First introduced in 1955, the Byrdland was a collaboration between Billy Byrd and Hank Garland, hence the name. Both were top players of their time- Byrd was best known for playing lead guitar with Ernest Tubb and the Texas Troubadours while Garland was a Nashville session guitarist featured on many of Elvis Presley's biggest hits. The model was Gibson's first ever thinline hollowbody electric guitar and it featured a short scale, 23.5", neck and two "staple" alnico pickups. It was a very expensive guitar at the time, retailing for $590 plus $52.50 for the case. For reference, a goldtop Les Paul from the same year sold for less than half the price at $247.50!  The short scale length allows you to play chord voicings that would not otherwise be possible on a standard guitar. It comes complete with the original brown and pink lined Lifton case. It is in original condition with just a spot of finish drop fill on the top between the pickups. The frets are original with some light wear in the first position but still plays cleanly up the neck with low action. Overall this is a great piece of Gibson electric guitar history perfect for playing western swing and early rock n' roll.