Introduced in the early 1990s to mark the rebirth of Gibson's acoustic mastery at the then-new Bozeman, Montana facility, the Starburst series is one of the most visually arresting designs in the company's modern history. Designed by luthier Ren Ferguson, the top-tier "Elite" model was built in strictly limited numbers, seamlessly blending striking "stage-ready" aesthetics with innovative, feedback-resistant engineering.
The Starburst Elite is constructed entirely from premium, highly figured maple. This particular 1993 example features a gorgeous solid quilted maple top paired with a solid flame maple back and sides.This choice of tonewood gives the guitar a beautifully crisp, articulate, and focused voice that cuts through a live mix with exceptional clarity, completely bypassing the muddy low-end rumble that often plagues larger acoustics when amplified.
True to its "Elite" designation, the guitar boasts an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. It features full multi-ply binding on the top, back, neck, and headstock, alongside a bound ebony fingerboard and an ebony bridge. The guitar's namesake is showcased through more than 30 intricate mother-of-pearl "star" inlays cascading down the fretboard and adorning the bridge and headstock. It comes factory-equipped with an undersaddle piezo pickup and a subtle frame-mounted preamp near the neck heel, making it an absolute powerhouse for the performing musician.
This 1993 model is in excellent condition, showing only light surface swirling, some minor marks and minor gold plating wear on the tuners consistent with its age.
Supplied with the original Gibson acoustic hardshell case.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
