**ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING THIS LISTING WILL BE WITHIN THE REVERB PLATFORM. ANY REQUESTS FOR CORRESPONDENCE OFF THE REVERB PLATFORM WILL BE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED.**

In October of 2015 I bought this 1971 ES-320TD from Mike Law, owner of Lawman Guitars in West Des Moines, IA. I have always been happy to have this guitar in my collection. Now, it's your turn to enjoy this vintage instrument.

Dating this Guitar:

There was considerable discussion surrounding the dating this 320. Mike had dated the guitar as a '72. John O'Connell, owner of Crazy Horse Guitars (Gibson, Martin and vintage dealer for years), broke out his Gibson research materials and dated it as a '71. My tech replaced the pots in May of 2017 allowing Dirk Newton, a local vintage guitar shop owner, to use the numbers on the pots to confirm that she is, indeed, a '71.

Serial #961833 Information:

• Per the available serial number data, this ES320 was made at the Kalamazoo or Nashville Plant in 1970, 1971 or 1972.

Original Pot #1346615 Information:

• The potentiometers were made by Mepco/CentraLab, Inc. in the 15th week of 1966.
• The part numbers, BA811-370K / 250K, indicates a frequently used potentiometers in Gibson instruments during the era.
• NOTE: Potentiometer dates often precede the final assembly date of a Gibson guitar by several months, or even years, and should be used to establish the earliest possible manufacture date.

Historical Research Notes:

Per John O'Connell and his Gibson dealer data, there were approximately 669 320's were made in total. He also noted that this particular 320 is most likely is 1 of 1...no more than 4...for a 1971 model in Maple Natural, as the Cherry Burst and Cherry Red bodies were far more popular.

My ownership notes:

In 2017, we performed a neck reset, added fresh pots (I still have the originals, which had given up the ghost) and 50's style wiring. These updates gave the guitar a solid Gibson sound, but all it's own.

Prior to me becoming the caretaker of this 320, she must have been refretted. GREAT playability. Low action.

Everyone concurred that this 320 was obviously from a pro player. The fretboard has the wear one would expect from serious playing.

• Original Gibson Deluxe tuning machines.
• Original Gibson branded pickups.
• Original Gibson branded bridge cover.
• Original pickguard.
• Original Hard Case.

If you are looking for an ES-320 in Maple Natural, don't pass this one up!