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1999 Heritage Sweet 16

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Serial #: P17603, Kalamazoo label

Body size at lower bout: 16", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Body depth: 2 3/4"

Finish: Old style sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; solid handcarved bookmatched tiger-flame maple back and sides; tiger flame maple neck with walnut centerstripes; solid ebony fingerboard with cloud mother of pearl inlays; abalone headstock logo; 7-ply body binding; 5-ply neck binding; bound f-holes; solid bone nut.

Hardware: Original hardware includes gold Heritage trapeze tailpiece with endpin jack, gold Grover Rotomatic tuners, compensated adjustable ebony bridge with inlaid foot; adjustable truss rod. Seymour Duncan Phat Cat single coil pickup and 5-ply ebony pickguard installed, original Heritage humbucking pickup and pickguard included in case.

Notes: Handbuilt in Kalamazoo by former Gibson artisans in the old Gibson plant, the Sweet 16 is an all-solid, all-carved jazz guitar in a notably comfortable size. Similar in concept to the Gibson L-4C, the Sweet 16 is just slightly shallower in depth, making it a joy to hold and play. The Sweet 16 is noteworthy in design as well, matching its 16" body with a full 25 1/2" L-5 style scale, a combination virtually unique in archtop design.

This veteran example is in fine shape, without cracks, and shows exceptionally vivid flame in the fiddleback maple body and neck, with fine straight grain in the solid carved bookmatched spruce soundboard. The dark sunburst finish is all original, with some scattered pickwear near the pickguard, some finish dents near the tailpiece, and a bit of buckle worming on the back. Neck profile is a comfy gentle D, with finely dressed medium jumbo fretwork on the solid ebony fingerboard.

The Seymour Duncan Phat Cat pickup features twin Alnico 2 bar magnets for clarity and detail, and a wax potted gold cover for enhanced noise reduction. The voice is woody and rich, with excellent sustain and feedback resistance. Truly a best buy in a genuine American made jazz classic, combining comfort and performance in one compelling package. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flat wound strings (.012-.054). 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. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original deluxe arched Heritage plush lined hardshell case.

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