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2011 Gibson Byrdland, Custom Standard Scale

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Serial #: 10941001, orange Custom Shop label; plus oval Master Model label, signed James Culbertson, 1/24/11

Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Body depth: 2 1/4" Neck depth: .91/.99, 1st/10th frets

Materials: Solid carved bookmatched Sitka spruce top; solid carved Bigleaf maple back and sides; solid 3 piece maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; L-5 style block mother of pearl fingerboard inlay and flowerpot peghead inlay; 7 ply top binding, triple bound back and neck, bound f-holes.

Hardware: All gold hardware includes Schaller Sealfast tuners with tulip keys; loop style trapeze tailpiece with engraved crossbar; compensated gold Tuneomatic bridge with inlaid ebony foot; twin Gibson '57 Classic PAF humbucking pickups; bound 5-ply tortoise pickguard; gold bonnet knobs; 3 way control switch.

Notes: The slimline Gibson Byrdland is so comfortable under the arm, and resonant through the amp, that we've often wondered why Gibson never offered this classic model with the option of a standard length fingerboard. Now we know how you get one: order it special. And wait.

Introduced in 1955, the Gibson Byrdland model took its name after a pair of celebrity guitarists who helped dream it up: Nashville session aces Hand Garland and Billy Byrd. This innovative guitar started life as an L-5CES, with its solid carved spruce and maple body, block and flowerpot inlay, and multi-ply binding, right down to the pointed end of the ebony fingerboard. With its slimmed, comfy body depth, the Byrdland became Gibson's first ever thinline guitar. One of the most popular and influential body designs of the modern era, Hank and Billy's brainchild has remained in the catalog to this day.

Built to custom order, this spectacular instrument was crafted with a standard 24 3/4" scale, as used on the original 16" L-5, and virtually all Gibson electrics, including the ES-175, Les Paul and others. The narrow fingerboard of the originals was widened to a standard 1 11/16" for greater ease of fingering as well. This stunning example was crafted with an exceptionally vivid bookmatched fiddleback maple back, sides and neck, with a gorgeous amber blonde finish. And the gently rounded full C- profile neck is carved in the classic 50's style, with smooth, low action over a fresh high precision setup, over a solid ebony fingerboard.

The twin '57 Classic PAFs are rich and warm, and the body includes the Master Model label, hand signed by Gibson Custom Shop director James Culbertson. By special request, the peghead was fitted as well with the rare Schaller Kluson Sealfast style tuners, otherwise only offered today on the top-shelf Super 400 model. This gleaming instrument is in all-original, virtually unplayed condition, complete with its Certificate of Authenticity and deluxe Gibson logo hardshell case. A special plus is a series of color photos showing the instrument in progress, as built at the factory.

Finally, the Byrdland your fingers have been waiting for. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.052). 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.

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