Details
In the last several decades we've been priviledged to see more than our share of incredibly clean and original vintage guitars, but when it comes to Gibson electrics this ES-140 3/4 sets a new and higher bar. From the headstock to the tailpiece, and including the frets and the P-90 pole pieces between those points at the opposite end of each string, this little Gibson looks and feels like a condition-fanatic's dream. You might be tempted to think "too good to be true" but a closer look at the finish reveals the settling and minor crazing of the lacquer that only time can produce. Of course you have to wonder how such an act of preservation could occur, but it all makes sense when you look at the nearly perfect brown Lifton case with pink lining, because such an expensive case never came standard these little 3/4 size ES-175-style guitars. The original owner was purchasing one of the best small-size electrics you could find in the US in the mid-'50s and no effort or expense was spared. Was it the reward for a child's achievement? A very special gift, perhaps for a singer of small stature? We'll never know, but it was preserved rather than played, and it's even more special now than when the case was first opened by whoever received it 70 years ago. The original Kluson Deluxe tuners, with buttons that have started to decompose, are bagged and in the case. However the Klusons on guitar appear to be NOS (or something like that with newer buttons). Whatever the tuner story, these tuners are not standard reissues. Original hang tag is there, the case is as exceptional as the guitar.
Specs
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Back sides
Laminated Maple
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Binding
off-white celluloid
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Cutaway
Yes
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Fingerboard
Rosewood
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Finish
Nitrocellulose Lacquer
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Frets to body
14
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Inlay
dots
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Neck material
Mahogany
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Neck shape
C/D
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Nut width
1 9/16"
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Pickup type
P-90
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Scale length
22 3/4"
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Top material
Laminated Maple
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Total frets
19
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Tuners
Kluson
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Year
1956
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Case type
Original Hardshell
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Serial number
FON V6170 4
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SKU
GIBES140-V61704
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UPC
142332
