Gibson’s Tal Farlow Artist model was a short-lived 17” electric archtop that featured a distinctive faux-scroll venetian cut-away and unique pickguard. Tal Farlow was a well-respected jazz guitarist whose fame peaked in the 1950s, a few years prior to Gibson’s release of his signature model in 1962. However, Farlow wasn’t performing much through the 1960s, which is likely one of the reasons the Tal Farlow model’s sales didn’t live up to expectations. The model was discontinued in 1967, with a total production of just 215 instruments.

A fine example of a Tal Farlow model and previously part of the Joe Bonamassa collection, this guitar remains in very good condition and is completely original apart from a professional refret and nicely made replacement nut. The Viceroy Brown finish is wonderfully preserved throughout the body, with light finish crazing and only a few minor chips and dents. The neck shows ample playwear, with the finish mostly worn away between the 2nd and 9th frets. With a neck constructed of laminated maple, the worn-in feel is akin to the smooth and fast feel of a well-played vintage Fender neck.

The original unmodified Patent Number pickups are a remarkably great sounding pair of humbuckers. In the bridge position this guitar offers a rich voice with excellent clarity and note separation. The neck pickup delivers a warm response with airy overtones. The pickups are perfectly balanced with one another, offering the ideal tonal variation from treble to bass.

With a lean neck carve and new frets that play perfectly across the fingerboard, this Tal Farlow offers a fast feel that is incredibly enjoyable. Weighing a comfortable 7lbs 7oz, this guitar can be gigged for hours on end without any discomfort.

Scale length of 25.5", 1-9/16" nut with, first fret depth of 0.810", twelfth fret depth of 0.939". Pickup DC values of 7.8k (neck) and 7.7k (bridge).

With original hardshell case.