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Le Paul Guitar Auction: 1978 Gibson Les Paul Artisan Rare Tobacco Burst !

Les Paul Guitars Auction Description: The most interesting and unique features of the Artisan model are the hearts and flowers inlay pattern on the neck (reminiscent of banjo inlays), and the unique Gibson peghead design, with the pre-war style "Gibson" script logo and pearl hearts and flowers inlays. It is a beautiful example of an ornate Les Paul for its era. The Artisan was originally issued with three pickups, black "top hat" knobs with gold inserts and a stop bar tailpiece in 1977. Two were Gibson Series VII humbucking pickups and one (middle position) Gibson "Super Humbucking" pickup. The pickup selector switch was wired to three settings: (1) rhythm pickup only, (2) middle and bridge pickup with the switch in the middle position, and (3) the bridge pickup only. Sometime in late 1978 or early 1979 the Artisan was issued with a TP-6 fine tuning tailpiece, speed knobs, exclusive Gibson "Crank" machine head button tuners and two Series VII pickups, with a three pickup version available only as an option. Artisans were originally issued with Nashville-style bridges, but in 1980, a large tune-o-matic bridge with rectangular base was introduced.The Artisans feature gold hardware, including a gold jack plate, Schaller-style "Gibson" tuners, multi-ply binding on front and back, multi-ply pickguard, mahogany body with three piece carved maple top, laminated maple three piece neck, ebony fingerboard, bound peghead and fingerboard, and engraved "Artisan" truss rod cover. All Artisans had neck volutes. Most, if not all Artisan models were made in the Kalamazoo factory, even until the model was discontinued in 1982.The necks on the Artisans are of medium thickness, and feel good in the hands. Frets are wide and of medium height. The pickups are loud and toneful. In the author's opinion, a preferable wiring pattern for the three pickup model would have been to combine the rhythm and middle pickups as the selection with the switch in the middle position. The Artisan model is superbly crafted, with excellent fit and finish as were most Kalamazoo-made guitars of the era. On Jan-26-11 at 19:53:24 PST, seller added the following information:You are bidding on a NO RESERVE auction for a 1978 Triple Pickup Gibson Les Paul Artisan in Tobacco Burst. Pickups and electronics are all original. The condition is 7.5 out of 10 for 33 year old guitar. There are some minor issues worth noting: 1) thin separation between the 2nd and 3rd layer on the top. I had this checked out by a very reputable vintage repair shop and dealer and they recommended not to try to make a repair, as it has no affect on playability or tone of the guitar. 2) there are small checking cracks on the neck binding near the frets (very common for these guitars), 3) strap lock on the bottom needs to be replaced. It is cock-eyed, slightly loose and could use a simple patch-up.On the positive side: 1) this is a heavy weight (around 11 lbs.) and sustains forever. 2) pickups and electronics are all original providing exceptional tonal range, 3) these are becoming more scarce have relatively high resale value and this is is rare tobacco burst., 4) nice straight neck with all binding in tact on the ebony freight board. 5) plenty of life left on the frets. 6) original protector hard shell case included.This is a U.S. sale only. No international bidders (please don't ask).If you participate in the auction, please be prepared to pay promptly. I accept Paypal. You can pickup locally in Northeast Ohio and avoid shipping charges.Highest bidder wins. I am only selling to buy another Vintage Gibson Les Paul. Bid with Confidence. I have sold over 150 guitars on Ebay and have very positive feedback. I pride myself on listing with accuracy. If you have questions, please ask. On Jan-27-11 at 10:52:03 PST, seller added the following information:THIS IS A U.S.A. SALE ONLY.On Jan-27-11 at 11:10:51 PST, seller added the following information:I will entertain offers for ending the auction early. Please, no low ball offers. Give me your best offer and I will let you know quickly if we can come to deal. I am also open to trades (or trades + ca$h) for the right guitar. On Jan-29-11 at 07:46:21 PST, seller added the following information:My luthier / guitar tech played the guitar last night and said the frets are original and reflect wear according to the guitar's age.

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