Ever wonder what it would be like to combine two of the most popular Gibson archtop electrics into one instrument? The Gibson LeGrand gets you there.

Following the discontinuation of the successful Johnny Smith model, Gibson reintroduced the 17" archtop electric under the LeGrand moniker in 1993. Where the model separates itself from the Johnny Smith is with the use of the slightly longer 25 1/2" L5 scale length, giving it a snappier response with more acoustic volume. Appointments remained mostly unchanged, featuring the 400 style fingerboard inlays multi-ply binding and split diamond peghead inlay. A Gibson Finger tailpiece replaces the Johnny Smith tailpiece for an elongated Art Deco look.

One thing we noticed is how light the guitar is, especially considering its larger 17" body size. Even though its nearing 25 years of age, it sounds like an instrument twice as old. It's got an exceptional acoustic voice, with impressive volume, sustain, and note definition all the way up the neck. The Gibson BJB floating mini humbucker suits the guitar perfectly, with great clarity and openness, and handles single note melodies equally as well as chordal comping.

An elite offering in the Gibson archtop world, the LeGrand is a fantastic option for the discerning Jazz guitarist who wants a vintage-sounding archtop in a modern-built instrument.

Condition: Excellent. This is a one-owner instrument that has been wonderfully maintained throughout its 24-year existence. The lacquer has begun to age nicely, giving a slightly darker tone to the spruce and maple throughout, as well as the binding. The all-original gold hardware still retains most of its shine and plating with little wear and patina. There are some light finish scratches surrounding the pickguard and on the back of the body. Playability is great, and frets show plenty of life with light wear. The original hardshell case is also in great shape.  

• Handcarved solid Spruce top
• AAA figured carved Maple back and sides
• 17" lower bout
• 3" Body depth
• 7-ply body binding
• 3-piece figured Maple neck
• 5-ply bound Ebony fingerboard with 400 Style inlays
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Scale Length: 25 1/2"
• Neck depth: .82" @ 1st fret / .93" @ 10th fret
• Gibson BJB floating mini humbucker
• Single volume control (pickguard mount)
• Multi-ply tortoiseshell pickguard
• Weight: 6lb 11oz