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2000 Gibson Kalamazoo Award

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Serial #: 20390902 orange oval label. Master Model label signed by James Hutchins, dated February 25, 2000.

Body size at lower bout:17" Body depth: 3" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .76/.89

Materials: Hand graduated solid Sitka spruce soundboard; AAAA tiger maple back and sides; 5 piece curly maple neck with walnut centerstripes; solid ebony fingerboard with Paua abalone block fingerboard inlay; abalone "eagle and branch" peghead with prewar thin script Gibson logo; abalone "block and wedges" inlay on back of peghead; deluxe 9-ply body binding, 5-ply peghead and fingerboard binding, 3 ply back binding, triple bound f-holes, bone nut.

Hardware: 100% original gold hardware includes floating Gibson BJB humbucking pickup with volume and tone knobs, 1/4" endpin jack; trapeze tailpiece with ebony insert and abalone eagle inlay; ebony bridge with abalone inlaid base and ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge saddle; Kluson Sealfast tuners; quintuple-bound flame maple pickguard with abalone "eagle and branch" inlay; original engraved truss rod cover with "Kalamazoo Award" logo; adjustable truss rod; polished bone nut.

Notes: Introduced in 1978, Gibson's Kalamazoo Award was a limited edition, presentation grade instrument that embodied the highest standards of custom handcrafted luthiery. Like the Citation model, the Award was produced with a tap-tuned x-braced top, and extravagantly figured tonewoods. More ornate than the Citation, the Kalamazoo Award's "eagle in flight" motif was hand inlaid in rainbow hued Paua abalone, making it the most richly appointed archtop guitar ever cataloged by Gibson.

A one owner example in museum quality condition, this Hutchins signed guitar has 100% original finish, hardware and case, and is free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, with original fretwork in gleaming condition. The AAAA tiger flame maple back and sides are extravagantly figured, and the abalone inlay is executed with exquisite care. The neck profile is slim and inviting, with smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup. The voice of the X-braced hand carved top is rich, woody and resonant, with excellent sustain.

An outstanding example of Gibson's very best, this remarkable instrument combines exceptional tone, playability and collectability in one memorable guitar. One only, call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge radius inspected and recurved as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original premium Gibson black plush lined hardshell case.