1977 Gibson Les Paul Artisan - Ebony Color, easy 9 out of 10 condition

The Historical Perspective:

In 1977, Gibson goes into production on the Les Paul Artisan model and they produce 1469 guitars, 

almost entirely Walnut colored.  In 1978, we start to see Tobacco Sunbursts and Ebony colored Artisans.   

But Ebony Artisans from 1977 are basically non-existent, except for this guitar.  And the date codes on

the volume and tone controls indicate the 35th week of 1975!  The code is 1377535.  Most electronics get

placed on a guitar within a year of their date code.  The guitar has a decal serial# 06203805, and decals

indicate an early 1977 guitar (that's what I've read).  The guitar has a 3 layer pancake body, which is a

technique that was replaced by a one-piece body technique in 1977.

My best guess for the actual production date of this guitar is late 1976, and it was a prototype that was

then given a decal serial# and sold to the original owner in very early 1977 - possibly making this guitar

the oldest Ebony Les Paul Artisan on planet earth!!!  One thing that is nice about the decal serial# is that

the guitar could not have been repainted later on without compromising the decal.

It's definitely an original Ebony colored guitar.

Originality:

The gold on the bridge of the guitar does not match the rest and is obviously a "correct" replacement part. 

I installed strap locks because dropping the guitar is not an option.  The original strap buttons and the

strap lock tops are included in the auction.

The rest is all original.

Condition:

9 out of 10.  No worming.  No breaks, cracks, or issues.  There's a nick that goes through the paint on the

back of the guitar, about a quarter inch in length, the width of a toothpick.  There's some checking in the

binding.  There's about half a dozen smaller nicks and dings throughout the guitar, but overall, the guitar is

in great condition reflecting hardly any play.  The frets are full of life.  The pictures do a good job of showing

the guitar's exceptional condition.  The guitar is a joy to play and it is easily one of the best playing guitars

I've ever played.  Lightning fast action.  Should you choose to play this guitar, your capabilities will be

immediately upgraded.

The Case:

The original case is included and it is also in 9 out of 10 condition.  Very nice.

Investment Potential:

Artisans are some of the hottest guitars on the market.  And this particular guitar is unquestionably RARE,

and possibly unique!

Shipping:

Available for local pickup within the San Francisco Bay Area, otherwise a flat rate of $75.00 for fully insured

shipping within the lower 48 states, via UPS Ground.

Bid With comfidence:

I left two negatives early in my Ebay career for sellers who are no longer regstered, and they reciprocated. 

I like to think that I helped them get booted off Ebay.  I also recently sold a Tobacco Sunburst Artisan from

my collection and the buyer loves it! 

GOOD LUCK and Happy Bidding!

-Brian