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1935 Gibson Carson Robison 1201
FON 21-A. Built for Montgomery Ward’s, the 1201 Carson Robison was essentially the same instrument as the Kalamazoo KG-11, and featured that model’s shorter body and 14 fret standard scale neck. This example is in unused and perfect condition; its only flaws being a few small dings on the top, and some very light scratches on the back. It is completely and totally original and unmodified (well, the strings are new, and the saddle has been lowered a bit). There are no cracks, repairs, or issues, and the tuners and frets are pretty much unworn. The guitar has been expertly set up in our shop and plays well with standard 5-7 64ths action, although the strings cannot really be lowered any further. It’s a surprisingly loud and open little guitar, with more body, bass response, and resonance than you’d typically expect to hear in a small ladder-braced guitar. The neck is identical to a mid 1930’s L-00 neck in feel, with a soft V profile and 1-3/4” nut. Have a peek at the catalog photo provided, too. This one is a great little vintage Gibson that won’t break the bank, just as it was back in 1935.
With original Geib Challenge Case
US $1250
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1943 Gibson Southern Jumbo
FON 2981-14. A thunderous Banner SJ. This one has the tone that has come to define the best spruce-topped banner Gibsons, and it’s easily among the best of them that we’ve ever encountered. It’s a big guitar. Huge projection, a well developed bass response, treble notes that are big and round right up the neck, and a perfect blend of woodiness and definition. It’s a remarkable guitar. 4 piece spruce top, mahogany back and sides, maple and mahogany neck (with truss rod), poplar neck and tail blocks, scalloped braces, individual Kluson tuners, bone nut and saddle. Biggish feeling neck with 1-3/4” nut, rosewood fingerboard, and pearl inlays. Gorgeous sunburst finish and SJ appointments. A couple of old repaired back cracks with localized finish touch-up, a few minor side crack (again all repaired), no top cracks or repairs. Original bridge and bridge plate, perfect top arch. Neck reset and refret done by Folkway back in 2004 are still perfect, and the guitar plays just right. The compensated bone saddle and frets are the only non-original parts on the guitar. If it’s all about tone, this is your guitar.
With newer TKL Deluxe hardshell case
US $7725
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2004 Gibson ES-137CU
Serial # 02054708. The ES-137 Custom features a 16” wide single-cutaway semi-hollow body, Varitone switching, and some really great looks. Laminate curly maple body and neck, tea-burst lacquer finish, pearl inlays on the headstock and neck and a bound headstock. This one was custom ordered with nickel hardware, and the knobs have been tastefully replaced (the originals will be provided). Frets have been replaced, and more recently the guitar has been nicely set up in our shop.
With original hard shell case
US $1999
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1939 Gibson L-00
FON EG-5802. With its nickel plated Kluson tuners and amber buttons, bound top and back, and firestripe pickguard this L-00 is a dashing guitar. But good looks only go so far, we all want our guitars to sound great too, right? Well then, here’s a darn good looking and sounding L-00. And it plays just right, too. It’s been neck setted, the first three frets have been replaced, and the saddle is newer, too. Set up is spot on, and the action is not too high and not too low. Original throughout, but for one replaced tuner and the aforementioned frets and saddle. Repaired center-seam/top crack, and a pair of well repaired top cracks adjacent to the fingerboard. The back has one well repaired crack on the lower bass bout, the sides are crack-free. Top arch is perfect, and the braces are all tight and un-repaired. Bridge has been somewhat shaved in height but was nicely contoured. It’s a lively guitar, with a very well opened up voice. Bass is present, mids aren’t overblown, overpresent or tight, and the trebles are full and powerful. Nice compliment of overtones, but not excessively woody or mushy. A loud guitar with lots of sustain, too. Couple all that with a wide string spacing at the bridge and nut, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful fingerstyle guitar. V neck feels perfect with a nut width of 1-3/4”.
With newer hardshell case
US $4379
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1936-9 EH-100 Set
Steel FON 581-12, Amp serial # 14044. Although not originally bought as a set, this pair of EH-100 Gibsons is a good looking pair. The steel is a first-year issue E-100 (or EH-100, as we like to call them), a student model originally priced at $100. It’s a single knob version, finished in black with a top bound in white and silk-screened logo. It’s been converted to 7 string, and nicely, too. The bridge is an original Gibson 7 string, the nut appears to have been re-cut (and lowered ever so slightly to allow the change), and an additional tuner was installed at the top of the headstock – with the tuner shaft coming out of the ‘b’ in the logo! The headstock was obviously squared off to accommodate the tuner. We can’t say for certain when the conversion was done, but our guess is within a couple years of when the guitar was new. The extra tuner is a 1930’s Grover G-98, and the bridge is an original part. Who knows… it might even have been done at the factory. The volume has been rewired to be a tone (a nice modification), and the knob is not original.
The amp is ’39 model. Original speaker, transformer, and tubes. The power cord has been changed, the back is long-missing, and the handle is an old replacement. It works very well and has that sound – that gritty, warm, low-power old Gibson amp sound.
Available as a pair or separately
US $1149 (for the set)
or
US $699 (Steel)
US $499 (Amp)
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2008 Epiphone Elitist Sheraton
Serial # T806364. The Japan-built Epiphone Elitist Sheraton is a finely built and well spec’d guitar. From its Gibson mini-humbuckers, tailpiece and tune-o-matic bridge, to its perfect frets, bone nut and sunburst finish, this guitar is the finest electric since the early 1960’s to bear the Epiphone brand. It’s unfortunate Gibson discontinued the line. This one is in mint condition and has just been set up in our shop. 1-11/16” nut, low round neck carve, 24.75” scale. A great Jazz or blues guitar.
With original hardshell case
US $1599
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1973 Gibson ES-335TD
Serial # 101356. Here’s a super clean early 70’s 335 with no issues, repairs or modifications. Cherry sunburst top and back, walnut sides and neck, chrome hardware. Neck is fast, frets play well, and the guitar has just been set-up in our shop. Finish is in excellent condition and the guitar is largely unworn.
With original hardshell case
US $3249
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1946 Gibson J-45
No FON. An outstanding J-45, this guitar has trebles that are in perfect balance, and woody but dry midrange, and just the right amount of bass. Nothing flubby or excessively warm going on here, and a perfect snap to the attack – which is quick and susinct. Great with fingers or flat pick, and likely an excellent recording guitar, this one is sure to become one of the most memorable J-45s we’ll have seen.
Completely original but for 1960’s Kluson tuners, bone saddle and newer frets; professional neck set and perfect set up. A few repaired side cracks but no top or back cracks. Original lacquered bridge and maple bridge plate, no internal repairs of any kind. Heavily crazed finish with a fabulous patina, much lacquer missing from the back of the neck. A post-banner guitar with a large round neck and 1-3/4” nut width.
With newer Gibson hard shell case
US $5150 ON HOLD
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1967 Gibson B-25-12 AS-IS
Here’s a late 1960’s B-25 twelve string that’s ready for a bit of TLC. There is a crack along the bass edge of the fingerboard that has allowed the neck to slip forward a few millimeters. The action is high as a result. Apart from the bridge saddle the guitar is original and complete. It is still somewhat playable, but don’t expect to get much past the 3rd fret without the neck reset and crack repair this one needs. Once fixed, this ought to be a great sounding little 12 string guitar.
AS IS
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1978 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe
Serial # 72348521. The Pro Deluxe was offered for only a few years in the late 1970’s. the model was essentially a Les Paul Deluxe but with P-90 pickups, a single-piece mahogany body with maple cap, ebony fingerboard and Schaller tuners. This first year issue is a sizzling guitar, with fat and bright P-90 tone, tones of sustain, and cherry red finish. It was at one time was fitted with a Bigbsy tailpiece, but has since been set up with replacement bridge and tailpiece. There are still screw holes on the bottom of the guitar. Original wiring is intact and works well, setup and fretwork is fine. Replacement truss-rod cover, original tuners, nut, and all plastic. Some belt wear/rash on the back, dings and scratches throughout. Great tone and looks.
With non-original hardshell case
US $1799
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1935 Gibson L-00
FON 1471. An early, lightly built L-00 in excellent condition. No cracks, no repairs other than an in-shop setup and a finger-brace reglue. Completely original with no changed parts or modifications. And it sounds great, too. Light play wear by the pickguard, minor capo wear on the back of the neck, a small spot of belt rash on the back, and an assortment of light dings and scratches. Original frets are largely unworn, just a few minot divots visible in the first position; tuners work well, original bridge pins are in excellent shape. Full-height lacquered bridge, bound top, unbound back. Of particular interest to a 30’s Gibson nut, this L-00 has a ¾” wide “popsicle” brace – it’s unlike any other we’ve encountered. Action set at 5 to 8 64ths, and can be lowered slightly further; although the low E height is limited by the gibson’s angled flat-top bridge design. The guitar plays very nicely as it’s setup, it’s soft V profile is one of the all-time best neck shapes. A punchy and bold little guitar with a good amount of woody midrange and expressive harmonics. Nice volume and projection, and a quick attack that will make a blues fingerpicker delight.
With newer hardshell case
US $5995
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1952 Gibson SJ
FON Z 1681. Here’s a one-owner minty-clean small pickguard Southern Jumbo that was bought new in 1952. Clearly babied since then, this 60 year old guitar is stunning. No playwear, no cracks, perfect neck angle and full saddle height (it must have been stored with the strings slackened), this one is the stuff of vintage guitar dreams. Apart from a set of new Kluson tuners the guitar is factory original. When new, the owner had a DeArmond soundhole pickup installed, complete with its old style thread-on side-mounted jack. The pickup has since been de-soldered, but the jack remains in place; the pickup (also dated 1952) accompanies the guitar. No repairs, no lose braces, no issues… Just a gorgeous, perfect vintage guitar. Scalloped braced top, small pickguard, simple decal headstock logo (the pearl logo and crown didn’t show up for another few years). And how cool is that original rope strap? Round neck carve, with 1-11/16” nut, 24.75” scale. It sings with that classic 50’s Gibson tone – a great songwriting / strumming guitar with a hint of a wry edge to cut through in a jam.
With newer hard shell case
US $5995
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1922 Gibson Style O
Serial # 69926, FON 11633. Gibson’s Style O was originally designed as a Mandolin orchestra rhythm instrument, and the guitar’s looks definitely suit the role – with its scroll and body point, the Style O is quite reminiscent of a 20’s F-4. The highest-end guitar in Gibson’s catalog until the introduction of the Master Model L-5, this Style O was built right around the time the first L-5 guitars. And like the then-new L-5, this Style O features an adjustable truss rod, adjustable bridge, and metal tailpiece. This must be among the last of the Style O’s as the model was dropped from the Gibson catalog around the same time this one was built; however, examples from as late as 1925 exist.
But for a missing pickguard this Style O is completely original and intact. The left and right side tuners are not an exact match, but both sides are definitely original to the guitar. Just about every Style O we’ve ever encountered has a crack through the heel of the neck and adjacent sides, and this guitar is no exception. The crack is well repaired and stable. No other cracks, no repairs. Original pearl nut, frets, bridge, and tailpiece; good top arch, neck angle, and action. It’s a much more richly toned Style O than others we’ve met. Like many round-hole arch-tops, the voice is warm and focused in the mids. But there is a woodiness to this guitar that is not often found in archtops; the treble notes have a very round texture, and the basses are surprisingly expressive. It’s quite a lovely guitar to play, but expect a substantial neck with a thick carve (1.1” deep at the 1st fret) and a 1-7/8” nut.
With original hardshell case
US $6695 REDUCED
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1938 Gibson EH-150D
FON DGE-2966. With 7 and 8 string necks, and matching 7 and 8 string “Charlie Christian” pickups, gorgeous late 30’s looks and appointments, and a super-cool original hard shell case, this doubleneck EH-150 is one of the most fabulous Gibson steels you’re likely to ever encounter! It’s a wonderful sounding and perfectly functional instrument, with strong pickups, and 15 Grover G-98’s that all work! The wiring has been redone to feature a push-pull pot to split the signals from each neck (only one neck is on at a time, so sympathetic ghost notes from the unused neck are eliminated). New pots, and capacitor; original pick-up wiring, and knobs. Nicely repaired crack on the bass-side of the top, no finish issues or repairs; and otherwise completely original. A wonderful addition to your collection!
With original hardshell case
US $3099
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1936-7 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage De Luxe
FON 443C-7. Near-mint, 100% original, and unconverted. This is literally and “under the bed” instrument that arrived here with original strings. Bridge reglued in our shop, no other repairs are necessary apart from a binding separation at the top’s bass waist. An exceptional sounding Hawaiian guitar; we suspect it would be at least as exceptional as standard Spanish-style instrument if converted; quite dry and smooth, with a strong fundamental – but expect it to open up significantly of the next little bit. 12 “fret” neck (there are no frets), 2-1/16” wide nut, Jumbo body tapering from 4-3/4” to 3-7/8”, double unscalloped tone bars, small soundhole (3-13/16”), bound top and back. It’s so clean that there’s really not much more to tell you!
With original fairly worn chipboard case
US $7250
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1967 Gibson J-50
Serial # 100480. A one-owner guitar since 1968, this J-50 has been well used - but well treated - for the last forty or so years. It’s all original and unmodified, and has no cracks or repairs to tell you about. There’s plenty of finish crazing, playwear around the soundhole and neck, and a good assortment of dings and scratches; but nothing worse than that. Frets are showing their age, but the instrument is set-up well. 1967 was the year Gibson necks became quite small, and this guitar has a nutwidth of 1-9/16”. It’s quite comfortable, and plays lightning fast. A lovely sounding instrument, with a thumpy bottom end and round trebles.
with period hardshell case
US $1999
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1955 Gibson ES-175D
Serial # A-21640 FON W1973-31. First shipped in 1953, the ES-175D has proved to be amongst Gibson's most proven and popular instruments. The double pickup ES-175 evolved from the single pickup model which debuted in 1949, and was the first Gibson electric to feature a pointed (Florentine) cut-away. The guitar was immediately successful, and today is regarded by many as the most versatile electric instrument Gibson ever designed. 1955 was a transitional year at Gibson marked by makeovers to many of their instruments - some very slight, and some major (straight braces, larger pickguards, and non-tapered headstocks on acoustics; Electrics saw bonnet knobs, Tune-O-Matic bridges, the Les Paul Special, and the first thin-line electric guitar-the ES-225). This '55 ES-175D is equipped with original bonnet knobs, 20 fret fingerboard (both desirable first year issues), and trapeze tailpiece (final year issue); an interesting mix of original parts, found only on instruments from this particular year.
The guitar is in remarkable condition overall. Its finish is in top shape with very little wear, and - with the exception of its tuners and frets - the instrument is completely original. The setup and playability are great; this guitar will do fast jazz comping nicely, but can be bent deeply on a minor blues. The P-90's are well balanced and strong with DC readings of 7.9 (neck) and 8.2 (bridge) kohms.
The tuners have been changed a few times, and are now correct replacement single Klusons with aged tulip buttons. There are discretely filled screw holes on the back of the headstock from Schallers, and finish impressions around the string posts from the washers. There is also a small filled-in strap button hole on the bass side of the heel.
With original hardshell case
US $5399
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1963 Gibson J-200
Serial # 62641. If you’re into vintage guitars, but don’t like anything that looks old, we have found your guitar! Here is a MINT condition 1963 J-200. We never say that M-word unless we mean it, and we really mean it this time. A finer almost fifty year old guitar you simply will not find. The finish is impeccable and virtually new, no parts have ever been changed, no repairs have been made (other than set-up work in our shop – it had never been adjusted); and the frets are unworn. A strap-button on the heel of the neck and a slightly bent G string tuner knob are this guitar’s only issues, and a minor scratch near the endpin and tiny ding on the corner of the headstock rear are the guitar’s only deviation from newness. It’s that perfect.
If you choose to be the first person to put any wear on this guitar, you’ll be rewarded with an excellent sounding guitar. Bass a plenty, and that perfect warm and strummy J-200 sound. Long-scale neck, with a round carve and 1-11/16” nut.
With original hard shell case
US $9500
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1949 Gibson Super 400
Serial # A-3506, FON 3729. At 18” wide, the Super 400 is the largest guitar ever produced by Gibson. It was introduced in 1934 and redesigned in 1939, but few significant changes have since been made to the venerable Super Four. Introduced at a time when coaxing the most volume from an unamplified guitar was the foundation of new design, the Super 400 sold well despite is lofty price tag. Some of the most iconic Jazz recordings were cut on this model, and today – many decades later – the guitar remains one of the most sought-after archtop models in the vintage market.
This 1949 example is a wonderful sounding guitar in 100% original and unmodified condition. Apart from a small area of playwear on the top and a modest collection of scratches the guitar is in excellent condition. No finish wear on the instrument’s back, very slight wear on the back of the neck; no cracks or repairs. Original tuners work well, nut has never been removed, original frets are evenly worn but useable, pickguard is in excellent condition, as is binding, bridge, and tailpiece. Top arch is good, neck angle is fine. Apart from an added strap-button and a replaced endpin, the guitar is a straight-up as they come. Set-up in-shop with .013” nickel-wound strings the guitar is warm but throaty, with piles of headroom if you choose to dig in. The neck is a fairly fast C profile with a 1-11/16” nut and long scale; rosewood fingerboard typical of this era.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
US $9299
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1950 Gibson F-12
Serial # A 4717. FON 9841. An exquisitely well preserved F-12. This mandolin is completely original and unmodified, 100% intact, and in excellent playing condition. Rare to find one of these instrument in such fine shape that’s not been converted to an F-5! Carved figured maple and Sitka Spruce, longneck design, adjustable ebony bridge, rosewood dot-neck fingerboard, gold hardware. Finish is in excellent condition, as is the body but for 1” of back seam separation by the tailpiece. Warm and chunky tone, perfect setup. A remarkable instrument.
With original hardshell case in similar condition, with original key.
On consignment
US $4899
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1948 National 1160 / Gibson LG-3
Serial # V9147. The National 1160 is, essentially, a Gibson LG-3 with a different headstock, pickguard, and bridge. The model was offered between 1947 and 1951, but it is unknown how many of these were built. Gibson shipping totals do not specify how many instruments were supplied to National. What is known is that the LG-2 out-produced the natural-finish LG-3 by a 3-to-1 ratio, and not very many of them were sent westward to Chicago for National branding. The guitar pictured here is nearly 60 years old, and is in remarkably fine condition minus a cleanly repaired minor endpin-crack (mostly invisible from the outside of the guitar). Its LG-3 body is built from Sitka Spruce and mahogany, with scalloped bracing, a small rectangular Brazilian rosewood bridge, and 3-ply counter-top faux-mahogany grained pickguard (really quite avant-garde for 1948). Its neck is very obviously a Gibson build, with a war-time Banner shape, and no truss-rod. It's a big neck. It has a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with pearl dots, and a bone nut measuring 1-3/4" wide. The bridge is a replacement built in our shop - the original's saddle was located improperly, and was made from a sub-standard piece of rosewood, but we'll include it with the guitar. The guitar has had a professional neck reset, and plays very comfortably with action of 5 to 7 64ths. Original finish, tuners, nut, and frets. Loud, warm and punchy, it's an LG-3 after all, and a good one at that.
With period brown alligator case
US $2495
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c. 1937 Gibson HG-00
FON 3328-17. Certainly among the finest examples of the 1930's HG-00 in existence, this guitar's condition is nothing short of miraculous. This one obviously remained unused through the years, likely thanks to the original Hawaiian set up that it arrived at Folkway with some time ago. Our repair department has just completed converting the instrument to Spanish style; a modification that includes resetting the neck, repositioning the saddle for proper intonation, and replacement of the original high nut. The workmanship is befitting of the guitar's condition, we're proud to admit, right down to the aged replica bone nut and saddle carved and installed. And for or posterity sake, we'll provide the guitar's original high nut, saddle and un-worn frets to its new owner.
Without any cracks, finish issues, loose braces, or repairs the guitar is flawless in every way. There is no wear on the gears of the original brass Grover tuning machines; there is no pickwear, there is no case-rash, the bridge has never been shaved, and the bridge plate is unworn. The only reason we replaced the original frets was to deal with excessive neck relief - and we even toyed with the idea of reinstalling the original frets! Yes, this is definitely THAT kind of guitar.
The HG-00 was a 12-fret L-00 with a wide 1-7/8" nut and no truss rod. They were built slightly heavier than their Spanish equivalent (L-00), but are quite lightly built by today's standards . Compared to an L-00 of similar vintage, expect a more pronounced mid-range, and likely a bit more headroom from this HG. It is a perfect choice for ragtime, or any one of your favorite John Hurt tunes... The guitar is currently set up with light strings and an action of 4 to 7 6ths at the 12th fret. The V neck isn't small, but if you're into wide necked guitars you'll surely love the way this one feels.
With original chipboard case
US $4999
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1961-2 Gibson SG Special
Serial # 50302. We're calling this one a '61-'62 Special because the serial number dates to 1962, but all the components and design elements are 1961 specific; and it makes a big difference. The pot codes date to the 40th week of '61. The wrap around bridge is nickel-plated lightweight aluminum - without compensation ridges, and the neck joint transition is smoothly feathered - these are all features that differentiate the '61 models from those a year younger. Why this guitar has a 1962 serial number is a mystery, as it is clearly a 1961 model. The instrument is a one-owner guitar, and in completely original condition. All solder joints are intact, as are the original tuning machines, truss-rod cover, nut, frets, pickguard, P-90 pickups, knobs, and finish. There is a spot of wear by the output jack and a small chip in the headstock that was glued back on in 1962. The neck is in great shape - no cracks at the body or headstock, good angle, and original frets with not too much wear. The set up is excellent, and the guitar plays fast and smooth. The '61 neck carve was wide and thin (1-11/16" at the nut), and built for fast lead work. The P-90's are strong, and measure 8.1 kOhms (neck), and 7.8 kOhms (bridge). The cherry finish has strong color, and is in great condition throughout; a few dings as scratches here and there, but nothing excessive, save for the aforementioned wear by the jack. It's a dream to play, and sounds incredible. Weighing in at a svelte 5.9 pounds total, you'd be hard pressed to find a lighter and more resonant SG.
With non-original case (he threw out the chipboard case years ago!)
US $6199
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Calton Cases
There is no commercially available case that will protect your instrument better than a Calton. They cost an awful lot, and they're worth every penny. They also can now be ordered directly through Folkway Music. We usually have standard model cases in stock (Martin D or OM, for example), but are happy to help ease the process of ordering a custom-fitted Calton for your instrument. Many color choices and combinations are available, and any instrument - no matter how bizarre - can be successfully fitted. Please call for a quote.
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1952 Gibson J-200
Serial # A-10228, FON 9733-18. A stunning restored J-200. Perfectly repaired, and likely Gibson factory work, this J-200 is an exceptionally fine instrument. Big and balanced voice, excellent playability and gorgeous to look at thanks to a spectacular Cremona sunburst finish, showy maple, and the J-200 esthetic. Professionally retopped, but original bindings and rosette appear to have been reused; Brazilian rosewood bridge may be original 1952 issue or a very convincing reproduction. Celluloid pickguard is a modern replacement – the original cracked and warped pickguard accompanies the guitar. Original fingerboard has been refretted and rebound, new bone nut, new Kluson tuners. Original neck, back and sides and associated bracing, inlays, label, and truss rod cover. Neck angle is perfect, and we assume the neck was reset during the restoration. A few repaired back cracks, no side or top cracks. Sort of a combination of a 1950’s guitar and a modern J-200, this one is a dream “player’s” instrument – it’s got the neck, feel, and most of the tone of an original 1952, but at a fraction of the price. 25.4’ Scale, 1-11/16” nut.
With hardshell case
SOLD
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1939 Gibson J-55
FON 808F, FA-5149 on headstock rear. Built between 1939 and 1942, the J-55 is among the rarest of Gibson’s Jumbo-bodied flat tops. The model appears to have replaced the poor-selling Advanced Jumbo at the onset of WWII, only to be discontinued three years and some 300 instruments later. Like the AJ, the J-55 occupied the top of the Jumbo-body pricelist and was adorned to reflect its price tag of $20 more than the popular J-35. The very first J-55’s featured a long-scale, and the “stairstep” headstock and moustache bridge you’ll see in the photos of this late 1939 (or possibly early 1940) example.
Mahogany back and sides, Red spruce top with two unscalloped tone bars, Cremona sunburst top finish, Coffewood fingerboard and bridge, firestripe pickguard, Kluson tuners. Professionally neck setted, original frets, bone nut, bridge pins. New bone saddle, replacement tuner buttons. Long-ago repaired pickguard crack, three repaired back cracks, a few minor side cracks, and a repaired hairline crack through the bridge-pin holes. Original finish is intact throughout, some minor drop-fill color touch-up along the crack at the pickguard margin. Top is in excellent shape, no damaged or repaired braces, original bridgeplate is intact and in fine condition. The guitar plays fabulously. C-profile neck, 1-3/4” nut width. With its long scale length and bracing layout, this guitar was designed to compete with Martin’s D-18. Tonally, this guitar has more focus, headroom and powerful fundamental presence than a similarly aged J-35; but, relative to a wartime D-18, there’s no mistaking that it’s a Gibson!
With newer TKL Deluxe HSC.
SOLD
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1963 Gibson Southern Jumbo
“I took the strings off in around 1980 so that the kids wouldn’t play it, they scratched up my other one pretty good.”
Serial #168980. This guitar arrived here this week with its original owner, and his wife. She bought the guitar brand new for $250, paying for it $5 at a time, until she was able to take it home to surprise her then-new husband. The guitar was prized and babied, but ultimately shelved some 30 years ago, with the strings off. It is crazy-clean, completely original, unworn, and perfect. No repairs, no cracks, no top warpage. An early square shoulder SJ, this guitar is braced lightly and well; the bridge plate is small and single-ply maple. Thin celluloid pickguard is not cupping, original plastic bridge is in excellent condition, pins are unworn. Kluson single-line tuners with original buttons, nut width just shy of 1-11/16”, excellent neck angle, frets, and in-shop set-up. That all is reason enough to buy this guitar, surely, but the icing on this particular cake is what this one sounds like. We didn’t expect it. Not with a plastic bridge, for sure. This guitar has that Perfect 1960’s Gibson tone; it’s thumpy without being flabby., super-warm, but still articulate, and exceptionally present. It is tough to admit this (as an admitted 1930’s Gibson nut) but this really is a great sounding guitar. And you won’t find a cleaner one anywhere.
With original hang tag and original chipboard case
SOLD
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