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1968 Gibson Johnny Smith Model

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Serial #: 952176, orange oval label. Body size at lower bout: 17" Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 3/4"' Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .79/.96

Materials: Solid hand graduated Sitka spruce top; highly figured curly maple back, sides and neck; ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl block fingerboard and peghead inlay; 7-ply body binding, 5-ply peghead and fingerboard binding, 3 ply back binding, bound f-holes, bone nut.

Hardware: All original gold hardware includes engraved signature medallion tailpiece; Kluson Sealfast tuners; floating Johnny Smith humbucking pickup with gold reflector volume knob, and 1/8" mini-jack mounted under pickguard; solid ebony bridge with pearl inlay in base; bound tortoise pickguard; engraved truss rod cover. Adapter cable included.

Notes: Introduced in 1961, the Gibson Johnny Smith Model represented the pinnacle of Smith's design creativity, in an instrument that married classic body styling with unprecedented technical innovation. Half a century later, it's hard to envision a time when the only floating pickups available were the single coil DeArmond or McCarty pickguard unit. The Johnny Smith debuted the world's first floating humbucking pickup, now the industry standard.

Taking inspiration from the past as well as the future, Smith resurrected the classic X-braced top, a design used by Gibson on its renowned Advanced Model archtops of the mid to late 1930's. With it's increased sustain and warm, throaty tone, the X-brace has become the standard as well among contemporary archtop builders from Benedetto on.

While some of Smith's innovations were revolutionary, many more were evolutionary; incorporating a number of ergonomic refinements designed to improve the playability of the instrument in subtle but significant ways. Feeling constrained by the standard 1 11/16" nut, Smith again reached to past masters and revived the more generous 1 3/4" fingerboard of the 20's, a favorite of finger-style players. Similarly, Smith introduced a 25" scale, to facilitate stretch voicings without sacrificing response. Finally, the body was slimmed a bit to an even 3" depth, to make it just that much easier under the arm.

The result is an instrument unique in playability, tonal response, and design aesthetics. The visual appointments of the Johnny Smith are drawn from a number of Gibson paramount models. The 17" Venetian cutaway body and deco tailpiece are those of the L-5C, the neck and peghead are from the Super 400, and the opulent 7-ply body binding recalls the classic Epiphone Emperor.

One of just 73 examples from its model year, this outstanding instrument has been kept in fine original condition, complete with original case and canvas cover. With its highly figured curly maple back, sides and neck and lustrous original sunburst finish, the guitar shows little in the way of pick, buckle or thumbwear, with some typical age checking and a few scattered lacquer nicks for its long career. The multi-ply binding is all original and tight to the body, and the instrument shows excellent neck angle and bridge height.

All original gold hardware and electronics include the JS medallion tailpiece and Kluson Sealfast tuners, floating gold mini- humbucker with volume control, and 1/8" mini jack mounted under the pickguard With its comfy light D profile no-volute neck and ebony fingerboard, the guitar has fine undented pro fretwork with smooth low action, over a fresh high precision setup.

With tone as elegant as its looks, this classic jazzer is a true gem from the pre-Norlin era. Now unavailable for over three decades, the Gibson Johnny Smith is a definitive milestone in the evolution of the modern jazz 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 conditioned; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound 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 black deluxe Gibson Faultless plush lined hardshell case.

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