Last year, Gibson invited the top Japanese dealers to Nashville to tour the factory, pick tops for their custom orders and have a nice time in general. As part of that tour, Gibson opened up the R+D Research and Development department and "cleaned house" of prototypes used for recent models. We're talking things like the Modern Supreme, Charlie Starr Junior, Firebird Platypus, Victory, Dealer Customs among many others! After selection, these notable guitars were exported to be sold in the Japanese market only. I imported a few back with the help of a friend!

While I initially purchased this simply as an R+D Prototype to document that and the ebony finish on my YouTube Channel - imagine my surprise when researching for the episode to find that the woodgrain on the fretboard is a 100% match to the one that Charlie Starr played during Gibson's Promo video! Gibson doesn't often do promo videos for new models anymore... let alone actually have the artist in them... even rarer yet to hear the artist PLAY it! Pair that with the fact that this has been one of Gibson USA's most popular recent releases, selling out instantly, thus making regular examples regularly fetch 50-100% premiums over list price. I find this guitar to be extra special!

I have no further written proof that this is the guitar in the video - but the woodgrain doesn't lie (see comparison photo.) I encourage you to check out Gibson's video and compare it to what is for sale here. While forming your own judgements - please note there were 4 different Charlie Starr Juniors used in that episode. A black one played by the artist, a walnut one that sat on the stand beside Charlie and two filmed later for b-roll shots (fancy views) in Walnut + Ebony. All the up close shots you see (that also show serial numbers) are NOT the guitar(s) in Charlie's presence, so don't get it confused! I actually own the serial number confirmed WALNUT B-roll guitar from this shoot and also own the Gibson Victory Satin prototype that was used for the stock images on the Gibson.com website which were also sold in this R+D Sale to further lend credibility to my claims.

Another fun fact - it looks like Gibson might've hastily doctored this example for Charlie to play, as you can see fret file marks around the edges of pretty much every fret where someone quickly rounded off the edges to make them more comfortable. I could see that happening... "Hey Charlie, we've got these two for the shoot - which one do you want to use?" "I'll go with the Black one!" "Perfect - get on it Jim, make that the most comfortable guitar you can in the next 8 minutes" haha

Condition-wise, it is used. There are a few dings along the edges, scuffs on the back, mild marks on the neck etc. This was a set piece treated with regular care but it is not perfect. The "Hey Ya'll" decal was factory-installed on this one for the shoot, but oddly there was a spare one also in the case as bonus "candy." Those envelopes rest under the guitar in the case and has already caused a few mild scratches, so I'll leave it there. No Charlie Starr slide was provided but most of the rest of Gibson USA goodies are there. See Photo. The tolex is lifting a bit on the bottom part of the case.

I have a video documenting this guitar if you want to see more of it. Find it on My YouTube Channel as I'll be linking the Gibson video to the listing for easy cross-examination.

Make an offer today - or secure it with Buy-it-now!