
Gibson Johnny Smith (c. 1973)
Archtop · Vintage
The Johnny Smith model is one of the Gibson's most successful artist models in their storied history.
This c. 1973 Gibson Johnny Smith just came into the shop on consignment, and it might be the cleanest one out on the market right now.With only a few minor scuffs and nicks to prevent it from presenting as NOS, this one-owner beauty not only maintains it's presentation-grade aesthetic, but has the acoustic and electric tone to match.
Select carved tonewoods like the silky Spruce top and quarter-sawn Maple work so well with the classic Cherry Sunburst finish against the dark Ebony fingerboard and bridge. With gold hardware and multi-ply binding throughout, it hits all of those great 'Custom' appointments with a distinguished flair. Tone is rich and warm, with a clear midrange voice that separates itself from the L5's more treble-forward response. The floating mini humbucker brings tight, focused lows and bell-like trebles to the mix, with a certain sweetness that doesn't mud up.
A strap button was installed on the neck heel, and a strap lock button replaced the original Gibson strap button on the endpin, but the original button is included should there be a desire to revert it back to stock. The original hardshell case is just as clean as the guitar itself, with bright and shiny case latches that function perfectly.
Original frets are in excellent shape, and the guitar is jazz-ready with a great set of flatwounds set up with medium-low action. What else can be said? It's just an exquisite example of an amazing vintage electric archtop.
**Please note: Expedited shipping is required for this purchase.**
| Style | 17" Archtop |
| Body | Multi-ply bound Carved Spruce top w/ Solid Maple back and sides |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | Cherry Sunburst |
| Pickups | Floating Mini Humbucker |
| Electronics | Original |
| Controls | Volume |
| Bridge | Inlaid Ebony archtop bridge |
| Tuners | Kluson Sealfast |
| Pickguard | Original |
| Knobs | Original Reflector |
| Neck | 5-Piece Maple w/ Mahogany strips |
| Binding | Multi-Ply White |
| Carve | Slim/Medium C | .77-.89" |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Radius | 12" |
| Inlays | Split Block |
| Frets | Original |
| Nut | Original |
| Scale Length | 25" |
| Serial # | 120176 |
| Weight | 7lbs 1oz |
| Case | Original Gibson HSC |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.
