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1968 Gibson Trini Lopez, Serial Number 939060

Introduced in 1964, the Trini Lopez Standard was one of the more distinctive artist models to emerge from our Kalamazoo factory during the 1960s. Developed in collaboration with guitarist and entertainer Trini Lopez, the model took the familiar semi-hollow ES-335™ design in a decidedly different direction, with diamond-shaped soundholes, split-diamond fretboard inlays, a Firebird™-style headstock, and a Trapeze tailpiece featuring a rosewood insert with a "Trini Lopez" celluloid plaque. This exceptionally clean 1968 example retains its original Cherry Red finish, hardware, and electronics, with a substantial neck profile and fresh fretwork making it an especially enjoyable guitar to play.

The original Cherry Red finish remains deep and rich, with light, even lacquer checking and only minor nicks, dings, and handling wear throughout. One more noticeable ding is present near the end of the headstock. This area and two other small spots on the headstock have received minor black marker touch-ups, neatly done and primarily noticeable under ultraviolet light. The distinctive Gibson soundwave logo on the pickguard shows some wear but is still visible. There is also a small area of stable lacquer flaking in the bass-side cutaway near the neck heel, limited to the finish with no separation or structural concern. Otherwise, the guitar is exceptionally clean, with no overspray or additional finish restoration.

One of the most appealing features of this particular Trini Lopez Standard is its substantial mahogany neck. Measuring .82" at the 1st fret and a full 1.02" at the 12th fret, the Medium D profile becomes noticeably fuller as you move up the neck. Despite the narrower 1 9/16" nut width typical of the period, it feels surprisingly comfortable in hand. Our team at Gibson Repair & Restoration has refretted the Indian rosewood fretboard with medium-jumbo frets over the binding and installed a new, properly fitted bone nut. The result is excellent playability across the fretboard, with a particularly satisfying neck profile.

Both original Patent Number sticker humbucker™ pickups retain their complete, undisturbed decals and original factory solder joints. The neck pickup measures 7.68 k ohms, while the bridge measures 7.19 k ohms. They're a wonderfully responsive pair, with a clean, clear sound and excellent balance between the two positions. The original wiring harness remains untouched, including CTS® potentiometers with partially visible date codes consistent with 1968 production, Sprague Black Beauty capacitors, and original Switchcraft® components.

The original chrome-plated hardware is exceptionally well preserved, including the Patent Number ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic™ bridge with nylon saddles and the model's distinctive single-diamond Trapeze tailpiece with its Trini Lopez insert. The bridge has lost a little of its original saddle radius over time but continues to function well. The original Kluson® Deluxe double-line, six-on-a-plate tuners with metal buttons remain in excellent condition, along with the black Witch Hat knobs, five-ply pickguard, well-preserved gold Gibson headstock silkscreen, and other original appointments.

Aside from the refret, replacement bone nut, and minor marker touch-ups, this guitar remains entirely original. At 7.9 pounds, it has a comfortable, balanced feel, and the combination of its substantial neck, excellent fretwork, and lively original pickups makes it a particularly satisfying instrument to play. It's a beautifully preserved example of one of our most distinctive 1960s electric guitars.

The guitar is accompanied by its original black and goldenrod Lifton™ hardshell case, made to accommodate the Trini Lopez Standard's longer headstock. The case has a replacement handle and one missing latch but remains in very good condition overall.

This instrument has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, new Limited Lifetime Warranty, and exclusive Gibson Certified Vintage accessories including a leather guitar strap, matching leather luggage tag, and vintage-style Gibson pick container.

Weight: 7.9 lb.
Neck depth: 1st fret: .82", 12th fret: 1.02"