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Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 8:20 am:   

The first listing had lots of bids and a lower reserve. The seller realized it was worth a lot more and relisted it. Not sure how much it went for.

http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D300011437648

Auction # 300011437648

mk
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 11:20 am:   

The guitar on Ebay was one of Gibson's early attempts (circa 2002?) at designing a downsized Barney Kessel model, nicknamed the 'Mini Kessel'. They had perfected the production process of fully carved mahogany bodies capped with maple tops (see CS336/356/Paul Jackson Sig., Pat Martino Sig.). A single piece of mahogany is carved and routed our for improved tone. A two pickup prototype model was produced as well as the three p'up model you see listed on Ebay. Neither made it to production as a 'mini Kessel'. However, Boston guitarist, Johnny A. spotted the guitar while visiting the Gibson Custom Shop and saw its potential. He had been using a Les Paul Historic, but preferred the slightly larger body design of the new guitar. (Johnny has a bad back from childhood and plays seated on a stool. Leaning over a small bodied LP didn't help his back issues)

From there Johnny A. and Gibson worked on various design prototypes until the eventual signature guitar named after JA was put into production by the Custom Shop in 2003.

Some of the modifications from the prototype included a 25.5 scale, full hollow carved mahogany body, highly figured carved solid maple top, ebony board with custom pearl inalys, black stinger on reverse of the headstock and a unique serial number sequence.

The final version of the Johnny A. Signature is miles apart (i.e. much improved!) from the 'mini-Kessel' prototype listed/sold on Ebay. However, whoever purchased it now has a very unique one of a kind Custom Shop guitar.

Here is a collage shot of my Johnny A. Signature for reference:

Johnny A.

Tim

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