It's always great to have a Howard Roberts model in store and this is a super clean, very nice example! Finished in its original sunburst, the lightly faded top shows off some attractive lacquer checking, giving it really nice vintage patina whilst remaining in excellent condition. Built with a maple hollow body, three-piece maple neck with volute, and rosewood fingerboard, it’s a comfortable model to play and it offers excellent value for money in the vintage world.
This example remains in excellent overall condition, with only minor playwear to speak of. The frets are original and fairly low, but still very playable, and the guitar has clearly been well cared for over the years. The pickup cover shows some tarnishing, as do the upper frets, both the result of the off-gassing original pickguard which has been removed for preservation but is still included with the guitar. A tasteful replacement guard has been fitted in its place.
As a player, the Howard Roberts Custom is both comfortable and inspiring. The slim-to-medium C-profile neck and more waisted body size make it easy to handle, while acoustically it produces a warm, balanced tone. Plugged in, the single pickup is far more versatile than it looks, thanks to the clever tone control arrangement that allows for a surprising range of textures. From articulate cleans to darker, more mellow voices, it’s an instrument well-suited to jazz, blues or any player seeking a distinctive hollowbody voice.
Designed in collaboration with jazz guitarist Howard Roberts - famed for his TV and film session work including themes for The Munsters and The Twilight Zone - this model first appeared under the Epiphone banner in the ’60s before Gibson took it into their own line. By the ’70s it was offered as both the Custom and the Artist, with the Custom distinguished by its rosewood fingerboard and chrome hardware. Produced from 1973 to 1981, these guitars stand out for their oval soundhole, single pickup with three-knob layout, trapeze/wooden block custom tailpiece, split block inlays, and 25.5 inch scale length.
This 1974 example comes complete with its original purple-lined hard case and, with its originality, condition and playability, represents a fine opportunity for both players and collectors.