1968 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard Vintage ES Semi-Hollow Guitar Cherry w/ Pat # T Tops, Case

Up for sale, a 1968 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of Gibson's most enduringly popular ES artist models, the Trini model was first offered in '64 and features distinct diamond-shaped F holes, split-diamond inlays, and a Fender-esque headstock to set it apart from the ES-335. Featuring its original pair of T Top patent sticker humbuckers, this Trini is a particularly expressive and articulate instrument. These humbuckers are ideal for amplifying the warm, airy qualities of the semi-hollow body construction. Biting, articulate, and able to deliver both subtle growl and distinct top end chime, the bridge position humbucker sounds positively stunning. Switch to the neck pickup for a humbucker that can deliver a throaty wail with ample low end push. The guitar weighs 7lbs 13oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 10-46 roundwound strings, low action, and accurate intonation.The one-piece mahogany neck has a medium C profile carve at the nut, with round shoulders in every register and a bit more heft as you travel up the bound rosewood fretboard, measuring .840" deep at the 1st fret and .995" at the 12th. The original wide/flat Gibson fretwire is intact, nigh flawless with well-rounded crowns. The scale length is 24 3/4", and the nut measures 1 9/16" in width. The headstock retains the original gold Gibson silkscreen on the face, with clean and stock double line Kluson Deluxe tuning machines that turn very smoothly and hold pitch well.All of the electronics function as intended, with untouched solder joints and fully intact patent # decals on the baseplates of the T Top humbuckers. The original patent number ABR-1 bridge is intact with the correct foundry stamp on the baseplate, fitted with metal saddles (instead of nylon) for ideal treble articulation and cut. The original trapeze tailpiece is intact too, sans Trini Lopez rosewood insert, and all of the chrome plating on the hardware is extremely clean and bright. All of the original plastic parts are intact including the quartet of witch hat knobs and five-ply pickguard, with light pick scuffing across guard, removing the fragile shockwave silkscreen Gibson logo used on the guards only in ’68. Visible through the bass-side F hole, the oval Kalamazoo label has bold text and serial details matching the number stamped on the back of the headstock.The body features the return of the distinctive “Mickey Mouse” body horns which reappeared briefly on Gibson’s thinline ES models in ’68, more rounded than the subtly pointed body horns seen in the middle of the decade. The original nitro lacquer Cherry finish is extremely clean and glossy, framed by lightly ambered body binding. Cosmetic wear is limited to faint broad vertical lacquer checking on top, with even less checking on the back, a bit of light finish scuffing in the clear coat of the gloss on the treble side lower bout on the back, and only a few additional tiny dings on the body as a whole. The neck retains its smooth nitro lacquer gloss on the entire profile length with just a few minor marks.The original black tolex Gibson hardshell case is included and equally as well-kept as the guitar, with a longer shape able to accommodate the Trini headstock. A clean "Gibson" bade is present on the case exterior beneath the handle, and the original latches are functional