February 2002 Issue - Vintage Gibson "Custom Made" ES-355, J-200 and Dove Guitars
By Larry Meiners
Before Gibson created their Custom Shop, they regularly advertised offers to build any current guitar model to your custom specifications. Gibson also built unique variations of existing models that are considered very rare. These custom made instruments were priced much higher than similar standard models and usually required a long waiting period. Most of these special instruments have a small black plastic plaque attached with small rivet screws and inscribed with the words, "CUSTOM MADE".
A very unique 1960 ES-355 Special shown below has a stop-tailpiece, double-pickguard, mono-electronics, the name "Bernie" in the fingerboard and a "CUSTOM MADE" plaque. Very hip.
Mr. Tommy Wiggins ordered a super-rare black J-200 and by 1960 was playing this special model with his name inlaid in the fingerboard. This Custom Made J-200 also has a double-pickguard and a top mounted pickup. Country cool.
Finally, the Dove pictured below from the early 1960s has nicely figured curly maple on the back and sides and a J-160E electronics configuration. Yeah baby.
Today Gibson's Custom Shop regularly produces many fine one-of-a-kind, special instrument series and limited editions including the Korina Flying V and Explorer, as well as the recently introduced Limited Edition Lenny Kravitz Flying V.
2002 © Larry Meiners All Rights Reserved