1989 Gibson Showcase Edition U-2
Under the bed Collector find* A true time capsule piece. It's like walking into a store 20 years ago and seeing this beauty hanging up, brand new. This is one of Gibson's "Showcase Edition" which were limited to only 200 pieces of each model, with 9 different models in total, with the defining characteristics being a custom color and different pickups. In the case of this U-2, it's a Silver Pearl finish with OBL pickups, all humbuckers. The switching options are many (controls), with an on/off for each pickup and a push/push volume knob to switch each to single coil. The remaining switch is a "lead switch"; just flick it and you're at the bridge humbucker straight to the output jack; not even the tone control is in the circuit in this setting. Every setting on this guitar sounds fantastic which isn't surprising since OBL's were among the elite in pickups in the 80's, along with Ultrasonics and EMG's. The U-2 is Gibson's SuperStrat with the appropriate offset waist body, arm and belly contours, dot inlays, and 6/side headstock. This one is among the best playing Super Strats I've had, with a comfortable medium neck, nicely rounded in back, and a sleek Ebony fretboard. It features a top of the line double-locking tremolo system, identical to the Original Floyd Rose - German made by Schaller - only difference is it's stamped "Gibson" instead of Floyd Rose. Access to the top frets is easy with a deep cutaway and well-rounded thin heel (pic). Craftsmanship is fantastic. When is the last time you saw an 80's/90's Gibson without any milky finish or frets popping through on the fretboard edge - this finish is perfect (see pic). Includes original brown case with pink lining and blanket, as well as certificate and original warranty card from Wurlitzer Music. If you're a collector of Showcase Editions, or just want a killer rock/metal guitar, this one is perhaps the cleanest on the planet. 2008 is the 20th Anniversary of these Showcase editions.
