Richie Sambora’s 1959 212T Epiphone Sheraton

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This is a Super Rare 1959 212T Epiphone Sheraton owned and used by Richie Sambora. Made in Gibson’s Kalamazoo factory alongside the classic ES-335/345/355, it shares the same body and neck design and overall semi-hollow concept. It has the earlier New York made hardware from Epiphone’s line, such as the gold plated single coil pickups, art deco inspired knobs, and the fancy bindings and inlays from Epi’s top of the line models, and a unique sunburst shading. Only 43 of these sunburst Sheratons were made in 1959 (compared to 521 sunburst Gibson ES-335TDs), making this one of Gibson and Epiphone’s rarest and fanciest models! It is in near mint condition, with new-looking original gold plating to the metal parts, close to new paintwork, and no fret wear. It clearly has only been carefully handled and played a few times since new. There is a small screw hole from a strap button on the rear of the headstock, presumably fitted when new as an alternative strap mounting. It is hardly noticeable as it is in the dark strip of wood and could easily be restored. Richie used it as a home/studio guitar rather than a beat it up live guitar. Richie also had pictures taken with the guitar a few years ago, and also signed the back of the headstock. It comes in the original clean Epiphone grey case. This is one very rare and very clean museum-quality guitar. Perhaps the cleanest surviving example of this model. And also a small, yet important, footnote in rock history. Detailed photos available.