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1979 Gibson ES Artist - PROTOTYPE - Cherry Sunburst - Flamed Maple - Ultra Rare!
Estimated price for orientation: 3 499 $
Category: Electric Guitar
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: Gibson MPN: ES Artist
Here's a very rare find - a PROTOTYPE Gibson ES Artist from 1979. These protos seldom come up for sale, so here's your chance. The label is on the back of the headstock underneath the finish, which says "Original Gibson Prototype". This was made in Kalamazoo, MI - the original Gibson factory.The ES Artist was the top of the line semihollow at the time, and the details show. Gorgeous flamed maple top, back, and neck. Beautiful vibrant cherry sunburst finish (please pardon the slight "pinking" typical of digital cameras), with "bursting on the sides and neck as well. Factory gold hardware.The most unique feature is the lack of f holes, which helps control overtones and feedback, as well as imparting a mix of ES335 and Les Paul tone.The weight is 9 pounds, 2 ounces.The electronic setup is the top of the line Moog design, as used in the other Gibson Artist guitars of the era. This gives you not only the standard dual humbucker with 3 way selector, but a master volume, active bass, and active treble controls. There is also a unique switchable compressor/expander that gives unique sounds, as well as a sustainiac/eBow type of effect.The tuners are the original Gibson Schallers with the built-in cranks. A really novel design.Playability is excellent, due to the large frets and ebony fretboard. Mild fret wear on the lower frets only. A little scratchiness in one of the pots, which is to be expected with a guitar of this age.Overall condition is excellent. No breaks or serious blemishes in the finish.Here are the mods:
2 small screw holes next to the bottom strap button where a vibrato tailpiece was once attached (see pic).
4 small screw holes under the back control plate which are hidden. (The original owner said they were there when he bought the guitar new, and that this was the reason for the guitar being stamped SECOND).
An additional strap button (original button is behind the neck joint and a non-original button is on the tip of the upper cutaway.Original brass nut appears to have been removed and reinstalled at some point.Pickup surrounds have been replaced with brass surrounds. Original black plastic surrounds are included, but the brass looks awesome so we didn't swap them!Pickguard is missing. This would be a standard ES355 guard from the era.
Original fine tuner tailpiece has been swapped with a traditional-style tailpiece. The original gold fine tuner tailpiece is included but not pictured.
Includes the original hardshell case, which is in excellent condition, as well as adjustment tool and a copy of the 1980 Gibson parts list for this model.If you have been looking for a unique top of the line vintage Gibson, here it is! A 36 year old prototype that is gorgeous and a joy to play.Payment Terms:Payment due within 3 days of sale. Contact me beforehand to work out any other arrangements.I accept PayPal as well as Reverb Direct Pay. No checks of any kind. Please contact me before bidding to confirm any other payment method.I normally ship within 1 business day of receiving your payment. I will e-mail you with a tracking number when it ships.International bidders are welcome.Local pickup is welcome.No returns or refunds. All sales final.
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Brand: | Gibson |
| MPN: | ES Artist |
Here's a very rare find - a PROTOTYPE Gibson ES Artist from 1979. These protos seldom come up for sale, so here's your chance. The label is on the back of the headstock underneath the finish, which says "Original Gibson Prototype". This was made in Kalamazoo, MI - the original Gibson factory.The ES Artist was the top of the line semihollow at the time, and the details show. Gorgeous flamed maple top, back, and neck. Beautiful vibrant cherry sunburst finish (please pardon the slight "pinking" typical of digital cameras), with "bursting on the sides and neck as well. Factory gold hardware.The most unique feature is the lack of f holes, which helps control overtones and feedback, as well as imparting a mix of ES335 and Les Paul tone.The weight is 9 pounds, 2 ounces.The electronic setup is the top of the line Moog design, as used in the other Gibson Artist guitars of the era. This gives you not only the standard dual humbucker with 3 way selector, but a master volume, active bass, and active treble controls. There is also a unique switchable compressor/expander that gives unique sounds, as well as a sustainiac/eBow type of effect.The tuners are the original Gibson Schallers with the built-in cranks. A really novel design.Playability is excellent, due to the large frets and ebony fretboard. Mild fret wear on the lower frets only. A little scratchiness in one of the pots, which is to be expected with a guitar of this age.Overall condition is excellent. No breaks or serious blemishes in the finish.Here are the mods:
2 small screw holes next to the bottom strap button where a vibrato tailpiece was once attached (see pic).
4 small screw holes under the back control plate which are hidden. (The original owner said they were there when he bought the guitar new, and that this was the reason for the guitar being stamped SECOND).
An additional strap button (original button is behind the neck joint and a non-original button is on the tip of the upper cutaway.Original brass nut appears to have been removed and reinstalled at some point.Pickup surrounds have been replaced with brass surrounds. Original black plastic surrounds are included, but the brass looks awesome so we didn't swap them!Pickguard is missing. This would be a standard ES355 guard from the era.
Original fine tuner tailpiece has been swapped with a traditional-style tailpiece. The original gold fine tuner tailpiece is included but not pictured.
Includes the original hardshell case, which is in excellent condition, as well as adjustment tool and a copy of the 1980 Gibson parts list for this model.If you have been looking for a unique top of the line vintage Gibson, here it is! A 36 year old prototype that is gorgeous and a joy to play.Payment Terms:Payment due within 3 days of sale. Contact me beforehand to work out any other arrangements.I accept PayPal as well as Reverb Direct Pay. No checks of any kind. Please contact me before bidding to confirm any other payment method.I normally ship within 1 business day of receiving your payment. I will e-mail you with a tracking number when it ships.International bidders are welcome.Local pickup is welcome.No returns or refunds. All sales final.
2 small screw holes next to the bottom strap button where a vibrato tailpiece was once attached (see pic).
4 small screw holes under the back control plate which are hidden. (The original owner said they were there when he bought the guitar new, and that this was the reason for the guitar being stamped SECOND).
An additional strap button (original button is behind the neck joint and a non-original button is on the tip of the upper cutaway.Original brass nut appears to have been removed and reinstalled at some point.Pickup surrounds have been replaced with brass surrounds. Original black plastic surrounds are included, but the brass looks awesome so we didn't swap them!Pickguard is missing. This would be a standard ES355 guard from the era.
Original fine tuner tailpiece has been swapped with a traditional-style tailpiece. The original gold fine tuner tailpiece is included but not pictured.
Includes the original hardshell case, which is in excellent condition, as well as adjustment tool and a copy of the 1980 Gibson parts list for this model.If you have been looking for a unique top of the line vintage Gibson, here it is! A 36 year old prototype that is gorgeous and a joy to play.Payment Terms:Payment due within 3 days of sale. Contact me beforehand to work out any other arrangements.I accept PayPal as well as Reverb Direct Pay. No checks of any kind. Please contact me before bidding to confirm any other payment method.I normally ship within 1 business day of receiving your payment. I will e-mail you with a tracking number when it ships.International bidders are welcome.Local pickup is welcome.No returns or refunds. All sales final.