This 1978 Gibson Marauder was built on September 20, 1978 in Kalamazoo, MI, and it has lived a far more interesting life than most guitars.

I received it as a birthday gift in 1995 from my older sister’s college boyfriend, a Michigan guitar player who had found it in the back of a pawn shop during a trip home. At the time, it was covered in what seemed like eight coats of white exterior house paint and had a superficial crack at the base of the neck (see in picture). Whether it had been a Michigan-based rockstar's stage prop or just badly treated, I’ll never know, though it always invited the question.

After I received it, I stripped the paint, stabilized any loose and creaky bits, and kept it as a simple blank for years. As mainly a bass player, the Marauder was always more of an occasional companion than a daily driver.

Last year, I decided to finally restore it into the Marauder I’d always wanted it to be. I removed the old 90s finish, restained the body and headstock, added a Gibson-style decal, replaced the nut, cleaned the fretboard, and had the electronics rewired by a good friend. The pickups, pickguard, and most of the hardware remain original.

This guitar is not mint nor original (and probably hasn't been since the 70s). What it is, though, is honest: a great playing, road-worn, Kalamazoo-built Gibson with real age, real character, and a story to tell.

I’m now selling it because I don’t play it often enough anymore and would like to put it in the hands of someone who will while also raising funds toward the purchase of a new bass.

Includes a non-original hard shell case (see in picture).

I'm happy to answer any questions about the Marauder, so please message me if you have any.