offered by RHODE ISLAND GUITAR SHOW of Woonsocket RI

Vintage 1961 Gibson Byrdland archtop all original w/case + PAF pickups

The curb appeal just never ends on this one:  This is an all-original and eye-popping 1961 Gibson Byrdland! Beyond rare, especially in this condition.  It has some light normal player wear but no major issues of any kind.  There are no structural repairs and no damage.Fantastic player with close action, and recent fret dress and set up by Mark Campellone (his shop label is included).The guitar has close action with no buzz anywhere.  Ready for the stage immediately or to add to a high-end Gibson “golden age” collection. Fantastic warm jazz voice, currently set up with flat wound strings. Comes with original case which is in excellent condition and remarkably clean.

SERIAL NUMBER and DATING and PAFs

Four-digit serial number starting with a 9 puts it solidly in earlier 1961.  Orange label and headstock serial numbers match.

All the wiring is original, and it is likely that the pot codes would be centralab from 1960 since the guitar was made in earlier ‘61.  That is not confirmed however since all dust covers are in place with original solder.  All electronics are in working order.

The PAF’s are original with all original solder.  Covers have not been off.  It does not look like the wiring or pickups were ever even looked at.  The bridge pickup has an excellent PATENT APPLIED FOR sticker.  The neck pickup appears that it never had a sticker (there is no remnant) – which is completely likely. (Recall that 57 pickups had no stickers).

FULL-SIZE PAF IN BRIDGE and NARROW-SPACED NECK PICKUP

1961 is the first year that Byrds (and es-350) were given a full-size PAF in the bridge position.Prior to this year, there was a narrow-spaced pickup in both positions.

Pickups test at 7.3 and 7.4 k ohms at the jack.  They are likely a little hotter than that if measured directly.

FRET DRESS

Mark Campellone did a fret level and set up on the guitar prior to listing.  His shop label is included. Mark reports that the frets (low and wide) are original, with some fret nibs still showing, and that guitar plays great with no issues at his time.  However, in the future, there may not be enough room remaining on the frets to do another fret level and you will likely be thinking about a refret at that time.

FINISH

The finish is in fantastic vintage condition, with no signs of overspray or significant problems under blacklight, and shows normal handling and play wear.  The back of the neck shows play wear through the finish in the middle of the neck.  Blacklight reveals three tiny filled holes close to the truss rod cover, where Mark Campellone filled the holes that were left by a string damper.  This is barely noticeable under normal light.  The headstock was otherwise not touched nor oversprayed.  The black light also reveals a strap button hole on the rim that Mark closed and touched up. Again, barely noticeable.  The iced-tea finish is a fantastic looking example from that early 60s era. Really nice birdseye is visible on the back.

OTHER NOTES ON CONDITION

The tailpiece is in great shape with most of its gold intact.

Tuners have most of the gold intact with normal light finish wear on the buttons.  All tuner shafts are straight and tuners work great.

Original reflector knobs black-light correctly and are in excellent condition.

Rosewood bridge has nice figure and is in great shape with its original brass inserts in the saddle.

M69 pickup rings are in great shape.

Original thick tort pickguard shows minor warp that does not interfere with playing, and it shows no sign of off-gassing.  In this era, the guard has a pin that enters the side of the neck, so no hole is drilled in the top.

NECK AND PLAYING ACTION

As noted, the recent setup and fret dress has resulted in close action and a great playing guitar with no neck issues.  Neck pitch and neck set are issue-free. The neck is the typical early 60s profile with a “wide flat” feel…. A fantastic profile that most jazz players love.  Mark reports that the truss rod works great and is “barely on”….meaning he was able to get a straight neck with very little activation of the truss rod, which is a great sign.

ORIGINAL CASE
Original case is rock solid with all hardware intact and surprisingly little loss of tolex. Gibson metal badge is present. All brass ball feet and latches are intact.  The handle is a likely replacement and a pro installation job. Inside, the case is pretty amazing and very clean, with bright color and good fur nap.  There is one sticker on the outside of the case.  Original envelope with 6K11 key is even present!!

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is one of the finest 1961 Byrdland examples you could hope to find, for originality AND playability.  It has a fantastic vintage / relic look with light normal play wear, but is structurally as perfect – and as “unmessed with” - as you could hope to find in a vintage collectible  jazz archtop. It is a great investment instrument for a collection or serious player.

SHIPPING TO USA 350.00 with full insurance