Gibson Trini Lopez Standard Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1967), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 330204, cherry lacquer finish, laminated maple body, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is a VERY clean example of one of our favorite '60s Gibsons, the Trini Lopez Standard. This mid-late 1960s model adds a sassy cosmetic edge to the more common cherry red ES-335 formula, and over the last few decades has emerged from relative obscurity to be considered a slightly offbeat classic. The diamond shaped f-holes and fingerboard markers give the guitar a rakish air, while the single-sided headstock contributes a certain extra pizzazz. A snazzy engraved rosewood-and-plastic tailpiece insert carries the "Trini Lopez Model" designation, with a couple of extra diamonds. While these guitars are usually referred to as having a "Firebird Style" headstock, this model in fact slightly predates the non-reverse Firebird guitars it shares that design with, so really the later Firebirds have a "Trini head".
This example carries a serial number from a series run several times in the later '60s but the features are typical for 1967. The hardware is chrome-plated (except for the pickguard bracket, still nickel). The chrome Tune-O-Matic bridge has Nylon saddles. The pickups are the same Patent Number Humbuckers used by the ES-335 family, with the standard wiring rig topped with the "witch hat" amp-style plastic knobs that Gibson debuted this year. The round-backed neck has the narrow nut width typical of this period but noticeably more girth back-to-front than some; it actually gets much chunkier approaching the body.
"Mr. Lemon Tree" himself seems to have never played this model, preferring the "Trini Lopez Deluxe" which was based on the fully hollow Barney Kessel model. In recent years this once sometimes derided Gibson has become a much sought after instrument, especially as favored by Foo Fighter Dave Grohl. While not unusually rare, the Trini Lopez Standard shipped only 783 examples in 1967 (the peak production year) compared to over 3100 ES-335's in cherry finish alone. The entire production run in the 1960s was just under 2,000 examples and this must be one of the cleanest survivors. Then as now, Trini Lopez Standard remains the most colorful and distinctive of Gibson's semi-hollow-body family, a visually striking guitar as well as a typically fine playing instrument.
Overall length is 43 1/2 in. (110.5 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 9/16 in. (40 mm.).
This is a superbly clean and 100% original guitar, appearing simply not much used over the last nearly 60 years and exceptionally well cared for. The all-original lacquer finish is very clean with a beautiful deep cherry hue, appearing hardly faded at all. Other than minor scuffing and handling marks overall the guitar shows hardly any play wear. All hardware is original and stock, the chrome very well preserved; the nickel pickguard bracket shows tarnish, which is why Gibson went to chrome in the first place.
The frets are original showing some very light wear in the lower positions. This guitar is an excellent player, simply one of the nicest "Trinis" we have ever had. It loves in the original longer universal version of the 1960s Gibson black, yellow-lined hard shell case which also fits an EB-2 bass and ES-335 12 string. The original hang tag with the matching serial number, Sonomatic string tag, "Professional Action" tag and case key envelope are still in the pocket. Basically this looks like a second-hand guitar you would see on a shop wall around 1968, probably just traded back in on a new Les Paul! Overall Excellent + Condition.
