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1967 Gibson ES-175/Byrdland Custom

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Serial #: 892629, orange oval "Union Made" label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 23 1/2" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Materials: Solid mahogany neck; 5 ply bound solid ebony fingerboard; arched slab-cut figured maple top, sides and back; block mother of pearl fingerboard inlay and torch peghead inlay.

Hardware: Original gold hardware includes Gibson Pat. sticker humbucking pickups and covers; custom engraved L-5 Varitone tailpiece; Kluson Sealfast 'bullseye' tuners; compensated adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge; original 3 way selector switch, wiring harness and electronics. Vintage correct hand antiqued wide bevel 5-ply pickguard, gold reflector cap knobs and truss rod cover (original bonnet knobs and rod cover included in case.)

Notes: To paraphrase the immortal Mel Brooks, it's good to be the President. Because one fine day in 1967, the President of the American Guild of Musicians ordered this remarkable instrument from the Gibson Guitar Company, and specified every last feature in great detail. The result is this astonishing, only-one-ever custom guitar.

The body itself is that of a classic mid-60's ES-175. But that's where the resemblance stops, and the fun begins. The neck is in the style of the Gibson Byrdland, with its ornate L-5 torch peghead, block-inlaid solid ebony fingerboard, 5-ply binding with 'birds-beak' finial, and lightning-fast 23 1/2" scale. The Cremona finish is Byrdland style as well, with a full sunburst pattern including the sides, neck and peghead, in contrast to the simple top-and-back burst of the standard ES-175. In place of the stock chrome hardware of the ordinary 175, this guitar is factory fitted with gleaming gold parts throughout, including top-shelf Kluson Sealfast 'bullseye' tuners, and the engraved art-deco L-5 Varitone tailpiece, with its nameplate bearing the designation 'Custom Made', as if you couldn't tell.

This Presidential guitar has been impeccably cared for, as befits an instrument of its distinguished pedigree. This rarest of all 175s remains in immaculate showroom condition, free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The top and back show fine slab cut figure in the arched maple, and the guitar weighs in at just 7 lb 7 oz, beautifully balanced in the lap or on the strap. The Byrdland scale is fast and nimble, ideal for stretch chords and lightning runs, and the neck has a gentle mid-60's D profile, a full width 1 11/16" nut, and smooth low action over splendid original medium jumbo frets. The gold Pat. sticker humbuckers are matchlessly fat and sweet, and the 16" body is easy to cradle and substantially resistant to feedback. Finally, we've included an additional set of hand-antiqued gold reflector cap control knobs and truss rod cover, with the originals carefully stashed in the pristine original hardshell case, still protected by its original blue Gibson zippered canvas case cover, an exceedingly scarce item in its own right.

Unmatched in rarity, appearance and performance, this one-of-a-kind wonder represents an unprecedented opportunity for the player and collector alike. We're not holding our breath for the next one of these marvels to appear. And neither should you. Call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" 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 Gibson Faultless black hardshell case with blue Gibson zippered canvas case cover.

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