The archetypal high-end instrument for the professional jazz artist or collector —since 1961
The archetypal high-end instrument for the professional jazz artist or collector since 1961 – and with the pedigree to prove it – the LeGrand model from Gibson Custom is the pinnacle of achievement in archtop guitar production. The LeGrand began life as Gibson’s renowned Johnny Smith model, which was designed for the celebrated jazz guitarist in 1961, incorporating Smith’s desire to have a fully acoustic, carved-top archtop guitar that could also be used as an electric instrument for live performance. To meet this challenge, Gibson’s top luthiers designed an instrument that has defined the archtop electric guitar ever since. The LeGrand has always been a select model manufactured in limited numbers, and only 963 of the original Johnny Smith version (identical in all but name) were produced between 1962 and 1979.
Near-perfect Recreation
The Johnny Smith model was made from 1961 to 1988, and was reintroduced as the LeGrand in 1993 as part of the Custom Collection. Gibson Custom continues to produce the LeGrand in the image of Smith’s original vision for the ultimate archtop guitar, including all appointments described above, along with the multi-ply binding on the top and back of the body, fingerboard, headstock and pickguard; the abalone split-block fingerboard inlays; and the bound f-holes. It is also still made to the 25 1/2” scale length and 1 11/16” nut width that so supremely suits a large-bodied archtop. The LeGrand is available in Vintage Sunburst, Dark Wine Burst and Natural finishes, and each comes complete with a Gibson Custom case, a certificate of authenticity, and a custom care kit.