Gibson Pat Martino Custom Signature Caramel Flame Top 2002

A superb and very rare 2002 Gibson Custom Shop Pat Martino Custom in Caramel Brown, built to the exacting standards of Gibson’s Nashville Custom Shop and inspired by the legendary jazz guitarist’s highly refined personal specifications. 

Combining the warmth and resonance of a semi-hollow construction with the sleek feel and sustain of a solid body instrument, this is an exceptionally versatile and beautifully crafted guitar.

Sharing some visual DNA with the later ES-Les Paul Custom models, smaller than a 335 and slightly wider than a Les Paul. The Pat Martino Custom features a compact semi-hollow body with a carved AAA figured maple top, the Mahogany body is also carved with a centre block construction and elegant multi-ply binding throughout. This example is the "Custom" model which featured gold hardwear.

The rich Caramel Brown finish perfectly complements the highly figured flame top gold hardware and ebony fingerboard. Gibson moved away from the "open book" headstock design with this sleek peg head in order to give the strings a straight run from the top nut to the machine head posts, presumably to aid tuning stability.

This example is a fantastic player with a wonderfully responsive feel. We have given it a full workshop setup and it is currently fitted with flat wound strings. The neck is straight, the truss rod functions exactly as it should and the action is set low and comfortable without sacrificing clarity or sustain.

Weighing just 8.65 lbs, it is also remarkably lightweight for a Custom Shop semi-hollow, making it an effortless instrument for extended playing sessions.

Tonally, the pair of Gibson ’57 Classic humbuckers are an ideal match for the model, delivering warm vintage character with exceptional articulation and balance. From smooth jazz cleans to rich blues and classic rock tones, this guitar responds beautifully across a wide dynamic range.

Condition is excellent overall. There are no major scratches, dents or notable imperfections, only some light surface swirling to the clear coat finish visible under close inspection. The back remains impressively clean while the gold hardware has held up well, super shiny and nice on the eye.

The binding remains in excellent condition throughout, The ebony fingerboard is immaculate with no blemishes, and the frets show virtually no wear at all and they are nicely crowned and polished, strongly suggesting the guitar has seen only minimal use over the years.

A highly desirable and comparatively rare Custom Shop model classic Gibson jazz tone in one refined package.

Sold with its original Custom Shop case and certificate of authenticity.