1969 Gibson Crest Gold, Serial Number 844280
This Gibson Certified Vintage 1969 Crest Gold isn’t just rare, it’s simply one of the most luxurious and stunning guitars Gibson produced. With only 208 made during its production run from 1969-1972 (just 56 in 1969), the Crest stands apart for its fully hollow Brazilian rosewood body, twin floating Johnny Smith pickups, and elegant multi-ply binding throughout—a combination that makes it not only visually striking, but sonically refined as well. The natural finish shows deep, even checking, and minimal wear leaves this remarkable instrument in beautifully preserved condition.
A crack on the bass side of the rosewood bridge has been professionally repaired and remains stable. Three small metal stickers on the pickguard share the original owners’ initials, “DLM,” adding a personal historic touch. Also included are two photos of the original owner and the 1972 sales receipt from Eckert Bros., Inc. in Pennsylvania.
This Crest sounds excellent both acoustically and plugged in, with clear, full tone from the Johnny Smith pickups and comfortable playability throughout the neck. Clean, collectible, and visually unforgettable, this is a standout piece in Gibson’s archtop history. It ships in its original Lifton® black and purple case and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, and new Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Guitar Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Binding 7-ply Top, 3-ply Back and F-Holes, 5-ply Headstock and Pickguard, Single-ply Fretboard
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Brazilian Rosewood
Body Shape Crest
Body Styles ES
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Brazilian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 22
Frets Jumbo (Original)
Inlays Mother of Pearl Block
Joint Glued In, Set Neck
Neck Material 3-ply Mahogany
Nut Material Synthetic Material (Original)
Nut Width 42.65mm / 1.68in
Profile Medium C
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup Johnny Smith Floating (6.77k)
Controls 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Neck Pickup Johnny Smith Floating (7.00k)
Output Jack 1/4"
Pickup Selector 3-way Toggle
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Rosewood Archtop-style
Control Knobs Black Witch Hat with Gold Insert
finish Gold
Pickguard 5-ply Bound Rosewood
Pickup Covers Gold
Strap Buttons 1 Gold, 1 Aluminum
Switch Tip Cream Plastic
Tailpiece 3-bar Trapeze with Rosewood and Mother of Pearl Crest Insert
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 3-ply Bell, Crest
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Kluson Waffleback
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Letter of Appraisal, Certificate of Authenticity, and New Limited Lifetime Warranty
Model: GCVP0110
Case Lifton Black and Purple Hardshell
Headstock Gibson Open Book
Headstock Inlay Gibson Logo and Split Diamond in Mother of Pearl
Strings Gauge .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Gibson Certified Vintage 1969 Gibson Crest Gold, Natural
Gibson Certified Vintage 1969 Gibson Crest Gold, Natural
Free & Fast Shipping
Free & Fast Shipping
Orders placed by noon CST Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) will ship the same day. Orders placed after this cutoff will ship the next business day. All orders over $100 receive free ground shipping within the United States.
Case Included
Case Included
Your instrument ships with a factory-supplied hard- or soft-shell case for safe storage and transportation. Please refer to the product specifications for details.
Setup Included
Setup Included
Our craftory-trained technicians perform a final thorough inspection and detailed setup moments before your instrument is packed and shipped to you.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shop and play with confidence knowing that your instrument is protected by our limited lifetime warranty. Learn more about warranties and exclusions here .
Three Free Months of the Gibson App
Three Free Months of the Gibson App
For a limited time only, receive a three-month subscription to the Gibson App for free with the purchase of this product. Click here to learn more about the Gibson App.
1969 Gibson Crest Gold, Serial Number 844280
This Gibson Certified Vintage 1969 Crest Gold isn’t just rare, it’s simply one of the most luxurious and stunning guitars Gibson produced. With only 208 made during its production run from 1969-1972 (just 56 in 1969), the Crest stands apart for its fully hollow Brazilian rosewood body, twin floating Johnny Smith pickups, and elegant multi-ply binding throughout—a combination that makes it not only visually striking, but sonically refined as well. The natural finish shows deep, even checking, and minimal wear leaves this remarkable instrument in beautifully preserved condition.
A crack on the bass side of the rosewood bridge has been professionally repaired and remains stable. Three small metal stickers on the pickguard share the original owners’ initials, “DLM,” adding a personal historic touch. Also included are two photos of the original owner and the 1972 sales receipt from Eckert Bros., Inc. in Pennsylvania.
This Crest sounds excellent both acoustically and plugged in, with clear, full tone from the Johnny Smith pickups and comfortable playability throughout the neck. Clean, collectible, and visually unforgettable, this is a standout piece in Gibson’s archtop history. It ships in its original Lifton® black and purple case and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, and new Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Guitar Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Binding 7-ply Top, 3-ply Back and F-Holes, 5-ply Headstock and Pickguard, Single-ply Fretboard
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Brazilian Rosewood
Body Shape Crest
Body Styles ES
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Brazilian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 22
Frets Jumbo (Original)
Inlays Mother of Pearl Block
Joint Glued In, Set Neck
Neck Material 3-ply Mahogany
Nut Material Synthetic Material (Original)
Nut Width 42.65mm / 1.68in
Profile Medium C
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup Johnny Smith Floating (6.77k)
Controls 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Neck Pickup Johnny Smith Floating (7.00k)
Output Jack 1/4"
Pickup Selector 3-way Toggle
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Rosewood Archtop-style
Control Knobs Black Witch Hat with Gold Insert
finish Gold
Pickguard 5-ply Bound Rosewood
Pickup Covers Gold
Strap Buttons 1 Gold, 1 Aluminum
Switch Tip Cream Plastic
Tailpiece 3-bar Trapeze with Rosewood and Mother of Pearl Crest Insert
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 3-ply Bell, Crest
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Kluson Waffleback
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Letter of Appraisal, Certificate of Authenticity, and New Limited Lifetime Warranty
Model: GCVP0110
Case Lifton Black and Purple Hardshell
Headstock Gibson Open Book
Headstock Inlay Gibson Logo and Split Diamond in Mother of Pearl
Strings Gauge .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
