1959 Gibson Country Western FON: S8277

1959 Gibson Country Western

Serial / FON: S8277

 BLUE NOTE MUSIC

Certified Vintage Evaluation

PRIMARY AUTHENTICATION

Factory Order Number (FON)

• Expected: “S” prefix (1959 batch)
• Verify: Ink stamp on neck block
• Pass Criteria: Original ink, correct font, no tampering

Method: Inspection mirror + angled light
Reference: Gruhn’s Guide / Gibson FON charts

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Model Verification

• Slope-shoulder dreadnought
• Natural finish (NOT sunburst)
• Matches Southern Jumbo construction (natural variant)

Pass Criteria: No evidence of refinished sunburst

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MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION

Tonewoods

• Sitka spruce top
• Mahogany back & sides
• Rosewood fingerboard & bridge

Method: Grain + pore inspection

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Bracing & Internal Structure

• X-bracing consistent with late ’50s Gibson
• No non-original brace work

Method: Internal mirror inspection

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FINISH & ORIGINALITY

Original Nitrocellulose Finish

• Natural lacquer checking present
• No heavy overspray or polyurethane
• Proper gloss 
• No Filled grain
• Consistent aging

Method: Blacklight inspection

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BRIDGE SYSTEM (CRITICAL)

Bridge Type

• Correct belly-up bridge (1959 spec)

Bridge Plate

• Original small maple plate
• No Modern glue lines
• No Plugged holes

Method: Internal mirror

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NECK & PLAYABILITY

Neck Angle

• Proper geometry (straightedge hits top of bridge)

Neck Reset

• No reset

Pass Criteria: No visible heel gaps or sloppy work

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STRUCTURAL CONDITION

Top Condition

• Check for pickguard cracks (common)

Braces

• No loose or re-glued braces

Bridge Integrity

• No lifting

Method: Tap test + internal inspection

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HARDWARE & COMPONENTS

Tuners

• Period-correct Kluson-style

Saddle / Nut

• Replacement acceptable if properly done

Pickguard

• Correct shape/material for late ’50s Gibson

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NECK PROFILE & SPECS

Nut Width

• Approx. 1 11/16"

Neck Carve

• Rounded late-’50s Gibson profile

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PROVENANCE

Case

• Not the original case. Good quality hard case

Documentation

• No history available

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BLUE NOTE CERTIFICATION STANDARD

“BIG 3” (MANDATORY PASS)

• Correct 1959 FON (S8277 verified)
  Original finish (no heavy overspray/refin)
  Structurally sound (no poor repairs)

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FINAL EVALUATION

Condition Grade: Very Good: Lightly played, minor scratches, light finish checking

Originality Estimate: 100%

Notable Repairs / Mods: None

 

🔵 CERTIFICATION

Certified By (Blue Note): Rick Drevet
Date: 04/21/2026

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✔ BLUE NOTE GUARANTEE

This instrument has been evaluated to meet Blue Note Music’s standards for authenticity, structural integrity, and vintage correctness.

“We don’t just sell vintage instruments — we verify, protect, and stand behind them.”