The Guitar Collection

The Guitar Collection of Guy Mackenzie

Arbiter Bass Guitar

Arbiter Bass

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Arbiter bass. Dating from the late 1970s, this solid body SG style bass was built in Japan and marketed by Arbiter in the UK. Famously, a white example was used by Francis Charlton bass player of the cult band “Jilted John” (led by John Shuttleworth) – remember the immortal phrase “Gordon is a Moron”?!

Watch David Greenaway play the Arbiter Bass at The Guitar Collection YouTube Channel!

Unknown Les Paul Style Guitar

Unknown Les Paul

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Unknown “Les Paul”. This Les Paul style guitar is unbranded and was the favourite guitar (of several) of my late friend, Martin Bellamy, and may have been supplied by Bells of Surbition. With gold hardware, a bound hollow body and Teisco tuners it probably dates from late 1960s/early 1970s. Any further help in identifying it will be appreciated!

Phil Walker plays this mystery Les Paul style guitar at The Guitar Collection YouTube Channel:

BM SG2 - vintage electric guitar from 1973

BM SG2

Posted on: 27th March 2017

BM (Barnes & Mullins) SG2 dating from 1968 this guitar was built in the UK by Shergold for distributors, Barnes & Mullins, but has never appeared in any of their catalogues so it may be a “one off”. Jack Golder, founder of Shergold, referred to it as the “Pie Crust” model in reference to its body shape.

For more information see the Historic Guitars page where there is an extensive write up.

Jack Goulder interview in 1977 on YouTube

Avon 3406

Avon 3406

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Dating from c.1973, built in Japan and marketed in the UK by Rose Morris, this slim single cutaway solid featuring a bound body, matching pick guard and seperate control panel was influenced by Gibsons of the period and cost £34 when new.

Epiphone S600

Epiphone S600

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Dating from 1986 this great looking Epiphone Explorer by Gibson has a low easy playing action, a Fender style vibrato tailpiece, master volume and tone knobs and a 3 way selector switch. Finished in black, this axe is ready to Rock!

See the Epiphone S600 played by Phil Walker on YouTube

Kay Electric Bass

Kay Electric Bass

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Kay Electric Bass. Dating from the late ’80’s, marketed in the States as a Kay “Starter Series Bass” & built in Korea, this neat little bass is not only a good looker but also a first class budget instrument too.

Arbiter E320

Arbiter E320

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Arbiter E320. Dating from 1974, made in Japan by Greco (Ibanez) was also marketed in the UK under the Greco brandname. This great looking but rare Gibson SG Custom copy with copy Bigsby vibrato sold for £79+VAT in 1974.

Burns Vibra-Artist

Burns Vibra-Artist

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Burns Vibra-Artist. Built by Jim Burns (Ormston Burns) in 1960, this rare early instrument, which features unmarked Tri-Sonic pick-ups, maple fingerboard, “offset contoured” neck,early vibrato unit, cream plastic control knobs (but replacement bridge), retailed for £78 when new.

Check the Historic Guitars page for an extensive write up.

Jim Burns interview in 1994 on YouTube

Vox Stroller

Vox Stroller

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Vox Stroller dating from c.1963, manufactured by G-Plan furniture manufacturers of Hemel Hempstead,features the original coax socket and a single pick-up. This entry level “student grade” guitar retailed for just £17 when new.

Broadway Bass 1925

Broadway Bass 1925

Posted on: 27th March 2017

Dating from 1961/2, built in the UK by Fenton Weill, this bass featured a “sensitive pick-up unit”, separate volume and tone controls and a “quick change rhythm/solo switch” and retailed for 33 1/2 gns – its waterproof “carrying bag” retailed for just £2-0-10p!

Check the Historic Guitars page for an extensive write up.

Watch this bass played by David Greenaway: