Gibson Firebird III non-Reverse in rare Frost Blue!

Gibson Firebird III non-Reverse in rare Frost Blue!

Gibson's Firebird range of guitars consisted of four trim levels and one major body style change in 1965. The trim levels mirrored that of the Les Paul line where the I = Junior, II = Special, V = Standard, and VII = Custom. The initial Firebird run utilized a revolutionary neck through body design but the entire line was updated in 1965 to an easier to manufacture standard neck joint similar to the joint on an SG. The body shape was also changed to what was essentially the mirror image of the original.…Read more
1966 Fender Jaguar – Lake Placid Blue!

1966 Fender Jaguar – Lake Placid Blue!

This was a really special guitar that came through the shop last year: an early 1966 Fender Jaguar in custom color Lake Placid Blue. Although it was missing the original case, it was in spectacular condition with all original finish and parts. It showed no evidence of prior repair and required only light cleaning and set up. Fender's Jaguar model debuted in 1962 at the top of the electric guitar line, only four years after the Jazzmaster's introduction. It featured an offset body shape slightly modified from the Jazzmaster, 24" scale neck, two…Read more
The Fender Custom… or Maverick

The Fender Custom… or Maverick

  The post-CBS buyout Fender Musical Instrument Company was presented with a problem unfamiliar to it in prior years: leftover stock and parts from a model that was a commercial failure. Fender's Electric XII model failed to sell as many pieces as anticipated and the leftover unfinished bodies and necks were piling up at the factory. In 1969, Fender's production manager was tasked with repurposing the stock into something they could sell. Thus, the Custom was born. Long time Fender employee "Babe" Simoni skirted the R&D department and set out to solve the…Read more
Vintage Guitar Library: Book suggestion for Gibson acoustic guitar enthusiasts

Vintage Guitar Library: Book suggestion for Gibson acoustic guitar enthusiasts

Dating a vintage Gibson acoustic guitar can be a difficult process but most of the time it can be done. Many Gibson acoustic guitars made from June of 1942 until late 1945 or early 1946 bore a golden banner on the headstock that reads, "Only a Gibson is good enough." The banner era Gibson guitars are especially difficult to date since the factory order numbers jumped around and the shipping ledgers are largely undocumented. We don't know when the last banner applied guitar left the factory but it seems to die out around…Read more
1960 Fender Jazzmaster

1960 Fender Jazzmaster

We sold this 1960 Fender Jazzmaster last year but I had to share the pictures again. This guitar came from the wife of the original owner who passed decades before. He played it for a few years with a Fender amplifier but ended up losing a finger in a work accident. He didn't play the guitar after the accident which was around the mid 1960s. The Jazzmaster sat in its case until it became vintage. We were very pleased with the condition of the guitar when we received it. It was totally original…Read more
Vintage Guitar Library: book suggestion on vintage Fender Telecaster guitars

Vintage Guitar Library: book suggestion on vintage Fender Telecaster guitars

Looking for a good book suggestion for Father's Day? If your dad likes vintage Fender Telecaster guitars then here is an idea for you. I've been building my vintage guitar library for the past couple of years and it's proved an invaluable resource for questions that aren't easily answered on forums or other internet sites.   The Fender Telecaster: The Detailed Story of America's Senior Solid Body Electric Guitar (http://amzn.to/2sGVi0m) is probably my favorite of the currently available books of vintage Fender Telecaster guitars. This one has been on my night stand for…Read more
Vintage Fender Guitars: 1965

Vintage Fender Guitars: 1965

1965 was a transitional year at the Fender Electric Instrument Co which became Fender Musical Instrument Co by the end of the year. Leo Fender finalized the sale of his company to CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) on January 5, 1965 and they slowly set out to increase production and profit. New cheaper models were introduced such as the Coronado that were easier to manufacture and used outsourced electronics from Rowe Industries (DeArmond). Headstocks were enlarged with appealed to the style trends of the late 1960s. Clay dots turned to flashier pearloid, offset models received…Read more
Want to buy: vintage Ibanez 10 series pedals!

Want to buy: vintage Ibanez 10 series pedals!

We're always on the hunt for vintage Ibanez effects and guitars made in the 1970s up until the mid 1980s. One group of effects we're looking for right now: clean Ibanez 10 series pedals like the TS10 Tube Screamer Classic, the SC10 Super Stereo Chorus, the CD10 Delay Champ, SS20 Session Man II, and other 10 series pedals. We're looking for pedals that are in good clean condition with box and paperwork. Do you have any vintage Ibanez pedals to sell? Contact me here and send pictures and information. Turn your old unused…Read more
The BEST case for vintage Gibson J-45, Southern Jumbo, J-50, and other slope shoulder dreanoughts

The BEST case for vintage Gibson J-45, Southern Jumbo, J-50, and other slope shoulder dreanoughts

I get a lot of questions about where to get the best replacement case for vintage Gibson slope shoulder dreadnoughts (J-45, Southern Jumbo, SJ, Country Western, J-50, J-35, and similar). These cases are light weight, strong, reasonably priced, and most importantly: perfectly sized. They've got great neck support which is so important for protecting your vintage Gibson investment. You won't have to add any additional packing material if you need to ship your guitar inside this case.     This case has an arched lid to protect another very important part of your…Read more
Vintage Gibson Les Paul Junior (Jr!)

Vintage Gibson Les Paul Junior (Jr!)

Gibson debuted an entry level solid body guitar in 1954 and called it the Les Paul Junior! It featured a solid Mahogany body with no Maple cap and a flat top as opposed to the typical Les Paul domed top. A single P-90 pickup positioned next to the bridge allowed for long sustained notes along with the classic Gibson set neck design. Here's a look at how the model changed throughout the years:   1954-early 1958:   1958-1960:   1961-1969:Read more