Early 1960s Gibson ABR-1

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this vintage Gibson ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge with thumbwheels.

This is a nickel-plated, no-wire example dating to the early 1960s. The underside is stamped “Gibson ABR-1” and features the circular foundry mark (appears to read “DJ”) consistent with Kalamazoo Metal Specialties. The bridge retains its original thumbwheels and shows typical cosmetic wear for its age, with a nice, naturally aged patina.

The saddles are hard with a slightly textured surface, likely nylon. It’s worth noting that a few early ABR-1s from around 1962 were fitted with nylon saddles prior to the introduction of the retaining wire, making this potentially a transitional example. However, this cannot be confirmed. Even so, this ABR-1 is a great vintage-correct piece equally suitable for restoration or a high-quality build.