1969 Gibson Byrdland Sunburst Price Drop!

**asnopenheart** · 05-06-2026, 03:03 AM

Back on sale as US customs sent this Guitar back to me as it was on its way to Switzerland to a customer.

Based on my poor experience with shipping internationally, I will only take sales in the US.

The Gibson Byrdland Archtop is very unique due to its short scale. It has a 23.75" scale which makes playing so easy. The shorter scale affects the string tension so it's easier to press down on the strings and keep playing for hours without strain. It's also amazing for people who have arthritis and whose hands get sore from playing guitar.
This Byrdland is mostly stock, except for two bridge saddles, the bridge base, and a replaced wirng harness (the original wiring harness works and will be included) It also currently has aftermarket reflector knobs and I believe the pickguard is a reproduction as well, but am not certain. I have also replaced the pickup covers and will include the original covers though they are quite corroded.
This guitar has been recently refretted and the fingerboard refreshed so it's a joy to play.

It has a mark near the selector switch that appears to be where someone accidently dropped a soldering iron. Other than that it has some nicks and scratches, but in overall great shape, with a beautiful sunburst, great sounding T-top pickups, and a nice full neck (though with the short scale and 1 10/16th nut width). It comes with the original hardshell case.
This guitar has been played quite a bit and so the wood has opened up and the sound is wonderful.

The is the finest jazz guitar I've ever owned and it just a gem, and I love everything about it, including the neck, tone, size etc. It is in solid condition and I would say this Byrdland is perfect for the player who is looking to play this guitar, it is not in pristine collector condition.

If you look at the other listings on Reverb you can see that Byrdland guitars are prized and very expensive. Gibson made some Byrdlands in 2019, 2020 and 2021. I don't think they are currently producing any. I've played a 2021 model and while it was an ok guitar, the finish was very thick, the guitar was heavier and the feel was completely different. This one feels like an old violin. It's light, the Nitro is very light and it has that well played feel to it.

Asking $6800 NOW $6500+ Shipping I believe this is the least expensive Byrdland guitar online.

**Woody Sound** · 05-06-2026, 09:37 AM

Perfect burst.

**asnopenheart** · 05-06-2026, 01:44 PM

Thank you Woody,

this truly is a fabulous Guitar!!!!

**asnopenheart** · 05-06-2026, 01:50 PM

Thank you Woody,

this truly is a fabulous Guitar!!!!

**SOLR** · 05-06-2026, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by asnopenheart

The is the finest jazz guitar I've ever owned and it just a gem, and I love everything about it, including the neck, tone, size etc. It is in solid condition and I would say this Byrdland is perfect for the player who is looking to play this guitar, it is not in pristine collector condition.

Sorry, have to ask, you don't play much Jazz then ?

S

**asnopenheart** · 05-06-2026, 04:28 PM

I've had quite a few arch tops. But It's not my main instrument.

I bought this one due to the short scale as I was having hand issues and it really helped me play for longer periods without getting sore.

**Mick-7** · 05-06-2026, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by asnopenheart

Back on sale as US customs sent this Guitar back to me as it was on its way to Switzerland to a customer.

What happened, if you don't mind saying?

**asnopenheart** · 05-06-2026, 07:25 PM

The guitar went from Arizona to LA and stayed in US customs for a week. The shipping carton was never opened.

it was then shipped back to me without any notice . When it arrived there was a small paper saying that the exemption was incorrect or it was missing an ITN number ( not the harmonized customs code, which I had written on the customs form)

The post office didn't know what that customs note meant. They also refused to refund the $225 postal fee. I told them that the guitar never made it to Switzerland and I should receive a refund.

It was just about the worst customer service that I ever receive.

I refunded my customer 100% of his money and took the loss.

**Mick-7** · 05-06-2026, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by asnopenheart

The post office didn't know what that customs note meant. They also refused to refund the $225 postal fee. I told them that the guitar never made it to Switzerland and I should receive a refund.

That's inexcusable, I'd file a claim on it.

**asnopenheart** · 05-06-2026, 07:42 PM

Thanks Mick-7, I'm going to!

**starjasmine** · 05-07-2026, 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by SOLR

Sorry, have to ask, you don't play much Jazz then ?

S

@SOLR, Whyyyyy would you say that??? This guitar was literally designed by two pre-eminent jazz guitarists: Billy Byrd and Hank Garland. Other famous Byrd players include Russell Malone and Jackie King. The neck is very fast, tone is like buttah, and the short scale (done away with by Gibson as a cost-cutting move IDK exactly when) makes those Johnny Smith stretches a lot easier for mere mortals.

**asnopenheart** · 05-07-2026, 12:18 AM

Not sure what you mean?

I know about the history of the Byrdland, the specs, I've played them. So I familiar with them.

**starjasmine** · 05-07-2026, 12:24 AM

@asnopenheart, sorry if my previous post was unclear; I've edited it now. As the owner of the guitar being sold, I'd expect you to know about it. I was responding to SOLR's assumption that "you don't play much jazz" if you like a Byrd. Which doesn't make sense to me...

**asnopenheart** · 05-07-2026, 01:07 AM

OK, thanks for clearing that up. Yes I did know about the history and that it was made for Billy Byrd and Hank Garland and the fact that it was made to be a guitar that a session guitarist could play all day without getting sore due to the short scale and the narrow nut width.

Truly a great guitar and the new one that I've tried are nowhere near as good as this 1969 model.

**Zack** · 05-07-2026, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by asnopenheart

The guitar went from Arizona to LA and stayed in US customs for a week. The shipping carton was never opened.

it was then shipped back to me without any notice . When it arrived there was a small paper saying that the exemption was incorrect or it was missing an ITN number ( not the harmonized customs code, which I had written on the customs form)

The post office didn't know what that customs note meant. They also refused to refund the $225 postal fee. I told them that the guitar never made it to Switzerland and I should receive a refund.

It was just about the worst customer service that I ever receive.

I refunded my customer 100% of his money and took the loss.

Poor little byrdie ?, this so sad...
I would love to kiss and cuddle it..
What silly monkey was let to come near it and drop a soldering iron on it to scar it like that?!? That is Criminal!!
What happened to its original electronics may I ask?

**asnopenheart** · 05-07-2026, 09:01 AM

That's funny Zak.

I don't know the story of that mark on the top, it doesn't interfere with playing at all.

The original pots are included yet I think they were replaced due to the age. The new pots work great and are smooth. After awhile old pots wear out and this guitar has been played quite a bit ( which is many times a sign of a great guitar).

If you're interested DM me to discuss.

**SOLR** · 05-07-2026, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by starjasmine

@SOLR, Whyyyyy would you say that??? This guitar was literally designed by two pre-eminent jazz guitarists: Billy Byrd and Hank Garland. Other famous Byrd players include Russell Malone and Jackie King. The neck is very fast, tone is like buttah, and the short scale (done away with by Gibson as a cost-cutting move IDK exactly when) makes those Johnny Smith stretches a lot easier for mere mortals.

@ starjasmine, It was out of curiosity as to why would one sell quote "The is the finest jazz guitar I've ever owned and it just a gem, and I love everything about it, including the neck, tone, size etc." (I am well aware of the Byrd/Garland connection)

S

**asnopenheart** · 05-07-2026, 10:43 AM

I'm Selling as I bought the Byrdland due to my sore hands. It has made playing much easier and I think I can go back to a regular scale solid body guitar now.

Im not a traditional jazz player and want to get something that works better for my playing style. ( maybe a guitar with a tremolo)

**asnopenheart** · 05-21-2026, 01:45 AM

To The Top

**JazzNote** · 05-21-2026, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by asnopenheart

Back on sale as US customs sent this Guitar back to me as it was on its way to Switzerland to a customer.

How annoying! Did the US customs give a reason as to why they sent it back?

**asnopenheart** · 05-21-2026, 04:56 PM

They said it was missing an ITN number ? It wasn't the harmonized code as I had included that?

**jazzshrink** · 05-21-2026, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by asnopenheart

They said it was missing an ITN number ? It wasn't the harmonized code as I had included that?

From what I read, an HS Code is an internationally standardized system used to classify physical goods. In contrast, an Internal Transaction Number is a government-issued "proof of filing" receipt that proves to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that the exporter has legally declared the shipment. An INT is required when the value of the item exceeds $2,500.

**asnopenheart** · 05-21-2026, 05:33 PM

Thanks that kind of makes sense. When I was at the post office, I declared that the value was $7082 but then the post office Said the only way it was be able to be shipped as if I signed a form that said The value was under $2500

When I told him I don't think it will go through customs Because of the discrepancy, They said it will and I shipped it.

Then I got it back, I went to the post office and spoke to the same person told them what happened and And they said "well, it's not our fault you didn't have to listen to us" !