1928 Gibson Nick Lucas Special

This guitar is in poor condition and needs serious restoration. We have detailed pictures of the internals; the damaged bracing, and the remnants of the pin-bridge. We have a photograph of this guitar from the 1950s that shows the white repair plate, and proves that whatever accident befell this guitar, happened a long while ago.

The guitar was played in concert pitch right up until the early 1990s, when it was retired and stored. The value of a restored Nick Lucas Special is known to us all, but it is still the desire of the owners to offer it for sale in its current condition to allow the new owner to decide the direction of restoration. The guitar comes in a case in similarly poor condition – the case was supplied by Manok & Renkert – a maker (and supplier to RAAF) of luggage and cases in Sydney, Australia. There is evidence of previous repairs to splits, and most of the fretboard binding is missing. The neck is surprisingly good, and a well-judged refret would enable good playability. The guitar can be taken to concert pitch with no worrying signs from the inadequately supported top, but it currently has no tension while a new owner is to be found.

The guitar had been stored at close to concert pitch from 1993 until earlier this year. 2 well-known established UK luthiers have each spent 2 weeks with this guitar to provide their advice and budget quotations for restoration. The vast majority of the budget is luthier time, and so this would suit either a professional acquisition, or an owner with a very good relationship with a luthier.

Offers are invited for the chance to own a very special piece of Gibson history; and obtain an opportunity to add enormous value to the investment.

• FON:                                                  9665 (written on the neck block)

• Serial Number:                               85771

• Likely year of manufacture:     1928

• Headstock Text:                             The Gibson

• Fleur de Lys:                                    No

• Tuner style:                                    Banjo

• Bridge style:                                    Originally pin-bridge, now Tailpiece and floating saddle