Gibson sunburst?

[jim simpson]

Spotted this 1969 F-12 Gibson in the classifieds. Did Gibson really do this sunburst?

[rcc56]

No.

[allenhopkins]

I guess this is a subset of "reptile dentistry" -- "reptile cosmetics?"

Definitely a candidate for "worst sunburst" ever.

[Richard500]

Now if they had also redone the FB in MOTS, we could call it an American Standard.

[MontanaMatt]

That looks like the guy who only put on a dollop of sunscreen then fell asleep by the pool!

[Joe Bartl]

I kinda like it. Reminds me of the sun in Key West, just before it sinks into the water.

[Ray(T)]

Hang on a minute! The light patch isn’t only on the mandolin top but you can also see it on the strings which suggests to me that it’s a lighting issue. I suspect that the photo’ was lit with a spotlight.

[jim simpson]

Here are more photos of the F-12. It seems like the sunburst is consistent in all photos.
I always liked the Gibson sunbursts, this one, not so much.

[Mandolin Cafe]

Different example of Gibson's fine work.

[jim simpson]

Ugh!

[MikeEdgerton]

Ugh!

This is a rough crowd. Who doesn't love Gumby?

[Charles E.]

Here are more photos of the F-12. It seems like the sunburst is consistent in all photos.
I always liked the Gibson sunbursts, this one, not so much.

The Gibson "Egg-5" over easy.

[Bazz Jass]

Different example of Gibson's fine work.

At least they got the sunburst right on that one!

[Timbofood]

Hey, it was the guys first day! Someone told him lighter in the middle and dark at the edge, he did that.
Granted not very artistically but, it’s like Ohio round on the ends and hi in the middle.

[KCNelson]

Different example of Gibson's fine work.

Talk about phoning in a design. I wonder how many people were involved in signing off on this abomination?
I'm surprised they didn't put a whammy bar on it.

[MontanaMatt]

Kinda this style

[FredK]

[Bazz Jass]

I wonder how many people were involved in signing off on this abomination?

You mean apart from Walt Disney?

[allenhopkins]

...I'm surprised they didn't put a whammy bar on it.

Maybe that's why they took off the tailpiece cover -- then the customer either ran out of money, or reclaimed the instrument, intending to excise the "Gibson" from the headstock with a penknife, a la Mr. Monroe.