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Gibson Johnny Smith (c. 1973)

Archtop · Vintage

Currently unavailable
DOCUMENTED HONESTLYEvery repair, every change
VETTED ON THE BENCHBefore it's listed
SINCE 1968Still independent

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.**
Condition: Vintage. Fully inspected and set up by TME staff before it ships or leaves the showroom.
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.

Preserving The Past. Played Into The Future.
Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they'll play beautifully for decades to come.
Gibson Johnny Smith (c. 1973)
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Glenn Nichols, Repairs & Restorations

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