Inspired by Original Drawings From 1957

Gibson’s legendary former president Theodore ‘Ted’ McCarty helped develop some of the most iconic electric guitars ever during the 1950s and early 1960s, including the Les Paul™, ES-335, Flying V™, Explorer™, SG™, and Firebird™ models. He enjoyed sketching new instrument ideas during meetings, and the height of his creative output was in 1957 when he sought to modernize Gibson’s electric guitar designs significantly.



On March 18th, 1957, Ted detailed and signed his drawing for a new solid body instrument which was never produced…until now. Gibson Custom Shop is proud to present the “Theodore,” inspired by Ted McCarty’s original drawing and notes. Its unique features include an alder body, scimitar headstock, double Florentine cutaways, and a walnut center strip. The lightweight, balanced construction is extremely comfortable, and the powerful P-90 pickups produce effortless sustain and a rich diversity of tones.

This very special Archive Collection run is limited to just 318 total instruments offered in three colors: Natural, Cherry, and Ebony. Each includes a Historic-style brown/pink case, a premium leather strap, a print of the original signed drawing, a 1957-style catalog page print, and a deluxe Certificate of Authenticity booklet.

Body
Body Styles: Double Cut
Body Shape: Theodore
Body Material: Alder
Body Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck
Profile: C-profile
Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 304.8 mm / 12 in
Fret Count: 22 Frets Historic Gibson Narrow/Tall
Nut Material: Nylon
Nut Width: 42.85 mm / 1.687 in
Inlays: Pearloid Dot
Joint: Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit

Hardware
Finish: Nickel
Bridge: Wraparound
Tuning Machines: Kluson Six In-Line with Cream Buttons
Pickguard: 4-ply Black
Truss Rod: Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover: Historic Stepped 2-ply
Control Knobs: Historic Black Top Hats
Switch Tip: Amber
Switch washer: Historic Black
Control Covers: Black
Strap Buttons: 2 - Aluminum
Pickup Covers: Black Soapbar

Electronics
Neck Pickup: Custom Soapbar P-90
Bridge Pickup: Custom Soapbar P-90
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 500K CTS Audio Taper Potentiometers, Bumblebee Capacitors, Hand-Wired
Pickup Selector: 3-Way Switchcraft
Output Jack: 1/4" Switchcraft

Miscellaneous
Strings Gauge: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Case: Historic Brown/Pink Hardshell
Accessories: Premium Leather Strap, a Print of the Original Signed Drawing, a 1957-style Catalog Page Print, and a Deluxe Certificate of Authenticity Booklet