To mark the centenary of Gibson, 1994 saw the mark released 12 special models. Each was produced in limited numbers, highly specced with a 22 carat gold Orville Medallion along with a plethora of diamonds and gold plating. From April we have this Explorer in just about MINT condition too...!

This guitar is absolutely stunning. Very well cared for, it evidently spent most of its life in its very luxurious case. The all gold mahogany body shows hardly a mark and looks spectacular 

As with the body, the neck has retained its gloriously glossy finish and again shows no signs of wear. The fretboard looks good with some life left in the frets. The headstock too is well preserved. The 12th fret has the 100th anniversary banner and the Orville medallion is affixed to the back of the neck. 

The plastics have worn slightly as you’d expect

 Some of the gold hardware has tarnished, in particular the knobs. The stoptail tune-o-matic is free of wear.  Each guitar had a jeweled sterling silver number fitted to the stop bar and each knob is 22 carat gold with a 5 pt diamond inlay in it.   

The guitar comes with its correct black tolex, hardshell case with all the extra paraphernalia and the case cover. Amongst the pieces is the Gold Signet ring that was included with each guitar.

Sat down or stood up the guitar does feel comfortable to play, more so than its brother the Flying V, the chunky C profit neck is a handful but not to the point of being too much. Tone wise its more SG than Les Paul though inevitably it has its own sound . The Patent Number humbuckers sound great with no hint of any woolliness and a great bite in the bridge position.

A unique piece of Gibson history and more gold and diamonds than any other out there. Grab this before it gets away…