Beautiful Gibson Tal Farlow Custom Shop, made in 2001 and signed by Master Luthier James W Hutchins. Tiger flame maple front and back, '57 PAFs and tuners made by Grover.

This is a very rare and wonderfully playable guitar. My own luthier describes it as the finest Gibson instrument that has ever passed through his [highly regarded and busy] workshop. He's not wrong.

The original Gibson Tal Farlow was made in very small numbers from 1962-69. Around 200 were produced to a specification set by bebop legend Tal Farlow that included PAF humbuckers, a maple top and the signature scroll. Based on the ES350, the Tal Farlow is a true players' guitar, built for fast fingers and to resist feedback. By the early 90s, the early Gibson Tal Farlow was so well regarded and in demand that the Custom Shop recommenced production. This is one of those second-run instruments, made in the brief 'golden era' of late-90s-early-00s Gibson. Tal Farlow himself played a brace of these during his latter years. Production, which was only ever in small numbers, ceased altogether in 2018, making the Tal Farlow one of the rarest of Gibson guitars.

Unlike an L5 or similar carved-top instrument, the unique maple soundboard made to Farlow's specification resists feedback so well that the guitar can be used at stage volumes that would render its rivals unplayable. I love playing jazz, but I'm not primarily a jazz player and this guitar with its '57 PAF pickups has an incredible stage and recording sound, especially when run wet/dry through a 1965 Vox AC10 and a Fender Blues Deluxe. 

I am the second owner from new. The original owner kept it in its case and rarely took it out. It was in as-new condition when I bought it. I've played it as my primary instrument for several years. Happily, there is almost no visible wear from pick or thumb or to the frets and fingerboard. This is a very small amount of buckle wear on the back - which is so slight it doesn't come out on photos - and two tiny scratches.  

The guitar comes with its Certificate of Authenticity, original warranty and all the usual case leaflets.

The signature from Jim 'Hutch' Hutchins shows that it was an important, top-of-the-line custom instrument. Hutch was with Gibson from 1963 until his retirement in 2008. He is regarded as among the greatest luthiers the company has ever produced.

Serious potential buyers can view and play the instrument at my home in southwestern France.

NB All taxes, customs fees and duties are payable by the buyer.