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1969 Gibson Crest Gold

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Serial #: 844119

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, 5 piece maple neck.

Hardware: 100% original gold hardware includes twin Johnny Smith mini-humbucking pickups, pearl inlaid tailpiece, compensated adjustable Brazilian rosewood 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: A Gibson thinline in Brazilian rosewood? Even many dedicated collectors have only seen the Crest Gold in faded catalog pictures.

One of the rarest and most distinctive Gibsons of all time, the ultra-premium Crest model was built only between 1969 and 1972. Produced in two versions, the Silver and Gold, the Crest was designated according to the type of plating employed. Priced comparably with the upscale Byrdland model, and twice the price of the ES-335, this remarkable instrument 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.

Most dramatically the body, fingerboard, pickguard and tailpiece of the Crest are 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. Designed for a warm versatile tone, the Crest featured lightweight fully hollow body construction, and at at just 6lb.11oz. is markedly lighter than contemporary Gibson thinline models. The instrument is fitted with surface mounted Johnny Smith mini-humbuckers, a design unique to this model, and a traditional adjustable compensated bridge made of, what else?...solid Brazilian rosewood.

This breathtaking example shows spectacular bookmatched figure in the highly variegated top and back. Lovingly maintained in superb condition, the instrument has 100% 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, with a comfy classic C neck profile, a welcome departure from the typical skinny necks of the era. The original nitrocellulose finish shows some light longitudinal checking, typical of instruments of this vintage, and the plating shows some scattered normal wear. The voice is warm and inviting, with considerably more depth and resonance than the ordinary Gibson thinline.

A rare opportunity to acquire one of the scarcest and most eye-catching guitars of the 20th century. Call now.

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 arched black Gibson plush lined hardshell case.

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