Rare Gibson: 1996 M-III All American - triple humbuckers in ebony, with matching Steinberger gearless locking tuners and locking trem.

My First Guitar, Ready for a New Chapter

This was my very first electric - my own. I received it in 1999 as a high school graduation gift from my parents, and I was completely over the moon. I never thought I’d actually hold a Gibson in my hands, and even now, thinking back to that moment still brings me joy.

I originally got this Gibson used from U-Crest Music in Buffalo, NY. At the time, Wally and Pat were the go-to folks for band instruments across Western New York. ()

When I moved to Germany in 2000, the guitar came with me, and it’s been here ever since. The guitar has lived in the G&G hardshell case bought the same day, a safe home that it barely leaves anymore.

Why I’m Selling

As much as it pains me, I simply don’t play the Gibson M-III anymore. People always say, “Don’t sell your first guitar,” but the reality is: it’s been sitting untouched, and that’s a shame for an instrument like this. I hope someone out there - whether a player who wants to rock a 90s Gibson superstrat or a collector who knows what this is - will give it new life.

Condition & Maintenance

This instrument is almost 30 years old. Like most 90’s Gibsons, the Nitro finish shows serious checking. Some people pay to relic the finish, but that won’t be needed here - this is a classic 90’s axe and it looks like one too. 

The guitar was recently serviced by Gitronik in Hamburg, where it received a full cleaning and inspection. It’s fully functional and stage-ready.

• One tuner was defective (the string would slip), so I had the entire set replaced with brand new Steinberger gearless tuners.
• The new tuners look slightly different from the originals, with a modified head design: see them here.
• Both tuner sets are included, so if you prefer the original aesthetic and don’t mind sacrificing tuning stability on one string, you can easily swap them back.

Electronics & Pickups

• The electronics are all original, including the 5-way switch and coil-split.
• To the best of my knowledge, this guitar came stock with a Gibson 496R in the neck, a Gibson 496R in the middle, and a Gibson 500T in the bridge position.
• The pickups have never been modified, so this should still be the configuration today.

Let’s Talk

I’m open to reasonable offers. More than anything, I’d love to see this guitar go to someone who will play it—or a collector who truly appreciates the M-III’s unique place in Gibson’s history. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, need more photos, or want to chat about the guitar’s story.