Vintage 1983 Gibson Corvus II – Tangerine Orange – USA - Hardshell Case, S/N 82913719

A wonderfully unconventional piece of Gibson history, the short-lived Corvus II combines genuine early-'80s Gibson oddball appeal with a striking Tangerine Orange finish and a design that is impossible to mistake for anything else.

Introduced in the early 1980s, the Gibson Corvus represents one of the company's most adventurous departures from its traditional guitar designs. Named after the Latin word for “crow,” the radically asymmetrical body was intended to suggest a bird in flight—although its unmistakable silhouette has earned it a number of affectionate nicknames among collectors over the years.

Produced for only a short period from approximately 1982 through 1984, the Corvus was offered in several configurations. The Corvus II featured two Gibson humbucking pickups, along with dual volume controls, a master tone control and three-way pickup selector.

This example dates to 1983 and is finished in the wonderfully bold Tangerine Orange, complemented by a large black pickguard, black-covered humbuckers and black-and-silver Gibson control knobs. Its unconventional styling is pure early-'80s Gibson and has made the Corvus increasingly sought after by collectors of unusual and short-lived Gibson models.

Unlike Gibson's more traditional set-neck instruments, the Corvus was built around a bolt-on maple neck, giving it a character all its own while retaining a familiar Gibson 24¾" scale length.

This guitar includes a vintage Ibanez hardshell case that, while not original to the instrument, fits the unusual Corvus body remarkably well and securely supports the guitar in all the right places.

Condition

This 1983 Corvus II is in good vintage condition, showing honest cosmetic wear consistent with more than four decades of use.

The Tangerine Orange finish displays numerous light scratches, scuffs and areas of finish checking, with some more noticeable scratches and small dings around the body. Some lacquer burn from stands, small thumbnail divot on back of neck. The black pickguard also shows normal scratching and play wear.

There are several small edge marks and finish chips, but nothing seen in the photographs detracts from the wonderfully distinctive overall appearance of the guitar. The neck and headstock likewise show normal age and use, and the Gibson-branded tuners remain in place.

Overall, this is an attractive vintage Corvus that wears its age naturally rather than appearing overly restored or cosmetically altered. Please refer closely to the photographs for the best representation of its cosmetic condition.

Includes the pictured vintage Ibanez hardshell case. Case is fully functional but has some wear including small break on top.

Specifications

• Model: Gibson Corvus II
• Year: 1983
• Serial Number: 82913719
• Made in: USA
• Finish: Tangerine Orange
• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple
• Neck Construction: Bolt-on
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 24¾"
• Frets: 22
• Inlays: Pearl-style dots
• Pickups: 2 Gibson humbuckers
• Controls: 2 Volume, 1 Master Tone
• Pickup Selector: 3-way toggle
• Bridge/Tailpiece: Schaller 455
• Tuners: Gibson-branded, 6-in-line
• Pickguard: Black
• Hardware: Chrome
• Case: Vintage Ibanez hardshell case