ARCHIVED • SOLD
1976 Gibson Byrdland
The model was original built for Billy Byrd and Hank Garland, hence the name “Byrdland” The name has nothing to do with the famous NYC Jazz club of the same name (with different spelling), but we’re pretty sure a few Gibson Byrdlands have graced the Birdland stage!
A unique instrument, the Byrdland features a thin and fully hollow 17” archtop body with L-5CES design and stylings but is paired with a short 23.5” scale neck. It saw a few design changes through its production run but reverted to its original rounded cut-away shape for the 1970s.
This example is completely original and is in excellent condition except for a very nice replacement pickguard and mounting rod, and a new mounting ring for the bridge pickup (the original is in the case but is damaged). Playability is excellent; the original frets show light wear but are level and play cleanly. Original hardware throughout, with gold plating that is partially worn off the pickup covers. The electronics are untouched and original as well and assembled with patent number humbuckers. DC values are 7.5k and 7.7k. The neck has a compact, rounded carve and a nut width that’s a hair wider than 1-5/8” and a first fret depth of .784”.
Solid carved spruce top and solid carved maple back, Venetian cutaway, three-piece maple neck, multi-ply body bindings throughout, gold hardware, Kluson Sealfast tuners.
With original hardshell case.
