Up for sale, a 1997 Gibson Tal Farlow archtop in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Jazz guitar legend Tal Farlow is perhaps best remembered for his work with the Red Norvo Trio (originally with Charles Mingus) and later with his own trio and Artie Shaw's Gramercy Five, earning the nickname “Octopus” due to his remarkable fretboard reach and speed. This signature model is a modified take on an ES-350, Farlow’s preferred instrument throughout his career, featuring ornate, eye-catching marquetry including a distinctive cutaway scroll, upside-down J-200 fretboard inlays, and mirrored crown inlays on the headstock.

The fully-hollow body is crafted from curly flame maple, with a full 17” lower bout width, 3” body depth, and 25 1/2“ scale length. Acoustically, this guitar has ample natural projection with a snappy, touch-sensitive response and a round upper-midrange punch accentuated by a set of flatwound strings. The pair of ‘57 Classic PAF humbuckers deliver airy warmth and smooth trebles, with a tailored midrange for optimal clarity. This Tal Farlow weighs 8lbs 2oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-52 flatwound strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Flame maple (three-piece, walnut stringers)
-Shape: Medium C, full shoulders, measuring .840” 1st fret, .955” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood, upside-down J-200 crown inlay
-Frets: Medium jumbo, faint wear beneath the plain strings on frets 3-7
-Scale Length: 25 1/2”
-Nut: 1 11/16”
-Headstock: Mirrored crown inlays, “Custom” truss rod cover
-Tuners: Grover Rotomatics (nickel-plated)
-Serialization: Eight digit serial translates to ‘97 build date

Body Specs:

-Wood: Curly flame maple
-Pickups: ’57 Classic PAF humbucker x2
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
-Hardware: ABR-1 bridge, trapeze tailpiece with rosewood insert (“Tal Farlow” inlay)
-Plastics: Reflector cap knobs, bound tortoise pickguard
-Serialization: Gibson Custom orange oval label, Nashville factory

The gloss Sunburst nitro lacquer finish is framed by multi-ply binding, highlighting very tight ripples of deep curly flame figuring extending liberally across the body. Sparingly played, cosmetic wear is limited to just a touch of buckle rash central to the lower bout and a scant few tiny marks on the body as a whole. The gloss on the neck profile is flawless, also highlighting flame figuring in the maple.

The original brown tolex Gibson USA hardshell case is included.