With chrome scratchplate including multiple switches, Guyatone built in a “Jaguar” style, this Lafayette guitar was marketed in the USA by Lafayette Electronics in their catalogue in the mid 1960s.
Burns Mirage
From 1976-7, with Mach 1 humbusters and phase switching, it was intended as successor to the Burns Flyte but few were made as Burns UK folded in 1977. Remember “Agadoo”? – this was previously owned by “Black Lace”.
Jim Burns interview in 1994 on YouTube
Also on YouTube is this great video of guitarist Phil Walker playing the Burns Mirage:
Gretsch TW100T
From the 1980s, built in Korea and designed by Gretsch, this Travelling Wilburys guitar features the facsimile signatures of the band: Lucky (Bob Dylan), Otis (Jeff Lynne), Charlie T. Jr. (Tom Petty), Lefty (Roy Orbison) and Nelson (George Harrison).
Watch Phil Walker play the Gretsch TW100T at The Guitar Collection YouTube Channel:
Alamo Fiesta 2568R
Built by Alamo Electronics (part of Southern Music) in San Antonio, Texas in 1964/5, this thin hollow body guitar retailed then for $79.95. A single pick-up example is owned by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.
Harmony Silhouette H14
Built in Chicago in 1965 and featuring a DeArmond pick-up made by Rowe Industries dated 15th Feb 1965. A great piece of American R ‘n’ R history which originally retailed at $64.95.
Freshman 5800
Built in Japan c.1964, this little guitar carries the “in-house” brand name of importers / distributors Selmer and retailed then for £15. Note its 2 tone scratchplate, woodgrain Freshman pick-ups with half surrounds and rhythm / solo switch.
Miami FT2
An entry level guitar from the 1970s, built in Japan and marketed under various brand names including Jedson and Sakai. With Telecaster styling and reinforced neck, this guitar offered real value in its day.
Broadway Plectric 1921
Built by Guyatone in Japan in about 1961, Broadway was the “in-house” brand name of importers / distributors Rose Morris. This single pick-up model was marketed by Bells of Surbiton at 16½ gns (£17.32). Now a piece of British R ‘n’ R history.
Egmond Solid 7
Built in Holland c.1963 and, despite its name, it’s a thin hollow body with floating assembly incorporating pick-ups and controls. Branded in the UK as a Rosetti, an earlier Solid 7 was Paul McCartney’s first electric guitar.
Simons ES 121
Hand-built by Cornish luthier Ed Simons with deep cherry sunburst body, skunk striped maple neck and custom hardware – this Tele style guitar carries the Serial No: 00001 and is signed by its maker. Definitely a collector’s guitar and one for my collection.