This Gibson Tal Farlow is a fairly rare model based on a full 17 inch wide, fully hollow arched top design. Named after the renowned jazz guitarist Tal Farlow, who played Gibson guitars throughout the ’50s, this model was designed to meet Farlow’s demands for a guitar that combined superb playability with a rich, resonant tone.

Introduced in 1962 and produced until 1972, the Gibson Tal Farlow model stands as a testament to both the artistry of its namesake and the excellence of Gibson craftsmanship.

This specific example dates to late 1967 at Kalamazoo, Michigan and is in very good condition with honest finish wear to the back of the neck – this guitar was played as intended, with a great ability to articulate a wide range of tones.

The back of the neck does show some heavy play wear.

You’ll enjoy tones of mellow warmth of jazz standards to the punchy resonance required for blues or even rock, this guitar excels in versatility. The humbucking pickups capture the nuances of your playing style, offering clarity and depth in every note.

Gibson Tal Farlow Design and Features

The 1967 edition of the Tal Farlow showcases Gibson’s dedication to quality. Its distinctive features include:

• Unique Body Design: The Tal Farlow sports a slightly larger, 17 inch wide body than most traditional Gibson archtops, providing a fuller acoustic tone.
• Lively Tonewoods: Crafted with a laminate Maple top, back and sides for feedback rejection, this guitar delivers a balanced tonal spectrum, offering warmth and clarity in equal measure. The neck is built of three main sections of solid Maple with Walnut separators. Indian Rosewood is used for the bridge base and bound fingerboard; the headstock and fingerboard inlays are Mother of Pearl.
• Slim Neck Profile: Its comfortable, slim neck profile allows for swift, effortless playability, catering to both intricate jazz phrasing and versatile chord work.
• Distinctive Inlays and Tailpiece: Adorned with intricate inlays and a distinctive tailpiece, the guitar’s aesthetic elegance mirrors its exceptional sound.

Legacy and Influence

Tal Farlow performed with Red Norvo and Charles Mingus and after a stint with Artie Shaw he formed his own trio. But by the late 1950’s he’d effectively retired but his legacy extends far beyond his name. Countless guitarists across genres have been captivated by its unique blend of playability, tonal range, and aesthetic allure. Its influence persists, inspiring newer generations of musicians and remaining a coveted collector’s item.

The 1967 Gibson Tal Farlow epitomizes the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design in the realm of archtop guitars. Its marriage of elegance, playability, and sonic versatility continues to captivate musicians and enthusiasts alike, cementing its status as an iconic instrument in the history of guitar making.

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