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1967 Gibson Barney Kessel Custom
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Serial #: 891421, orange oval label
Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 9/16"
Materials: Solid flame maple neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; arched tiger flame maple body; bowtie mother of pearl fingerboard inlay and eighth-note peghead inlay; triple bound body, bound neck and soundholes.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes twin Gibson patent sticker humbucking pickups and electronics; beveled 5-ply pickguard; 3 way control switch, Grover Rotomatic tuners, compensated Tunematic bridge with Brazilian rosewood base, Barney Kessel engraved nameplate tailpiece. 60's style gold bell knobs installed.
Notes: Guitar legend Barney Kessel began his career as an acolyte of his fellow Oklahoman Charlie Christian. With a career that spanned from the bands of Artie Shaw and Charlie Barnet to the combos of Charlie Parker and Oscar Peterson, Kessel's resume spanned the most formative years of the contemporary jazz guitar. After a short-lived endorsement deal with Kay, Kessel became a Gibson artist, and his namesake model made its debut in 1961.
A 17" long scale twin pickup jazz box in the tradition of the ES-350, the Barney Kessel was Gibson's first full-depth double cutaway archtop, a design intended to facilitate access to the uppermost frets. This deluxe version of the model was designated the Custom, and is equipped with all gold hardware, solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, arched spruce top, and the distinctive bowtie and eighth-note inlay. Produced in very small numbers, this exceptional guitar is one of just 125 Barney Kessel Customs produced in its model year.
Equipped with all original hardware, the guitar has twin gold patent sticker humbucking pickups, and all original wiring including a full set of shielding cans for each of the four volume controls. The body shows spectacular tiger flame maple in the back and neck, and a very handsome bookmatched arched flame maple soundboard. The original cherry sunburst finish retains its vibrant hue, and has been preserved in wonderful condition, without pick, buckle, or fingerboard wear, showing only normal finish checking and some honest thumbwear on the neck. Both pickups show original Pat # decals in place, original gold covers, and are beautifully matched with smooth, powerful output. The original Pat. Pending Grover Rotomatic tuners are smooth and tight, as is the original 5 ply beveled pickguard and bracket, and the original Brazilian rosewood adjustable compensated Tunematic bridge.
The neck has an elegant, lightning fast, slim D profile, and the original medium jumbo frets are still high and polished on the handsome solid ebony fingerboard. The tone is classic 60's: fat, warm and sweet, with excellent clarity and balance across the range. A Gibson classic, and a tribute to a true guitar immortal. Call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). 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 for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original deluxe arched black Gibson badge hardshell case with plush lining.
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