Michigan

Gibson TB250 Mastertone Tenor Banjo, 1969

On October 17, 2019 /

THere we have a Gibson TB250 Mastertone Tenor Banjo, built during 1969 at the historic Parsons Street shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This model was built from 1994 to 1996, and models from 1960 on bear the Mastertone name. Gibson banjos were the center of the banjo universe for decades, but with the rise of serious amplification and rock music, the banjo as an instrument fell out of popular favour. It was still found in various music genres, particularly Irish, traditional jazz and bluegrass, but not much beyond them.

Vintage

This instrument has sold

Gibson CS Les Paul Custom Black, 2014

On October 15, 2019 /

Built at the now-closed Gibson Memphis Custom Shop, this gloss black CS Les Paul Custom dates to 2014 and has all the class and looks of the Custom. The Gibson Les Paul Custom was introduced for the 1954 model year as a ‘dressed up’ version of Gibson’s then-new Les Paul model. The black finish with white multi-ply binding were meant to suggest a tuxedo. At first, it was equipped with a P-90 at the bridge and a ‘Stape Top’ Alnico V pickup at the neck. More important, though, was the wood choice.

Used

This instrument has sold

Heritage H575 Cutaway Archtop Electric Blonde, 1990

On October 10, 2019 /

The Heritage H575 is a take on the classic single-cutaway Maple laminate archtop electric, and clearly draws from the Gibson ES-175 that originated in the building Heritage now occupies. Heritage was formed by former Gibson employees who did not want to leave Kalamazoo when Gibson completed its move to Nashville. This Heritage H575 dates to 1990 and was built at the Parsons Street plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Like every other Heritage we’ve seen, it is very well built and finished.

Used

This instrument has sold

Gibson Les Paul Traditional 12 String Model Ebony, 2012

On October 10, 2019 /

Here is a rarity a 2012 Gibson Les Paul Traditional 12 string, model LPTD12EBCH1 built in a run of 225, 75 in Ebony finish. It is uncommon to see a 12-string Les Paul in the flesh.
Based closely on the six-string Traditional model, the Gibson Les Paul Traditional 12 looks at first just like a black Les Paul – until you notice the headstock with an extra set of gears.

Used

This instrument has sold

Gibson RD Standard Solidbody Electric Maple, 1977

On October 10, 2019 /

The Gibson RD Standard was built in Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1977 to 1979, though some of the Artist models were made as late as 1982. Using Maple as the primary material for the body and neck, Rosewood was used for the Standard fingerboard and Ebony or Maple for the Artist models. The RD Standard has fairly ordinary electronics – a pair of humbuckers, a three way pickup selector and individual volume and tone controls.

Vintage

This instrument has sold

Gibson Byrdland Venetian Cutaway Archtop Sunburst, 1991

On October 9, 2019 /

The Gibson Byrdland Florentine Cutaway model has been in production since 1955 though Gibson also offers the original sharp Venetian cutaway. It is based on a thinline version of the classic L5-CES body, but with a short scale length of 23.5 inches, two inches shorter than the L5. The Byrdland was introduced as a custom model for two top Nashville session players, Billy Byrd and Hank Garland.

Used

This instrument has sold

Michigan

Gibson TB250 Mastertone Tenor Banjo, 1969

Gibson CS Les Paul Custom Black, 2014

Heritage H575 Cutaway Archtop Electric Blonde, 1990

Gibson Les Paul Traditional 12 String Model Ebony, 2012

Gibson RD Standard Solidbody Electric Maple, 1977

Gibson Byrdland Venetian Cutaway Archtop Sunburst, 1991

THE TWELFTH FRET

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