1957 Gibson Byrdland Guitar — Serial #A25XXX
Alnico Pickups, Kluson Sealfast Tuners, Tune-o-matic Bridge

This is one of the most preserved Gibson arch-tops I have ever encountered. Essentially unplayed, uncirculated, and untouched, it has just one small finish flaw. Virtually every other part of the guitar shows absolutely no sign of handling, let alone playing.

And yet, despite its near mint condition, this is the best playing and best sounding Byrdland I have ever touched or owned. That is saying something, considering I have owned more than several, including two of Hank Garland’s personal guitars.

The wood, color, neck angle, neck profile, frets, fingerboard, and flame are all a perfect 10 out of 10. Everything about this guitar is exceptional. The single finish flaw is the only visible evidence of handling.

This is by far the best Byrdland Gibson to ever be available. The best-playing, best sounding, best looking, and the cleanest example.

Its former owner had two 1957 Byrdlands. This one and another that he played professionally. He modified his other Byrdland by cutting into it to install a Charlie Christian pickup, which he told me he had taken from an ES-250. Ouch, but cool and the same time

I spent years trying to purchase either guitar, but the owner passed away before he was ready to part with either one. When I called to check in, his widow gave me the sad news. I was taken aback the news of his death and her clear sorrow, so I offered my condolences, and, out of respect for her sad loss, politely refrained from pressing her about the guitars. That was not easy.

Many years later, his son contacted me and offered me the exceptionally preserved Byrdland, knowing it was the one I had always wanted.

The guitar comes with an original case. It is clean, but it is not mint mint like the guitar. 

This is, without question, the finest Byrdland I have ever owned or played. The best playing, best sounding, best looking, and by far the cleanest example I have ever seen or touched.