Silver Lake Vintage Guitars

1969 Gibson Crest Gold

One of the rarest and most distinctive Gibsons of all time, the ultra-premium Crest model was built only between 1969 and 1972. Produced in two versions, the Gold and Silver, the Crest was designated according to the type of plating employed. Priced comparably with the upscale Byrdland model, and twice the price of the ES-335, this remarkable instrument is one of just 56 Crest models of both types built in the debut year, out of a mere 162 total produced during the entire production run.

Serial #: 843790:

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24.9" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Finish: Original natural finish, nitrocellulose type

Materials: Arched rosewood top, back, and sides; solid rosewood fingerboard with block pearl inlay, 5 piece maple neck.

 All original gold hardware includes twin Johnny Smith mini-humbucking pickups, pearl inlaid tailpiece, rosewood bridge with gold Tuneomatic saddle; original black bonnet volume and tone knobs; bound rosewood pickguard with gold support bracket; Kluson Super 'waffleback' tuners, 3 way pickup selector switch, engraved Crest truss rod cover.

Alone in the entire history of Gibson guitars, the Crest was the only electric ever to employ this most sought-after of exotic tonewoods. Designed for a warm versatile tone, the Crest featured fully hollow body construction, markedly lighter than contemporary Gibson semi-hollow models. The instrument is fitted with surface mounted Johnny Smith mini-humbuckers, a design unique to this model, and a gold Tuneomatic bridge with rosewood base.

This wonderful example shows is in near Mint Original Condition . Carefully maintained, the instrument has 100% original gold hardware and finish, and shows no cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The neck has a full 1 11/16" nut, and smooth low action, with a comfy classic C neck profile. A welcome departure from the typical skinny necks of the era. The original nitrocellulose finish is in near mint original condition with little of no decolorisation due to ultra violet light. All the gold plating shows little or no wear or tarnishing.

The voice is warm and inviting, with considerably more depth and resonance than the ordinary Gibson thinline, and the guitar plays effortlessly over a fresh high precision setup. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the scarcest and most eye-catching guitars of the 20th century.

Case: Original deluxe arched black Gibson plush lined hardshell case is also in very good original condition.

These guitars are rare, and this example must be about as clean as you could get.