Gibson Kalamazoo Award Pickguard
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Gibson Kalamazoo Award Pickguard – Edwin Wilson Estate – Carson Hess Finish – No Mounting Holes
Up for sale is an exceptional Gibson Kalamazoo Award pickguard, sourced directly from the Edwin Wilson estate, making it an extremely rare and collectible piece. This is the ornate pickguard style associated with Gibson’s highest-end, presentation-grade archtops.
This pickguard originally came from Wilson’s inventory unfinished and unpainted, just as it left his workshop. It was later finished by renowned luthier Carson Hess, who applied the rich, vintage-correct sunburst shading and brought the flame detail to life with master-level subtlety and depth.
The abalone inlay work uses the highest-grade abalone, producing deep color shifts and incredible iridescence in both the bird and branch motif — exactly the kind of premium materials and craftsmanship you’d expect on a $20,000+ Gibson Kalamazoo Award guitar.
A key detail: this pickguard was produced without mounting holes, making it ideal for restorations, top-tier custom builds, or luthier installations where precision is critical.
This is truly a boutique, heirloom-level piece—a rare opportunity for collectors, restorers, and anyone building or maintaining a high-value Kalamazoo Award–style instrument.
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| Listed | 7 months ago |
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| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
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