Baldfrank Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 Hello all, I have recently acquired a Gibson Custom Art and Historic guitar. It is a Gibson Custom Black Beauty 57 RI with 3 PU (LPB-3) 2002. It belonged to a family member, who has passed, that bought it a brand new in 03, put it in the case and never played it. It is flawless. I have a few questions. 1. I can’t find any thing on the Gibson Custom Art and Historic Division. Where can I get info? 2. where can I get any specs? 3. I’m think these were meant to be collector pieces, but I believe guitars should be played. Is it ok to gig with it?!? many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Baldfrank said: Hello all, I have recently acquired a Gibson Custom Art and Historic guitar. It is a Gibson Custom Black Beauty 57 RI with 3 PU (LPB-3) 2002. It belonged to a family member, who has passed, that bought it a brand new in 03, put it in the case and never played it. It is flawless. I have a few questions. 1. I can’t find any thing on the Gibson Custom Art and Historic Division. Where can I get info? 2. where can I get any specs? 3. I’m think these were meant to be collector pieces, but I believe guitars should be played. Is it ok to gig with it?!? many thanks! If it's yours now, play it. That is what instruments are made for. Never heard of the Custom Art and Historic Division. You may want to call Gibson for info. Edited April 8, 2021 by Sgt. Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JO'C Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 Custom Art and Historic is what Custom Shop cases say on them from mid '90's to 2000's. Also the COA if you have it will also have the Custom Art and Historic logo. I had several Custom Shop guitars with these cases; the oldest being a 1997 and the newest being a 2005. I'm not sure which year they switched but I had two Custom Shop 2008's that had different case labeling that just said Gibson Custom. If you email Gibson Customer Service with the serial number and a pic of the front and back of the headstock, they should get back to you with verification. I agree that it should be played but keep in mind that it is a very valuable guitar. I've sold 4 Custom shop collector quality LP's from this era in the $4-5K range. I don't think I'd gig with it but if I did I'd make sure it never left my sight. I would keep it strapped on my back even going to the mens room. A cramped stage area or one too close to the dance floor could also be a recipe for disaster. My player guitars have a few battle scars that I don't mind but even the smallest nick on a mint guitar can knock $500-1000 off the value. If it has gold plated hardware keep in mind that the coating is also very fragile. Even cleaning it can remove the gold. That said I have a 2004 CS-336 with gold hardware that is still perfect and I play it all the time, but only in the house. Enjoy!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twang Gang Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 Well JO'C answered the question - Custom Art and Historic was what the Custom Shop was called for a time. I had an ES-336 that didn't have any bling on the headstock or fingerboard, but was built in that shop and that's what it said on the outside of the case (see below). As to whether you should play the guitar or not - that's up to you. If you like the way it sounds and feels sure. On the other hand since the guitar is as pristine as it's ever going to be, maybe now is the time to sell it for top dollar and then buy something else you like and probably have money left over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 The Custom, Art, and Historic division was the Nashville custom shop. They built my '59 Historic ES-335. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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