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

  1. Kalamazoo Provenance - Gibson's legendary original factory
  2. Bill Lawrence Design - unique switching system
  3. Exceptional Preservation - 47+ years old, plays like new
  4. Rarity - Only ~3,000 S-1s made total (1975-1979)
  5. 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.

Listed3 months ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • S-1 with Maple Fretboard
Finish
  • Natural Satin
Categories
Year
  • 1975 - 1979
Made In
  • United States
Finish Style
  • Satin
Pickup Configuration
  • SSS
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Fretboard Material
  • Maple
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Body Shape
  • Single Cutaway
Neck Material
  • Maple
Body Type
  • Solid Body
Model Family
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Stop-Bar
Scale Length
  • 24.75"
Color Family
  • Tan
Neck Construction
  • Bolt-On
Number of Frets
  • 22

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