!! PROTOTYPE !! Gibson Less Paul Sunburst The Very First Concept Expirimental Rare Les Paul Standard Custom Classic Deluxe

Less than 10 production models were made!!

This was the in-house experiment proof of concept guitar that was never meant to be sold!! The first original Less Paul crafted by Gibson's former master luthier Bruce Kunkel.

Rarely ever for sale are experimental Gibson Prototypes. The only way Gibson's top luthiers can come up with new designs or enhanced designs. Scraping wood, imaginating and experimenting. Great addition to every Gibson collection, a real oddity. Made in the Nashville factory and purchased from there back in '06. This one of a kind proto shows insight in the building and designing process at Gibson's. As can be seen with this expirimental prototype are three filled up holes in the back, some scratches, even a barely visible hairline under the lacquer at the headstock area, as these guitars where expiriments don't be surprised to find other goofy stuff. Dont expect a guitar that passed Gibsons quality control, this only passed the department that gave a thumbs up for the concept. Very very rare and fully functional. With a unique sound and playability. Set up well with low action and straight neck. This proto example has more of a carved heel than the production models I've seen. Which really make this guitar stand out, playability-wise.

This baby was made by master artisan Bruce Kunkel, he signed it in the pot cavity and also it states: "B.K. Prototype" and "not for sale". What I like best about this guitar is that Bruce is well known for his extravagant artisan work which literally transforms guitars into artpieces. But this sober design is all about the curves being somewhat aerodynamic in players best interest and was (/is?) meant to be a revolutionary new form for the Les Paul. But as they actually already made some of these in limited runs this probably just like the orginal Les Paul model itself, people are going to want this in 30 years or so.

The real O.G. prototype which came before all other prototypes? And initially should have never left the factory as it clearly states "not for sale" on the back of the headstock. So the cherry on the cake for every big time Gibson collector if you like one of a kind special pieces. There was at one time a Less Paul proto for sale at sweetwater, but this obviously came way before that. Just as Les Paul's Log was the only original expirimental LP prototype.

"Less" Paul Prototype

"Less" Paul Prototype (BK Prototype), Vintage Sunburst Auctioneer's Note- 1st carved / scarfed "Less" Paul model created by artisan Bruce Kunkel, "Less" refers to the removal of more of the wood by carving / scarfing the body & neck, stamped "Not For Sale"

Comes with its original custom shop case.

Gibson info on the Less Paul production model:

The Gibson Custom Less Paul Prototype is your chance to own a one-of-a-kind solidbody electric guitar. Essentially a 1959 LP with Burst Bucker 1 and 2 pickups, a '59 neck profile with maple top, the Less Paul Prototype has been hand-carved by master luthier Bruce Kunkel on the back and neck. The guitar's name is a cheeky reference to the fact that there's "less" mahogany, and indeed the slinky contours fit you like a glove.

Gibson Custom Less Paul Prototype Solidbody Electric Guitar at a Glance: Just look at those curves! BurstBucker dynamic duo onboard Real-deal nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Just look at those curves!

What happens when you take the Les Paul - that bastion of take-no-prisoners tone - and give it never-before-seen slinky body contours? The result is the Less Paul Prototype - a solidbody electric guitar that you don't want to put down once you start playing it. Whether you're standing or seated, this axe fits you like a glove. It's everything you love about the Les Paul - and less!

Gibson Custom Less Paul Prototype Solidbody Electric Guitar
Features:
- Hand-carved by Gibson Custom Shop master luthier Bruce Kunkel
- Luscious book-matched flame maple top
- Ultra-playable '59 neck profile
- BurstBucker 1 and 2 pickups
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Hardshell Case Included

Own an incredible one-of-a-kind guitar; the Gibson Custom Less Paul Prototype!

Message to me by master luthier Bruce Kunkel about this particular guitar:

Ok. After reviewing the photos and thinking about this I believe this guitar was never meant to be released. I don’t remember the holes in it but I think I did this as an experiment. Proof of Concept. The fact that I signed the inside of the pocket but that it has no label tells me it was not meant to be sold but was a prototype. I left in 2003. This was sold at the auction in 2006. Gibson would sell anything that wasn’t nailed down at those auctions. A coworker of mine bought sample carvings I did for an Elvis Tribute guitar for almost nothing. I should have taken them home but thought they’d like them for posterity. It’s an in-house experiment. The original “Less Paul”.

Interested?
This is a piece of Gibson history. Since this listing certainly caught your attention. I hope you've learned something together with me and enjoyed the pictures. If you want to own this? Make me a reasonable offer / (trade?) or shoot questions if you have 'm. I'll happily keep this guitar and I am not desperate to sell it by any means because I know I am never going to get another one. For trade suggestions: I love vintage..

I am happy to deliver this personally anywhere in Europe!

Below a video of Trogly about the Less Paul design: