Gibson Certified Vintage: Launches Next Round of Rare and Highly-Collectible Vintage Guitars

Gibson Certified Vintage: Launches Next Round of Rare and Highly Collectible Finds

Gibson Certified Vintage

Offers Collectors An Incredible Opportunity To Own Extraordinary Instruments Sourced and Authenticated As Only Gibson Can and Delivered with a Gibson Lifetime Warranty and Exclusive Extras

Curated, Authenticated, Certified--Gibson Certified Vintage--Rare, highly collectible vintage instruments authenticated by the brand that made them.

NASHVILLE, TN (September 28, 2023) Gibson--the iconic American-made, and leading instrument brand--has a legacy of making world-class instruments since 1894 when Orville Gibson was crafting archtop mandolins. As a natural extension of Gibson’spassion for its unique instruments and the stories they tell, the history-making Gibson Certified Vintage program--offers collectible vintage guitars authenticated, and certified directly by Gibson, with a new limited lifetime warranty and a certificate of vintage authenticity. All Gibson Certified Vintage guitars are sold via the Gibson Garage in Nashville, TN, call (615)933-6000; select models will available for purchase via https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Certified-Vintage.

Today the Gibson Certified Vintage program premieres the next five models, a 1969 Gibson Crest, 1959 ES-335, 1968 Dove, 1984 Explorer, and a 1987 Les Paul Custom. Explore Gibson Certified Vintage guitars below and check back for refreshed vintage offerings as each guitar is sold; for all details, visit: https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Certified-Vintage.

A world-first, the Gibson Certified Vintage features one-of-a-kind Golden Era blue-chip guitars, to unique, one-of-a-kind prototypes, celebrity-owned guitars, as well as 70s and 80s models directly from the Gibson Vault. In an industry first, all Gibson Certified Vintage guitars sold will receive a new lifetime limited warranty. All guitars will also come with a detailed letter of appraisal confirming the provenance and history of the instrument, and a certificate of authenticity, signed by Gibson’s Director of Brand Experience, Mark Agnesi. In addition to exclusive case candy, the buyers will be invited to visit the Gibson Garage in Nashville for a guided tour of the Gibson Vault.

Explore the next five guitars to debut in the Gibson Certified Vintage program, available now at: https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Certified-Vintage.

The Gibson Crest is a rare model indeed, having only been produced from 1969-1972. A total of 208 were made through its run, with only 56 produced in 1969, including this particular instrument. 

The Crest was an ultra-premium offering that was listed at twice the price of the ES-335 at the time. It has a fully hollow ES body shape, similar to the ES-330 or Epiphone® Casino™, with a rosewood top, back, and sides and a Natural finish. The 5-piece maple neck has a rosewood fretboard with original frets and Mother of Pearl Block inlays. There is some lacquer checking and light play wear on the instrument.

This 1969 Crest boasts a pair of floating Johnny Smith pickups and includes the original hardshell case with a new handle. A strap button was also added at the heel. 

Upon purchase, this 1969 Gibson Crest, serial number 829050 will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the U.S., starting September 28, 2023.

This was recently discovered in Gibson’s HQ Vault. It boasts a highly flamed maple top and a gorgeous, original Honey Burst finish. Aside from some of the gold parts, particularly the tuners, showing a small amount of patina, this guitar is in like-new condition. It even has the original plastic on the pickguard!

All hardware, parts, and electronics are original and unmodified. This Les Paul Custom is equipped with two humbuckers™, orange disc tone capacitors, and gold hardware. The original black Protector Case is included, which does have a crack near the tip of the headstock.

Upon purchase, this 1987 Les Paul Custom, serial number 81817553 will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the U.S., starting on September 28, 2023. 

The 1959 ES-335 is a standout for both players and collectors, and this particular instrument is no exception with its original Sunburst finish and long pickguard(pickguards were shortened post-1959). 

The only modification made to this instrument from its original state was a professional re-fret with vintage-correct fret wire. This ES-335 is an original stop-tail model that was never modified for a Bigsby® vibrato and has its original PAF pickups, wiring harness, and brown Lifton™ 5-latch hardshell case and a modern Deluxe Protector Series case.

Upon purchase, this Gibson 1959 ES-335, serial number A 29583 will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the U.S., starting on September 28, 2023.

Following in the footsteps of the Hummingbird, the flat-top Dove™ debuted in 1962 as the second square-shoulder dreadnought Gibson made. Its spellbinding tone comes courtesy of a flamed maple back and sides and a beautifully aged Sitka spruce top. 

This 1968 Dove has the original Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish. It shows signs of honest playwear but is in incredibly good condition overall. The pickguard is beginning to warp a bit in the center but does not affect playability. Adding to its uniqueness, 1968 is the only year that Gibson screwed down the Dove’s pickguard. 

The only modification made to this instrument from its original state was the addition of a strap button at the heel. This Dove comes with the original black hardshell case with yellow interior. 

Upon purchase, this Gibson 1968 Dove, serial number 517676 will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the U.S., starting on September 28, 2023.

This NOS 1984 Explorer™ was discovered in Gibson’s HQ Vault and bears its original, ultra-rare Blue Silverburst finish. Its many years in storage resulted in some light checking in the lacquer, but it is otherwise in like-new condition.

All hardware, parts, and electronics are original and unmodified. This Explorer is equipped with two Dirty Fingers™ humbucker™ pickups, an orange disc tone capacitor, and chrome hardware. The original black hardshell case with red interior is included.

Upon purchase, this Gibson 1984 Explorer, serial number 81154537 will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the U.S., starting September 28, 2023.

Gibson:

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Maestro: 

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About Gibson:

Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson Brandsis dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Explore more at Gibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV.