This 1964 Gibson Barney Kessel Custom is a vintage guitar in excellent condition (excellent condition +++) with a few faint marks on the varnish, some normal wear, and the natural aging of the elements due to its almost 60 years: the Cherry Sunburst finish is really faded, and the hardware has tarnished. It has been refretted in our workshop with fret wire identical to the original. The original case is in good condition. The electronics are quiet, and it has a fantastic tone.

This Gibson archtop is of course a signature jazz box for the famous musician Barney Kessel, introduced in 1961. Our model being from 1964, it features a spruce top, which gives a very open sound, and a slightly lighter weight. The body of course has two pointed horns (a design element that appeared at the same time as the SG in 1961). The neck, with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and Bowtie inlays, is very comfortable to play. The tuners are original Kluson Deluxe and work perfectly well. The pickups are a PAF on the bridge and a Patent Number on the neck. Their tone is warm, dense and simply beautiful. The Barney Kessel Custom has a 25.5" scale (like a Strat), which is very unusual for a Gibson, and gives it a very open sound.

Despite the years, this guitar has only sustained light wear. The Sunburst finish has evolved very nicely, and the neck and body woods have aged well. The electronics and luthiery are impeccable, so this is a guitar that could fit in a collector's room as well as in the trunk of a tour bus.

More pictures on request.