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1969 Gibson Crest Gold

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Serial #: 843790

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24.9" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Finish: Original natural finish, nitrocellulose type

Materials: Arched Brazilian rosewood top, back, and sides; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with block pearl inlay, Solid Honduras mahogany neck.

Hardware: 100% original gold hardware includes orginal twin Johnny Smith pickups, pearl inlaid tailpiece, compensated adjustable Tunematic bridge; original black bonnet volume and tone knobs; bound Brazilian rosewood pickguard with gold support bracket; Kluson Super 'waffleback' tuners, engraved Crest truss rod cover.

Notes: One of the rarest and most distinctive Gibson thinlines ever, the ultra-premium Crest model was built only between 1969 and 1972. At twice the price of the ES-335, the Crest was produced in two versions, the Silver and Gold, named according to the plating employed. Priced comparably with the upscale Byrdland model, this outstanding example of the top-line Gold version is one of just 56 Crest models of both types built in the debut year, out of a mere 162 total produced during the entire production run.

Designed for a warm versatile tone, the Crest featured lightweight fully hollow body construction, just 6lb.10oz., notably lighter than contemporary Gibson thinlines. The instrument is fitted with surface mounted Johnny Smith mini-humbuckers unique to this model, and most dramatically a body, fingerboard, pickguard and tailpiece made of genuine Brazilian Rosewood. Alone in the entire history of Gibson guitars, the Crest was the only electric ever to employ this scarcest and most sought-after of exotic tonewoods.

This outstanding example has been maintained in wonderful condition, with all original gold hardware and finish, and no cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The neck has a full 1 11/16" nut, and smooth low action over fine original medium jumbo frets, comfy classic D neck profile. The body shows typical longitudinal checking in the original finish, the footprint of a long removed Bigbsy tailpiece, and faint traces of a previous owner's name and ID lightly inscribed on the back of the headstock. The voice is warm and inviting, with considerably more depth and resonance than the typical Gibson thinline. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the scarcest and most eye-catching guitars of the 20th century.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

Case: Original deluxe black Gibson plush hardshell case.

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