DESCRIPTIONExceptional 1977 Gibson S-1 from the Final Kalamazoo Production EraRare opportunity to own one of Gibson's most innovative vintage instruments. Serial number 72298054 confirms this as a 1977 Kalamazoo-made Gibson S-1 - the most collectible period of production.HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe Gibson S-1 was designed by legendary luthier Bill Lawrence, introduced in 1974-75 as Gibson's answer to the Fender Stratocaster. Built exclusively in Kalamazoo during the mid-late 1970s, these represent the last years of Gibson's legendary Michigan facility. Kalamazoo-made Gibsons are highly sought after by collectors.UNIQUE SWITCHING SYSTEMThe S-1's sophisticated electronics provide incredible versatility:Two-Position Toggle Switch:
- Center: Inactive (Transfer Switch controls sound)
- Down: Bypass - Bridge pickup only for crisp, biting lead tones
Four-Position Rotary Transfer Switch:
- F (Full): Neck + Middle in humbucking mode - powerful Gibson sound
- CB (Coil Bridge): Middle + Bridge - ideal for lead playing
- FCB (Full Coil Bridge): All three pickups - full, rich rhythm tones
- FBX (Full Bridge X): Neck + Middle out-of-phase - hard, funky sounds
Standard Controls: Master Volume & ToneSPECIFICATIONS
- Year: 1977 (Kalamazoo)
- Body: Maple (single cutaway)
- Neck: 3-piece Maple, bolt-on
- Fretboard: Maple with dot inlays
- Frets: 22 frets
- Scale: 24.75" (628mm)
- Pickups: 3x Bill Lawrence single-coils
- Bridge: Gibson "Harmonica" Tune-o-matic
- Tailpiece: Stop-bar
- Hardware: Gibson Deluxe tuners
- Finish: Natural nitrocellulose
- Weight: ~8-10 lbs
CONDITION REPORT very good vintage condition:✓ Original finish with honest aging - no major damage
✓ All original electronics - switching system works perfectly
✓ Original Bill Lawrence pickups
✓ Minimal fret wear - plenty of life remaining
✓ Neck: Straight, proper truss rod function
✓ Original Gibson Deluxe tuners
✓ Case: Vintage period-correct hard shell (NOT original Gibson, but high-quality vintage case from the era)WHY THIS GUITAR IS SPECIAL
- Kalamazoo Provenance - Gibson's legendary original factory
- Bill Lawrence Design - unique switching system
- Exceptional Preservation - 47+ years old, plays like new
- Rarity - Only ~3,000 S-1s made total (1975-1979)
- Versatility - From Gibson power to Strat-like quack
SOUND & PLAYABILITY
- Position F: Thick humbucking warmth
- Position CB: Bright, articulate leads
- Position FCB: Full, quacky rhythm sounds
- Position FBX: Thin, cutting out-of-phase tones
- Bypass: Screaming bridge pickup
Maple construction provides exceptional clarity and snap with classic Gibson 24.75" scale feel.
Reflects Kalamazoo provenance, excellent condition, fully functional electronics, and vintage case. INCLUDED
- 1977 Gibson S-1 (Serial: 72298054)
- Vintage period-correct hard shell case (non-Gibson)
SHIPPINGProfessionally packaged and insured shipping worldwide. Local pickup welcome.A collector-grade example of Gibson's most innovative design. Kalamazoo craftsmanship, Bill Lawrence electronics, and exceptional preservation make this a museum-quality piece. These guitars are rapidly gaining recognition as vintage Gibson "sleepers."
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
| Listed | 3 months ago |
|---|---|
| Condition | Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more |
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