Fantastic vintage Gibson Barney Kessel Custom in great condition and with super tone! This fine instrument was built in collaboration with mr. Barney Kessel by the great craftsmen at the world famous Gibson Kalamazoo factory. Influenced by Charlie Christian, during the late 1950’s Barney Kessel was one of the most popular jazz guitar players in America.
During the early Fifties Barney Kessel played on the gibson es-350. Gibson convinced Barney Kessel that they would match a deal he also had with Kay Guitars and build him a better guitar. In late 1960, Gibson introduced a prototype guitar with a double florentine cutaway shape, very similar features of the Gibson L-5. The Kessel version features a Cherry Sunburst colour, laminated Spruce top, back/sides and came with an oversized peghead with a stinger on the back. The Kessel comes in two versions. We have the Custom version for sale. The magnificent guitar features fancy bow tie inlays on the fingerboard similar to their banjos, gold plated parts, maple neck, bound f-holes, music note on peghead and a tune o matic bridge
Former owners have treated her very good. The Cherry Sunburst finish is preserved well. She is in excelent condition for an 50 year old lady. This fretboard has been re-fretted and serviced by master luthier Peter De Smed (www.pdsguitars.nl). Excellent and very smooth playability and good for another 50 years of dedicated service. Electronics are good and the sound is…awesome! Only 740 of these guitars were built until 1973.
All original, including the pickups. The red color is still very glossy and shows no sign of fading. Laquer is original, no overspray or sign of repair. A unique instrument in excellent condition!! Check out the YouTube vid of this guitar and a story by the owner about the guitar. This is the actual guitar we have on consignment here at our store.
Price includes:
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