The Shergold Guitars Homepage

The site is the only guide in any form to these classic and under
rated pieces of British guitar history, which have never really managed to
emerge from the shadow of their “big brother”, Burns.
Content includes: detailed model descriptions including circuit diagrams,
original advertising material and reviews, serial numbers and a photo
gallery of models from around the world including 12 string electrics.

328 thoughts on “The Shergold Guitars Homepage”

  1. Shaftesbury Rose-morris JAPAN "Cutsom SG" style elctric guitar
    Mark HAigh

    im considering buying this guitar and was curious as too its actual worth, i cant seem to find the serial number and its in a used but ok condition.. thanks

    1. Re: Shaftesbury Rose-morris JAPAN "Cutsom SG" style elctric guitar
      patti

      : im considering buying this guitar and was curious as too its actual worth, i cant seem to find the serial number and its in a used but ok condition.. thanks

      How much are they selling it for? I have one… want to sell it to a friend but have no idea how much it is now worth….. its pale yellow rose-morris serial no 1532….

    1. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker 4001 copy
      Marc S

      : can anyone give me any idea of the valuation of an early 70’s Shaftesbury ricky 4001 copy….red sunburst, good condition…made in Japan!!

      : Thanks

      Rick copies seem to be rocketing in value these days. I’m in the uk & can’t get hold of a shaftesbury anywhere. I had one years ago, and now deeply regret selling it. I can’t find one anywhere. For the record, if I could find a "genuine" rick as good as my old shaftesbury – I’d buy it – the shaftesbury was the best I’ve played, & I’ve played a few ricks. Put it this way, if a rick is around £1300, then in quality the shaftesbury is worth at least twice that!!! But labels being labels, & big powerful corporations being as they are, copies will never be valued the same. I’d love to get a shaftesbury again – I’m sure a good one would fetch £400 – £500 (whatever that is in dollars) So if anyone in the uk has one of these….

    2. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker 4001 copy
      Dave

      : can anyone give me any idea of the valuation of an early 70’s Shaftesbury ricky 4001 copy….red sunburst, good condition…made in Japan!!

      : Thanks

      1. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker 4001 copy
        thomas

        I am currently selling the same bass and wondered if you had got anywhere towards finding the value. I was looking to find out and stumbled across your message. any info you have would be really appreciated

        Thomas

    3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Michael
      Michael

      can anyone give me any idea of the valuation of an early 70’s Shaftesbury ricky 4001 copy….red sunburst, good condition…made in Japan!!

      Thanks

    1. Re: Shaftesbury resonator guitar
      michael jarman

      :I have one that a mate has asked me to sell on e bay. Does anyone know what they are worth now? It,s in very good condition

    2. Re: Shaftesbury resonator guitar
      alex.

      : I have a Shaftesbury resonator guitar I bought at an auction a couple of years ago. It is Japanese made copy of a Brazilian Del Vecchio Dinamico, very pretty wood-bodied with round cane vents. It’s in working conditon & is now my favourite guitar.
      : Questions: Does anyone have or know of a simiar instrument? When were they made (1970s, I guess). Are they rare? Any further info on this guitar would be very welcome.

      : Roger Clarke

      1. Re: Shaftesbury resonator guitar
        Gordon Davis

        I have Shaftesbury del vecchio, the smaller model which is a 14 fret job. I bought it in 1972 for £40 in Kingston, London, and have never seen another. I play mine sometimes, but have largely migrated to an Amistar syle ‘O’. The Shaftesbury has a very light, delicate sound – more C&W than blues.

      2. Re: Shaftesbury resonator guitar
        Philip Ruff

        : : I have a Shaftesbury resonator guitar I bought at an auction a couple of years ago. It is Japanese made copy of a Brazilian Del Vecchio Dinamico, very pretty wood-bodied with round cane vents. It’s in working conditon & is now my favourite guitar.
        : : Questions: Does anyone have or know of a simiar instrument? When were they made (1970s, I guess). Are they rare? Any further info on this guitar would be very welcome.

        : : Roger Clarke

        I have one that I bought in Birmingham in 1973 for £60. Mine is a dreadnaught size, but I remember they had a smaller model in the shop at the same time. A friend of mine saw one in the window of a guitar shop in Denmark Streeet a few years ago with a price tag of c. £500 on it.

        I would be intrested in any more info.

        Phil Ruff

    3. Re: Shaftesbury resonator guitar
      Sef

      im trying to find out the same thing with a Shaftesbury replica of a rickerbaker, if any one can help.

      and to your question i dont know realy when it was made but i know the made them from the 1960’s up until the early 80’s on eBay i seen a Shaftesbury guitar going for about £350.

    4. Re: Shaftesbury resonator guitar
      Karl

      I have a Shaftsbury resonator as well. I bought it in a pawn shop in Paris in 1979. I have no info on it. I just never wanted to sell it!

      1. Re: Shaftesbury resonator guitar
        Dick Wilkinson

        I bought mine in Fremantle, Western Australia, for about AD$400.00. in the late 80’s no case and this is the first time I’ve found anyone else with one. There seems to be very little information about them.Mine is a 12 fret to body which makes it a little awkward for slide style, but it certainly seems a robust creature. I also have a Dobro,a Sigma, and a Johnson and love ’em all [these are all 14 fret to body models].
        Wet Fishes
        Dick

        1. Re: Shaftesbury resonator guitar
          Gerry Smith aka RIFF WRATH

          : I bought mine in Fremantle, Western Australia, for about AD$400.00. in the late 80’s no case and this is the first time I’ve found anyone else with one. There seems to be very little information about them.Mine is a 12 fret to body which makes it a little awkward for slide style, but it certainly seems a robust creature. I also have a Dobro,a Sigma, and a Johnson and love ’em all [these are all 14 fret to body models].
          : Wet Fishes
          : Dick

          Hey Dick
          was googling and came across your post. I have a resonator that is missing the headstock. I am not able to find any info on it as I do not have the original name off the headstock. With the guitar came a Sigma pamphlet. What is distinctive about the guitar is the pattern of a thunderbird/pea**** on the coverplate. This guitar has a single coil pickup and a V & T control, bisquit bridge.From your original post I am assuming you have a Sigma brand resonator also. I know this is a long shot. Any help would be appreciated. By the way, I have installed a no name "matching" meck from a destroyed square neck accoustic.
          cheers
          Gerry

    5. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Roger Clarke
      Roger Clarke

      I have a Shaftesbury resonator guitar I bought at an auction a couple of years ago. It is Japanese made copy of a Brazilian Del Vecchio Dinamico, very pretty wood-bodied with round cane vents. It’s in working conditon & is now my favourite guitar.
      Questions: Does anyone have or know of a simiar instrument? When were they made (1970s, I guess). Are they rare? Any further info on this guitar would be very welcome.

      Roger Clarke

      1. Shaftesbury Resonator
        Iain

        Hi, I had one of these for a while. Bought around 1975/76, in Brighton, Sussex, UK, I think. A nice, pleasant looking and feeling guitar. But way too quiet for a reso. Eventually sold it late 1970s and bought a National O Style: a different beast entirely! Good luck, though. Interesting little guitars from Japan, I’m sure.

    1. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy
      jonny walker

      tokia,shaftesbury,encore,eko,ibanez,jhonson,aria are the makes that had a lawsuit and the guitars can only be bought 2nd hand but are great guitars iv got an encore aria and shaftesbury copys and they are very go most made in the 60’s

      1. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy
        Ric Archer

        : looking for ric copies…mail the pics to [email protected]…thx

        I have a very nice copy. research tells me it is a 1976 univox. It is fireglo.

        Virtually identical except one truss rod instead of two and second output says stereo sound instead of rick o sound. Haven’t got pics yet

    2. Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy FOR SALE
      Matt

      Hi all, I currently have a Shaftesbury for sale.
      Shes a bit worse for wear… with a few knocks here and there, a crack in the headstock and the pickups are damaged (casing). However this one is a twelve string… it needs some love.
      This would be a great opportunity to work on something as a project to get it up to its potential… I just dont have the time.

      Contact me if you interested in making me an offer and more info.

      Thanks

      -Matt

      1. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy FOR SALE
        Rob C

        : Hi all, I currently have a Shaftesbury for sale.
        : Shes a bit worse for wear… with a few knocks here and there, a crack in the headstock and the pickups are damaged (casing). However this one is a twelve string… it needs some love.
        : This would be a great opportunity to work on something as a project to get it up to its potential… I just dont have the time.

        : Contact me if you interested in making me an offer and more info.

        : Thanks

        : -Matt

        I would like to see pics of what you have, and what your asking price is for it…

    3. ASCO Rickenbacker copy
      Ivan alias lordbizarre

      I can’t tell anything about Shaftsbury but I’m looking for all possible info about an ASCO Rickenbacker 4001 copy:who,where,when…thanks !
      ivan alias lordbizarre
      "lordbizarre’s electric guitar and amp museum"
      Rock!electric guitar and amplifier repair
      leuven,belgium,europe
      [email protected]

    4. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy
      richard Lowis

      : Just been looking in a second hand shop at a sunburst Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy. The yera was unknown but I’m guessing it was 70’s. It needs a hell of a lot of work but I’m tempted to buy it.. can anyone tell me anything about these guitars?

      Entry did not contain email address HA! — [email protected]

      1. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy
        Big Rob

        Ive got the same beast and I have had it from new.
        Its still plays well though the actions got high now, they go for about £300 in really good nick.
        Nice sound, stereo pickups though not much seperation.

        Good old machine, bit like a diesel transit.

        Good luck.

      2. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy
        Big Rob

        : : Just been looking in a second hand shop at a sunburst Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy. The yera was unknown but I’m guessing it was 70’s. It needs a hell of a lot of work but I’m tempted to buy it.. can anyone tell me anything about these guitars?

        : Entry did not contain email address HA! — [email protected]

      3. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy - info
        Dave

        : : Richard ..
        These ‘Lawsuit-era’ guitars/basses were manufactured mid-70s / 80s.
        They’re referred to as ‘Lawsuit-era’ instruments as Gibson, Fender & Rickenbacker attempted to sue (unsuccessfully) in terms of breach of copyright.
        The Japanese (Antoria, Ibaneze, Aria and so on) were acquited on these grounds as ..
        1) The quality if their instruments was generally accepted as being BETTER than the Americans,
        2) Their individual names were prominently displayed on promotional literature, the guitars themselves etc., thus negating the possiblity/liklihood of anyone confusing the (Japanese) copies with the Americans (originals).
        Some of them did suffer from certain design/quality issues – namely trussrod / neckbending, but overall they were an EXCELLENT investment for the beginner IF you realised what they were (alas, a lot of us didn’t).
        Rgds.

        Dave.

        Just been looking in a second hand shop at a sunburst Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy. The yera was unknown but I’m guessing it was 70’s. It needs a hell of a lot of work but I’m tempted to buy it.. can anyone tell me anything about these guitars?

        : Entry did not contain email address HA! — [email protected]

    5. Re: Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy
      richard lowis

      : Just been looking in a second hand shop at a sunburst Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy. The yera was unknown but I’m guessing it was 70’s. It needs a hell of a lot of work but I’m tempted to buy it.. can anyone tell me anything about these guitars?

      Hi Steve,

      Is it A 12 STRING, if you don’t want it I would be interested to buy it, I did used to own a 12 string version, matter of fact I had two, and wish I had not sold either. The 12 string was OK to play, perhaps not to
      todays standard, but it used to sound like a piano, realy loved it. Have used a shergold 12 string, and evemn a yamaha pacifica 12, but not enjoyed any like the sound of the shaftesbury.
      #
      If you reply please use indicated email address, this is the work one.

      Best Wishes
      Richard Lowis.

    6. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Steven Trafford
      Steven Trafford

      Just been looking in a second hand shop at a sunburst Shaftesbury Rickenbacker copy. The yera was unknown but I’m guessing it was 70’s. It needs a hell of a lot of work but I’m tempted to buy it.. can anyone tell me anything about these guitars?

      1. I own a Rickenbacker 324
        Juan Mutant

        I am Juan Mutant I’ve been playong for the last 46 years I started playing acoustic guitar but I decided to be absolutely electric guitar player pnly

  2. want to buy Shaftsbury 12 string electric
    richard lowis

    Saftesbury elictric 12 string … Desperately wish to buy a good S/H of this guitar, it is a ricki style and were usually sunburst – anyone got one to sell- email or ring UK 01507 608803

  3. shaftesbury les paul
    Alex Griffiths

    Ive got a shaftesbury les paul i think the serial number is 0098929. Can anyone tell how old it is and how much its worth? Seein as I payed £10 for it.

  4. clear plexi-guitar
    fairfaxlovelace

    hi

    did shaftesbury make clear plexi-glass guitars a friend has seen them are thay worth £700??? when were thay made? are thy any good

  5. Shaftesbury Guitar
    christoph Meili

    Hi
    I’ve got a Shaftebury Guitar (Stock# 3400 / Serial# 72225) can somebody tell me how old she is and the prise (now) or can you give me a link to the rose morris site. I haven’t got any information about the guitar!

    thanks a lot

    chris

    1. Re: shaftesbury rose-morris
      tina

      hi iam not sure if iam doing this right or not but we just got a shaftesbury les paul copy guitar and we like to no the history of the guitar and maybe its worth but not sure where to start hoping someone could help thanks….

    2. Re: shaftesbury rose-morris
      ricky

      well if anyone finds out anything im interested myself! you see i have a shaftesbury rose morris les paul gold top deluxe model 3414 circa 1970 – 72. ive ben trying to find out what its worth! its a great guitar and its well made with a glued on neck.

    3. Re: shaftesbury rose-morris
      Joseph Azzopardi

      I have a shaftesbury rose-morris bass guitar
      (sponsored instrument) made in Japan
      serial No.3107
      stock No. 3263
      can any one tell me some information
      regards

      1. Re: shaftesbury rose-morris
        Lee Clarke

        : I have a shaftesbury rose-morris electric guitar made in Japan (sponsered instrument)
        : serial No.10189
        : stock No. 3264
        : can any one tell me some information
        : regards x

    4. Re: shaftesbury rose-morris
      Ian

      : can any one tell me any info about my husbands electric bass guitar before he drives me mad… Its a Shaftesbury Rose-Morris serial number 0174 he has had it a number of years i want him to sell the damn thing he says its worthless help……..

      If its pale yellow its probably a telecaster bass copy circia 1970 approw £70 new I had one and now regret selling it about 10 years,Ian

      1. Re: shaftesbury rose-morris
        Bill Lewis

        : : can any one tell me any info about my husbands electric bass guitar before he drives me mad… Its a Shaftesbury Rose-Morris serial number 0174 he has had it a number of years i want him to sell the damn thing he says its worthless help……..

        : If its pale yellow its probably a telecaster bass copy circia 1970 approw £70 new I had one and now regret selling it about 10 years,Ian

        I had a Shaftesbury Telecaster Copy, purchased in 1972.
        The Shaftesbury label of guitar was put out by Rose Morris Music of Shaftesbury Avenue in London.
        These guitars also included the Ned Callen label of bass guitars.
        They were Japenese copies and were made to exacting standards and were top instruments that did not cost the world to purchase. I regretably sold my Telecaster copy in 1974 and have been trying to locate another in Australia for the last couple of years.
        Tell your husband to hang on to his bass guitar, it may not be worth much in monetary value but is worth a whole lot more in personal pleasure of ownwership. Whats he giong to do? Sell it and then buy a Fender. Stay with the Vintage guitar he already has.

        1. Re: shaftesbury rose-morris
          Marc Smith

          : : : can any one tell me any info about my husbands electric bass guitar before he drives me mad… Its a Shaftesbury Rose-Morris serial number 0174 he has had it a number of years i want him to sell the damn thing he says its worthless help…….. Hi, I remember seeing only one of these guitars around…that was a long time ago. I used to own a shaftesbury bass guitar, which was a copy of a rickenbacker 4001 (this was my dream bass at the time) but the shaftesbury was as good as any genuine rickenbacker, or even better than some of them which I tried. I gave up playing 20+ years ago, & I sold the bass (£70, which was what I paid for it 3 years earlier) I have started playing again and am now cursing the day I sold it!!!!! What was I thinking of? Rickenbackers are now £1000 – £2000, & I can’t find a shaftesbury anywhere. You tell your husband he can hang on to his guitar. They don’t take up much room, you don’t HAVE to use an amp, and, like me, he may regret getting rid of it in the future.
          They may not cost as much as the genuine thing, but for Japanes guitars at that time, these were brilliant!!!

          : : If its pale yellow its probably a telecaster bass copy circia 1970 approw £70 new I had one and now regret selling it about 10 years,Ian

          : I had a Shaftesbury Telecaster Copy, purchased in 1972.
          : The Shaftesbury label of guitar was put out by Rose Morris Music of Shaftesbury Avenue in London.
          : These guitars also included the Ned Callen label of bass guitars.
          : They were Japenese copies and were made to exacting standards and were top instruments that did not cost the world to purchase. I regretably sold my Telecaster copy in 1974 and have been trying to locate another in Australia for the last couple of years.
          : Tell your husband to hang on to his bass guitar, it may not be worth much in monetary value but is worth a whole lot more in personal pleasure of ownwership. Whats he giong to do? Sell it and then buy a Fender. Stay with the Vintage guitar he already has.

    5. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... sharrun
      sharrun

      can any one tell me any info about my husbands electric bass guitar before he drives me mad… Its a Shaftesbury Rose-Morris serial number 0174 he has had it a number of years i want him to sell the damn thing he says its worthless help……..

      1. Shaftesbury Bass Guitar
        Dougie

        Hi, I’m trying to find out a rough estimate of the age and value of my Shaftesbury 3263 bass,serial no. 001207, any help would be greatly appreciated, many thanks , Dougie

      2. Shaftesbury Bass Guitar
        Dougie

        Hi, I’m trying to find out a rough estimate of the age and value of my Shaftesbury 3263 bass,serial no. 001207, any help would be greatly appreciated, many thanks , Dougie

  6. Shaftesbury Guitar
    Roger

    I have just purchased a Shaftesbury Guitar and would like some Info on same.. It has A "Rose Morris Sponsored Instrument" plaque with serial No..71507 and stock No..3400…
    On the body on another plate is the serial No..0154228.
    The Guitar was originally sold by"Carlsbro Sound Centre LTD"
    It looks like a "Les Paul" copy..
    Can someone help ID this instrument
    Thanks in advance,
    Roger in Australia…

    1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
      Norbert Klein

      : I have just purchased a Shaftesbury Guitar and would like some Info on same.. It has A "Rose Morris Sponsored Instrument" plaque with serial No..71507 and stock No..3400…
      : On the body on another plate is the serial No..0154228.
      : The Guitar was originally sold by"Carlsbro Sound Centre LTD"
      : It looks like a "Les Paul" copy..
      : Can someone help ID this instrument
      : Thanks in advance,
      : Roger in Australia…

      I hve a black LP Shaftesbury with No:0050206
      I bought it in 1969 in London and took it to Germany.

    2. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
      Ed Dennis

      I bought a Black Shaftesbury ‘Les Paul’ Copy in an auction about 20 years ago. It look old then. Don’t know anything about the company after all this time finally got the inclination to fix the guitar – the machine heads are a bit iffy. Anyway we have the same stock no 3400. My serial No. is 71522. If you’ve found out anything else about let me know. Cheers, Ed

      : I have just purchased a Shaftesbury Guitar and would like some Info on same.. It has A "Rose Morris Sponsored Instrument" plaque with serial No..71507 and stock No..3400…
      : On the body on another plate is the serial No..0154228.
      : The Guitar was originally sold by"Carlsbro Sound Centre LTD"
      : It looks like a "Les Paul" copy..
      : Can someone help ID this instrument
      : Thanks in advance,
      : Roger in Australia…

      1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
        Seb

        : : I have just purchased a Shaftesbury Guitar and would like some Info on same.. It has A "Rose Morris Sponsored Instrument" plaque with serial No..71507 and stock No..3400…
        : : On the body on another plate is the serial No..0154228.
        : : The Guitar was originally sold by"Carlsbro Sound Centre LTD"
        : : It looks like a "Les Paul" copy..
        : : Can someone help ID this instrument
        : : Thanks in advance,
        : : Roger in Australia…

        : Roger Carlsboro Sound I think was a large music Instrument and Amp centre in Mansfield, Notts UK, they did go on to produce excellent amplification equipment. Rose Morris were
        : Instrument daelers and importers.

        : Had a shaftsbury myself, 12 stringy copy of a ricki, well I had two actually and desperately seeking to buy on again. Shaftesbury, I think, made pretty good reliable copies. Hope your is OK

        Hi, i have a Shaftsbury with the same stock no and sponsorship. Mine is a "Les Paul custom" copy, so it seems probable that yours is too.
        Shaftsbury guitars were made in Japan as copies of Fender’s or Gibsons-and are very good quality (near to or better than the quality of the real things)

      2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Richard Lowis
        Richard Lowis

        : I have just purchased a Shaftesbury Guitar and would like some Info on same.. It has A "Rose Morris Sponsored Instrument" plaque with serial No..71507 and stock No..3400…
        : On the body on another plate is the serial No..0154228.
        : The Guitar was originally sold by"Carlsbro Sound Centre LTD"
        : It looks like a "Les Paul" copy..
        : Can someone help ID this instrument
        : Thanks in advance,
        : Roger in Australia…

        Roger Carlsboro Sound I think was a large music Instrument and Amp centre in Mansfield, Notts UK, they did go on to produce excellent amplification equipment. Rose Morris were
        Instrument daelers and importers.

        Had a shaftsbury myself, 12 stringy copy of a ricki, well I had two actually and desperately seeking to buy on again. Shaftesbury, I think, made pretty good reliable copies. Hope your is OK

    3. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
      Richard Lowis

      : I have just purchased a Shaftesbury Guitar and would like some Info on same.. It has A "Rose Morris Sponsored Instrument" plaque with serial No..71507 and stock No..3400…
      : On the body on another plate is the serial No..0154228.
      : The Guitar was originally sold by"Carlsbro Sound Centre LTD"
      : It looks like a "Les Paul" copy..
      : Can someone help ID this instrument
      : Thanks in advance,
      : Roger in Australia…

        1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          Davud

          : : : I have just purchased a Shaftesbury Guitar and would like some Info on same.. It has A "Rose Morris Sponsored Instrument" plaque with serial No..71507 and stock No..3400…
          : : : On the body on another plate is the serial No..0154228.
          : : : The Guitar was originally sold by"Carlsbro Sound Centre LTD"
          : : : It looks like a "Les Paul" copy..
          : : : Can someone help ID this instrument
          : : : Thanks in advance,
          : : : Roger in Australia…

          : The Shaftesbury was the first Japanese Les Paul copy. I have heard it said that the Japanese bought the parts from Gibson and assembled the rebadged guitar in Japan. So what you might have is a 1968 Gibson Les Paul. Imagine if you had Gibson on the head how much it would be worth. I have played one and would not be surprised if this was true.
          : M

          I HAVE THIS GUITAR WOULD YOU BUY GUITAR [email protected]

        2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Mark O'Connor
          Mark O'Connor

          : : I have just purchased a Shaftesbury Guitar and would like some Info on same.. It has A "Rose Morris Sponsored Instrument" plaque with serial No..71507 and stock No..3400…
          : : On the body on another plate is the serial No..0154228.
          : : The Guitar was originally sold by"Carlsbro Sound Centre LTD"
          : : It looks like a "Les Paul" copy..
          : : Can someone help ID this instrument
          : : Thanks in advance,
          : : Roger in Australia…

          The Shaftesbury was the first Japanese Les Paul copy. I have heard it said that the Japanese bought the parts from Gibson and assembled the rebadged guitar in Japan. So what you might have is a 1968 Gibson Les Paul. Imagine if you had Gibson on the head how much it would be worth. I have played one and would not be surprised if this was true.
          M

          1. Sunburst Shaftesbury Semi-Acoustic
            Taisto

            Hi,
            I own yellow-red-black sunburst – 6 string close to model 3261 (I have a sales sheet for from UK for that). There is some different parts in my guitar: bridge and trapeze tailpiece not the same. My father bought it from the second hand store in the town Kuopio, Finland around year 1975-76. Still works fine but fretboard is very narrow.

    1. Re: shaftesbury rodeo
      Lee

      Hi

      I have a staftesbury rodeo 12 acoustic guitar and would like to know what it would be worth on today’s market. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

      Thanks

    2. Re: shaftesbury rodeo
      Jimmy K

      My dad has a shaftesbury rodeo6 guitar, made in italy. He got it from a friend in 74′. It sounds beautifull and is in quite good condition.

    3. Re: shaftesbury rodeo
      Ian Hamilton

      : anyone know how old/any info on a shaftesbury rodeo 6 guitar?

      John I have a Shaftesbury Rodeo 6 stock No 3167 that I purchased mail order in 1970 for approx £60.00 still going strong used most days and still sounds sweet, Ian

    4. Re: shaftesbury rodeo
      Steve Faulkner

      I have a mint Shaftesbury Rodeo 12 (12 String)
      Stock No 3168

      I bought it new in Liverpool in 1973 for £48.00

      Best Regards

      1. Re: shaftesbury rodeo
        John Rowe

        I also have a Saftesbury Rodeo 12 with the same stock number (3168) that I bought in Liverpool around 1973/74 at a second hand store.

        The front has bellied a bit, but it has better action than most 6 strings I’ve played. How come we have the same stock number?

        (I paid about £25 for it, maybe £30)

        1. Re: shaftesbury rodeo
          Paul

          : I also have a Saftesbury Rodeo 12 with the same stock number (3168) that I bought in Liverpool around 1973/74 at a second hand store.

          : The front has bellied a bit, but it has better action than most 6 strings I’ve played. How come we have the same stock number?

          : (I paid about £25 for it, maybe £30)

          Hi, I have a Shaftesbury Rodeo 12, made in Italy with the same darned stock number (3168). Seems odd?? I got mine in the early 70’s from a gift catalogue (Probably Littlewoods) and paid £70 for it. It has bellied inwards on the front, but has the sweetest sound and easiest action for a 12 string. Wonder how much they are worth now?

    1. Shaftesbury guitars
      Jeff Wiltshire

      : Hi,
      : I have been the owner of what I presume is a Shaftesbury guitar for about ten years now; it was passed down to me by my uncle who maintained that it was limited edition and worth a great deal. It is perspex in the Les Paul shape. Very good looking. If anyone has any info on this I would appreciate it.

      : Thanx

      1. Re: Shaftesbury guitars
        wayne

        hello! i have a shaftesbury rodeo6 which was given to me by a neighbour recently. the stock number is 3167-can anybody tell me how old it is, judging by the stock number alone?

          1. Re: Shaftesbury bass guitars
            Sef

            : : I have been playing a shaftsbury bass guitar since 1975
            : :
            : : Regards

            : your arms must be REALLY tired

            Hey ther, i was wondering if it would be worth fixing up an old Shaftesbeury made in japan replica of a Rickerbaker, are ther worth anything?

            1. Re: Shaftesbury bass guitars
              Tim Ridley

              I have a Rickenbaker copy and I have just had a job messing with it’s inards. It went OK but the stereo wiring takes a bit of getting used to. I thought that the bridge pickup was faulty but it turns out that the rear output jack is the only one that takes both pickups, the front one only uses the neck pick up. I really like the sound of it and the fact that someone has fixed the fret board with car filler and cracked the scratch plate only adds to it’s street cred.
              Tim bass finger Lord Vagrant

    2. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
      Flemming

      : Hi,
      : I have been the owner of what I presume is a Shaftesbury guitar for about ten years now; it was passed down to me by my uncle who maintained that it was limited edition and worth a great deal. It is perspex in the Les Paul shape. Very good looking. If anyone has any info on this I would appreciate it.

      : Thanx

      Hi!
      I’m from Denmark. I’ve owned a black Shaftesbury, Les Paul copy. Unfortunately it was stolen from me. I just wanted to say that it was a real good guitar, low string action and I really miss it. I have never heard that it should be a collectors item, I wouldn’t be surprised though, I know that it’s pretty rare. I would be interrested in knowing your serial number, mine was 6502 and it was bought in feb. 1970. Please respond to my email address, if possible

      1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
        smudger

        Hi, I own a shaftesbury telecaster with the date 1969 on the headstock. its acopy of the fender thinline. i beleive it to be made by either aria or arbiter/dallas.
        it realy is a beautiful guitar with fantastic action. because information about these guitars is so sparce i was thinking of starting an information page dedicated to all that is shaftesbury. so if anyone out there knows anymore info please get in touch.
        Many thanks
        Smudger

        1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          Dave S

          Still there smudger?

          I own serial no 1392. Fantastic Shaftsbury. I cant find out much about it other than its made in Italy for Rose-morris and hails from 1960’s

        2. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          Dave S

          I have a shaftsbury rose-morris blond semi hollow clef.telecaster style. Stock no 3265 serial no.1392. Any news on getting more information about these great guitars?
          : Hi, I own a shaftesbury telecaster with the date 1969 on the headstock. its acopy of the fender thinline. i beleive it to be made by either aria or arbiter/dallas.
          : it realy is a beautiful guitar with fantastic action. because information about these guitars is so sparce i was thinking of starting an information page dedicated to all that is shaftesbury. so if anyone out there knows anymore info please get in touch.
          : Many thanks
          : Smudger

    3. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
      michael graham

      l bought my les paul copy from rose morris in shaftesbury ave in 1970 it cost me £70. l think they had just come out.

    4. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Oliver Stoney
      Oliver Stoney

      Hi,
      I have been the owner of what I presume is a Shaftesbury guitar for about ten years now; it was passed down to me by my uncle who maintained that it was limited edition and worth a great deal. It is perspex in the Les Paul shape. Very good looking. If anyone has any info on this I would appreciate it.

      Thanx

      1. Sunburst Shaftesbury
        Taisto

        Hi,
        I own yellow-red-black sunburst – 6 string close to model 3261 (I have a sales sheet for from UK for that). There is some different parts in my guitar: bridge and trapeze tailpiece not the same. My father bought it from the second hand store in the town Kuopio, Finland around year 1975-76. Still works fine but fretboard is very narrow.

      2. Shaftesbury guitar
        pete

        Hi I own a shaftesbury guitar and have owned for about 20 or so years. It doesnt apppear to have any numbers anywhere on it. Its a Les paul shape in natural wood with black pickguard,could anyone shed any light onto the age or any info would be great. Thanks in advance.z

  7. Need to find info on a serial number.
    Mont

    If anyone can tell me an ultimate serial numbers seach site for instruments it would be much appreciated.The guitar is a Takamine EF-389.If anyone is going to visit the Takamine site don’t it’s pitiful in layout and information.Thanks

    1. Re: Need to find info on a serial number.
      Luis Mendoza

      Serial Number… M001940, Fender Bass.

      Me podrian dar información de este numero de serie, Gracias por su ayuda.

      1. Re: I am looking for information on the F-380S takamine I have
        Len Shaw

        : I am also looking for information, any at all, about the F-380 model Takamine, I can not find anything, at all, about this model, and it seems to be a real nice guitar:
        : If anyone can tell me an ultimate serial numbers seach site for instruments it would be much appreciated.The guitar is a Takamine EF-389.If anyone is going to visit the Takamine site don’t it’s pitiful in layout and information.Thanks

        I am looking for the same information If you have any luck Please email me. Thanks

        1. Takamine F369
          Anonymous

          Hello, I’m also trying to find out history, value and any further info. I bought new back in ’85. Acoustic/Electric/Like new. Appreciate any help. Thanks

      2. Re: Need to find info on a serial number.
        mike

        : I am also looking for information, any at all, about the F-380 model Takamine, I can not find anything, at all, about this model, and it seems to be a real nice guitar:
        : If anyone can tell me an ultimate serial numbers seach site for instruments it would be much appreciated.The guitar is a Takamine EF-389.If anyone is going to visit the Takamine site don’t it’s pitiful in layout and information.Thanks

        1. Re: Need to find info on a serial number.
          Jonathan Jacobs

          The first two number of the serial number are the year, the next two are the month of that year, the last four (?) are the numbered guitar made for that year/month.

      3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Jack Kaufman
        Jack Kaufman

        I am also looking for information, any at all, about the F-380 model Takamine, I can not find anything, at all, about this model, and it seems to be a real nice guitar:
        If anyone can tell me an ultimate serial numbers seach site for instruments it would be much appreciated.The guitar is a Takamine EF-389.If anyone is going to visit the Takamine site don’t it’s pitiful in layout and information.Thanks

    1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
      Pete Turner

      Hi Mark – you posted your query a long time ago so it’s a long shot that you’ll pick this up. I’ve just (i.e. today)acquired a Shaftesbury Telecaster copy for a rebuild project so I’m sat doing research and was amazed to find your posting, especially the details. The stock number of mine is 3265 and the serial number is either 1787 or 1737(the sticker is faded). I’m favouring it being 1787, just 3 apart from yours. Would love to hear if you still have this guitar and if you managed to retore it?

      1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
        matt cragg

        hi. this to is a long shot, but i also have a rose morris. its a 4 string bass in the classic rickenbecker shape. made in italy, stock No. 3263, serial No. 1352. Its history is a mystery to me so any help of its origins, value etc would be of great help, as a drummer just dropped it and cracked the front! I hope somebody finds this… many thanks, matt.

    2. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
      Bruno Hanazaki Miranda

      Hi there guys! I’ve read the comments and it seems to me that no one really knows where have these guitars come from. Anyway, I’m in this research to help a friend of mine, who says his guitar has been evaluated, and there are people around here who say that these guitar are really worthy. Well, I dunno the serial number of it, but it is a Les Paul copy, surely black, and it has (I can’t tell if originally) two DiMarzio pickups. Crazy thing is to know all these guitars have come to their owner’s hands by strange reasons. This friend of mine can’t really tell where did this guitar came from. But it’s strange, coz we live in São Paulo, and it seems most of them are italian.

      Well, if you have any information regarding these instruments, would you please get in contact? Thanx a lot.

    3. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
      Martin Holland

      Hi Mark,

      This may not be any help but I have a Rose-Morris Shaftesbury guitar, made in Italy, clef cut into body in the telecaster style shape, its details are;

      stock n. 3265 serial no. 1449

      It is missing its chrome bridge cover but otherwise it is in mint condition… I can send you pictures of mine if you like, I too am trying to research its history!

      Cheers, Martin

      1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
        Tom

        : Hi Mark,

        : This may not be any help but I have a Rose-Morris Shaftesbury guitar, made in Italy, clef cut into body in the telecaster style shape, its details are;

        : stock n. 3265 serial no. 1449

        : It is missing its chrome bridge cover but otherwise it is in mint condition… I can send you pictures of mine if you like, I too am trying to research its history!

        : Cheers, Martin

        I have a shaftesbury semi acoustic twelve string guitar with a sunburst finish. Any ideas how much it’s worth? Apparently it was made in the 50s or 60s. It’s in the style of a Rickenbacker.

        Thanks, Tom

      2. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
        stoewenau

        hi folks,

        i have a shaftesbury les paul model, stock nr.3400, serial 70865; number on the neck is 0090040.

        i would like to know about the history of these "sponsored by rose-morris" models.
        thx stoewenau

      3. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
        keynobei

        I also have a rose morris shaftesbury guitar made in italy. It is a rickenbacker copy. it’s details are: stock no. 3261 serial no. 1437.
        the neck single coil pickup is dead but otherwise it is still in good condition, i too am trying to research its history. I want to know if this guitars have a high resell value.

        : Chow, Keynobei

        1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          keith

          i’ve got a ricky copy as well. bought it £140 from the record and tape in london 2 years ago. i think it sounds amazing! i asked a guy in one of the vintage shops in denmark street what he thought of them and he shook his head, so i don’t think they have much real value.

          1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
            pau

            : i’ve got a ricky copy as well. bought it £140 from the record and tape in london 2 years ago. i think it sounds amazing! i asked a guy in one of the vintage shops in denmark street what he thought of them and he shook his head, so i don’t think they have much real value.
            dont u beleive its not valuable i was in brighton in the late eighties and a guy told me they r the best les paul copys going he offered me £2oo for it then. mine is a black les paul copy all gold plated.hang on to the thing

      4. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
        bishop

        Well, I just found this thread while surfing arounf looking for facts about my Shaftesbury guitar. Mine is stock no. 3265 serial no. 1373

        There are a few owning these guitars after all… Total crap mine is… Ugly as hell, but still my first guitar… 🙂

        /bishop

        ————–

        : Hi Mark,

        : This may not be any help but I have a Rose-Morris Shaftesbury guitar, made in Italy, clef cut into body in the telecaster style shape, its details are;

        : stock n. 3265 serial no. 1449

        : It is missing its chrome bridge cover but otherwise it is in mint condition… I can send you pictures of mine if you like, I too am trying to research its history!

        : Cheers, Martin

      5. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
        darren allison

        Hi guys…have u got anywhere with your research? I also have one of these beauties…Mine is yellow,with a white laminated scratchplate.It’s basically a thinline tele copy,with strange bar type pickups.Allegedly mine is from ’63,according to the guy who sold it(for peanuts!) in 1984,but I have no way of being sure of this…I would love to trade photo’s or info,as I have NEVER seen another example of this model. Cheers!

        1. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          John Ashforth

          I have one which I picked up at an attic sale some years ago, in surprisingly good condition. I cleaned it up and it works wonderfully. I am open to selling it – any collectors out there?

          : Hi guys…have u got anywhere with your research? I also have one of these beauties…Mine is yellow,with a white laminated scratchplate.It’s basically a thinline tele copy,with strange bar type pickups.Allegedly mine is from ’63,according to the guy who sold it(for peanuts!) in 1984,but I have no way of being sure of this…I would love to trade photo’s or info,as I have NEVER seen another example of this model. Cheers!

        2. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          brendan

          so glad to have found you guys on the net, i am an old rocker and started buying guitars on ebay just for the hell of it anyway g&l legacy super patrick eggle fantastic fender 12 string wow, i used to own fenders when i played sold a 64 red strat for £ 90 prat!!!!! anyway then i saw a gibson looking guitar by shaftesbury sponsered by rose morris on ebay and bought it its black with gold fittings ,the guitars are for my lad and he doesn’t like its gibson like roar or its fantastic straight neck its great jazz tones its fantastic action ,or the shiney black body with its lovely cream binding and now fading gold fitments,having purchased another expensive toy for him i am looking to recoup some money by selling some of the others,this shaftsbury stands out as the one i might get the best price for but having got a special feeling reading you guys questions i am going to keep this baby because i think its something special and if it continues to get the wifely response "every time you down in this house you get a guitar up your ass" i shall think of all you shaftesbury enthusiasts and smile. i’ll come back later and post my serial number.history i was in denmark street and went into rose morris the young lads in there seem to have heard that they imported these guitars but had never seen one and could not tell me anything i would have been intersted to know the japanese maker,i recenly tried some gibsons and epiphones at our local store and i would not have swapped any of them for my shaftesbury perhaps it was made on a good day anyway think again before you sell rock on shaftesbury im a fan
          brendan

        3. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          john ashforth

          I have one just the same, with MADE IN ITALY on the back of the headstock and a silver colour Rose-Morris sticker with STOCK No. 3265 SERIAL No. 1630. It’s semi-hollow with an f hole. I picked it up at an attic sale last week for £5. It looks well played and shabby but solid and intact. I’m planning to clean it up a little and play it.

          John

          : Hi guys…have u got anywhere with your research? I also have one of these beauties…Mine is yellow,with a white laminated scratchplate.It’s basically a thinline tele copy,with strange bar type pickups.Allegedly mine is from ’63,according to the guy who sold it(for peanuts!) in 1984,but I have no way of being sure of this…I would love to trade photo’s or info,as I have NEVER seen another example of this model. Cheers!

        4. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          Martin

          I’ve got one too! Rice pudding yellow, tele copy with clef cutout, odd pickups, no serial number or any info except ‘shaftesbury’ printed on the head – saw me through many gigs in my youth and I’ve just cleaned it up to pplay through my computer!

        5. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          Martin

          : Hi guys…have u got anywhere with your research? I also have one of these beauties…Mine is yellow,with a white laminated scratchplate.It’s basically a thinline tele copy,with strange bar type pickups.Allegedly mine is from ’63,according to the guy who sold it(for peanuts!) in 1984,but I have no way of being sure of this…I would love to trade photo’s or info,as I have NEVER seen another example of this model. Cheers!

        6. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          Otacon

          I have a shaftesbury, in a les paul shape and it is laminated black. i dont have any serial numbers or anything 🙁 does any 1 know where i can research about its history?

        7. Re: Shaftesbury Guitar
          Joe Walsh

          I’ve got a Shaftesbury Rose-Morris Les Paul copy. I know absolutely nothing about it. It was given to me many years ago and I’d like to know anything I can find out about it. It had Gibson style humbuckers on it when I aquired it but one since failed and unfortunately the only replacements i could afford where cheap twin coil humbuckers so it sounds crap right now.

    4. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Mark Potts
      Mark Potts

      I have been the owner of a Shaftesbury Guitar for approximately 14 years. Unfortunately, at present, it is not in working order, and I wish to get it repaired back to its former glory. I would like to find out its history to enable me to restore it. Unfortunately, I do not have much information about it, but I do have the following details, and wonder whether you may have any information regarding it. As I understand that there is a connection between Shergolds and some copies Shaftesbury made. The guitar was made in Italy, possibly sold by Rose-morris and was a sponsored instrument. Stock number 3265 Seriel Number 1784. It is telecaster shape with what I believe is a rosewood fretboard. It has a clef cut into the body. I would be grateful for any information you may have, or if you know of anywhere I could contact to find out any further information. My investigations so far have been unsuccessful. Thanking you for your time. Mark Potts.

      1. hi I have a guiter my older brother couldn’t take to Aussie in 78 it’s a Shaftesbury rodeo 6 acoustic has a rose Morris on the inside liable stock no 3167 it’s made in Italy not being a player myself I was wondering what it might be worth ? Yours Gary

  8. double neckers
    Richard Brown

    I have a Shergold d/neck for sale..very good cond.. only missig bridge covers, otherwise all original… 6/12string in natural clear lacquer.. condition 95% with orig.case.
    tel 01349.830839

    1. SHERGOLD DOUBLE NECK, and beyond the infinite
      steve russey

      Hello…

      I tried to email you but the mailer daemon returned it… I may be several years too late, but do you still have your Shergold double neck for sale… are bridge covers hard to replace or repair? How much are you asking for the guitar

      Please respond

      Steve R

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