The Orpheum Imperator Style C archtop was the top of the line for the brand when introduced by Lange, a prominent instrument builder, in 1933. Featuring a carved, X-braced Adirondack Spruce top, Flame Maple for the sides, back and neck, Brazilian Rosewood for the multi-bound fingerboard and headplate, Ebony for the bridge and Mother of Pearl for the logo, this was an impressive instrument.
Archtop
With its roots dating back to 1922, this custom ordered 1964 Gibson L-5 Stereo is formally known as the L-5 CES (Cutaway Electric Spanish), though the label identifies it only as an L-5. This model was aimed at professional, working guitarists, and until 1934 was built with a 16 inch wide body. In 1934, the body grew to a 17 inch width and gained X braces.
The Gibson Super 400 strode above most others when giant archtops roamed the earth, and is still one of the largest production guitars made. Making its introduction in 1934 as the ‘Super L-5 Deluxe’, the non-cutaway model was quickly joined by a cutaway model, initially named the Super 400 P for ‘Premiere’. The ‘400’ designation was originally a reference to the price.
The Gibson Kalamazoo Award was originally designed and built by Gibson craftsman Wilbur Fuller as a completely hand-tuned archtop using the finest materials available. It is a spectacular demonstration of the skills involved in building a top-rank archtop guitar. This example dates to October 3rd, 1980 and was built in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is in exceptional condition with wear limited to light fret wear in the lower positions.
This instrument has sold
MORE →The Gibson R8 Les Paul Standard is a faithful re-creation of the early, legendary Burst models that featured the then-newly invented humbucking pickups. Introduced in late 1957, these new ‘Standard’ models also replaced the original metallic gold top finish with a sunburst. The Les Paul Custom also carried the new hardware, but kept its black finish and gold hardware.
This instrument has sold
MORE →For 2014, the Gibson Les Paul Standard Premium Quilt Top carried hand-selected, AAA-grade and bookmatched quilted Maple tops. These spectacular guitars, being part of the 120th Anniversary lines, also carry the engraved Mother of Pearl 12th fret inlay. Woods used are the classic Les Paul combination – the bookmatched AAA Maple top, Mahogany for the back and long-tenon neck, and Indian Rosewood for the compound radius fingerboard.