In the late-'50s, Gibson begin experimenting with innovative semi-hollow designs, and since then thinline, double-cutaway semi-hollow guitars have become iconic. But with models like the Midtown Deluxe, Gibson continues to push the semi-hollow concept further and create new tools of expression.
The Midtown Deluxe mimics the shape of an ES-335, but it has a flat top and it's slightly narrower, too—15" across the lower bout instead of 16". The flat top and back make the Midtown feel more like a smaller, manageable solid-body guitar. With a gorgeous Curly Maple top and Mahogany back, the construction is almost like a Les Paul. But of course, the Midtown Deluxe is chambered to be semi-hollow with f-holes, more like the classic Gibson ES series. It produces rich, warm tone with enhanced sustain, and the maple top adds clarity and articulation like a solid-body guitar.
This Gibson Midtown Deluxe was made in 2016, and it features the Root Beer finish with Chrome hardware and Pearl Block inlays on the fingerboard. This Midtown Deluxe was owned and used professionally by Drew Emmitt of Leftover Salmon. Drew prefers no finish on the back of the neck, so this one has had the "Speed Neck" treatment. The bare mahogany on the back of the neck feels smooth and familiar. With Medium Jumbo frets and a 1.685" bone nut, this Midtown Deluxe plays fast and easy with low action and a great set up.
On a strap, this 2015 Gibson Midtown Deluxe feels balanced and manageable. It weighs in at 8 lbs and 12.5 oz. The Grover Rotomatic Locking Tuners keep the tuning stable so you can rock out, and the Burstbucker pickups deliver authentic Gibson PAF tones. This 2016 Gibson Midtown Deluxe includes its original Gibson case. It shows some minor signs of play and use (see photos - the worst are some dings on the top, near the center seam), but it's pretty clean for a stage-used guitar. There are drill holes from the old pickguard, but no pickguard is included.