Gibson ES-Artist Custom Shop 1983 – Vintage Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Left Handed Strung RIghty

No sales tax for customers outside California.

This 1983 Gibson ES-Artist Custom Shop is a rare and highly collectible semi-hollow electric guitar from Gibson’s early ’80s Custom Shop era.

This example is in beautiful cosmetic condition and is fully functional with a straight neck, original frets that are in excellent shape, and looks that kill.

The original Shaw humbuckers have had the covers taken off and put back on - the solders look altered anyway.  The rest of the electronics are original and have not been altered.

The nut has been swapped out for one that is set up for right-handed play.  The stock bridge nicely allows for this with no alteration.  The guitar could be made to play for a lefty with a new nut and a quick setup.

The original tuning machines are the coveted set with levers built in that act as stringwinders.  This is the best thing that ever happened to tuning machines.  

The original case has a changed handle.

Built with meticulous craftsmanship, this ES-Artist combines the classic tones of the ES-335 family with unique features that set it apart, including Gibson’s active electronics of the time and Custom Shop-level appointments.

With its elegant body design, smooth playability, and rich tonal palette, this ES-Artist is perfect for players who appreciate the balance of warm semi-hollow resonance and versatile tonal shaping. Whether you’re a jazz player seeking clarity, a blues guitarist craving sustain, or a collector looking for a distinctive Gibson from the Custom Shop’s early years, this 1983 ES-Artist delivers.

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every instrument is fully vetted, photographed in detail, and professionally set up so you can buy with confidence. This ES-Artist offers vintage Gibson heritage at a fraction of the cost of earlier models, while still delivering premium craftsmanship and tone.

Explore more rare and vintage guitars in our collections:

• Gibson Guitars

• Vintage and Used Amplifiers

• Fender Guitars

Specs:

• Color: Sunburst
• Weight: 9lbs 5oz
• Top: Maple
• Body: Maple
  
• Neck: Maple
  
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Inlays: Pearl Dot
• Frets: Original
• Fret Count: 22
• Nut: Brass, replaced to be strung rt handed?
• Nut width: 1-11/16"
• Radius: 12"
• Scale: 24.75"
• Neck thickness at 1st fret: .83"
• Neck thickness at 12th fret: .98"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
• Overall Length: 41-1/2"
• Lower bout: 16-1/4"
• Waist: 9-3/8"
• Upper bout: 11-5/8"
• Body depth/thickness outside edge: 1-3/4"
• String gauge: 10-46
• Hardware Color: Gold
  
• Bridge Pickup/Brand: Gibson "Pat. No."
  
• Pickup Original?: Yes
• Neck Pickup/Brand: Gibson "Pat. No."
  
• Pickup Original?: Yes
• Pickguard: Missing
• Bridge: Original
• Tuners: Original speedwinders
• Knobs: Original
• Switch: 3 Way Pickup selector + Electronics designed by Robert Moog, compressor, expander, and bright boost, accessible through mini switches. Takes 9v battery. 
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Case: OHSC, replaced handle
• Notes:

Shipping policy:

There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.