Gibson Howard Roberts Artist, Natural (1978)

1978 Howard Roberts Artist model just into the shop on consignment!

Howard Roberts needs no introduction in the jazz and session world. His work with the legendary Wrecking Crew and as a guitarist on some of TV's most popular programs in the 1960s and 1970s has kept his name at the forefront of guitar culture and popularity.

The Howard Roberts model - much like this Artist version - fused earlier Epiphone archtop design with Gibson's ES-175 florentine cutaway body and unique turn-of-the-century Orville Gibson influence. The oval soundhole, all-Maple construction, 16" lower bout, and long-scale neck made for a unique sounding guitar that combined elements of those great Epiphone electric archtops and the likes of the aforementioned 175, Johnny Smith, and L-5 models. This is simply a gorgeous late '70s example of the higher end version of the HR - think of it like the LP Custom of the HR line. With its Natural finish, it shows off loads of Figured Maple throughout, and the use of elaborate inlays add to its custom look. The tuner buttons, vine inlays, and fingerboard inlays are all a nod to Epiphone style found in Zephyr and Emperor models.

The guitar has an impressive acoustic voice with excellent projection, sustain, and clarity due in part to the Maple construction and long scale. It's very satisfying to play unplugged, and just as rewarding plugged into a great amp. Playability is smooth and comfortable with a slim C/D neck and original medium jumbo fretwire. The unique wiring configuration of a single volume control with separate treble and bass controls allows for fine EQ tuning right at the guitar.

The guitar remains mostly original with the exception of a remade pickguard (the original having disintegrated), lower bout strap button, and a couple of screws used in attached said pickguard and the floating pickup. The finish is very clean and the setup is excellent. It is accompanied by its original Gibson hardshell case as well.

This is one of the rarest Gibson models you're likely to come across from any period, never mind the '70s. It's a blast to play, and we're thrilled to have it here in our shop!