Description

Gibson Custom Shop ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature Prototype #002

For your consideration, here’s a truly special and one of a kind piece of history. Owned by Sammy Sanchez, a 2002 Gibson Custom Shop ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature Prototype Serial #002 in Excellent condition, with its original case, case candy, Certificate of Authenticity, and Larry Carlton leather strap, photos and memorabilia

In case you might not know, Sammy Sanches is a well known Guitar Tech guru and luthier. For several decades he has worked for some of the most influential guitar players and artists such as Santana, ZZ Top, Slash, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Harper, Toto, Keb Mo, Bonnie Raitt, George Benson and Larry Carlton just to name a few…When not on tour he works at his shop as luthier and taking care of some of their instruments.

This Prototype #002 is the result of +30 years working alongside Larry Carlton and the Gibson Custom Shop. Gibson meticulously recreated Larry’s 1968 ES-335 in Vintage Burst. As Larry’s longtime guitar tech, they asked Sammy to work as a consultant. After months of crafting and refining, Gibson presented two prototypes. Number 001 was given to Larry and #002 to Sammy.

These are markedly more accurate to the original than the production models, the Gibson Custom ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature or “MR335”. Years ago, Larry asked Sammy to re-fret his original ’68 ES-335. In order to do that, he had to level the fretboard which caused some of the block inlays on the higher frets to pop out.  Upon Larry’s approval, he replaced the original plastic inlays with real pearl. When Gibson inspected Larry’s original, they discovered the pearl inlays and therefore used pearl inlays as well over the entire fretboard. These two prototypes are the only models to feature pearl inlays, unlike plastic on the production guitars.

According to Sammy, Larry wasn’t quite happy with the neck profile on these prototypes, so he worked hard on his #002, sanding it to make it exactly as Larry wanted it (neck thicknesss at 1st Fret is .790″ and at 12th fret .910″, nut width is 1.67”).

Definitely this guitar is extremely unique. You can check the Gibson Certificate, body stamp and inspection tag where you can confirm this is a one off instrument. Plus, included with the guitar there’s a Letter signed by Sammy Sanchez.

This guitar is ideal for a someone looking to get a highly collectible piece of gear that has a valuable history.

It ships out professionally packed and insured, or personal delivery depending on the area within the United States. Local Pickup in LA is available.

International buyers please get in touch first about shipping.