Fender Blues Jr. Tweed

One cannot deny the staying power of the Blues Jr. It's got a moderate wattage that can be quiet or cranked without blowing the roof off like a Super or Twin. The genuine spring reverb is nice and lush, and on this particular amp the lacquered tweed cabinet is a nice upgrade in quality from the basic black version.

And at 31 pounds it is truly portable, which is why so many players choose it. Even performers on big stages will choose to mic this amp instead of playing through a stack.

This amp has had only one local owner and is in near-mint condition.

The specs:

• 15 watts, all tube
• Lacquered tweed cabinet
• Volume, bass, treble, middle, master, reverb controls
• Genuine spring reverb
• 'Fat' switch for added grit
• 12 inch Jensen C-12N speaker
• 2x EL84 power tubes
• 3x 12AX7 preamp tubes
• Only 31 pounds

Washburn Force 8 Bass

A couple of very nice 1980's-era basses were recently traded in here at The Minor Chord. One was purchased before we even got it onto the Zach's Attic page - and here is the other one: A Washburn Force 8.

This is a very solid instrument for short money. Essentially a P-Bass copy, the serial number indicates it was made in Japan in 1983. (The 80's are considered a good era for Japanese guitar building.)

This instrument appears to have Japanese hardwood on the back and sides, and a flamed maple top with single cream binding. Lightweight overall, nice soft 'V' neck profile, maple neck and fretboard. Single black P-Bass style pickup. A very 80's-style Washburn headstock logo.

This bass definitely does not lack tone! It's straightforward like a P-Bass, plug it in, dial in your volume and tone knob and away you go! A plus is that it's not too heavy to stand with so this would make a really good everyday gigging bass.

Hardshell case is included.

Taylor T5-C1

Anyone who has witnessed a Taylor Guitars Road Show will tell you that if you're looking for one instrument to do a whole lot of stuff, the T5 should get your consideration.

This T5 has had just one local owner and is in like-new condition. It was built in 2005, the first production year of the T5. The flamed maple top is gorgeous with the sunburst finish. The five-way switch can dial in many classic electric tones and the body sensors make for a very natural plugged-in acoustic tone as well.

It's set up for the factory-recommended .011 gauge strings.

The specs:

• Single cutaway thinline hollow sapele body
• Figured flamed maple top
• Tobacco sunburst finish
• Tropical mahogany neck
• Bound ebony fretboard and ebony bridge
• 'Artist' T-5 fingerboard inlays
• Gold-finish hardware
• Single external electric pickup
• In-body acoustic sensors
• Five-way mode switch
• Original Taylor hardshell case included

Guild A-150

This Guild A-150 is a rare early production Guild jazz box. Recently set up with a new bone nut and strung with flatwound .012's, it has that desirable plunky, warm hollowbody jazz tone.

It is generally in good shape, except there is a crack in the top seam that does not interfere with sound or playability. We have priced the guitar accordingly.

As a nice bonus, the guitar comes equipped with an original DeArmond "Guitar Mike" pickup which can command a vintage premium in its own right.

With only one owner since 1962, this Sheraton is ready for the next player's hands!

The specs:

• Built in 1960 in Hoboken, NJ
• 17 inch body width
• Full hollowbody with a single cutaway
• Solid spruce top
• Laminated maple back and sides
• 24-3/4 inch scale
• Three-piece mahogany and maple neck
• Adjustable rosewood bridge and rosewood fretboard
• Original tuners, tailpiece and pickguard
• Chesterfield crown and column logo headstock inlay
• DeArmond "Guitar Mike" jazz pickup included!
• Original hardshell case included

Fender Standard Strat in Burgundy Metallic

There's not too much to say about Fender Standard Strats - these are the workhorse guitars in the Fender line. American made Fenders will cost a lot more, and the Standards are great affordable alternatives.

The less-common burgundy metallic color is a nice departure from the everyday sunbursts, black, etc.

Recently set up with a fresh set of .010-.046 strings and a nice low action.

The specs:

• Made in Mexico in 2002
• Rare Burgundy Metallic finish
• Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
• Three single-coil pickups
• White pickguard
• Chrome hardware
• Gig bag included

Vintage 1967 Epiphone Riviera

This very easy-on-the-eyes 1967 cherry-red Epiphone Riviera just arrived at Zach's Attic, and it's a beauty.

Made in the original Gibson Kalamazoo, Michigan factory, these are very desirable vintage guitars. The Riviera is a pretty tough to find model, especially in the cherry red finish which was only offered after 1966.

The specs: Classic thinline semi-hollowbody, bound body and neck, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard with parallelogram inlays, original pickguard (the 'E' has come off), original Kluson deluxe tuners, and a 1-9/16 inch nut width.

It seems that this guitar was modified in the late 1960's to be more of a '335' style instrument. The original 'Frequensator' tailpiece has been replaced by a trapeze tailpiece. The original mini-humbuckers were also changed out for full size humbuckers.

Although these changes may not make a collector happy, the good news is that whoever did it kept period-correct parts on the guitar. The trapeze tailpiece looks to be from the 60's era. The humbuckers carry Gibson patent numbers from the late 60's and are therefore valuable in their own right.

The guitar is in excellent condition. It was well cared for and stored in a good climate. Very minimal fretwear with plenty of life left. All of the white binding has aged beautifully.

Unplugged, the guitar is very resonant and a joy to just sit on a stool and play. Plugged in, it sounds fantastic with the Gibson humbuckers, it can be loud and bright or warm and mellow. Bottom line is it sounds authentic vintage. The neck may be slim for some people but it makes playing chords very easy. The depth of the neck is a medium profile.

A vintage triangular hardcase is included

1969 Gibson LGO

It's always nice when we receive one-owner guitars. This one is a remarkable example.

This Gibson LGO was purchased in Florida by the original owner when he graduated from high school in 1970. The original receipt is in the case to prove it! Not only that, he kept great care of it and it shows.

The instrument appears to be 100% original. It has the smaller LG body shape with mahogany back and sides, solid spruce top, rosewood bridge with adjustable saddle, rosewood fretboard, 3-piece mahogany neck, 5-piece mahogany headstock, short scale, and a narrow 1-9/16 inch nut width.

It's in near-mint condition with barely a mark or scratch. Very comfortable to play, it has that clear dry sound Gibson is known for. The slim neck makes it easy to play chords; someone with a smaller hand will really appreciate it. Excellent for a singer/songwriter or recording artist. Also...it's very affordable!

Original chip case is included.

Fender Silverface Vibro-Champ

Don't be fooled by the size of this little amp - it can crank!

Six watts, all tube, it was originally intended as a student amplifier but over the decades has taken on a new life as a go-to small tube amp.

With its original speaker, the characteristic sound is a bit warmer than some of its larger Fender tube amp counterparts. The volume can be super-quiet if need be but at full throttle, the amp really shines with its natural overdrive - and at at non-ear-splitting decibels. It's amazing the difference in the crunch this amp can deliver going from a single coil to a humbucker. The vibrato is a nice touch if you need it.

With this amp's simplicity, it really keeps the player honest. No bells and whistles to hide your mistakes! Harmonica players often favor this amp as well.

This one has its spots and scratches on the outer shell, but overall it is in great working condition. These silverface models are very affordable, going for way less than ones from the 50's and 60's.

Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverb

Here is the second vintage Fender tube amp that recently arrived in the Attic - the all time classic Deluxe Reverb.

This one does not have a master volume knob, and is therefore considered more desirable and more like the 60's blackface models. 22 watts, all tube, lush reverb, normal and vibrato channels. The speaker may have been replaced some time ago, but we can't tell. There is a hole drilled in the front Silverface panel at the word 'Deluxe' but this mystery hole doesn't affect the amp's functionality at all.

The amp has recently been serviced by our tube amp technician and it's in great working shape.

There is a reason the Deluxe Reverb has been popular for so long - it simply gets the job done. Smaller venues are no problem and, most of the time, cranking it up gives you more than enough sound.

These Silverface Fender amps are an excellent value and a great way to get that authentic vintage tone.

Martin D-15 Mahogany Dreadnaught

Here's an excellent condition, very lightly used example of one of our decade-long bestsellers from Martin.

Fans of the 'mahogany' sound and loud, boomy tone seem to find their way to this iconic Martin model. All solid mahogany back and sides. Mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard. Rosewood bridge.

A one-owner, well-cared-for guitar, it has seasoned very nicely. The mahogany neck has worn in smoothly, and the sound has plenty of volume. When compared side by side with a spruce top dreadnaught you can really tell the difference in the mahogany top: toned-down brights, more warmth. This guitar can handle a more aggressive playing style without the sound turning harsh.

New D-15's get more expensive every year, so this one is a great deal!

Original Martin hardshell case included.

Vintage 1959 Gibson A-40 Mandolin

We don't see many vintage mandolins, and this Gibson A-style mandolin is a nice one!

There's not much out there Gibson-wise from the 50's that's affordable but this gem is an exception. Mahogany back and sides, with a carved solid Sitka spruce top with creme celluloid binding. Adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge, mahogany neck with Brazilian rosewood fretboard. Mother of pearl dot inlays. Nice comfortable V-ish neck profile. Gold Gibson headstock logo, Gibson etched tailpiece. The Kluson Deluxe tuners and pickguard both appear original and are in good condition.

Recently set up, this old Gibby has a nice low action and plays easily. There are normal wear marks from someone enjoying this instrument for decades, but it was well taken care of.

Sound-wise, it has that cut-through bright choppy sound that one wants in a mandolin.

Priced well under $1,000 - this is your chance at a Gibson instrument from one of their legendary production years. Original hardshell case included.

Gretsch G5122

We are getting a lot of hollowbody guitars coming through Zach's Attic these days and for good reason...they're cool!

This time it's a Gretsch Electromatic Series G5122. Double-cutaway laminated maple body, rosewood fretboard and bridge. Dual-coil humbucking pickups. A Bigsby licensed B60 vibrato tailpiece. It is missing the pickguard but overall it's in excellent condition.

When you plug it in, it's very apparent that you're playing a Gretsch hollowbody - it has that nice clear, round Gretsch tone.

Both this guitar and the Samick are great ways to get into the jazzy/bluesy sound of a hollowbody at WAY below the cost of a Gibson.

Gig bag included.

Epiphone FT-112 'Bard'

This is a well-broken in Epiphone 12-string from the 60's.

Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, it features mahogany back and sides, a solid spruce top, rosewood fretboard, trapeze tailpiece, rosewood bridge with adjustable saddle, and original tuners.

This guitar has had quite the storied life. Traded in by a local customer, it has been extensively used in recording sessions and played in clubs including the 'Rat' in Kenmore Square, Boston. Its sound reflects its history: A typical 12-string jangle but with a noticeable fullness that only a vintage guitar can produce.

It has its share of scratches and dings, and there have been some repairs done over the years, but it currently plays great and is priced to sell.

Want the genuine 60's sound? Legend has it that Roy Orbison recorded his classic Pretty Woman riff on this very model guitar!

Semi-rigid Access brand nylon case included

Hamer Improv Hollowbody

This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase one of Hamer's highest quality instruments.

The Improv is made in extremely limited numbers and takes a long time to build. Featuring the highest grade woods available, this little hollowbody isn't by any means small in quality. The body and neck are hand carved from high grade Honduran mahogany. The top is hand carved spruce with X-bracing.

The detailed specs: Five-ply Italian cellulose body binding, two bound f-holes, hand carved ebony tailpiece, adjustable ebony bridge, ebony fretboard with mother of pearl inlays, raised ebony pickguard, Schaller tuners with ebony buttons, multi-layered ebony headplate, gold-finish hardware, single custom-wound Seymour Duncan pickup, two controls (volume and tone) with ebony knobs on pickguard, natural finish.

This guitar is designed to produce the sound of a much larger archtop guitar...and it succeeds! Without even plugging it in, you can immediately tell that this is a well-made, high end instrument. It feels superb in your hands, super lightweight, loud enough to enjoy without an amp.

Plugged in, the jazz-style hand wound Seymour Duncan really lets the guitar shine. Woody and warm is a good way to describe the sound. We have it set up for flatwound strings for that full-bodied jazz tone.

Hamer's website describes this as a jazz guitar for those who come from the solidbody world and don't want to play a monstrous instrument. Because of this, it's easier to travel with, less likely to get bumped at gigs, etc. Near mint condition. We have priced this guitar to move!

We include the deluxe hardshell case.

Samick HJ-850 'OR'

This is the first of two very nice affordable Samick hollowbody guitars that were recently consigned to us by an estate.

The HJ-850 'OR' model was only produced for one year in 2001. Korean-made Samicks from this era are widely recognized to be well-made instruments. This one features arched maple back and sides, an arched spruce top, a set maple neck with rosewood fretboard, two 'Gretsch-style' humbuckers, and a Bigsby-style vibrato.

With this model, it seems Samick was going for their version of the iconic Gretsch 6120 with its famous orange finish.

The humbuckers yield that classic full hollowbody tone... Throw on a bit of slap delay and chicken-pick away! Also nice for jazz as well. The Bigsby-style vibrato functions smoothly.

We include the original hardshell case.