If you want a vintage archtop instrument made to the specs of guitar great and Musician's Institute founder Howard Roberts (who recorded the themes for the Munsters, the Twilight Zone and plenty of other TV classics), or perhaps just a unique and high quality Gibson unlike most others, this guitar will grab your attention.  It sure did here!

We are excited to present incredible archtop, the Gibson Howard Roberts Custom from 1975.  You won't see many of these around.  This is an incredibly versatile instrument with its unique soundhole design. This guitar features a "D" profile on the neck and is easy to play without fatigue.  As expected, it sounds super clean and rich.  Plugged in, you get the full sound, which you'll immerse yourself in and not want to put it down. 

The main calling card of this guitar is the 7-ply bound arched maple laminate body, with a unique cutaway.  This one has an exquisite sunburst finish that has aged gracefully over the past 50 years.  The 3-piece flame maple neck is rock solid and topped with smooth rosewood fretboard.  

Other features include an abalone vine heastock inlay and logo; custom pearl fretboard inlays; engraved tailpiece; and a custom ebony bridge with mother of pearl foot inlay.  There is also a bound pickguard, deluxe sealed tuners black barrel knobs.

This Howard Roberts Custom is ready to be plugged in, with a full size floating Gibson humbucker.  You can dial your sound in easily separate treble and bass tone controls, as well as a master volume.  We tested the guitar through a variety of amps - and while it's truly amazing clean, it is actually quite versatile.

You don't see many Howard Roberts Customs out there.  The guitar is in good condition considering it's age, and setup to play perfectly by the techs in our shop.  The back of the headstock has a sticker from Bobby's Music in Denver, and inside the soundhole is a stick from Martin Music - so we're thinking that it was originally sold back in the 70's at one of those two places, and then later at the other.  We do know it's only had two owners, and is now on the market for the first time in many years.  The original hardshell case is included. 

We don't see it lasting long - don't pass up the opportunity to possess this distinctive and coveted guitar.

Serial # 550348

Listed24 days 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
  • Howard Roberts Custom
Finish
  • Sunburst
Categories
Year
  • 1975
Pickup Configuration
  • H
Fretboard Material
  • Rosewood
Color Family
  • Brown
Body Material
  • Maple
Model Family
Neck Construction
  • Set-Neck
Body Type
  • Hollow Body
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Body Shape
  • Single Cutaway
Neck Material
  • Maple
Wood Top Style
  • Plain
Finish Pattern
  • Sunburst
Model Sub-Family
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Artist
  • Howard Roberts
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Stop-Bar
Series
Scale Length
  • 25.5"
Number of Frets
  • 22

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Truetone Music

Santa Monica, CA, United States
Joined Reverb:2015

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