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1999 Heritage Johnny Smith Rose
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Serial #: P03202, Johnny Smith signature label
Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .88/.96
Finish: Antique natural finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Solid hand graduated Sitka spruce top; solid hand graduated tiger-flame maple back and sides; tiger flame maple neck with walnut centerstripes; solid ebony fingerboard with high-color Paua abalone block inlays; abalone rose headstock inlay; 7-ply body binding; 5-ply neck binding; bound f-holes; solid bone nut.
Hardware: All original hardware includes Armstrong floating PAF; 5-ply bound maple pickguard; black finger micro-adjusting tailpiece; black Grover Rotomatic tuners; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; adjustable truss rod.
Notes: He gave the world "Moonlight In Vermont", the first jazz guitar record to become a pop hit. The only performer to have custom models built by Epiphone, Guild, and Gibson, Johnny Smith gave his fellow players some of the most playable guitars ever designed. And in his final endorsement deal, Johnny Smith created this rare and ornate Heritage model expressly to his detailed specifications.
Produced in very limited quantities from 1989 to 2001, the Johnny Smith Rose was handbuilt in Kalamazoo by former Gibson artisans in the old Gibson plant. An instrument of surpassing playability, the Rose features a warm X-braced top, sleek 25" scale and generous 1 3/4" fingerboard, along with the solid ebony fingerboard and individually adjustable finger tailpiece.
This example seals the deal with exceptionally figured tiger flame maple throughout, and Paua abalone inlays of technicolor intensity. Maintained in superb condition, the instrument is free of playwear, and has all original hardware, finish and original Heritage logo hardshell case. A special plus, the guitar has a custom Armstrong floating PAF humbucker, fitted by Kent into the original Heritage pickup cover. The action is smooth and effortless, with a gentle D profile neck, and a fresh high precision setup. The hand graduated, X-braced soundboard offers tone as warm and rich as the guitar's deeply ambered natural blonde finish.
Out of production now for several decades, the Johnny Smith Rose is a rare find for the player and collector alike, especially in this remarkably pristine condition. An appealing combination of looks, tone and playability in a highly collectible package.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridgeCase: Original Heritage logo
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