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Serial #: 92353003, tan oval Custom Shop label. Oval Master Model label signed, James Hutchins, December 13th, 1993.
Finish: Vintage sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type
Body size at lower bout:17" Body depth: 3" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16"' Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .89/.99
Materials: Handcarved bookmatched solid quartersawn Sitka spruce top; solid carved AAA tiger maple back and sides; 3 piece tiger flame neck with walnut centerstripes; solid ebony fingerboard with Super 400 style block fingerboard inlay; Super 400 style split diamond peghead with Gibson logo and block-and-wedges inlay on the back; deluxe 7-ply body binding, 5-ply peghead and fingerboard binding, 3 ply back binding, bound f-holes, solid bone nut.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes adjustable finger tailpiece; solid ebony bridge with pearl inlay in base; gold Gibson Deluxe tuners; gold floating Gibson BJB humbucking pickup with volume control and 1/4" jack under guard; engraved truss rod cover. Vintage correct bound swirl tortoise pickguard.
Notes: Introduced in 1993, Gibson's Le Grand model draws inspiration from the two most highly prized archtops of the 20th century. The direct successor to the legendary Johnny Smith model, the LeGrande features the comfy, slightly slimmed 3" body, and warm, X-braced soundboard of its famed predecessor. And from the classic L-5, the Le Grand borrows the long 25 1/2" scale for snap and projection, as well as the nimble 1 11/16" fingerboard. The result is an instrument that combines the best of Gibson's most influential acoustic archtop guitars.
This spectacular first year example is crafted from intensely figured bookmatched tiger flame maple, with a finely grained solid quartersawn Sitka spruce soundboard. The gold hardware and electronics are all original, and include the adjustable finger tailpiece, compensated adjustable ebony bridge, and classic BJB floating humbucking pickup, as used on the Citation, Kalamazoo Award and other ultra-premium Gibson archtops.
In showroom condition, the guitar is free of playwear, with a handsome traditional amber blonde finish. The fingerboard inlays are brilliant as well, with colorful Paua abalone inserts within white pearl blocks. Action is smooth and low over a gentle D profile neck, with a fresh high precision setup over fine high original medium jumbo fretwork, on a solid ebony fingerboard. The voice is warm and appealing, with the depth and sustain of a tap-tuned X-braced soundboard, and the projection of the long scale design. The original brown Gibson logo arched plushlined hardshell case is included, complete with pink silk coverlet, paperwork and accessories, and a handsome factory correct multi-bound swirl tortoise pickguard has been installed.
Produced in very small numbers, the Le Grand is seldom seen on the vintage market, and is a perennially popular model. A rare opportunity for player and collector alike. 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, electronics and grounding tested.
This instrument is strung with medium
gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012). 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.
