Gibson Johnny Smith, Natural (1977)
Archtop · Vintage
The Johnny Smith model is one of the Gibson's most successful artist models in their storied history.
1977 Gibson Johnny Smith just into the shop on consignment!Select carved tonewoods like the Spruce top and quarter-sawn Maple present beautifully with a golden/ambered hue that only an original Natural finish can provide. 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.
The guitar has been refretted and the nut has been replaced. The saddle is a replacement atop the original Ebony base. There's also a tight stress crack extending from the cutaway down towards the top of the treble side f-hole, but it remains stable and shows no evidence of prior repair. The original hardshell case is in very good shape as well. It's a very lightweight example, coming in at just under 6.5 lbs on our scale - impressive for a 17" Gibson!
One of just 53 Natural Johnny Smiths shipped in 1977, it marks a fairly rare and highly desirable electric archtop in Gibson's historic model lineup.
| Style | 17" Archtop |
| Body | Multi-ply bound Carved Spruce top w/ Solid Maple back and sides |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | Natural |
| Pickups | Floating Mini Humbucker |
| Electronics | CTS Volume Knob and mini jack |
| Controls | Volume |
| Bridge | Inlaid Ebony archtop bridge |
| Tuners | Kluson Sealfast |
| Pickguard | Original |
| Knobs | Reflector |
| Neck | 5-Piece Maple w/ Mahogany strips |
| Binding | Multi-Ply White |
| Carve | Slim/Medium C | .80-.90" |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Radius | 12" |
| Inlays | Split Block |
| Frets | Med Jumbo (refret) |
| Nut | Replacement |
| Scale Length | 25" |
| Serial # | 06100344 |
| Weight | 6lbs 7oz |
| Case | OHSC w/ replaced handle |
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.
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