1993 Gibson Tal Farlow

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Serial #: 92203701, oval Master Model label. Custom Shop inspection label signed, James Hutchins, 9/14/93.

Body size at lower bout: 17" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .82/.95

Materials: Tiger flame maple top, back and sides; three-piece solid maple neck with adjustable truss rod; solid rosewood fingerboard and compensated bridge; mother of pearl fingerboard and peghead inlay; triple bound body; bound headstock, fingerboard, pickguard and f-holes

Hardware: 100 % original hardware includes twin '57 Classic PAF humbucking pickups; Gibson logo Schaller tuners; custom rosewood and pearl inlaid nickel trapeze tailpiece; nickel ABR-1 Tuneomatic adjustable compensated bridge; bound tortoise pickguard.

Notes: Talmadge Farlow came from humble roots in North Carolina to become one of the most accomplished and admired guitarists in jazz history. Combining blinding speed with his extraordinary reach, Tal pushed the limits of the instrument to the scariest of bop tempos. Throughout the 50's Tal played the popular ES-350 model, a long scale guitar dimensionally identical to the L-5CES but with greater feedback resistance.

In 1962, Gibson revived the 350 with humbucking pickups, ornate woods, and custom inlays drawn from the J-200 and other historic models. Christened the Tal Farlow model, this guitar became an instant classic. Produced in very limited quantities, the Tal Farlow remains one of the most collectible Gibson archtops of the postwar era, with only a little over 200 examples produced until original production ceased in 1969.

Demand for these remarkable guitars was so strong, and supply so limited, that Gibson revived the model in 1993, though the model once again remains sadly out of production as of this writing. This striking guitar is an outstanding example from the very first reissue year, with spectacular 3D tiger flame maple, highlighted by a rare wine finish, in true vintage style nitro lacquer.

Hand signed by renowned Custom Shop head James Hutchins, the guitar has been maintained in all original condition, free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a bit of fogging on the nickel plating, and a few incidental finish nicks, the guitar shows few signs of play altogether. Action is smooth and low over a comfy medium D profile neck, with a fresh high-precision setup. The '57 Classic PAF humbucking pickups, are warm and accurate, with excellent fidelity and responsiveness.

Designed by a player, for players, the Farlow offers superb playability and distinctive design: a true bop era classic for the modern player. 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 oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound nickel strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 6564" 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.