More Thoughts on Red Guitars

[dusty fretz]

There was indeed an import embargo in force on US products after the war and the Melody Maker for June 6th 1959 reported the official lifting of the ban on American-made instruments (although interestingly, NOT on hi-fi or records). Up until that time, the restrictions were strictly enforced, with customs officers making regular raids on shops to ensure the law wasn't being flouted. However, there were ways around the problem and many players used the services of stewards on transatlantic liners such as the Queen Mary, who could be persuaded to purchase what was required in New York and bring the contraband goods back to the UK. Bob Rogers acquired his Strat in 1958 via this method and enterprising entrepreneurs also employed the same means, including a certain someone who would become a major name in UK music industry. Apparently the latter person used to fill his car with guitars and then wait until the customs men had made their rounds before selling the instruments along Charing Cross Road. This would explain the presence of such new six-strings in London shops prior to the change in government policy.

The first dealer ads detailing the subsequent official availability of American electrics appeared in Melody Maker dated September 19th 1959, with Stanley Lewis stating "USA guitars in stock now!", while Ivor Mairants announced "Orders taken for US guitars". Jennings started importing Fender products late in that same year, although the company's first Melody Maker ad to even mention Fender didn't appear until April 9th 1960. Selmer took on Gibson in 1959, before subsequently also handling Fender and eventually becoming sole supplier of this brand. Boosey & Hawkes first advertised Guild and Harmony in November 1959, while Kay electrics initially came in around the same time.

Fender finish-wise, Jennings offered Strats in sunburst or various custom colours (Blonde and Sonic Blue being among the less popular listed options), but Selmer opted to concentrate on simply sunburst or 'Fiesta Red' (the latter being any shade that Fender decided to send over - Selmer didn't care as long as it was some sort of red!)

[JimN]

A Stratocaster, and AC30 and a Binson in 1962? [FX: low whistle]

Total price probably about £440 at the time.

Around the same price as a brand new small car (eg, Austin Seven (Mini))...

In the 1970s, it was still possible to buy a house in St Helens for less than £1000.

JN

[Paul Childs]

Weren't Levis jeans also impossible to get back then?

[Paul Childs]

A Stratocaster, and AC30 and a Binson in 1962? [FX: low whistle]

Total price probably about £440 at the time.

Around the same price as a brand new small car (eg, Austin Seven (Mini))...

In the 1970s, it was still possible to buy a house in St Helens for less than £1000.

JN

I remember years ago someone who didn't know nothing about guitars saying 'It's only a piece of wood holding the strings on, you are only paying for the name'.