GIBSON NIGHTHAWK ST3 STANDARD 1996 HSH. Original case. Like Les Paul / Fender Stratocaster hybrid

A rarely available 1996 Gibson Nighthawk Standard ST3 in great condition. Its Translucent Amber finish shows off a two-piece flame maple top and is complemented by all-gold hardware. This three pickup model, from Gibson's so-called 'good wood' era, is from the original Nighthawk series that was designed by JT Riboloff (head of Gibson's Custom Shop) and made in Nashville between 1993 and 1998.

The Nighthawk has a maple capped mahogany body and set mahogany neck like a Les Paul but it also features some Fender-like characteristics. For example a narrower body width than a Les Paul that incorporates a comfortable belly cut like a Strat. It also has a 25.5-inch scale length (like Fender's, rather than Gibson's 24.75-inch), and a string-through-body bridge similar to a Tele. At a little over 7lbs it's lighter than any Fender I've owned, and way lighter than a Les Paul.

The narrow taper neck has a rounded profile It has a dark rosewood fretboard with a 12-inch radius and split parallelogram pearl inlays.The string-through-body bridge incorporates individually adjustable saddles for height and intonation. The tuners are Gibson Deluxe.

The pickups cover all the bases: a Special M-Series covered mini-humbucker in the neck, an NSX single-coil pickup in the middle, and a Special M-Series slanted humbucker at the bridge. Pickups are selected via a five-way switch. There is a master volume control and the master tone control has an integral push-pull coil tap enabling a total of ten pickup settings (pickup selector diagram is included in case) and tones that range from Strat-like chime through to full-on Les Paul roar. (To get an impression of some of the tones see the YouTube demo of another 1996 Nighthawk, attached.)

Condition-wise, it has no dings, repairs or buckle rash. There is some lacquer checking to the front of the body if you look closely in the right light, and some cosmetic 'worming' to the lacquer on the body edge between the bottom strap button and the jack socket (see final pic). The gold hardware has acquired a light patina of age but none of the plating has worn away. All in all it's in excellent condition for a 23-year-old, soon-to-be-vintage guitar.

It comes with its Gibson USA plush-lined, fitted hard case with five latches and combination lock - all working. Also included is its period Fort Bryan USA vintage-style embroidered strap with integral oversized strap locks.

I've tried to show everything in the pics but shout if you'd like to see further photos of any particular area. I’m happy to answer questions, or if you’re a serious potential buyer you’re welcome to come and try it, just message me.

I think I've valued it fairly so I will only be considering offers that are very close to the asking price thanks. For safety's sake no couriers, it's collection only - preferably for cash, or after electronic bank transfer has cleared.

Thanks.