazing shape. Not sure if this is a reissue, or if this was a special run of guitars. Some info out there about these. Some say it was a builder Robert Brandoni who used 1965-1969 parts. Do some research maybe you can find what I couldn??t. But this thing is clean and feels brand new. Everything works. Set up nice. Pickups sound so good. Back unbuckles no problem. Only selling because I have a few guitars that are similar to this already. Will ship asap. Safe and secure.... more
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Vox Apollo V266 Vintage Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar w /  OHSC ?? Used

Vox Apollo V266 Vintage Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar w / OHSC ?? Used

Brookfield, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

1967 / 1968 VOX Apollo V266 Hollowbody Guitar in exceptional condition with the original case! All electronics are working perfectly!
The Vox Apollo was offered in the 1967 ??Vox, It??s Whats Happening?? and the 1968 ??The Sound That Travels With the Stars?? catalogs. This semi acoustic, single pickup guitar features a single florentine (pointed) cutaway and a number of onboard battery operated special effects
The 1968 US Vox catalog described the Apollo guitar as follows:
??A ... more
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Phantom Guitarworks (Vox) Limited Edition Teardrop Hollowbody #10 of 20

Phantom Guitarworks (Vox) Limited Edition Teardrop Hollowbody #10 of 20

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

$1898

This Limited Edition Phantom (Vox) Hollowbody Teardrop guitar is in mint unplayed condition. It is #10 of only 20 made. All Phantom®, Teardrop® and MandoGuitars® are hand-assembled in the United States of America with foreign and domestic parts
The bookmatched flame maple top pattern in the see-through red finish does not show up too well in photos but it's stunning in person.
... more
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Vintage Early 80s Vox Custom 24 Guitar Model 3001-All Original-Excellent!

Vintage Early 80s Vox Custom 24 Guitar Model 3001-All Original-Excellent!

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

This listing is for a
Vintage Early 80s Vox Custom 24 Guitar Model 3001
This rare Vox was made from 1982-1985 in very limited quantities
In addition to being rare, this is an excellent playing Vox that appears to be completely original as well
Excellent vintage condition with a few small marks here and there, but for its age, overall very, very, clean
Comes as pictured with original case
If you are a Vox collector, this is one that does not come around in this type of ... more
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1966 Vox Phantom VI Black Electric Guitar w /  Original Case #54967

1966 Vox Phantom VI Black Electric Guitar w / Original Case #54967

North Hollywood, California, 916**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2695

ebay template
eBay Template Design by OCDesignsOnline HomeAboutTestimonialsPoliciesContactSell your Gear 1966 Vox Phantom VI Black Electric Guitar w / Original Case #54967 ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Item DescriptionWORKING CONDITION: Very Good - Works well. All of the controls and parameters across the guitar are ... more
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1971 Selmer guitar catalogue

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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.