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2015 Gibson L-9 Custom Shop, Crimson Edition

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Serial #: L9 0001, orange oval Nashville Custom Shop label. Body size at lower bout: 17" Body depth: 2" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/12th frets: .86/.96

Materials: Solid carved flame maple top; figured mahogany body and neck; solid Indian rosewood fingerboard with pearloid trapezoid inlay; bound body and neck.

Hardware: 100% original nickel hardware includes twin Gibson '57 Classic humbucking pickups with vintage style Bumblebee caps; no-wire ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge; aluminum stop tailpiece; Kluson Deluxe single ring tuners; gold bell knobs; 3 way pickup selector switch; 2-ply truss rod cover.

Notes: You've never heard of the Gibson L-9? Well relax, we hadn't either.

Making its debut at the 2015 NAMM show, Gibson's Crimson Edition L-9 archtop blended two of the most groundbreaking guitars of the 1950s. The ES-350T was introduced along with the Byrdland in 1955, and shared the Byrd's 17" thinline design and abbreviated scale, but was crafted with a feedback resistant maple body. Beloved by legends from Chuck Berry to Danny Gatton, this iconic model was shelved in 1963, then reissued occasionally in special editions from 1977 through the 1990's.

The other guitar needs little introduction. The Les Paul Standard has become the most collectible and costly guitar in the world, with its flame maple top, PAF humbuckers and celebrity pedigree. Combined together, these two legendary models produce an instrument of appealing design and versatility. The thinline hollow body is lighter and more acoustically resonant than the LP, while the stop tail both increases sustain and improves feedback resistance over conventional electric archtops. And finally, the Les Paul's 24 3/4" scale, shared by the ES-175, is a welcome alternative to the Byrdland's radically shortened fingerboard, not every player's cup of tea.

Released by the Gibson Custom Shop in just 50 examples, the L-9 employed cutting-edge technology to produce an innovative soundboard, supported by a single wide center brace, carved right out of the solid, bookmatched curly maple top. This brace is chambered for lighter weight, and unlike conventional center blocks, does not contact the back, enhancing body resonance. All in all, it's a true marvel of advanced CNC technology and design.

At just 6lb 10oz, the guitar is delightfully light wight and well balanced, on the lap or the strap, and the 2" depth body snuggles comfily under the arm. The vintage faithful electronics include both the '57 Classic PAF humbuckers and Gibson 'Bumblebee' tone caps. A traditional gentle C profile neck, wireless ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge, and gold bonnet control knobs complete the correct late '50s styling, factory supplied free of pickguard or mounting holes.

So how rare is the Gibson L-9? Well don't bother searching for it in the encyclopedic Vintage Guitar Price Guide, because it's simply not there. Though we've seen unverified claims of it's production through 2018, we've never found any other examples than these few Crimson Edition guitars from 2015. In any case, the serial number of this spectacular example, L9 0001, would strongly suggest that it's the first one ever made.

Supplied with all its original factory paperwork and Gibson logo hardshell case, this stunning guitar has been kept in showroom condition, including its original hang tags and Certificate of Authenticity. Blending a medley of Gibson's most popular designs, this gleaming L-9 combines Eisenhower Era styling with 21st century technology. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge nickel roundwound strings. 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 for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.