1978 Gibson Quality / Prestige / Innovation catalog, page 22. Details of the JS (previously known as the Johnny Smith) and Byrdland custom carved acoustic guitars.
Guitars illustrated are the two-pickup JSD in natural finish, and the Byrdland in wine-red. The one-pickup JS is not shown. Not the JS is shown for the first time with 'instant adjustment' jazz tailpiece in place of the 'Johnny Smith' tailpiece used since the models introduction in 1961 - note also that for the first time no mention (beyond his initials) is made of Johnny Smith, whos signature model this was! Compare this image to the one in the previous catalog from 1975, with original tailpiece, and original name.
In the mid 1970s, many Gibson electric acoustic models were offered in a wider range of finishes than the usual Sunburst and Natural. The Byrdland was available additionally in Ebony and Wine Red (as shown here) from 1976 - both looking particular good against the gold hardware.
US zone 1 prices for May 1978: JS $1499, JSD $1549, Byrdland $1469
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