1962 Barney Kessel model, Maple, Double Cutaway - USED

ON CONSIGNMENT, NO TRADE OFFERS PLEASE!

(USED) A departure from classic archtop designs, there's something quintessentially '60s about the Gibson Barney Kessel model.  The double florentine cutaways are more or less unique to the model, and the visual sort of splits the difference between a standard archtop and a Gibson SG.  Combined with the simple sunburst and almost impossibly deep binding channels, feels like swinging '60s all the way... (Austin Powers voice: YEAH BABY!)

In all seriousness, this axe (looks kinda like an axe, right?  Okay, we'll stop...) has a lot going for it.  It has that slim as can be '60s neck, just 1 17/32" at the nut, and just over 2" string spacing at the bridge.  It is a long scale guitar, just under 25 1/2", and the higher string tension is tempered by the mellow tone of the nylon saddles.  The laminated maple body is mostly free of visual figuring.  Pickups are nickel plated PAF humbuckers.  It’s got closed gear tuners with pearloid Imperial knobs and Split parallelogram inlays on a bound rosewood fingerboard with a big old flared headstock and Barney Kessel ”badge” tailpiece. Weighs in at 7lbs 2oz.  

We’ve had a few inquiries as to whether this is a “custom,” or a “standard,” or a “regular” Barney Kessel. That speaks to the vagaries of authenticating vintage Gibsons, a company that had (and has) a history of changing specs rather willy-nilly. Whereas a “custom” might have maple neck, bound f-holes, and gold hardware, a “regular” generally has nickel hardware, mahogany neck, and un-bound f-holes like this one. Both models, curiously have “custom” inscribed truss rod covers. ;-) Oh, Gibson. 

Condition is all original, no fret wear and no electronic issues.  There is consistent finish checking all over the body, commensurate with the age of the instrument but not offensive to the eye.  There is light finish wear on the treble side horn.  Plays great with room on the wheels to go even lower.  Includes hard case.  

Serial #899414 (1962)
AMW Price: $9,995 (Online checkout, ON CONSIGNMENT)

For more information, email info@acousticmusicworks.com or call (412) 422-0710