Introduction
Gibson Custom is known for its meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising vintage accuracy, but it's gone above and beyond the call of duty in creating this one-off guitar in honour of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle - the subject of the film American Sniper.
Based on a 1950s Reissue Les Paul, the guitar features a hand-carved skull and crosshairs, finish with the same camouflage colours as Kyle's Navy SEAL uniform, and perhaps most notably, a 7.62mm bullet shell from one of his missions embedded in the headstock.
A portrait of Kyle also appears on the back of the guitar, as well as a Navy SEAL Trident and a whole lot more… Have a scroll through our gallery for a closer look at this mighty impressive instrument.
The guitar is the work of country artist Tim Montana and Gibson Brands/Gibson Foundation, and will be auctioned online as part of the third annual Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit.
All proceeds will be donated to the Spirit Of A Hero Foundation, and online bids can be made at Charity Buzz. Bidding closes on 6 June.
Back
The rear of the guitar hides a hand-painted portrait of Chris Kyle and a Navy SEAL Trident similar to those pounded into Kyle's casket at his funeral service. That's some serious attention to detail.
Front
A hand-carved skull and crosshairs can be found on the guitar's maple top.
Full
The guitar's top paint has been masked and hand-painted in the same camouflage colours that were on Kyle's Navy SEAL uniform.
Headstock
This 7.62mm bullet shell is one of only three known to exist and was retrieved by a member of Kyle's team during an active firefight.
Neck pickup
You'll find all-gold hardware throughout the guitar, and the neck pickup is engraved with 'Chris Kyle 2016 Memorial Benefit'.
Bridge pickup
A quote in Kyle's digitised handwriting adorns the bridge pickup: “It’s our duty to serve those that serve us”.
