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Average Price: $4,783

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$500

$1201+

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Description

The Gibson Tal Farlow is a tribute to the jazz virtuoso himself, combining elegance and performance in a semi-hollowbody electric guitar. Originally introduced in 1962, this model showcases a unique blend of aesthetic features and technical prowess. The trademark faux-scroll rounded cutaway—a hallmark of Farlow's own design—sets this instrument apart, offering a visual nod to the classic mandolin scroll. Complemented by the upside-down J-200 fingerboard inlays and the double-crown headstock inlays, the Tal Farlow is a feast for the eyes as much as it is a delight to play.

Crafted by Gibson's Custom Shop, the Tal Farlow maintains the authentic design down to the smallest details. This full-sized archtop, with a width of 17 inches and a comfortable depth of 3 inches, provides a rich acoustic resonance. The ES rounded neck profile, with a 25-1/2" scale length, ensures smooth playability, favored by jazz professionals for its precision and comfort.

For those seeking a guitar that marries acoustic warmth with electric versatility, the Tal Farlow is fully equipped. It features two humbucking pickups with individual volume and tone controls, allowing for a dynamic range of sounds. The floating rosewood bridge base with an ABR-1 tune-o-matic bridge offers excellent sustain and precise intonation adjustments.

This rare signature model is not just an instrument; it's a piece of history, complete with a Gibson Custom case and certificate of authenticity.

Key Features:

  • Full-sized archtop with 17" width and 3" depth
  • Trademark faux-scroll rounded cutaway
  • Upside-down J-200 fingerboard inlays
  • ES rounded neck profile, 25-1/2" scale length
  • Two humbucking pickups with individual volume and tone controls
  • Floating rosewood bridge base with ABR-1 tune-o-matic bridge
  • Comes with Gibson Custom case and certificate of authenticity

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Tal Farlow
Finish Natural, Sunburst, Viceroy Brown, Wine Red
Year 1986 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Tal Farlow
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson Tal Farlow best suited for?

The Gibson Tal Farlow is ideal for jazz music, thanks to its warm, resonant tone and classic hollow body design, which provides the rich sound characteristics favored in jazz guitar playing.

What kind of pickups does the Gibson Tal Farlow have?

The Gibson Tal Farlow is equipped with Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker pickups, known for their vintage-inspired tone and ability to deliver warm, smooth sounds with excellent clarity.

How does the neck of the Gibson Tal Farlow feel for playability?

The Gibson Tal Farlow features a maple neck with a set-neck construction, offering a comfortable feel and smooth playability, which is ideal for intricate jazz chord progressions and solos.

Is the Gibson Tal Farlow suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Tal Farlow is suitable for live performances, especially in jazz settings, due to its robust construction, quality electronics, and the included Gibson hardshell case for protection during transport.

What are the standout design features of the Gibson Tal Farlow?

The Gibson Tal Farlow boasts unique design features such as "Scroll" purfling inlay at the cutaway, upside-down Mother of Pearl SJ200 fingerboard inlays, and a distinctive "Double Crown" headstock inlay, adding to its visual appeal.

Jakub Żołubak

Jakub Żołubak

Gibson Tal Farlow vs Telecaster - Darn That Dream

Video thumbnail for Gibson Tal Farlow vs Telecaster - Darn That Dream by Jakub Żołubak

Gibson Tal Farlow vs Telecaster - Darn That Dream

Jakub Żołubak

Jakub Żołubak

Video thumbnail for Gibson Tal Farlow Hollowbody Electric Guitar Viceroy Brown by Musician's Friend

Gibson Tal Farlow Hollowbody Electric Guitar Viceroy Brown

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop Tal Farlow Historic Archtop Demo - MusicStoreLive.com by MusicStoreLive.com

Gibson Custom Shop Tal Farlow Historic Archtop Demo - MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for 1963 Gibson Tal Farlow by Emerald City Guitars

1963 Gibson Tal Farlow

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson Tal Farlow Sunburst by Albert's Rare & Vintage Guitars Collection

1964 Gibson Tal Farlow Sunburst

Albert's Rare & Vintage Guitars Collection

Albert's Rare & Vintage Guitars Collection

Video thumbnail for 1967 Gibson Tal Farlow by Gruhn Guitars

1967 Gibson Tal Farlow

Gruhn Guitars

Gruhn Guitars

Video thumbnail for 2000 Gibson Tal Farlow, All Maple by Dream Guitars

2000 Gibson Tal Farlow, All Maple

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1995 Gibson Custom Shop Tal Farlow - That Rhythm Man Guitars by That Rhythm Man Guitars

1995 Gibson Custom Shop Tal Farlow - That Rhythm Man Guitars

That Rhythm Man Guitars

That Rhythm Man Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Tal Farlow #100267 by NCK Guitars

Gibson Tal Farlow #100267

NCK Guitars

NCK Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Tal Farlow.

Build quality

  • Early models may feature embossed pickup covers, potentially indicating a super early build or later modifications.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some owners note the guitar's impressive sustain and warm cleans, making it ideal for recordings with minimal feedback on distortion.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for non-gigging environments, this guitar shines in home settings and recording studios.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to consider separate instrument insurance, as homeowners policies might not be sufficient for valuable vintage guitars.

    Source
  • A backward bridge installation was noted in some cases, highlighting the importance of careful restringing and setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 1996 Gibson Tal Farlow reissue is praised for its distinctive "thunk," rivaling the classic Gibson laminated archtop sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report Tal Farlow guitars, even reissues, as exceptional instruments with enduring value and appeal.

    Source

Other

  • Tal Farlow's unique chord shapes, learned by ear, contribute to the guitar's appeal for jazz enthusiasts seeking authentic jazz tones.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Tal Farlow | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Gibson Tal Farlow, a professional-grade guitar inspired by the ES-350, shines with its 17-inch width, laminated maple build, and distinctive Venetian cutaway. With attention to detail, from tiger-striped woods to the unique four-point pickguard, it stands out in craftsmanship. Despite its mild commercial success due to the changing era of guitar preferences and Tal Farlow's retirement, it remains a prized collector's item today as the rarest of Gibson's '60s archtop models. While its production was limited, this guitar's reissue in 1993 speaks to its enduring appeal among enthusiasts.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ryan Adams uses Gibson Tal Farlow

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Whiskeytown

...
Verified via Bbc

According to the booklet of his 2005 album "Cold Roses" and this BBC article Adams used a Gibson Tal Farlow on that record.

See how Tal Farlow uses Gibson Tal Farlow

Tal Farlow

Guitarist

Great Guitars

...
Verified via Gettyimages

Tal Farlow with his Gibson guitar model.

See how Duke Robillard uses Gibson Tal Farlow

Duke Robillard

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Gibson Tal Farlow reissue This Tuxedo Black guitar is used in the studio and on stage. “I love the sound of the big archtops,” Duke says. “And because this one has a laminated top, it’s a good stage guitar.”

Album Usage

The Gibson Tal Farlow has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Tal Farlow, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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