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L-1-0811-main-t
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1937 Gibson L-00
FON 1379C-9. The quintessential late 1930’s L-00. With its raw and forward response, sweet midrange, and ample headroom, this guitar really sounds and reacts the way we expect an L-00 to. It has that perfect V-carved neck, short-scale, and 1-3/4” nut that us vintage Gibson lovers get excited about. And, it’s got just the right amount of patina and one-owner finish wear to appease the mojo gods.

New frets aside, the instrument is 100% original, including bridgepins and full-height saddle. Neck reset and refret by us; bridge and a few back brace ends nicely reglued as well. Two previously glued back cracks were cleated in our shop while the guitar was on the bench. There are no top repairs or issues, and only one minor side crack that was glued many years ago, by the looks of things. Quality repairwork by our shop, with hide glue used exclusively. String action measures 5 to 7 64ths at the 12th fret; buzz-free playability.

This guitar matches the 1934 Catalog description of an L-1, a model that only differed slightly from the L-00. But by 1937, Gibson’s catalog makes no mention of the L-1 model. The guitar features the earlier L-1’s bound back, white bridge and end pins, and nickel-plated Grover G-100 tuners with white buttons. These tuners and the white pins aren’t typical of a late 1930’s L-00, so go ahead and call the guitar what you like… We’ll just call it Great!

With newer hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Side Crack Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Pickguard Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2
> Playwear Detail

 

RecKing-0711-main-t
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1940 Recording King Carson Robison Model 1052
No FON. The Recording King Carson Robison Model 1052 has the distinction of being the only pre-war Gibson flat-top built with the 16” small jumbo shape made famous by the post-war J-185. The 16” body wasn’t at all uncommon in the 1930’s; in fact, quite the opposite, as all of Gibson’s 16” archtops were built in this shape. However, before WWII, flat-top guitars of this size were far from the norm.

This example, date-stamped July 1940, features a 3-1/4”deep non-tapering body with ladder-braced solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides. The neck is carved from bookmatched curly maple in the typical late 30’s V shape. Bound top and soundhole, unbound back, firestripe pickguard, full-height lacquered bridge. Kluson 3 on a plate tuners, stenciled headstock graphics. Completely original but for new Henkes and Blazer bridgepins, and beautifully set-up by our shop. Top and sides are crack-free, back has a number of short cracks that have all been previously repaired. Perfect neck angle, full height original saddle, original frets show very little wear and lie true. The finish shows its age, and that the guitar clearly never saw the inside of a case. It looks great!

A difficult guitar tone to describe, the guitar is actually most reminiscent of a three-tone bar J-35, but with less complexity and bass response. The combination of the non-tapering jumbo body, ladder bracing, and 1930’s construction makes for a truly unique sound, with a real punchy bass response full, round mids, and particularly sweet trebles. It’s a wonderful fingerstyle blues guitar thanks to its rawness and power, and has a particularly even string-to-string balance.

A rare and interesting guitar, and a real fine player.
With hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neckjoint Detail 1
> Neckjoint Detail 2
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Logo Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2
> Date Stamp Detail

 

J-50a-0311-main-t
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1954 Gibson J-50
FON X8891-5. In very fine condition, with perfect action and excellent tone, this J-50 scores particularly high marks. It’s completely original, and its issues are few: a minor pickguard crack, one well reglued brace end, and residual holes left from individual Kluson tuners that had been previously installed. In our repairshop the guitar has had a thorough set up and a set of original Kluson tuners (with new buttons) re-installed. Frets are in good shape, showing only minor wear, and the set up is comfortable, with our standard 5 to 7 64ths action.
Scallop-braced spruce top, mahogany back and sides, natural finish, round-carve neck with 1-11/16” nut, rosewood fingerboard, and original nut.
Classic 50’s Gibson tone and feel, particularly well balanced voice with strong and fat trebles.
With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Bridge Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Finish Detail
> Soundhole Detail

 

LG2-0211-main-t
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1946 Gibson LG-2
No FON. Now here’s something special – a crack-free, stunning, and perfectly playable script logo LG-2! As with so many ’46 Gibsons, there is something magical about this guitar. It’s wide-open but not flabby, has strength across the strings, and a fat punchy midrange that makes melody lines jump from the soundhole. Scalloped braced Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, 1-3/4” wide mahogany neck with a chunky round feel – but much more manageable than a Banner. Completely original but for the tuning machines that are at most 5 years younger than the rest of the guitar, and newer bridge pins. A few very neatly reglued braces inside, and a cleanly reglued original bridge; very well set-up with action of 5 to 7 64ths, and room to adjust lower if desired. Original finish and frets show very little playwear, although there are light surface dings and lacquer craze-lines throughout. Gorgeous ’46 reddish sunburst finish, great patina and looks. A seriously fine LG-2.
With newer hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Soundhole Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Tuner Detail

 

ES-175D-0111-main-t
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1958 Gibson ES-175D
Serial # A-28180, FON 5226-1. This is one of those “You’ve got to be joking” kind of guitars. We really couldn’t believe our eyes when we opened the case. The photos should explain it all quite clearly – PAFs, hangtags, near-mint condition… They simply don’t come any better than this! Family owned since new, this 175D was brought to us by the son of the fellow who bought the guitar (and a matching amp) back in the late 1950’s. It had been stored “under the stairs” for the last many years until migrating over to Folkway earlier this week, and before that was played and enjoyed by a man who took great care of his belongings. The guitar is just about factory perfect in every way: There’s barely a scratch to be found and no dust balls rolling around inside, no changed or altered parts other than a cleanly repaired tailpiece hinge, only very light wear on the first frets, and the finish and metal parts are shiny and, well, clean. Those are original Grover Rotomatics, too! The case echoes the guitar’s condition, too; the pink lining is vibrant, clean, and unworn. Finally, the original hangtags and Humbucking pickup instructions that were lovingly stored with the guitar for more than half a century will be included with the sale. It has been set-up in our shop and plays effortlessly with .011’s, and its ’58 neck carve feels just right. Chances are good that you’ll like the way it sounds, too – you can’t really go too wrong with PAFs, in an all-original 175. If you’re looking for a 175D with humbuckers, this is likely the one by which the others will be measured.
With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Tailpiece Detail
> PAF Instructions Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> PAF Detail 1
> PAF Detail 2
> Hardware Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Neckjoint Detail 1
> Neckjoint Detail 2
> Hangtags Detail 1
> Hangtags Detail 2
> Hangtags Detail 3

 

LG-2-0411-main-t
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c. 1929 Gibson L-0
FON 9497. Website faithful will likely agree that Folkway has a thing for vintage instruments that are in exceptionally fine condition. We’ve always done our best to offer our audience some of the finest vintage guitars the world has to offer. Along these lines, and with giddy excitement, we present this virtually new early L-0. It’s one of the earliest large-body L-flattops we’ve found, and it’s amazing in every way.

All-mahogany construction, larger 14-3/4” body, engraved Waverly tuners, ebony nut, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, single-bound body. Round neck, quite contemporary in feel, with a 1-3/4” nut, and full thickness fingerboard. Notice the solid white soundhole ring – we’ve never seen a Gibson without a black line in the rosette.

An exceedingly lightly built guitar at about 2-1/2 Lbs, the construction is identical to the Gold Sparkle L-2’s, Kel Kroydens, and Stewarts that we’ve encountered over the years. With razor-thin tapered braces and a bridge-plate that measures only .040” thick (1mm), it’s truly amazing that the guitar has survived as well as it has through eighty years. The only repairs to the guitar are the original-spec reproduction bridge and three very cleanly reglued brace ends care of our repairshop.

A perfect fingerstyle set up, excellent neck angle, full height saddle, and unworn frets; the nut has never been off, and the bridge pins are original. Apart from a few very minor scratches, the guitar looks exactly the same as it did in 1929.

And we’ve saved the best for last. As wonderful as this guitar is to look at, it’s genuinely even better play. A grand instrument, with incredible body resonance, huge bass and sub-bass response, and cavernous sustain. When an instrument is built this lightly, the line between fundamental and overtone is blurred; and depending on a player’s attack the notes can jump or smoothly slide from the soundhole and body. A light but confident touch and a controlled right hand coaxes the best out of the guitar – this one isn’t made for heavy strumming or hard flat-picking. The pleasure of this L-0 is listening to each note decay, and that requires a certain style of playing. Truly an amazing and inspiring instrument.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail 1
> Bridge Detail 2
> Bridge Detail 3
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Side Detail

 

LG-2-0411-main-t
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1944 Gibson LG-2
FON 2937. This guitar must have led a sheltered life. It is in remarkable condition, free from any cracks or significant playwear, and is a top-notch example of Gibson's Banner LG-2 models built during WWII. An all-mahogany guitar, with five-piece truss-rod equipped maple and mahogany neck, and all the typical Banner era features: poplar neck and tail blocks, chunky feeling round neck with a 1-3/4" bone nut, lacquered rosewood bridge, open-geared Kluson tuners, and those famous headstock decals! Of particular interest to Gibson historians is this guitar's Cocobolo fingerboard, which is so indistinguishable from Brazilian rosewood after 65 years that we would likely have missed it had we not opted to refret the guitar! We've never yet encountered a Cocobolo fingerboard on a vintage Gibson, but if there is one, there have got to be more out there.

A beautiful sounding LG-2, the guitar is both warm and bright; open and succinct, with a rumbly and forward midrange. For years we've been eschewing the tonal benefits of Mahogany tops on Gibson acoustics, and the first strum on this Banner clearly illustrates the reason why. The mahogany adds a definition to the notes played, but this definition doesn't come at the cost of the instrument's warmth or character. All the smoky and woody overtones are still there, but the edges are highlighted a bit, if you will.

A crack-free guitar, with original finish in very fine condition. A number of the top's braces have been reglued, as has been the bridge, and most likely the fingerboard. Everything is tight now, and the instrument presents very well. Please examine the provided photos of the bridge and fingerboard to gain a better understanding of the repairs. Refret and setup by our shop, excellent playability with our standard shop action, and some saddle height left for future adjustments. A very fine guitar in every respect.
With newer hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Fingerboard Repair Detail 1
> Fingerboard Repair Detail 2
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Bridge Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Fingerboard Detail
> Soundhole Detail

 

J45-0411-main-t
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1949 Gibson J-45
FON 4410-17. Here’s a guitar with rumble, punchy articulate mids, lots of volume and life, and pretty much everything that’s good about late 40’s Gibsons. It’s one of the last small-bridge J-45’s, and a remarkable guitar.
A few top cracks and loose braces were recently glued in our shop, others previously dealt with elsewhere. New frets, saddle, set-up by us; original bridgepins and nut. There were older Waverley tuners on the guitar when we found it, but we’ve replaced these with period correct Klusons with new buttons. There are two extra screwholes hiding under the Klusons, but no visible scaring of the finish on the back of the headstock.
Excellent set up and playability, action of 5 to 7 64ths. Biggish round neck carve, with 1-11/16” nut, fingernail wear on the fretboard, finish worn off in spots on the back of the neck, strum wear on the guitar’s top. Original finish throughout, Made in the USA export stamp on the back of the headstock.
With newer hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Crack Repair
Detail 1

     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Crack Repair
Detail 2

     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Fingerboard Wear Detail
> Nut Detail

 

A1-0211-main-t
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1916 Gibson A-1
Serial # 32944, FON 3322. The classic pumpkin top A, in excellent condition. By fiddle standards 95 years is quite young, but it’s still hard to conceive that this gorgeous mandolin dates from the First World War era. It is free of cracks and significant wear, the top is well arched, the neck angle is fine, and all the original hardware is intact. There is minor finish deterioration adjacent to the nut on the headstock face due to a strap that must have reacted with the shellac in that area. The nut is a vintage reproduction made in our shop, and the original tuning machines were installed backwards when we received the instrument. We’ve installed the tuners correctly, however there are left-over screw holes and minor impressions on the back of the headstock. Playability is excellent despite moderate fret wear, and the instrument is lively and even-toned. A very fine example.
With newer case.
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Tailpiece Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Neckjoint Detail 1
> Neckjoint Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Bracket Detail

 

L2-0611-main-t
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1930 Gibson L-2
FON 9630. Gold sparkle L-2 flat-tops built in and around 1930 are prized by just about everyone who’s had a chance to play one, but the model is exceedingly rare and has remained elusive to most vintage Gibson enthusiasts. We’ve had a handful pass through the repairshop over the years, and have been awe-struck with their tone in each case. This is the first L-2 we’ve offered for sale, and although we’d have preferred it to be an unmodified original guitar, we’re still tickled pink about it. The tone is all there, and the guitar feels perfect. It’s a remarkable sounding instrument, with great depth and complexity, maturity and warmth. The mids are rounded and prominent, and in balance with the guitar’s open, resonant basses and smooth trebles. It has a wonderful ‘defined mellowness’ that we’ve only experienced in Gibson L-body flat tops built in ’29 through ’31.

A local guitar, the headstock rear shows the familiar ‘Made in the USA’ stamp, and an export sticker is visible through the soundhole. The body’s finish has been stripped and lightly refinished, and the neck oversprayed. The guitar was never disassembled, and the bridge and bridge plate are original an intact. There are repaired cracks and a small puncture repair on the sides, no back cracks, and a pair of repaired top cracks by the treble waist. The new tuners were installed by us to replace the oversized Schallers that were on it until recently. Frets, saddle, and all the bindings and purflings are original.

Inside, the guitar looks very good. Apart from a sloppy brace-reglue associated with the top cracks there are no modifications to the braces. The original bridge plate is in perfect condition, too. The guitar plays easily with a fingersytle action. Round neck profile, quite modern in feel, 1-3/4” nut, 24.8” scale length.

The ultimate budget-priced vintage Gibson, thanks to the guitar’s structural integrity, excellent playability, and breathtaking tone.

With new hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Logo Detail
> Crack Detail 1
> Crack Detail 2
> Top Arch Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Fingerboard Binding Detail
> Repair Detail
> Finish Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Tuner Detail
> Neckjoint Detail 1
> Neckjoint Detail 2
> Sparkle Detail

 

TB1-0211-main-t
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1925 Gibson TB-1
FON 8352-71. Completely original but for a new Fiberskyn head, this TB-1 is well set up and playable. Shoes and plate diamond hole flange with 22 brakets, single-bound resonator, single coordinator rod, 11” rim, Grover tailpiece, 21” scale 18 fret neck, bound ebonized maple fingerboard with dot inlays, screened headstock logo, friction pegs, bone nut. Perfect neck relief, fairly worn frets, new head and set-up by our shop.
With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Case Open
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Case Closed
> Clamps Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2
> Tailpiece Detail

 

L-00-0511--main-t
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1943 Gibson L-00
FON 2008-1. We’ve sold, played, and repaired a great many L-00’s over the years; most were great, and some were exceptional. But when it comes to tone, few, if any, can touch this 1943 model. Amazing dynamic range, raw power, spooky overtones, pure fundamentals, strong basses and trebles, warmth and thunk, presence and sparkle; it’s got it all, and it’s really that good.

We suspect the secret of this L-00’s tone is that it was built in 1943 - a time of model transition at Gibson, and when material shortages and changes in workforce demographics significantly affected the instruments coming out of Michigan. This L-00 is built, most noticeably, with a Kalamazoo top (notice the bound soundhole and lack of rosette). What you won’t see in the pictures, though, are the top’s scalloped braces, carved identically to those on a Banner LG-2. Earlier L-00’s were built much more robustly than this 1943 model, with untapered braces and heavier soundhole reinforcement. Couple this with the guitar’s chunky round neck and absence of truss-rod and the tonal outcome is spectacular. The instrument resonates through every surface with a dry and defined warmth.

In exceptional condition, the L-00 is completely original but for a repro saddle and a slightly shaved bridge. We’ve re-contoured the bridge’s top profile to historically accurate specs and the modification is, for the most part, indistinguishable. In addition, we’ve cleanly glued and cleated a pair of minor cracks between the soundhole and fingerboard. No other repairs, and all braces remain tightly glued. The guitar’s set up is spot-on, the neck angle is perfect, original frets are showing very light wear in the first position, and finish is clean with only minor scratching.

If you’ve been hunting for the best sounding L-00 you can find, and prefer a round neck to the 1930’s V-carve, we suspect we’ve found your instrument.

With newer TKL Deluxe hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Nut Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Pickguard Detail
     > Headstock Detail 1
> Headstock Detail 2
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2

 

L-00-12-0111-main-t
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1932 Gibson L-00
FON 321. An early elevated fingerboard L-00. Black finished spruce and mahogany body, bound top and unbound back, 14 fret neck. A very lightweight guitar with the resonance these are famous for. Neck reset and refret by Gruhn Guitars, new repro saddle and set up by our shop. No top cracks, one repaired side crack (treble side, waist), three short tight back cracks, all repaired. The finish has scratches, dents and dings strewn throughout, a small spot of touch-up on the top’s lower bout, and another on the rear of the headstock, immediately below the bass-side tuners. It’s a great looking guitar, with just the right amount of character. The tuners are mid-1940’s Klusons, and not original to the guitar; as are the 1950’s bridgepins. Full height bridge, low saddle, easy action of 5-7 64ths. No top distortion, healthy top arch, no internal repairs, original bridge plate is in good condition. Rounded V neck carve with defined “hull line,” 1-3/4” nut 24.75” scale. A strong guitar with good punctuation and life. Equally at home under flatpick or fingers. And it looks so good!
With an original chipboard case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Bridge Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Nut Detail
> Neck Joint Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Fretboard Detail 1
> Fretboard Detail 2

 

ES-335-0111-main-t
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1966 Gibson ES-335TD Burgundy
Serial # 858135. Gibson first began offering Custom Color options to its electric guitars with the Firebird in the early 1960's. By the mid 1960's custom-colored versions of most Gibson electric models became available, and "Sparkling Burgundy" showed up on the scene in 1965. If you're tired of all those cherry 335's from the 1960's, this might tempt your fancy. Completely original and in nice shape, the only faults we were able to find with this guitar are changed strap buttons and evidence of other Kluson-style tuners under the footprints of those currently on the guitar. There is the usual finish crazing, wear to the back of the neck and frets, and some minor dings here and there, but the overall impression is that of a guitar in remarkable condition. Set up nicely, light 7.8 pound weight, and PU resistances of 7.6 (b) and 7.4 (n) kOhms. Round C-profile neck with a 1-9-16" nut, excellent tone.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Neck Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Knobs Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Neckjoint Detail 1
> Neckjoint Detail 2

 

bannersj-t_0710
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neck Set Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail

 

ES150-0311-main-t
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1952 Gibson ES-150
No FON. For all practical purposes, let’s just call this a new 60 year old Gibson ES-150. Mint condition, untouched, and perfect. New tuner-buttons installed by us and a fresh set of strings are the only modifications this guitar has ever seen. It’s that clean. And then there’s the case. It’s pretty much new, too.
Laminate maple 17” full-depth arched body, single P-90 pickup, tall barrel knobs, adjustable wooden bridge. Mahogany neck, bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid trapezoid inlays, Kluson ‘no-line’ tuners. In perfect working order. We’re happy to offer the guitar at a discounted price with a substituted new case.
(with original hardshell case)
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Pickup Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Pickguard Detail
> Bridge Detail 1
> Bridge Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Neck Joint Detail 1
> Neck Joint Detail 2

 

A4-0211-main-t
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1917 Gibson A-4
Serial # 35003, FON 3419. Truly an outstanding mandolin, this A-4 is completely original and in remarkable condition. With its beautiful Handel tuners, richly hued sunburst finish and fine craftsmanship, it is an instrument to behold as much as it is to play. It is crack-free, and shows only very light wear to finish and frets. All hardware is intact and in excellent condition and the tuners work smoothly. It has a loud and warm voice with plenty of tonal character, and it has just enough throat to appeal to the sometimes bluegrass player, too. Set-up in our shop, the instrument plays comfortably with 11-40 gauge strings. A particularly lovely mandolin.
With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Soundhole Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Pickguard Detail
> Tailpiece Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2
> Neckjoint Detail 1
> Neckjoint Detail 2

 

ES-295-0111-main-t
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1955 Gibson ES-295
Serial #A-21335. FON X 7291. Made famous by Scotty Moore, the ES-295 was built in limited numbers between 1952 and 1958. With its gold finish, it would seem to be the hollowbody equivalent to the Les Paul, introduced in ’52 as well. But more similarities exist between the 295 and the ES-175D, and the two guitars are quite similar in tone and feel. Only about 1700 of these instruments were built over the short production run, and all were ill-fated thanks, largely, to the tailpiece/bridge assembly they were originally equipped with. This particular example has had its tailpiece replaced with a Bigsby and tune-o-matic bridge. It’s a great sounding guitar, and piles of fun to play. Changed tuners, nut, frets, knobs. Neck stripped and refinished natural, headstock refinished as well, front face edges have been rounded over a bit, too. Jack-hole repair involves a new jack plate that measures 4 x 1.5 inches. Finish is well aged, with many craze lines and chips along the edges. Pickups are originals, however a push-pull pot was added (neck PU, tone control) that reverses the phasing – it’s a handy tool that creates a funky/thin sound. It plays beautifully, and sounds rich and warm. A versatile guitar, particularly with the phase switch.
With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Neck Detail
> Fingerboard Binding Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Bigsby Detail
> Jack Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Headstock Round Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Neckjoint Detail 1
> Neckjoint Detail 2

 

J-50b-0311-main-t
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1954 Gibson J-50
FON X9049-13. Rich and warm 50’s tone, nicely opened up, with just enough thump in the bass. A lovely guitar with an aged feel that should coax the best out of your playing. Two top cracks were well repaired in our shop, along with a reglue of the tops’ centerseam below the bridge, and two sections of the back’s centerseam. No brace repairs, bridge and bridge plate are original and well glued. 100% original, some wear to the frets in the first position, but playability remains excellent with our standard set-up. K&K pure mini pickup installed with Vintage Jack endpin for no modification. Very minor finish scarring on the pickguard from an old sticker long removed. Very little finish wear to the body and neck, but plenty of lacquer crazing and darkening make this a thoroughly attractive guitar.
With hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Finish Detail 1
> Finish Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Logo Detail

 

F5-FB-1210-main-t
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2003 Gibson F5-G-FB
Serial # 31219020. The F5-G is a dressed down F5 model, without back or headstock binding, but with all the tone the F5 is known for. The FB in the name likely stands for ‘fingerboard binding,’ which is not standard for the F5-G, but present on this example. Additionally, the finish on this instrument is sunburst on all sides, rather than the opaque lacquer standard to the F5-G – a nice touch, especially considering how beautifully it highlights the gorgeous figured maple of the back and sides! A particularly good sounding instrument, this F5 has a pronounced growl in the mids and open and warm basses. Long sustain, excellent volume and cut, but mostly a whole lot of richness in tone. It’s in very fine condition, with no cracks or repairs. The top’s finish shows some impressions from an improperly positioned bridge, and there is a lacquer craze line stemming from the bottom of treble f-hole. Neck and frets are good, action and set-up are perfect. Pearl nut, Schaller tuners, silver-plated engraved tailpiece, pearl headstock logo and flowerpot inlay.
With hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Fingerboard Detail
> Tailpiece Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Bridge Detail
     > Headstock Detail 1
> Headstock Detail 2
> Tuners Detail

 

200-t_0410
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Detail 1
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 2
> Detail 3
> Detail 4
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Detail 5
> Detail 6
> Detail 7

 

39l00-t_0710
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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. Set up is spot on, and the action is not too high and not too low. Original throughout, but for one replaced tuner button 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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Neck Set Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Crack Detail
> Tuner Button Detail

 

GibsonJumbo-1110-main-t
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1934 Gibson Jumbo
FON 1043. For Gibson flat-top lovers it doesn’t get much better than this. The first big bodied, 14 fret, Spanish Gibson – The Jumbo. Built only in 1934 and ’35, the Jumbo is a rare, rare guitar. It was nearly twice as expensive as the J-35 that replaced it in 1936, and didn’t sell well thanks to the high price tag. Few were built, and of those, likely many haven’t survived. A phenomenal guitar, it would be hard to find a better sounding Gibson than this one.
With a big and clear bass, headroom, bold trebles, and concert-hall volume, this Jumbo is a one-instrument orchestra. It offers the perfect balance of sustain, rich overtones, and powerful fundamental – and as such is an exceptionally versatile guitar. It can drive hard when pushed, or smoothly under a more gentle touch. And considering the large body size, the perfect balance between bass and treble notes is even more impressive.
Sunburst finish on all sides, mahogany back, sides, and neck; spruce top, V-neck with 24.75” scale and 1-3/4” nut. Triple tone-bar scalloped bracing, somewhat oversized aged reproduction bridge and bridgeplate by our shop a number of years back, a few older repaired top cracks. No back or side cracks. Older neck reset and refret, original nut, 1960’s Grover Sta-tite tuners and evidence of other installed tuners in the past. Finish touch-up below the bridge, and well-blended in light overspray on the top around the fingerboard and on the sides by heel of the neck; filled strap button hole in the usual spot. Excellent action and playability; 5 to 6/64ths at the 12th fret, with full height bridge and saddle.
With possibly original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Bridge Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Nut Detail
> Neck Joint Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2
> FON Detail

 

TG-0-0111-main-t
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1928 Gibson TG-0
FON 9252. With its small size, 23” scale, light weight, and expressive voice, chances are good that this little tenor will keep you on the couch well past bedtime. It’s a beautiful instrument – so rich and resonant – and has a purity of tone we’ve not encountered in other, larger, Gibson tenors. All mahogany construction, A-patterned top bracing, and 100% original and unmodified. Unworn frets, perfect neck, excellent action. No cracks, light scratches on the body, more heavy scratching on the bottom near the endpin. Geared tuners work well, excellent intonation. With absolutely no faults, excellent playability and wonderful tone, this TG-0 has got everyone in the store excited!
With soft-shell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Wear Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2

 

L3-0111-main-t
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1924 Gibson L-3
Serial #81479. We’re not sure who Frank Sword is, but he left his mark on this lovely Loar-era Gibson Snakehead L-3. The instrument is in remarkable condition and plays perfectly. Original but for the pickguard mounting bracket, the L-3 is free of cracks, repairs or other issues. There’s a little bit of playwear to the top and finish flake on the back, but the overall impression is that of a guitar in wonderful condition. Waverly tuners, original frets, bridge, tailpiece. Excellent in-shop set up. But really, who’s kidding who? That truss-rod cover is pretty much what it’s all about! Lots of life in this small body round-hole archtop, interesting overtones, and surprising warmth. The neck is quite manageable, too, and not as large as what’s found on most Loar-era six strings.
With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Logo Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail 1
> Bridge Detail 2
> Tailpiece Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2
> Neckjoint Detail

 

B45-12-0111-main-th
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1966 Gibson B45-12N
Serial # 383510. Gibson’s dreadnaught 12 string, in excellent condition. The guitar has had no modifications or repairs and is crack-free. The lacquer shows some crazing, but there is no significant finish wear on the instrument, and the red back and sides are vibrant and unfaded. Light fretwear in the first position, excellent set-up. If you’ve ever strummed a Gordon Lightfoot or Ian Tyson tune you’ll want this guitar; and it’s the model Leo Kottke turned to for years. A very fine guitar.
With hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
> Finish Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2

 

Byrdland-1210-main-t
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1967 Gibson Byrdland
Serial # 893190. The Byrdland was named for Billy Byrd and Hank Garland – both high profile Nashville guitarists at the time of the model’s introduction in 1955. Similar in appointments to the L5CES, the Byrdland was the flagship of the new thinline models, but featured a short scale neck with a small profile and narrow nut width for fast movement up and down the fingerboard. This 1967 example is a local one-owner instrument; it’s 100% original, and is accompanied by a copy of the 1967 bill of sale.

Carved spruce top, laminate maple back and sides, sharp cut-away, three piece maple neck with multi-ply bound ebony fingerboard and pearl block inlays. Bound headstock with pearl logo, flowerpot inlay, and black-finished backside; Kluson tuners. Gold hardware throughout, Patent # pickups, completely original solder, original celluloid pickguard is intact and in fine shape. The guitar was owned and regularly played by a full time musician and instructor from Hamilton, Ontario. The finish has developed an aged patina, with fairly extensive crazing, a number of chips along the edges of the body and the back of the neck, and various light scratches throughout. The original frets are evenly but not badly worn, and the guitar plays well up to the 14thfret. There is a small rise in the fingerboard past the 14th and some buzzes in the 15th through 17th frets that will be best served with fretwork of some degree. A rich guitar, with lovely acoustic properties and fabulous sounding pickups. It’s a comfortable guitar to play, and nicely balanced.

With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Logo Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail 1
> Bridge Detail 2
> Bridge Detail 3
     > Headstock Detail 1
> Headstock Detail 2
> Tuners Detail
> Knobs Detail
> Tailpiece Detail

 

J-45-44-1210-main-t
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1944 Gibson J-45
FON # 2656-16. An all-mahogany Banner, with three-piece maple neck, poplar blocks and kerfed linings. An excellent example of one of Gibson’s best instruments, this J-45 is just about crack-free (there’s one 3” crack that’s been repaired on the bass side), and plays perfectly thanks to new frets, nut, and set-up by our shop. Prior to our tenure, the pickguard and two finger braces were reglued, and three stickers were removed from the top of the guitar and the headstock face. There are ‘before’ photos of this guitar on the Gibson Banner Registry website which is searchable by FON: www.bannergibsons.com/registry.html. The headstock face and top’s upper bouts have been hand-buffed in the areas where there were stickers, and on the top’s upper bass bout there is a two inch square section of drop-fill. The guitar’s finish is original throughout. 1950’s Gibson bridge, Kluson tuners, and bridge pins.

The tone of this guitar is classic Mahogany Banner. Excellent balance, thick mids and trebles, articulate bass register, lots of volume, and a sling-shot like response thanks to that mahogany top. A very comfortable neck, too, especially by wartime Gibson standards – it’s actually a smidge narrower than 1-3/4” at the nut and has a slightly rounder and more compact feel as a result.

With newer hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Wear Detail 1
> Wear Detail 2
> Wear Detail 3
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Neckjoint Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Banner Detail
> Tuners Detail 1
> Tuners Detail 2

 

nick-t_0810
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C. 1930 Gibson Nick Lucas Special
Serial # 88098, FON 114. The Brazilian rosewood 13 fret Nick Lucas Special is among the most iconic vintage Gibson instruments. Built in 1929 and 1930, at a time when the modern flat top guitar was in its infancy, the Nick Lucas design incorporated tried-and-true Archtop elements and flat-top experimentalism. Trapeze tailpiece, adjustable bridge, and floating pickguard were borrowed from the archtops Gibson had become famous for, while the guitar’s extra-deep body and 13 fret neck were short-lived experiments. It would be some 70 years before the next generation of 13 fret neck guitars with extra deep bodies would reappear.
This example dates from right around 1930, we suspect, and features the then-new larger body, X bracing, and a body depth tapering from 4-5/8” to 4-1/4”. The back and sides are solid quartersawn Rosewood, the top is Red Spruce. Cremona sunburst top, natural back and sides. At $125, the NLS was the most expensive flat-top in Gibson’s catalog; it featured engraved Waverly tuners, pearl logo, Fleur de Lys, and fingerboard inlays, bound fingerboard and soundhole, and three-ply body bindings.
The guitar is completely original and unmodified. There are no cracks or repairs, and the finish is unaltered. The finish exhibits light scratching and minor dings, but there is very little playwear. Frets are full height and virtually unworn, the original nut has never been removed, and the tuners work well. The neck is straight and the guitar is well set up. It’s an immensely fun guitar to play, and surprisingly versatile. It has a forward and choppy voice thanks to the archtop bridge/tailpiece set up, but expect significantly more bass response and much more airy and open mids thanks to the X bracing and deep body. It’s a sensitive guitar that sings sweetly at low volume, but a heavy right hand attack is well rewarded. The guitar is great for comping standards, but equally at home picking John Hurt (or tiptoeing through the tulips, as it were).
A wonderful sounding instrument, fantastically rare, and in remarkable condition.
With original “Red Line” hard shell case
NO LONGER AVAILABLE

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Bridge & Tailpiece Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Label Detail
> Detail 1
> Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Detail 3
> Detail 4

 

style0-t_0510
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 1
> Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Detail 3
> Heel Crack Detail

 

J185-1110-main-t
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1951 Gibson J-185
Serial # A-8941, FON 9110-17. Introduced in 1951 only to be discontinued seven years later, the J-185 has achieved near mythical status in the vintage guitar world. A total of 918 J-185's were built in that period (sunburst and natural) - far fewer than the 2500 or so J-35's out there, and a small fraction of the 20,000 or so J-45's and J-50's produced during the same years. 918 instruments might sound like a lot, but that number equals about half of the total production of original Sunburst Les Paul Standards. Rare and desirable are two words that most definitely describe the J-185 model.
Completely original with the exception of its saddle, this 185 has survived the years nicely. Its top and back center-seams have been properly reglued, and a crack at the margin of the pickguard has been well attended to. The back braces have all been reglued; the two that were dealt with in our shop are cleanly joined. However, the two that were previously glued were not repaired to our standards, and the furthest back brace is lifted at the edges although glued. There is one repaired side crack, and a cosmetic flaw / repair below the nut slot. There are no other top or back cracks, the original finish is in very fine condition, and the top’s inside is perfect. Original bridgeplate and full thickness bridge, and the top is still perfectly arched. Original pat. Appl. For Kluson tuners are in good working order, and the original frets are only lightly worn. The action is set at 6 to 7 64ths at the 12th fret, and the bone saddle is at the bottom of its adjustment range. The guitar plays comfortably in all positions.
When it comes to tone, there are many who hold that nothing can touch a good 185, and we suspect that few 185’s could touch this one’s tone! It’s a strong a perfectly balanced guitar, with life and articulation across the strings, but still woody and resonant up the neck. There is a full and present mid-range which adds warmth, and an extra sparkle thanks to the maple back and sides. Add to all that the comfortable body shape and round neck, and you’ll find a guitar that’s pretty difficult to set down. 1-11/16” nut, 24.75” scale.
With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Bridge Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Nut Detail 1
> Nut Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Crack Detail
> Neck Joint Detail

 

LCentury-0910-t
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1933 Gibson L-Century
FON 788. An early L-Century model, built in the model’s first year of production. There’s something about these pre-1934 guitars. It could be the hand-rubbed Cremona sunburst finish or the carve of the neck that makes it easy to fall for one. In the case of this L-Century, it’s the whole package. It’s an exquisite guitar in so many ways – but you’ve got to have a thing for pearloid! Introduced for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair (titled “A Century of Progress”), the guitar showcased how Celluloid could be used in instrument manufacturing. Most builders were using celluloid by the mid 1930’s, but there’s something just so about that white pearloid on a sunburst Gibson!
The guitar is stunning. It’s completely original but for the post-war bridgepins, and in remarkably fine condition. The top’s center seam has been reglued, and there is a small crack between the fingerboard and sound hole, adjacent to the centerline of the top. The G string tuner is bent, and a strap-button has been added in the heel of the neck. Aside from these minor issues the guitar is intact and perfect. The original nut has never been removed, the frets are only slightly worn, the original lacquered bridge is unmodified and has never been off, and the finish is gorgeous. A finer L-C there might not be. It sings with a voice quite similar to a comparable L-0 or L-1, but with added pop and definition imparted by the maple back and sides. Generally speaking maple guitars have less harmonic overtones than their mahogany equivalents, but this L-C fills a room quite nicely. There is a focused fundamental, but also a thickness and roundness one might not expect in a maple guitar. The neck is a rounded V carve with a nut width of 1-3/4”. Set-up in our shop, the guitar’s action measures 5 to 8 64ths with further lowering possible on all but the low E string.
With new TKL Deluxe hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Detail 1
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Bridge Detail

 

j35-t_0810
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1937 Gibson J-35
FON 78C-17. Easily among the cleanest Gibson J-35s around, this guitar looks younger than most of what we see here in the shop, even at 73 years of age. The photos should speak for themselves, but if they don’t we’ll fill in the blanks for you. The instrument is almost unplayed. There is close to no fretwear, only a few very minor scratches, a couple of tiny dings, a small area of case-rash on the lower treble side, no wear to the tuners, and very little discoloration of the finish from UV light, oxidation, or smoke. Two truly microscopic side cracks (you’d really have to look hard to find them), no loose braces, no repairs, and perfect arch to the top. The instrument was strung with original strings when we first met it some years ago, but we’ve since set it up. It was a one-owner instrument until earlier this decade, and appears to have been stored in its original case for what must have been most of its life. It is a true investment-grade instrument
This J-35 has 3 un-scalloped tone bars, V-shaped neck, two-tone sunburst top finish, and dark back and sides. The truss rod works well, and the action is currently set at 5 to 8 64ths with room left of the saddle to lower it further. Full height lacquered bridge, original saddle and unworn bridge pins. The sound is big, with a strong knod to the fundamental. Hoppy and present mids, but fairly dry and articulate overall – it’s a natural flatpicker that responds well to a heavy pick. 1-3/4” nut, 24.75” scale, 2-3/8 spacing at the bridge
With original softshell case.
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Neck Joint Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Side Detail 1
> Side Detail 2
> Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Finish Detail 1
> Finish Detail 2

 

Gibson-LG-2-0810-t
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1951 Gibson LG-2
FON 9583-10. Here’s a wonderfully warm instrument, with rich overtones and sustain-a-plenty. Good small-guard LG-2's have the ability to be remarkably subtle instruments, and this one is a winner in that department. Dig in, though, and the notes spring out with an archtop-like jump. The overall response is generally more mid-heavy than an L-00, but the considering the small size of the body the bass is pretty darn good too! A desert island guitar, for certain. Spruce top, mahogany back and sides. Scalloped braces, rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Inside-margin pickguard crack, no other cracks. 100% original and unmodified but for an enpin-jack hole and a minor repair to the nut. Evenly gently worn finish with a beautiful patina, very light fretwear. Set-up in our shop to our standard specifications, this guitar plays very nicely. With 5 to 7 64ths action the saddle is about as low as it can go. Very playable neck, with the slightly thinner '51 profile and 1-11/16" nut. A comfortable guitar to play, and a winner for tone.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Detail 1
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail

 

sj-t_0510-1
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Detail 1
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Jack Detail

 

ACentury-0910-t
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1934 Gibson A-Century
FON 827-4. Well folks, this is it! Being the pinnacle of "cool", a Century-of-Progress Mandolin would make a splash in any condition; well, this one takes the cake and swallows it whole. Any visitor to our Gallery pages knows that we have had the good fortune to handle some extraordinary instruments here at Folkway. This mandolin is absolutely the cleanest vintage instrument we have ever seen, let alone held. This one has NEVER been played, and yes, those are the original strings. The mother-of-countertop still has the factory oil-sheen on the fingerboard. The original case is without any wear or even dust. Unfortunately, we do not know the story, and we weren't there when the tomb was cracked open and the pure clean air of 1934 was breathed once more. This is a MINT condition instrument, and looks exactly the way it did when it left Kalamazoo almost 80 years ago. No set up or adjustment has been done to this instrument, but we would accommodate the requests of the next owner.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 1
> Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail

 

HG00-t_0909
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Neck Set Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail

 

SG-1010-main-t
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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!)
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neck Joint Detail 1
> Neck Joint Detail 2
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Bridge Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Knobs Detail

 

smeck-t_0510
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Nut Detail
> Detail 1
> Detail 2
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 3
> Detail 4
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Detail 5
> Detail 6

 

J-35-0910-main-t
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1939 Gibson J-35
FON EG-4702. With some of the best triple-braced J-35 tone we’ve come across, excellent playability and great looks, this J-35 scores high player-points around here. The price reflects a guitar that’s seen some good use and a few miles, but it’s a real solid Gibson that’s in need of no further repairs. An interesting guitar, the back, sides and neck were finished with a natural lacquer – suggesting this guitar was originally destined to be an early natural-topped J-35 or a J-55. Singlebound body, V neck with wide heel, amber-button nickel-plated Kluson tuners. The instrument has a few repaired small cracks: one at the pickguard, two in the back, and three that are quite insignificant along the edges of the sides. The bridge and slightly oversized maple bridge plate are nicely made replacements, the original bridge appears to have been screwed down, evidenced by holes through the top and partially through the bracing under the bridge. The top arch remains fine, and there is no bellying or dishing on either side of the bridge. There are scars on the top and end of the guitar from a tailpiece, and plenty of finish wear and craze-lines. The top’s upper bass bout (adjacent to the fingerboard) glows differently under black light, suggesting a localized finish repair – although invisible in daylight, and the headstock face has been refinished and aged. The white silkscreened logo is close, but not quite right. There are localized spot touchups and drop-fills in the balance of the finish, but all are quite professionally done and invisible to the untrained eye. The overall effect, less the logo, is that of a completely original guitar. All braces are intact, well glued, and unrepaired. Newer frets are in very good shape, the fingerboard is level, and even though the neck has never been off the guitar, action and saddle height are excellent. With a big and quick voice, immediate response, excellent string-to-string balance, and fat trebles up the neck, this guitar does everything a good J-35 is supposed to, and then some.
With older hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
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> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
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> Neck Joint Detail
     > Headstock Detail
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> Detail 1
> Detail 2
> Detail 3

 

f-12-t_0210
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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
SOLD

More photos:
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> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
> Case Detail
     > Back Detail
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> Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
     > Detail 1
> Detail 2
> Detail 3
> Detail 4

 

super4-t_0310
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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
SOLD

More photos:
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> Full Front Detail
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> Full Back Detail
> Case Closed
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> Tuners Detail
> Detail

 

175-t_0410
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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
SOLD

More photos:
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> Full Front Detail
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Gibson-L3-0810-t
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1918 Gibson L-3
Serial # 41218. With its rich red sunburst finish, ivoroid accents, engraved Waverly tuners, carved bridge and celluloid tailpiece, this small Gibson archtop speaks to old-world craftsmanship and attention to detail. It's a princely guitar, with handsome appointments. Completely original and in excellent working order, a long lost pickguard and missing label are this guitar's only real flaws. No cracks, scrapes, or bruises to discuss on this one, but there is some light playwear on the top near the soundhole. Light to moderate wear to the original frets, light finish wear on the back of the neck. Original bridge and tailpiece are in excellent condition, as are the tuners and nut. The V neck is large but quite playable, the fingerboard is true and shows proper relief, but there are a few buzzy bass notes in the middle part of the neck. Nicely set up with 5 to 7/64th action. Nut width of 1-13/16", short 24.2" scale. With its small body (about 13.75" wide), carved spruce and birch body and short scale 13 fret neck the guitar plays with a springy bounce. It's a fairly bright guitar, but still warmer than one would expect given its small size, especially with the right pick attack. Don't let the round-hole fool you, this one is archtop all the way!
With original hardshell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 1
> Detail 2
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Detail 3

 

LesPaul-0910-main-t
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2008 Gibson Les Paul Standard LEFTY
Serial # 019280445. Here’s a mint condition chambered Standard with a beautiful figured top, Tone Pros featherweight tailpiece, vintage style tuners, and Burstbucker Pro pickups. Weighing in at a scant 7.75 Lbs, this is a Les Paul that you’ll want to play for a long time! Sizzling overwound PAF tone, perfect slim-carve ‘50’s neck. It’s a real good one that we’re likely going to regret selling. Unused, as-new condition, set-up in our shop.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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> Full Front Detail
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> Full Back Detail
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137-t_0710
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Neck Set Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
     > Headstock Detail
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l-00-t_0510
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Detail 1
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 2
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> Tuners Detail
> Bridge Detail

 

eh100-t_0710
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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
SOLD

More photos:
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> Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
     > Amp Front Detail
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> Amp Detail 1
> Amp Detail 2
     > Steel Detail 1
> Steel Detail 2
> Steel Detail 3

 

l7-t_0810
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1934 Gibson L-7
Serial # 90471, FON 363. Introduced in 1932, the L-7 was designed as less expensive option to the flagship L-5. Single ply body binding and dark brown back and side finish kept the price down, but there was really nothing “cheap” about this model. Its body was carved from solid spruce and figured maple, and neck was appointed similarly to the Nick Lucas models, with pearl logo and Fleur de Lys on the headstock, varied pattern pearl inlays on the fingerboard, binding to match the body, and nickel plated Grover tuners. Apart from the shorter scale neck, the L-7 didn’t look all too different than its more expensive older brother. As a result, it sold well and remained in the price list for a long time.
This 1934 example is a local guitar, it was bought new in Toronto at Beare & Son and spent the entirety of its life with its original owner, and subsequently his son. An original sale correspondence accompanies the guitar. This was a gigging musician’s guitar; it was well used but well maintained, and remains in very fine condition. A pickup was at one time surface mounted to the top with control unit mounted adjacent to the treble F hole. There are a total of six filled screw holes that remain today, along with the finish touch ups to hide them. The work is very nicely done – we couldn’t effectively photograph it, so have included black-light photos of the guitar. A fist-sized section of the back has been touched up as well, there is no longer any belt-rash, and the repair is invisible but for under black light. We suspect that the pickguard is a replacement, but can’t say for certain as it appears to match the guitar in age. It is a warm archtop, with good volume and projection , and has a comfortable V shaped neck. Frets show some wear in the first position, but set-up and playability are excellent.
With original “Red Line” hard shell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Top Detail
> Detail
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Purchase Document Detail
> Back Finish Black Light Detail
> Top Black Light Detail

 

script-j45-t_0610
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Top Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Neck Set Detail
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j55-t_0410
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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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> Full Front Detail
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carson-t_0710
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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
SOLD

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> Full Front Detail
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> Detail
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> Full Back Detail
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epi-t_0510
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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
SOLD

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335-t_0710
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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
SOLD

More photos:
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> Full Front Detail
> Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
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eh-150-t_0510
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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
SOLD

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Detail 1
> Detail 2
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 3
> Detail 4
     > Headstocks Detail
> Tuners Detail

 

j200-t_0610
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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

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Label Detail
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Detail 1
     > Headstock Detail
> Tuners Detail
> Detail 2

 

sj-t_0510
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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

More photos:
> Front Detail
> Full Front Detail
> Case Open
> Case Closed
     > Back Detail
> Full Back Detail
> Hangtag Detail
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cw-t_0610
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1967 Gibson Country Western
Serial # 859585. With its good looks, warm and expressive voice and easy action, this later 60’s Country Western is the among the best vintage deals in the shop. It’s got all the best parts of that 60’s adjustable bridge tone, but without the deadness often associated with this bridge design. A great strummer of fingerpicker, this guitar is perfect for voice accompaniment, songwriting, or just plain looking good. One spliced crack repair on the at the edge of the top’s lower bout, a few glued braces, and a cleated pickguard crack help keep the price right, but don’t really detract from the guitar’s tone or original looks. Back and sides are a gorgeous unfaded deep red and crack-free, and the guitar’s finish is really fine throughout. There is a minor touch-up on the top crack, but it blends in seamlessly with the guitar’s original finish. None of the repairs were done by Folkway; we suspect the top splice to be Gibson factory work, while the brace repairs are more recent, evidenced by some glue messiness inside the guitar. The neck is slight and fast, with a width of a bit wider than 1-9/16”. Original frets are in excellent shape, and the guitar plays very nicely.
With period Gibson hardshell case
SOLD

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a1-t_0410
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1917 Gibson A-1
Serial # 37700. It's hard to believe that this pumpkin top A-1 is closing in on its first century. The instrument is completely original, intact, uncracked and unrepaired, and perfectly playable. We suspect the strings that we replaced during set up are at least fifty years old. No seam separations, original pickguard, tailpiece, bridge, and tuners are all in excellent condition; no top sinkage, frets are in good condition, and the action is slinky. There is a little bit of finish wear on the back of the neck, minor dings and dents here and there, and some crazing to the old shellac finish. Not too bad for an instrument in its 90's! With its chunky neck and chunky tone, this A-1 is a perfect old-time instrument. Expect a loud and warmly voiced mandolin with a wide v-shaped neck. Carved spruce top and birch back, bound top and ebony fingerboard, The Gibson logo inlaid in pearl, ivoroid button Waverly tuning machines, tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard with intact mounting bracket; "The Gibson" engraved nickel-silver tailpiece.
With 1940's era chipboard case.
SOLD

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335-t_0410
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1973 Gibson ES-335TD
Serial # 055728. Here’s a walnut finish 335 in astonishingly fine condition. It’s 100% original, too; including the case (which we didn’t photograph for some reason). No changed parts or repairs, original frets are largely unworn, finish is immaculate… and it sounds great. Not much to say when they’re this clean. Neck is fast and small, with a nut just under 1-5/8” wide. Fresh set-up by us.
With original hardshell case
SOLD

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1952 Gibson A-40
FON Z1715-38. Dollar for dollar, this A-40 can’t be beat. It’s in wonderful and original condition, plays perfectly, and – most importantly – it really sounds good. It’s not an F5, but it’s not trying to be. More lively than a 20’s A, but richer and warmer than most F’s, this instrument’s tone is far more interesting than its low price suggests. Crack-free, and set-up in shop. Original throughout but for changed tuners buttons. The pickguard is a little cupped, so you might choose to take it off if it gets in your way.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

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1957 Gibson J-45 LEFTY
FON U355-23. For left handed vintage guitar lovers it doesn’t get all too much better than this! Here’s a near-mint factory lefty 1957 J-45 with perfect action and frets, the most comfortable neck ever carved, and to-die-for 1950’s Gibson Jumbo tone. No cracks or repairs and completely original but for replacement tuner buttons, bone saddle, and K+K Pickup. This guitar is just so clean; likely thanks to it being a lefty and not having been used for years. Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Kluson tuners, finished-in bone nut. 24.75” scale, 1-11/16” nutwidth. An incredible find, and a rare and beautiful guitar.
With early 1960’s Gibson/Lifton hardshell case
SOLD

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tg1-t_0610
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1930 Gibson TG-1
FON 78. With its Cremona sunburst, bound body, banjo headstock and tuners, and bound fingerboard, this TG-1 is a fine looking machine – but it’s real beauty in its tone. We have is tuned in fifths with a low E bass note, and it just fills the room with this set up. It’s an exceptionally light guitar with a very resonant back; you’ll want to keep it away from your belly to get all the goodness out of the guitar. Lots of overtones and warmth, nice sustain and ring. A few top and back cracks have all been repaired, nicely set up with a full height bridge and low saddle, little wear on the original frets. 100% original but for the tuner buttons. A wonderful vintage Gibson tenor.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

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185-t_0410
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1955 Gibson J-185
Serial # A-20701, FON X9789. The J-185 is, without question, the most sought-after Post War Gibson flat-top. Less than 1000 of these were built in the model’s short production run from 1951 to 1959; and this example is one of only 59 sunburst 185’s completed in ’55.

In tone, condition, and playability this instrument is truly exceptional. The combination of maple back and sides and the small jumbo body create a tone unlike anything else in vintage acoustics. The guitar has balance and bigness, with sparkle and just enough edge to add definition to the otherwise fairly round typical Gibson tone. Crack-free and original throughout, save for replacement bridgeplate and saddle by our shop some years back, this guitar presents beautifully. The bridgeplate was replaced because Gibson mis-located the original too close to the soundhole. The result was that the bridge-pin holes did not pass through the plate, but rather, were located behind the bridgeplate, this resulting in the string’s ball ends anchoring on spruce instead of maple! The new plate is identical to the original, but properly located. Original tuners, nut (never removed), frets, pickguard, bridge, pins, and finish. Typical amount of finish crazing throughout, average fretwear, excellent action and set-up, and a good neck angle. Original bridge is full height, too. Mid-50’s neck carve is round and comfortable, the nut width is 1-11/16”.

With original hardshell case
SOLD

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L0-t_0410
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1932 Gibson L-0
FON 188. A stunning and completely original all-mahogany L-0, this incredible guitar is among the finest L-bodied Gibsons we’ve ever offered for sale. A scant 3 pounds in weight, this one rumbles gorgeously until you dampen its back against your belly. It has string-to-string balance and a round midrange reminiscent of a fine classical guitar, and is an exceptional fingerstyle steel string as a result. We can only guess how much better it will sound after a few hours of picking! The guitar appears to have remained unused for decades; the finish is factory perfect, and playwear is limited to some minor groves under the high strings on the first three frets. The guitar’s only blemishes are a 1” long back-crack, and a ¼” ding on the lower bout of the bass side – both almost too minor to point out. Pickguard reglue and set-up by our shop. The guitar has a very good neck angle and plenty of saddle left for further action adjustments. Expect a fairly modern-feeling neck with a round carve and a nut width of 1-3/4”. The bridge is full-height and unmodified and the original tuners, nut and saddle, bridge and end pins remain. A finer L-0 you may never find again.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

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melody-t_0310
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1965 Gibson Melody Maker
Serial # 274847. The Melody Maker is likely the best bang-for-the-buck in vintage Gibson electrics. The solid mahogany guitar features a set-in neck with Brazilian fingerboard, great feeling neck and frets, and a single-coil pickup. 24.75” scale, 1-5/8” nut. This one is completely original but for the tuners – they’ve been upgraded, and the originals will come with the guitar. Nicely set up, frets show some wear but still play fine, lacquer finish is fairly unfaded on the top but more faded to brown on the back. A great no-issues player.
With hard shell case
SOLD

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1935 Gibson L-Century
FON 293A-18. Chicago’s 1933 “A Century of Progress International Exposition” celebrated the city’s 100th anniversary with a theme of technological innovation. Gibson celebrated the event by showcasing Celluloid; and introduced a line of instruments dubbed the “Century of Progress Models”. Flashy guitars (and mandolins) these featured white pearloid fingerboards and headstocks, figured maple back and sides, and sunburst finishes. We’re fans of this kind of thing, but won’t hold it against you if you’re not!
This example is a particularly good sounding guitar; the maple adds drive and tightens up the typical L-00 tone. It’s a bit like a small J-200 or J-185; there’s a compression that maple adds to a guitar, which make this a great choice for players with a real dynamic attack. Play lightly, and all the subtleties and overtones flower from the soundhole, but dig in and you won’t lose definition. It reacts quickly, similar to an archtop, and is a great ragtime picker. Crack-free, professionally reset neck, nicely set up. The back and sides have been refinished, the bridge is a Brazilian rosewood replacement, and the back braces have all been reglued somewhat sloppily (one of them has a repaired crack, as well). Original tuners, nut, frets, bridge and end pins. Top and neck finish is original, no top repairs of any kind. V neck carve, 24.75” scale, 1-3/4” nut. Action of 5 to 7 64ths with plenty of saddle height to work with, perfect neck relief. This one plays real nicely…
With newer hard shell case
SOLD

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1939 Gibson J-35
Serial # EG-3490, no FON. A family owned guitar since new, this J-35 was brought to us by the son of the original owner; who lives about 15 minutes from the shop. This is a wonderful J-35; it’s quite powerful and very well balanced – tonal hallmarks of the triple unscalloped tone-bar models. It has been played, to which the original frets and top finish will attest, but the guitar has survived without cracks or loose braces. There have been no repairs of any kind made to this guitar, and none are needed. The bridge is full height, the top is perfectly arched, all braces and bridgeplate are intact and well glued, and the original Kluson tuners work perfectly. The only real flaw we can point out are two 1/16” screwholes in the top’s lower treble bout – no braces are affected, and they pose no concern to us. Set up in our shop and fitted with a new bone period-aged saddle the guitar plays quite well; however, the original frets are quite tired, particularly in the first position, and the D and A strings buzz out at the 12th fret. We would recommend fretwork for this guitar. The action is currently set at 6 to 8 64ths and can be lowered a touch further, even with the full-height bridge. 1939 saw the transition to a round neck at Gibson, but this guitar is fitted with the earlier V neck typical of mid-1930’s instruments. J-35’s are where it’s at for so many of us, and this instrument delivers.
With newer hard case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1933 Gibson L-0
FON 214. This spruce topped black L-0 is a stunning guitar, but its best features you can’t see in these photos – unless you can see tone! It certainly looks like it should sound good, and this one walks the talk too. If you’ve been following our site this year you’ll have noticed a number of L-body Gibsons have graced this page – and this instrument is amongst the best of them. It’s rumbly, bold, fat, and woody, without the flab or mush that many ultra-light early L’s have. This is a versatile guitar with surprising headroom that should appeal to most any guitarist. It just does it all. Essentially crack-free - it has a pickguard crack - this guitar has had a few braces reglued, and more recently a refret in our shop (its second or third). The X brace has been reglued in a few places; and although the work is structurally sound, it was not done to our cleanliness standards so expect to find glue dribbles if you peek inside with a mirror. There is some minor top sinkage in front of the bridge as a result. Original tuners nut, bridge, saddle, pins, and finish. Great feeling round early 1930’s neck is nicely worn and neither too big nor too small. Excellent action and playability, with strings set 4 to 6 64ths above the 12th fret. The bridge is full height and the saddle is at its lowest on the bass side with the low action we’ve set the guitar up with. With its beautiful one-owner patina, super-terrific tone, and excellent playability this is what vintage guitars are all about.
With hardshell case
SOLD

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1948 Gibson L5 Premier
Serial # A-2433. Fitted with a Venetian cut-away in 1939, the L-5P was the world’s first cut-away f-holed arch-top guitar. The cut-away design proved immediately popular and many new models would be offered as such in the years immediately following the War. This L-5P is a lovely guitar – both in looks and tone. From the multi-ply headstock binding to the engraved gold and nickel tailpiece this guitar says what it says with more class than most. Deep, rich sunburst finish accentuates the figured Maple and spruce, while pearl ornaments dress up the fingerboard and headstock. Neck-setted and refretted, the guitar is well set up and plays nicely. Original Kluson Sealfast tuners work without issue. There is a very minor check in the heel and some spot touch-up work associated with the neck set; the pickguard has been rebuilt with new tortoiseshell celluloid and the original binding; the bridge is a period-correct Gibson part, but not original to the guitar, the tailpiece is missing the Varitone tension adjuster, there are two extra screw-holes from other pickguard mounting brackets, and there is a 3” length of back center-seam that has been glued. Apart from this collection of minor flaws the guitar is intact and in wonderful condition. Fast round neck profile with a 1-11/16” nut. Brazilian rosewood fingerboard (not ebony) has a scale length of 25.5”.
With newer Gibson hard case
On Consignment
SOLD

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j45-t_0310
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1946 Gibson J-45
No FON. 1946 is widely considered to be a magical year for Gibson flat tops. The war shortages were over, and the company got back to building guitars with the woods they wanted to be using. Mahogany and spruce were again available, and the instruments built in ’46 have something extra special going on. The “Banner” headstock decal was now gone, but the gold script logo remained – but just for a year or so. The new block lettered logo would come into use in ’47. The 1946 guitars are still quite similar to the banner models built during WWII, they have wide 1-3/4” bone nuts, deep bodies (this one measures 4-7/8” at the endpin), and small rectangular bridges. Many have single piece backs and poplar blocks left over from the war years. This particular J-45 has a bookmatched spruce top (likely Sitka), a one piece mahogany back, mahogany neck with truss-rod and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and mahogany neck and tail blocks. The back and sides show a collection of repaired cracks and a pair of reglued braces, but the top is without cracks or repairs. Bridge and bridge plate are intact and have never been regaled, top arch is perfect. Recent neck reset and refret were professionally done, and the guitar plays just right. Original tuners, nut, saddle, pins… everything but the frets. Finish is heavily crazed throughout and there is playwear on the top as the photos show. The tone is all 40’s J-45: raw, quick, balanced, dry, and powerful. Neck feel is just right, too – C carve but not too thick.
With period chipboard case
On consignment
SOLD

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tg00-t_0410
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1933 Gibson TG-00
FON 386. Beguiling tone is what this tenor is all about. The guitar is exceptionally lightly built, add to this the combination of short tenor scale length and the location of the bridge on the guitar’s top and the result is heavenly. It’s big and powerful but can still capture the most minute and subtle nuances of whatever it is that you’re playing. The trebles are round and full, and the basses are full of tonal color. Now if only it had two more strings! Mahogany back and sides, bound spruce top, rosewood fingerboard and bridge. One well repaired minor top crack, a few more on the back and sides – all repaired. Original finish throughout, but the back and sides appear to have been lightly over-brushed many decades ago. Back of the neck is fairly worn, one tuner has been replaced, and the bridge has been professionally shaved down to allow for lower action. Frets are in good shape, and the instrument has been very well set up in our shop. We’ve strung the guitar with heavier strings and tuned it down to E, in fifths. We like them this way – all low and rumbly - but are happy to set it up with standard tenor tuning (CGDA).
With hard shell case
SOLD

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29L1-t_0909
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1929 Gibson L-1
FON 9490. It is impossible to overstate this guitar’s virtues. In addition to being the very model held by Robert Johnson in the famous 1935 Hooks Bros. photograph, it is virtually unused and in factory-new condition. Even the strings are 80 years old. We have not cleaned or adjusted the guitar, oiled the tuners or fretboard, or changed the four remaining original strings. No repairs have been made, and with the possible exception of adding some glue into a minor top center-seam split, none are needed. The saddle is full-height, the frets are unworn, there is no playwear anywhere on the guitar, and the tuner-gears are shiny-new. There is not even dust inside the guitar’s body. Vintage guitars this clean just don’t exist, especially first-year X-braced Gibsons. We can only imagine how few of these early small-body L-1’s were built, and surely most have not survived the years; which adds to the mystique and attraction of this particular instrument. With original strings tuned to pitch the guitar instantly wakes into the richest, woodiest, and most open voiced Gibson you will likely ever play, with overtones a ‘plenty and bell-like harmonics. This is a lightly built guitar – it has the thinnest bridgeplate we’ve ever seen on a steel-string (about .050”) – and the some of the most delicately carved braces. The bracing below the soundhole is typical of an X-braced guitar, but unlike an X braced instrument, there are no upper arms to the main braces. These are replaced by a transverse brace below the soundhole (imagine a V-braced guitar, see photo). We’ve encountered this style of bracing only on the small handful of similar ’29 L-1’s we’ve come across over the years; the following year Gibson flat-tops became braced with Martin-style X bracing.
Bought new by the late Gladys Nelles, a music instructor in Hamilton Ontario, the guitar was played Hawaiian-style for the brief time it was used. Her first son, Raymond, was born in 1933, and the guitar would linger unplayed until now. Nelles passed away in 1959, six years after a suffering a stroke, and the guitar remained in its case with the strings loosened off for the next 50 years.
This is a museum quality example of Gibson’s first modern flat-top guitar. It’s also a museum quality specimen of Blues Legend Robert Johnson’s Fabled guitar. And if that doesn’t interest you, it is among the finest sounding vintage Gibsons you will ever encounter. 1-3/4” nut, round neck carve, 24.25” scale, 5 – 7 64ths action.
With original case, in similar condition; picks, riser-nut, and steel bar.
SOLD

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2007 Gibson J-185EC
Serial # 00367023. With its maple back and sides, 5-piece curly maple and walnut neck, pearl inlays and gold hardware this is one flashy Gibson. The 16” J-185 is the modern version of the vintage classic, and is fitted with a Fishman Prefix Plus-T pickup system. This one is in lovely condition minus a repaired center-seam split (it’s hard to see in the photos). Hardly used and nicely set up.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1934 Martelle Deluxe
Find another like it! This Martelle De Luxe is essentially a Gibson Roy Smeck Jumbo with a different headstock. It has been expertly converted from Hawaiian to standard style. Similar to Gibson's 1934 Jumbo, this instrument has a near-uniform depth of 4-5/8 inches to 4-3/8 inches, a 3-3/4" sound hole, small period sunburst top finish, and short scale length. It has two scalloped tone bars and a huge voice. The conversion, which included reshaping and narrowing the huge neck, installation of a truss rod, new fingerboard and frets, filling and re-routing the saddle slot for correct intonation, and a new nut and saddle was very professionally done. The neck is comfortable to play, and has an aged finish that is particularly well matched to the guitar. With perfect action, simply Awesome tone, and one of the most beautiful sunburst finishes out there, this instrument is tough to beat. This Jumbo has a huge and open voice, strong, sweet trebles up the neck, and rich, complete basses. It is a very lightweight guitar, and has a quality of tone that can't be found in most other guitars on the planet. The Martelle features mahogany back and sides, Red spruce top, 1-3/4" nut, 2-3/8" string spacing at the bridge, 24.75" scale length, original full-height lacquered bridge and action of 5 to 6 64ths at the 12th fret. It is in excellent condition with the exception of a repaired top crack below the bridge (and minor finish touch-up), and a patch to the bridge-plate.
Period hard-shell case included
On Consignment
SOLD

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1966 Gibson ES-330TD
Serial # 804387. This is a near-mint, all original '66 330. The 330 model has the same looks and styling as an ES-335, but is completely hollow and has P-90 pickups rather than humbuckers. This example is a one-owner under-the-bed guitar that has just surfaced here in Folkway-ville. Brilliant unfaded finish, almost no playwear, strong P-90's, and perfect frets. 1-9/16" nut, comfortable neck (it's small, but nice and round, fitting perfectly in your palm"), and nicely set-up in shop. When guitars are this clean, there's really not much to tell you about! The pictures should tell the story well.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1938 Recording King L-00
FON DW-1212. The super-rare Recording King Carson Robinson /Model K has the body and neck of a standard Gibson L-00, but is ladder-braced, has no truss-rod, and a slightly different pickguard outline. This is a knockout of a guitar that we simply can't spare the time to work on. It's in excellent condition, but for a small back crack, a pickguard margin crack, and a short crack between the soundhole and the fingerboard. The guitar has its original lacquered bridge, and original bone nut and saddle, but is without tuners, and bridge pins. Repairs needed include fixing th aforementioned cracks, resetting the neck, and setting up he guitar. The ladder-braced top is quite bellied as you'll see in one of the photos, below. An option to explore would be to re-brace this top with X-bracing. A marvelous guitar with a great deal of potential.
SOLD

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1933 Gibson TB-1
FON 9486. Whether you choose to play this tenor as it was designed for or convert it to a flat-head 5 string you’ll likely be quite pleased. As it sits, it’s a powerful and rich tenor tuned CGDA, with a recent refret and excellent playabilty. Original Grover tuners work well, neck angle and fit are perfect. 5/8” rim with no separations, replaced flange, tension hoop and tailpiece. Original brackets, armrest, resonator, and bolts. Resonator appears to have been oversprayed, rim and neck finish are original. 19 fret, 23” scale neck.
With 1960’s Gibson hard shell case
SOLD

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1996 Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis
Serial # 90666478. Essentially a modern version of the single pickup ES-175, the Herb Ellis model filled a much missed hole in the Gibson lineup upon its introduction in the early 1990’s. Fitted with a PAF inspired humbucker in the neck position, these early Herb Ellis 165’s remain one of the most popular Jazz boxes in modern Gibson history. Unfortunately, Gibson redesigned the model a few years back and the newer Johnny-smith pickup versions just aren’t the same. Just like the original ES-175’s this guitar features are cut-away laminate maple body, 24.75” scale mahogany neck, bound rosewood fingerboard with double parallelogram inlays, and volume and tone controls. This sunbust example is in near perfect condition and appears to have been very seldom used. It’s freshly set up with flat-wound 11-50’s and fast action. A wonderful guitar.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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1939 Recording King M-5
FON EW-1577. Funny to think that some of the fanciest guitars that Gibson was building in the late 1930's weren't branded Gibson! Similar to the Ray Whitley Jumbo we posted a little while back, the M-5 was the king of Ward's archtop lineup. Step aside L-12, the Recording King has got you beat! The M-5 is the rarest, fanciest, and most expensive of all Recording King archtops, and not a heck different in build than the L-10 or L-12 models. 17" wide body, parallel braced carved spruce top, maple back and bird's eye figured maple sides. Multi-ply bindings on the top, back, sides, and neck. Gorgeous sunburst finish, notched D'A'esque headstock with pearl block and silk-screened ornaments; 5-piece maple and mahogany neck with bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and pearl diamond inlays; matching rosewood bridge. Nickel tailpiece, bound firestripe celluloid pickguard, and Kluson tuners. C-shaped neck has a nut width of 1-3/4", 24.75" scale length, and a non-adjustable truss rod. Finishwear on the back of the neck, and uniform light fret wear - this guitar was clearly used for jazz. In excellent condition, crack-free, and completely original, this is both an interesting collector's guitar, and a great player. Set up in-shop, it plays as nicely as it looks.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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> Front detail
> Full Front detail
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1920 Gibson A3
Serial # 61413. This A3 has a warm and chunky oval-hole tone that fills the room. The sweet trebles hypnotize while the bass notes deliver a knock-out punch. It is a truly beguiling mandolin. This elegantly styled white top A3 is in beautiful condition; and, besides the replacement end pin, is all original. Folkway has lovingly glued a small top crack, re-glued an end of the top brace and set it up. The first three frets have been previously replaced and this instrument is an easy and delightful mandolin to play. Factory finish is original and in nice shape; and the instrument has an interesting shellac top-coat on the sides (perhaps a finish touch-up done by Gibson prior to the completion of the instrument). An inch of back binding has pulled away in the waist more recently, and there is some minor finish chip-out along to top's bass-side edge. Perfect top arch, original tuners work well, nicely fit bridge, and a comfortable V neck with a 1-3/16" nut. With its great looks, excellent tone and playability, this one is a hard instrument to put down.
With original hard shell case
SOLD


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1967 Gibson Hummingbird
Serial # 370577. With its vibrantly un-faded cherry sunburst finish, distinctive hummingbird pickguard and pearl inlaid fingerboard and headstock, the Gibson Hummingbird is in a class of its own. This example is nearly perfect; the only blemishes are a couple of very small dings that wouldn’t otherwise catch your attention. No repairs, but the bridge is a very nice Brazilian Rosewood replacement with a drop-in bone saddle. It’s the exact footprint of the original, which will also be provided with the guitar. Neck angle and frets are spot-on, set up is perfect, and the original Kluson tuners work well. It would be hard to find a nicer hummingbird than this one.
With new deluxe hardshell case
On consignment
SOLD

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1936 Cromwell G-4
FON 973B. Cromwell guitars were built by Gibson in the 1930’s and marketed through various catalog distributors. This one has a Beare and Son, Toronto label visible through the bass-side F-hole as many of the Cromwells we encounter here in Ontario do. 16” archtop built of solid spruce and mahogany, with braced top and back. Sunburst top finish, single-bound top and back, firestripe raised pickguard, nickel tuners and tailpiece; and the white-stripe rosewood fingerboard typical of Cromwell guitars. Bridge is a 50’s replacement, nut is an aged new part made in our shop. The guitar is in excellent condition, and without cracks. Apart from a minor repair to the pickguard’s top corner the guitar has never needed repairs. Original tuners work well, original frets are unworn (it was set-up Hawaiian when we found it), and the neck relief is perfect. 30’s V shaped neck with 1-3/4” nut and 24.75” scale. A good sounding budget archtop with a lot of style.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

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1950 Gibson LG-2
FON 5224-11. A very special LG-2. Pretty much crack-free, original, and beautifully set up, if this guitar didn’t sound half as good as it does it would still be a keeper! That said, this one has the looks and the tone! Apart from some light dings and scratches and one tiny and close-to-invisible side crack this guitar pretty spotless. The nut and saddle have never been removed (still lacquered in), there are no internal repairs, and apart from the tuner buttons and the first 5 frets, there are no changed parts. Actually, even the frets are kind of original… They were salvaged from a Gibson of similar vintage in a previous refret (we keep all our old fret wire) and they match perfectly; you’d not notice they have been changed. We’ve reset the neck to the original full-height saddle, dressed the frets, and have adjusted a couple of nut slots; the guitar needs nothing further. Action of 4 to 6-64ths, typical late 1940’s neck carve with 1-11/16” nut – it plays great. Spruce and mahogany, scalloped X-braced top, small pickguard and original lacquered bridge. Open and balanced with a rich mid-range and layered overtones that are there when you want them but don’t get in the way.
With hard shell case
SOLD

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> Detail 1
> Detail 2
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> Tuners Detail 2

 

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1956 Gibson LG-3
FON # V 7693-6. It has the quintessential late 1950’s LG-2 tone, a great neck, and is perfectly set up – this Gibson is sure to please. By ’56 the LG-3 featured unscalloped braces and the larger pickguard, making it a punchier and more feisty guitar than pre-’55 versions. Lead notes are very fat and loud right up the neck as a result, and this guitar packs enough headroom to really dig in with a flat-pick. The lower mids still have a woody openness, but with better articulation that those older guitars thanks to the bracing changes. Guitars like this are the reason why so many are on the hunt for affordable small-body Gibsons. Completely original but for a high-quality replacement bone nut made in our shop this guitar’s flaws are limited to a couple of repaired back cracks and some minor chipping in the headstock face adjacent to the nut (from a previous amateur nut replacement). Dings, scratches and pickwear are lightly strewn all over the instrument, but there is not any major wear anywhere on the guitar. Original frets are in good shape and show only minor pitting; neck angle is good, and there’s plenty of original saddle height left for further adjustment.
With period alligator chipboard case
SOLD

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1942 Gibson ES-300
Serial # 97420 FON 4096G-39. Upon its introduction in 1940, the ES-300 was the flagship of Gibson’s new Electric Spanish guitar line. Not many were produced though, as the War would curtail production shortly thereafter, and clean pre-war ES-300’s like this are quite rare today. This instrument is an example of Gibson’s second version of the model but apart from the pickup is virtually the same instrument (the first version featured a long, diagonal pickup). Its 17” body has a laminate arched spruce top and arched maple back and sides; Gibson designed in a pair of soundposts to help support the top. The headstock features a pearl script logo and a crown inlay – this model was the first to be outfitted with the crown – black painted rear, and individual Kluson tuners. The pickup is the predecessor to the P-90, and is a work of art in itself – with firestripe sides and a tortoiseshell top. Maple neck with a 25.5” scale, rosewood fingerboard, and pearl parallelogram inlays. The guitar is in wonderful condition throughout and quite original. The frets don’t show much playwear, and the guitar's original finish is glowingly beautiful. The pickguard has been expertly restored, and the pickup has just been rewound by Jason Lollar, whose work is undetectable. There is corrosion on the frets adjacent to the pickguard and some discoloration to the finish below. The original tuners tend to rattle at certain frequencies, and a few of the buttons have begun to corrode – we’d recommend replacing the set. All else is original and perfect. It is well set-up, has the most perfect fat / round neck you’ll ever put your hand on, and has incredible versatility. Rolling the tone off will give you that quintessential jazz tone, but leave that tone knob alone and blues and swing are the name of the game.
With original tweed lined case
SOLD

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c. 1930 Gibson L-2
The “Gold Sparkle’ or “Argentine Gray” Gibson L-2 is among the most distinctive of the pre-war flat-tops. They are also among the most rare and mysterious. This guitar has just emerged from our repair shop after having its bridge plate replaced, three braces reglued, and some set up. It is among the most lightly-built steel string guitars we’ve ever encountered (the bridge plate measured a scant .040" – more than half as thin as an L-00’s plate). The guitar’s voice is beguiling - it’s simply an awe-inspiring instrument. Enjoy the photos… and no, it’s not for sale.
SOLD

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> Detail 3
> Detail 4

 

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1941 Gibson J-55
FON 2670G-11. Built only between 1939 and 1942, the J-55 is one of the more obscure Jumbo bodied Pre-War Gibsons. Not too many of these instruments seem to have been built, and as a result the model has remained fairly unknown to this day. The first of these instruments featured a moustache bridge, long scale neck and a unique “stairstep” headstock shape, but by the time this instrument was built the model featured the SJ-100’s “Bat Wing” bridge, a short scale neck, and a standard headstock with a fatter pearl logo. The 16” Jumbo 55 is the same size as a J-35 model, however a slightly larger bridgeplate, shapely pickguard, bigger and rounder bound neck, and lighter colored finish are features of the more expensive 55’s. As compared to a ‘41 J-35 the J-55 will have a more focused tone, with less thumpy basses and more even bass to treble balance. Imagine a tone somewhere between a D-18 and J-35.

This example is a lovely sounding instrument, with an almost-banner big round neck and excellent playability. It has numerous repaired cracks, but all have been attended to, and is structurally 100%. A few years back our shop was commissioned to re-repair some of those old cracks, replace a non-original oversized bridgeplate, and replace the frets. Since then the guitar has been well taken care of and remains in fine shape. Previous to Folkway, the guitar’s neck was reset, fingerboard re-bound and the finish touched-up along the neck’s edges. The body finish is completely original with clear coat added to the worn areas around the soundhole and pickguard. Bone nut and saddle, bridgepins, and tuner buttons are replacements. There is a lot of wear and patina to this guitar, and a good amount of funkiness all around but it remains perfectly viable guitar despite its bumps. Most importantly, of course, is what a guitar sounds like – and this J-55 is among the best. It’s big, bold, and balanced, well matured, and equally well suited to fingers or flatpick.
SOLD

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> Full Front Detail
> Bridge Detail
> Neck Joint Detail
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> Full Back Detail
> Neck Detail
> Neck Detail 2
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> Headstock Detail 2
> Tuners Detail

 


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1954 Gibson ES-175DN
Serial # A-17871, FON X-8846-11. Guitars like this Blond ES-175D are what vintage is all about. Some of us are into old guitars for their tone, some of us wax poetic about how they feel, and some of us are into them just because they look so darn good... But ALL of us are into guitars that do it all - and that's what this box is all about. With its strong, big-sounding P-90's, well-worn neck, great patina, and vintage Bigsby tremolo this guitar is a tone monster that looks as good as it sounds. Full hollow, full depth laminate maple body with natural finish, Florentine cutaway, short-scale mahogany neck, and double parallelogram inlays define the 175. That Bigsby may have been on the guitar since new, but it may not be a factory original part as is evidenced by extra screwholes hiding under the screw-plate. Completely original wire-harness and pickups, original pickguard, knobs, and switch-tip; original bridge, and Kluson tuners. The frets and the nicely aged tuner buttons are not original; and the bridge was once pinned to the top (there are small pin-holes in the top under the bridge, and small holes in the bridge base hidden by the adjustment thumbwheels). Newer jumbo frets show some wear but play well up the neck, some minor cracks by the output jack have been repaired, and the instrument has just recently been set-up in our shop. This guitar offers some of the best P-90 tone you'll ever hear; it plays nicely, and looks oh-so-gorgeous...
With its original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

More photos:
> Front detail
> Strap Button detail
> End Pin detail
> Case Open
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> Full Back detail
> Neck detail
> Case Closed
     > Headstock detail
> Tuners detail
> Bridge detail
> Output detail

 



1930 Kel Kroydon
FON 9956. And for those of you who are looking for a more original example, this Kel is 100% stock except for a new bone saddle compliments of Folkway. Original finish throughout, nut has never been removed, original full-height bridge with original pins (and matching end pin); original frets, and tuners. X-braced Red spruce top, mahogany back and sides. Perfect neck reset, one expertly repaired top crack, one repaired back brace crack. Fret dress and setup done here. Featherweight 2 pounds, 10oz. Low C neck profile with 1-11/16" nut, and 24-3/4" scale. This is an astounding guitar, with a fullness and balance that will surprise, reward, and beguile you.
With original hard-shell case
SOLD


More photos:
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> Full Front detail
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> Case Closed
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> Full Back detail
> Neck Set detail 1
> Neck Set detail 2
     > Headstock detail
> Tuners detail
> Top Crack detail

 


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1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop
Serial # 5 9822. An early 1955 guitar, with wrap-around stud bridge/tailpiece. For many of us, there is little better in the world than old P-90's on a Les Paul; and a few minutes with this guitar plugged in to our '57 Fender Super would make a believer out of anyone. If tone is what you're after, save big bucks and buy a refinished solidbody. Period.
Refinished beautifully by Joeseph Yanuziello earlier this year and restored here at Folkway, this guitar offers huge tone and perfect feel at a fraction of the cost of a similar Goldtop with original finish. We unfortunately do not have "before" pictures, but we'll just say that this guitar needed its new finish quite badly. Some of the plastic parts were unsalvageable thanks to the layer of white enamel paint that covered them. Suffice to say, Yanuziello is a master with his spray-gun, and the guitar looks great now. All the body edges are un-modified, the original body binding is intact, and you won't find any ugly sanding scratches under the new Nitro lacquer. Original headstock finish, Les Paul decal, and pearl Gibson logo are all intact, as is the original stamped serial number on the rear - but have been lightly oversprayed. The neck has its original fingerboard binding, inlays, frets, and nut (which has never been off). The truss rod cover is original, and the tuners are new aged replacements. No extra holes were ever drilled in the headstock. The body features a mix of original and new parts as follows: Original P-90 pickups and covers, original aluminum tailpiece and studs, original switch, 3 original knobs, 2 original pointer washers; original pots (dated late 1954), original jack, original back plates (restored), original mounting screws, original strap buttons, original pickguard mounting bracket. New Vintage Clone pickguard, switch ring and tip, jack plate; new aged knob (bridge tone), two new pointer washers, and new Luxe "Grey Tiger" capacitors. Original solder joints and wire from the switch, but much of the remainder of the guitar's braided shield wire has been replaced or spliced as it had previously been cut short. The best of what is currently available was used in the restoration of this guitar. We crackle-aged the finish, but chose to leave wearing it in to the guitar's next owner. Original pots work well, but the bridge tone control circles without stopping at 10 - it works fine, so we left it alone. The guitar weighs in at 9.25 Lbs, and the pickup DC resistances are 7.9 (neck) and 7.7 (bridge).
We have provided a large number of detail photos of this instrument in order to answer any of your questions. Please feel free to call for an in-hands description if you'd like further detailed info on any aspect of this guitar.
With new TKL hard shell case
SOLD

More photos:
> Front detail
> Switch detail
> Switch detail 2
> Pickup detail
> Jack Plate detail
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> Full Back detail
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> Pickguard detail
> Pots & Caps detail
     > Headstock detail
> Tuners detail
> Serial Number detail
> Detail 1
> Detail 2

 

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1951 Gibson LG-2
FON 7900-12. An attractive small ’guard LG-2. With its scalloped braces, tapered headstock, lacquered through-saddle bridge, and smokey-dark sunburst top this small bodied Gibson exudes vintage. Nicely crazed and aged finish and not much playwear add to the guitar’s good looks, too. The neck is surprisingly modern in feel, as many were from ’51. A lower C profile than guitars a few years earlier, this instrument doesn’t make your hand have to work too hard. Neck angle is perfect, and original frets are in excellent shape, allowing for a comfortable and low set up. Nicely repaired small pickguard crack, one small repaired 2” back crack, and a few very minor side cracks (each less than 1”) but really no issues at all anywhere on this guitar. No brace repairs, which is very uncommon. Kluson Deluxe tuners are period correct, but are likely not the guitar’s originals. Really, apart from the old 50’s side-mounted coaxial output jack from a DeArmond, the guitar is in quite excellent condition.
With newer hard shell case
SOLD

More photos:
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> Full Back Detail
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1957 Gibson ES-225T
FON U1916-26. The invention of the thinline guitar in 1955 was Gibson's way of providing players with a light weight, feedback resistant hollow-body. To help give the guitar further sonic definition, the solitary P90 pickup was centrally placed between the neck and bridge, giving it what Gibson called an "intermediate" range of tone. The guitar sounds anything but halfway, however, with a P90 that growls the blues. Roll the tone off for a solid round jazz tone. The guitar features a 16 inch wide laminate maple body with a depth of 1-3/4", a pointed Florentine cut-away, 5-ply bevel-edge pickguard, single P-90 pickup with volume and tone controls, Les Paul style trapeze bridge/tailpiece, individual nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners (with one replaced button), and a pearl inlaid Gibson headstock logo. This all-original guitar is in immaculate condition, with only some minor top coat scratches on the back and the slightest of fret wear that is hardly worth mentioning. In fact, I suspect it would be difficult to find a cleaner ES-225 out there. This truly beautiful example must have been living in a closet most of its life, waiting. It has a comfortably low set-up with action reading 6 to 4 64ths at the 12th fret. With original chip board case.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1931 Gibson L-1
FON 80. Vintage guitars don’t come much better than this. Scoring high marks in tone, looks, and feel, this early 1930’s flat-top L-1 is close to as good as it gets. No cracks or breaks on the body, no loose or damaged braces – nothing to take away from the big, open, and balanced voice of the guitar. Overtones a plenty on this one, but nothing flabby; and unlike many smaller Gibsons the mids don’t take over the show. A great fingerpicker that really comes to life with a flatpick. The neck has recently been reset and refretted and the action is set comfortably and low. New ebony nut, bone saddle, bridge and endpins. Original finish throughout, back of the neck is worn smooth in the first position, some pickwear on either side of the fingerboard extension. The fingerboard was likely removed during the neck set (some people still do this), but you’d be hard pressed to notice that if we didn’t point it out. All-in-all, an excellent condition example – with that fantastic original raised pickguard! 24.75” scale, 1-3/4” nutwidth, round contemporary-feeling carve to the neck is quite comfortable.
With newer hard shell case
SOLD

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> Full Front Detail
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> Full Back Detail
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c. 1939 Recording King J-55
No FON. Gibson built instruments for Wards that carried the Recording King brand roughly between 1937 and 1941, and none of these instruments are more renowned than the Ray Whitley models built during that time. As the man who ordered the very first SJ-200, no one is really sure why Ray Whitley endorsed Ward rather than Gibson guitars, but he did, and the instruments carrying his signature are among the most valuable Gibsons on the vintage market today. Interestingly though, this one isn't technically a Ray Whitley model (it seems to predate them) but does have the headstock and pickguard we associate with these guitars. A cross between a J-35, J-55, and the Ward's Catalog, the guitar has a single-bound body of mahogany and Red spruce, sunburst top and dark back and sides. Large, amoebic fire-stripe Whitley pickguard with no engravings, bound rosewood fingerboard with dot markers, rosewood headstock overlay with pearl block inlay. The Recording King brand was stenciled - not engraved- onto the pearl and has since partially flaked away. Kluson tuners with black buttons, and matching black bridge pins and end-pin. Chunky V-shaped Mahogany neck, 1-3/4" nut, and 24.75" scale. Inside, you'll see an un-scalloped X-brace with a wide angle (about 108 degrees) and three unscalloped tonebars. The guitar's bridge is a replica made in our shop as the original was shaved low and cracked through the pin-holes. Our repair department has also neck-setted and refretted the guitar, fixed a b-string pickguard crack, and re-glued a 1" section of the top's centerseam. The guitar's top is in excellent shape with no other cracks. Its back is crack free with the obvious exception of an ancient repair on the lower treble bout; and the sides show a few tight / glued mini-cracks typical of old mahogany dreadnoughts. There is another ancient side repair on the lower bass bout that matches the one on the back. Nothing funny to mention on the inside with either of these two old repair jobs, and they are both non-issues from a structural point of view, so we left them alone. With the exception of the frets, bridge and saddle the guitar is completely original and un-modified. All braces and bridgeplate are original, well-glued, and intact.

The guitar's voice is clear and balanced, and its attack is immediate - almost as if it knows what you're about to play. It has a strong midrange that makes flat-picked notes have that perfect round tone; and articulate, piano-like basses. Not thuddy, or tubby like later scallop-braced J-35's or 45's, this instrument is more reminiscent of a later 1930's L-00 - but bigger, with stronger bass. And you can't argue with that. Perfectly suited for fingerstyle or flat-picking, this may become the only guitar you play.

With a period Gibson Tweed hard shell case

SOLD

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> Front detail
> Full Front detail
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> Bridge detail

 


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1939 Kalamazoo KH-21 Mandola
FON EK-2433. A truly rare and interesting instrument. Mandolas of any brand were uncommon in the late 1930's as the Mandolin craze was pretty much all but dead by the outbreak of WWII, and there wasn't very much call for any mandolin-family instruments; especially the C-tuned Mandola. So what a curiosity this Kalamazoo-branded instrument really is. It shares the same appointments as many Kalamazoo instruments - sunburst top finish and dark back and sides, single-bound body, bound fire-stripe pickguard, and simple tailpiece and Kluson 4-on-a-plate tuning gears. It has a braced arched top and back, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a bone nut. It has a small and well-repaired crack in the back that may or may not have been locally oversprayed. The repair is very attractively done and does not deter at all from the beauty of the instrument. It plays very well, and has a warm tone with lots of sustain and woodiness. There can't be too many of these instruments out there, especially in this fine condition.
With original case
SOLD

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1957 Gibson SJ LEFTY
FON U2284-11. Possibly a one-of-a-kind instrument, this ’57 Gibson Southern Jumbo is – at very least – impossibly rare. We sold this one years ago, and we’re glad to offer it again. It’s a gorgeous guitar with a perfect feel, and it offers the kind of tone most lefties have never really had a chance to experience. The guitar’s body is near-perfect; there is a very small and well-repaired crack on the bottom of the back, but no other repairs or modifications. The bridge was once slotted for a right-handed saddle, but has been ‘corrected’ since; and the frets were replaced in our shop seven or eight years ago but remain mostly unworn. An old headstock repair is the only category in which this guitar looses points, but it is structurally stable and doesn’t pose any concern to us (in all the years we’ve known this guitar it’s looked the same). It’s a loud and lively guitar, with bold trebles, rich mids, and healthy basses. A perfect vocal companion and a great strummer. We’re not giving it away, but you’ll never find another.
With deluxe hard shell case
SOLD

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1954 Gibson SJ
FON # X8096-8. Wow. It's original from the tuner buttons down to the end-pin, has its original hard shell case and rope strap; looks astounding, and plays perfectly. And, it will make you sound good. It doesn't get much better than a small-guard Southern Jumbo for many of us, and small-guard Southern Jumbos don't get much better than this one. Unmodified, save for the center-seam repair and set-up courtesy of our repair department, close to no playwear, and a perfect top-arch. Scalloped braced top, small maple bridge plate, full-height Brazilian rosewood bridge, and original frets with almost no wear. The strikes against it are minor and few in number: A small area of cat-claw scratching on the top near the end-pin, the odd ding in the finish, and stiffness in the original Kluson tuners. Set up with 5 to 7 action the saddle is on the low side, but does have a little more wiggle room left if you're looking for a fingerstyle set up. Strong projection, sweet and rich, with a tight low end, crispy highs and good clarity - pretty much what we'd hope to find in a big mahogany guitar. It's never really been played, and should open up into a tremendous guitar with a few good hours of strumming.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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1934 Gibson L-00
FON 921. A gorgeous small-burst early L-00 that’s almost as original and clean as they come. Almost. An unfortunate fall recently left its mark on the sides of this guitar on both sides of the neck, and a less vintage-sensitive repair person repaired the cracks and over-sprayed the guitar’s shoulders. It actually doesn’t look too bad, but we would have chosen to use the opportunity to reset the neck as well. The guitar’s action is high, and a neck reset is required if you’d like to have the strings set more comfortably. The original lacquered bridge has never been modified, and we couldn’t bring ourselves to mess with such a perfect thing. The saddle is factory original; it’s never been lowered. Internally, the guitar is perfect; there are no loose braces, no modifications or repairs. The top and back are without cracks, and the original finish looks almost new, save for some crazing. Tuners, nut, frets – they are all unworn. Really, with the exception of 4 bridgepins and the aforementioned crack repairs this guitar is the best preserved L-00 we’ve ever seen. Even its original case is in great shape. It’s a big and bold guitar that’s aching to be played.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1936c. Gibson TG-00
FON is illegible, but may be 43?-2. The 4 string counterpart to the venerable L-00, the TG-00 shares the same body and bracing as its 6 string brother, but is fitted with a 22.75" scale tenor neck and a wee 4 string bridge. It is a well-used guitar with many scratches and dents in its original finish, but is in remarkably fine condition otherwise. A few repaired hairline cracks on the back but no top or side cracks to mention. Our repair department glued a few back brace ends, plugged numerous screw-holes left from various replacement tuners through the years, fitted aged 50's style Klusons and new period-correct bridge pins, and set the instrument up in our favorite Tenor tuning - low E, with .016 - .054 strings. The set up is just right, and the guitar plays beautifully and rewardingly. Neck is true, and the original frets are in very useable shape. Original tuner bushings, nut, saddle, and end-pin. Keen eyes will notice that this guitar has a three piece top - something we see fairly regularly on L-00 models of this era. The guitar's voice is breathtaking at worst; you'll have a hard time putting this instrument down.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

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c.1932 Gibson L-00
FON 328. The L-00 took on many different looks during its production run, but none are more striking than the white-on-black versions of the early 1930's. This is a 1932 or 1933 instrument, and exhibits some interesting evolutionary features of the L-00. It's an all-mahogany 12-fretter, with early style bridge, silkscreen logo, and early 2-ply rosewood fingerboard. The braces are tall, thin, and unscalloped, and the bridge plate is petite and thin. The workmanship on Gibson guitars from this era is excellent, and the top's arch and bracing are in excellent shape. Although this was Gibson's least expensive flattop in '33 it is an astonishing instrument whose looks are only exceeded by its tone. This is a thick and rich guitar, with very full and expressive mids and highs, a dry woody bass, and a hint of sparkle thanks to that mahogany top. It has a complex voice, and a colorful harmonic palette. (how's that for a description?!). Do I like this one? Yes, quite a lot.
In excellent shape overall, this L-00 is crack-free and plays perfectly. It has recently had a neck reset, its fingerboard re-glued, a replacement bridge made, a few back brace ends glued, and the first 3 frets replaced. As the 13thfret has never been out we suspect that the luthier who reset the guitar's neck removed the entire fingerboard to access the dovetail joint. In our repair shop the finish along the edge of the neck and fingerboard was lightly touched up, and this repair is now largely unnoticeable. The bridge, saddle, and nut are accurate replicas of the originals, care of Folkway. Finally, four small tailpiece holes have been filled and very nicely concealed with touch-up. The guitar presents beautifully, and the aforementioned repairs all fade from consciousness within five minutes of holding this guitar. Set up with a somewhat low action of 5 to 6 64ths and 12-54 strings, this guitar is ready for anything you'll want to play. Truly a remarkable instrument in every way.
With 1940's chipboard case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1940 J-35
FON #1464F. Let me start by saying that, as good as our pictures are, they're sometimes just not good enough. The photos of this 1940 Gibson J-35 do not do this instrument justice. The top has some minor dings and scratches, but these seem to have been excessively highlighted by the diffuse light we use in our photo studio. Now for the good stuff...

This Gibson J-35 was built in 1940, and purchased new in 1941 by the Grandfather of a gentleman from Rochester, NY who just recently sold us this guitar. This instrument was well cared for by its three generations of owners, as the condition of it attests. It is in wonderful shape, with only one tiny (and repaired) crack on the bass side lower-bout of the top, adjacent to the binding. The original lacquered Brazilian rosewood bridge is full thickness. The finish is in great shape, very thin, with only mild crazing. The original frets show only minor wear; and the nut, saddle, bridge pins and endpin are all original. The original tuners have replaced buttons. There are no interior repairs, no loose braces, no water damage, and no excessive top deflection. It is an exceptionally fine no-issues example. The neck is quite large - small hands will have a hard time with this one - and the action (at 5/64 treble and 9/64 bass) is high on the bass side. We simply don't shave bridges, and we've left the option to reset the neck up to the next owner as certain collectors would prefer to have such a fine specimen in its un-repaired and original condition. Nut width of 1 11/16", one piece mahogany neck with adjustable truss rod. Adirondack Red spruce top and bracing; double un-scalloped tone-bars. Gorgeous fire-stripe pickguard and no pickguard crack. It is a thunderously loud guitar, hugely resonant, and well balanced. You feel the back vibrate with each note you play. This guitar exemplifies why so many players want J-35 Gibsons. It will not disappoint.
SOLD

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1964 Gibson ES-330TD
Serial #174813. Here is a beautiful example of a Gibson 'burst thin-line. The Gibson ES-330 has much of the same aesthetic styling as the 335, but it has P90 pickups instead of Humbuckers and is without the wooden center block of the 335. Those differences create a resonant and versatile guitar in the 330's. The deep, defined mellow basses of the neck pickup are perfectly suited for the Jazz festival circuit. Conversely, the inherent cutting snarl of the bridge P90 will liven up any Country Blues set. The 1-5/8" nut and comfortable neck help make this guitar a joy to play. It has been professionally set up in shop with action of 4 to 5-64ths at the 12th fret. At some point its upper frets were replaced, and there is some minor fret wear in the first positions. With replaced tuners and some minor buckle rash, this otherwise pristine 330 is an opportunity for players to own an icon. It even comes with its original hang tags!
With hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1921 Gibson F-4
Among the finest instruments we have ever had the pleasure of offering for sale is this Gibson F-4 mandolin. Instruments with this tone quality are rarely this clean. Absolutely original and nearly unplayed, even the original frets are like new. The case is that clean, too! The vivid sunburst is completely unfaded and the subtly flamed maple seems to light up from inside. In pictures these style 4's can look a little garish, in person, everyone who has seen this instrument has dropped their jaw. This was the top of the line when it was made in 1921; the very next year the F-5 usurped that role. Personally, (cash aside!) I'd take this over an F-5, and this is pretty much the holy grail for anyone who doesn't play bluegrass. We repaired a clean "Bill Monroe" crack on the headstock scroll, and a loose end on the single interior brace. I'm glad to report there is no top sinkage, and the crack is all but invisible now, with no finish touch up. This is indeed one of the very best sounding mandolins I have ever played: loud, rich and full, lots of sustain, no mushiness and a big warm bottom end.
SOLD

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1939 Gibson / Cromwell G4
FON EC-351. This 16" archtop, similar to the Kalamazoo KG-31 and the Gibson L-50, features a solid spruce arched top and a braced arched Mahogany back. The Cromwell brand was built by Gibson and distributed by a few mail-order stores from 1935 until 1939. The Gibson budget brand has become famous for their flashy Deco fingerboard ornamentation and cool looks. This instrument features a sunburst top, elevated firestripe pickguard, single-bound body and fingerboard, and nickel tailpiece. It has a comfortable V neck with a 1-3/4" nut width and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. Original everything, and in excellent condition. The guitar plays very well thanks to a fine setup and good original frets. All of us here like the way it sounds, too - it's loud and punchy, but has a warmth not usually found in less-pricey archtops.
With deluxe hardshell case
On consignment
SOLD

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1947 Gibson LG-2
FON 648-4. Amongst the very first instruments to leave Kalamazoo with the then-new "Modernized" logo, this guitar was likely completed in late 1946 or early 1947. The new logo required a little less room than the "Script" logo it was replacing, and we suspect that Gibson moved the tuning machines about a 16th of an inch away from the nut to accommodate this difference in size. This change would have happened sometime after this guitar was built; and as a result, you'll notice that this guitar's logo appears mis-located, when in fact there was simply more space for it to occupy on the headstock. We find that kind of stuff interesting.

A gorgeous guitar, this LG-2 doesn't have a single crack and is completely original. It has a rich reddy-brown sunburst finish that's developed a wonderfully vintage patina over the years. With scalloped X bracing, very light weight, and a wide-grained top it's no wonder it sounds as good as it does, but this guitar has something extra-special in its voice too. Airiness, warmth, woodiness - any of these are good descriptors. It's not the loudest LG-2 out there, but it definitely does what it does well. Single-bound body, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, original nut, saddle, tuners, pins, and frets. Very little fret wear, nicely set-up in shop to standard 5 - 7 64ths action. Full height bridge, but no more room on the saddle to lower the action further. Comfortably round neck with 1-11/16" nut width. A special guitar.

With original chipboard case
SOLD

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1930 Gibson L-1
FON 9569. Introduced in '26, the original L-1 (with its small 13-1/2" body, wide V-neck, and H-bracing) has become famous due to its association with mythically legendary bluesman Robert Johnson. By 1929, the L-1's body size was increased to the L-2's 14-3/4" width, and X-bracing replaced the tubby-sounding H bracing. These new L-1's were built exceptionally lightly, with ultra-thin top, backs, and sides, thin braces and tiny maple bridge plates. They sounded great thanks to this light construction; but, unfortunately few have survived in playable condition to this day. The heavy steel strings of the era took their toll on the lightly built tops, and most of the early 1930's L series guitars (0's, 1's and 2's) we come across today have been heavily (and often badly) repaired as a result. We offer here a guitar that has survived the years wonderfully, without warpage, damage, cracks or playwear. It's a guitar that is truly in "Collector Condition," and one that plays as effortlessly as it is beautiful.

Red spruce top, mahogany back and sides, bound in a single layer of white celluloid, with a rich tobacco sunburst finished top and Sheraton brown back and sides. Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, "The Gibson" headstock logo, three-on-a-plate tuners with white buttons, C shaped 12 fret neck with a 1-3/4" ebony nut and 24.75"scale length. Straight tapered braces, mahogany neck block and poplar tail block, maple bridge plate, mahogany kerfed linings, and gauze side reinforcements. Original frets, bridge pins, endpin, tuning machines, and thin lacquer finish. We have recently completed a neck reset and set-up on this instrument; its action measures 5 to 6 64ths at the 12th fret.

Tonally, this guitar is among the best of them. Its light weight, age, and flawless condition work together to offer up a vintage Gibson voice that is rich in harmonic overtone, open and woody, with well developed tonal response across the musical spectrum. It is less boxy and mid-range heavy than later L-00's and LG-2's, but fatter and more punchy than a similarly aged Martin 00-18, and strikes a nice balance between the three aforementioned instruments. While this L-1 is best suited for fingerstyle playing, few of you won't find any reason to not love this guitar.

Sold with its original semi-hardshell case
On Consignment
SOLD


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1944c. Gibson J-45
FON 335-26. A perfectly preserved mahogany top Banner, from the late-war period. The guitar is in tip-top shape, its only scar being chipped out finish in front of the bridge. We've neck setted the instrument, glued a few loose braces, reglued the bridge, dressed the original frets, and set it up. It is completely original, including saddle and bridge-pins. Huge Banner tone, with added crispness, sparkle, and snap thanks to the mahogany top. Like many late Banner models, the guitar was built with a bookmatched top, and single-piece back; it has a 5-ply maple neck, with a manageable shape, truss-rod, 1-3/4" nut, and bean-wood fingerboard. Poplar neck and tail blocks, bean-wood bridge, black bridge and end pins, tortoise-pattern pickguard and two-tone sunburst finish. No cracks. Some lacquer crazing, but otherwise a new-looking 60+ year old finish. It's too bad we're in the business of selling guitars... this one's a keeper.
With newer hardshell case
On consignment
SOLD


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1934 Gibson Nick Lucas Special
This guitar was recently in for bridge regluing and re-profiling, a new saddle, and set up. It's a lovely and original '34 Nick Lucas with a 14 fret neck and maple back and sides. Apart from some minor finish touchup around the bridge from a previous reglue and a repaired back crack this guitar is unaltered and just lovely. It's a shame not more of these instruments were built; let's just say that there is a good reason for all the fuss!
Sorry, not for sale.

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1922 Gibson TB
FON 11513-12. A warm and expressive instrument, the tone of this early TB is particularly irresistible. It's almost as simple a banjo as you could ask for, with the exception of its dowel-stick and coordinator rod set up, but it sounds like a million bucks. 10-1/2" head; 18 fret, 22" scale length neck, ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, maple neck and tone-rim, and geared tuners. The tailpiece, bridge, and head are new (original bridge and broken tailpiece supplied), and the rest of the instrument is original and in excellent condition. Excellent set up, nice frets, and a good neck angle.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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1956 Gibson ES-125 LEFTY
FON V5966-6. Here's a rare and exciting opportunity for our left-handed customers. Factory left-handed, and in stunning MINT condition, this guitar has definitely benefited by being unplayable to the average right-handed guitarist! No modifications, no issues, no scratches, no fretwear... we can find absolutely no flaws or faults on this guitar other than a couple of insignificantly small dings, and new replica tuner buttons. Completely original and beautifully set up, this will certainly be among the highlights of any lefty's collection. 16" wide maple laminate body, single P-90 pickup, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and lefty compensated bridge, original Kluson tuners. 24.9" scale, 50's Gibson neck with original bone nut and 1-11/16" nut. Blues or Jazz are what this guitar loves to play, but we're sure you'll find ample versatility in the instrument's tone. Original hang tag is included, as well as the original alligator brown case.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1949 Gibson L-50
No FON. Based on the bound tortoiseshell pickguard, modern logo, and neck-profile, we're guessing this L-50 to have been built in 1949 or '49. It's a great looking and super-clean vintage arch-top, with a carved spruce top and carved figured maple back. Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with pearl dots, and matching rosewood bridge. The guitar is completely original but for its tuners - they're 1950's Klusons with original buttons. Lacquer finish is really quite gorgeous, and apart for a little bit of pickwear above the fingerboard extension, it's nearly perfect. Nice frets, and well set up.
With period hard shell case
SOLD

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1934 Gibson L-1
FON 612. Probably the most nicely preserved L-body Gibson we have ever offered for sale, this 1934 L-1 is in near-mint condition. An under-the-bed special, the instrument shows close to no play wear and is completely original, including case. No cracks, no loose braces. Full-height original bridge has been professionally reglued, and the original saddle was re-cut and compensated for modern playability. The guitar's original lacquer finish is glossy and free of all but the slightest dings; although there are some noticeable crazing lines, primarily on the top. A spot of finish wear is evident on the back of the neck in the first position, and we French-polished a small area on the back of the headstock where a minor split in the mahogany grain had appeared due to an excessively tightened truss-rod. It's a nice repair, and not at all noticeable. Very nicely set up with standard action, and ample saddle height to go lower. The guitar's original frets show only very slight wear in the first position and lie true. Very comfortable mid 1930's V-profile neck with 1-3/4" wide (original) bone nut. Mahogany back and sides, spruce top, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Original tuners, white bridge pins, and white end pin. Absolutely gorgeous small-center tobacco-sunburst top finish, bound top and back (L-1's from '34 have a bound back, otherwise identical L-00's have an unbound back), silkscreened Gibson script headstock logo. A very fine sounding guitar, with volume and punch.
With original case
On consignment
SOLD


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1951 Gibson J-185
FON 9731-5, Serial # illegible. Introduced in 1951 only to be discontinued seven years later, the J-185 has achieved near mythical status in the vintage guitar world. A total of 918 J-185's were built in that period (sunburst and natural) - far fewer than the 2500 or so J-35's out there, and a small fraction of the 20,000 or so J-45's and J-50's produced during the same years. 918 instruments might sound like a lot, but that number equals about half of the total production of original Sunburst Les Paul Standards. Rare and desirable are two words that most definitely describe the J-185 model. The guitar's factory order number dates to 1951; the original label is partly missing and we can only guess at the serial number. The numbers 143 are legible, but don't really offer any help in dating the guitar. Regardless, it was at least begun in 1951. Completely original with the exception of its endpin, this 185 has survived the years nicely. It has one nicely repaired top crack running from about the A-string bridge-pin hole south to the body's edge; and a pair of repaired pickguard cracks. There is an older repaired side crack of about 3" in length on the bass-side waist; and the upper part of the back's center seam has been reglued. We suspect the guitar's neck was reset - possibly by Gibson - some time ago, as the finish is slightly chipped away around the heel of the neck (shown in the photos provided). The instrument arrived here with a loose bridge and a few loose back braces, all of which have been properly tended to. Original gold Kluson tuners, nut, frets, saddle, bridgepins. Like all Gibson flat tops built before 1955, this guitar's top braces are scalloped - a nice plus. Original finish shows typical heavy crazing but is in nice shape otherwise; there is not very much playwear to report on. Very nicely set up with standard 5-7 64ths action. Solid maple back and sides, Sitka spruce top, bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with double parallelogram inlays, Brazilian rosewood bridge with pearl Maltese Cross inlays. 1-11/16" wide nut, 24.75" scale, round 1950's profile neck. This guitar is beautiful to look at, and wonderful to play. It's small-jumbo 16" wide body is a perfect size for both comfort and tone, and coupled with its light bracing and solid maple back and sides provides a tone unlike anything else in vintage guitars.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD


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1946 Gibson LG-2
No FON. With its script logo, 1-3/4" nut, and warm sunburst this '46 LG-2 is a lot more like a Banner model than a later 1940's instrument. A one owner guitar in excellent condition, this LG-2 has developed a deliciously sweet tone from the years of cowboy chords. Rich harmonic overtones color every note this guitar has to offer, and the trebles and mids are complex, full, and meaty. The bass end is reserved, making this guitar an ideal choice for those of you who play primarily fingerstyle, or are on the hunt for that perfect recording studio Gibson. The guitar has no cracks, but has had its top's center-seam nicely relgued. The tuners are new Gotohs, nicely aged, and a small maple patch has been added to the original bridgeplate. The repairs were all done in our shop. The guitar has no other issues and is structurally perfect. Original bone nut and saddle, original frets show wear in the first position, new bridge pins and end pin. Good neck angle, nicely set up, and there is still some room left on the saddle to lower the action further if desired. A recent photograph of the guitar's first owner - guitar in hand - will be included with the instrument.
With original chipboard case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1966 Gibson ES-335TD
Serial # 855140. This one is a knock-out, folks. Vibrant and un-faded cherry finish, near-mint condition, and completely original but for perfect new frets and a bone nut; this 335 is both a player's and collector's dream axe. Pots and serial number date 1966; patent # pickups (neck is missing decal), with DC resistances of 7.3 (neck) and 7.9 (bridge). Very resonant and light weight, this guitar is a great sounding 8.2 pound machine. Original double-line double-ring Kluson tuners work well, as do pots and switch. Fast neck, with nut-width of 1-9/16". If you're in the market for a collector-grade instrument, this might just be the one.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD


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1967 Gibson ES-345 Burgundy
Serial # 050503. Just like the '66 ES-335 above, this is another rare Sparkling Burgundy Gibson; this time a Stereo Varitone 345 in excellent condition. No history lesson here, folks. We've covered it all with the '61 345 and the '66 335, above. This guitar is straight-up, except for new Kluson tuners and the holes left behind when the Grovers were taken off. Professional refret, nice set up, fast neck with a nut of 1-9/16". Pickups read 7.5 (b) and 7.2 (n), and the guitar weighs in at 8.75 pounds. There is some minor buckle wear on the back, and a bit of finish worn through on the neck. A nice example of what Gibson was occasionally up to the year The Beach Boys single "Good Vibrations" was at the top of the charts.
With non-original hard shell case
On consignment
SOLD

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1961 Gibson ES-345TD
Serial # 37127. Introduced in 1959 and heralded by Gibson as their new "Stereo Guitar," the ES-345 was the first Varitone-equipped instrument in the Gibson line. This example is one of only 223 cherry 345's made in 1961, and is among the esteemed group of early 345's to be equipped with original P.A.F. humbuckers, and stop tailpiece (most of them came equipped with tremolo systems). It's a fabulous sounding guitar, with PAF pickup resistances of 7.8 in the neck 7.6 in the bridge. Nicely set up in-shop, the guitar has minor fretwear and shows mild scalloping between the frets from an earlier fret-dress. Gorgeous unfaded cherry finish appears completely original, however under black light a belt-rash touchup on the back becomes noticeable, and we suspect the entire back to have been over-sprayed. The back of the neck (but not the headstock face) has been professionally refinished as well. Apart from the Gold Grover tuners the guitar is completely original. Comfortable and fast '61 neck profile with a nut that's a shade wider than 1-5/8"; 8.6 pounds total weight.
With original hard shell case
On consignment
SOLD

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1955 Gibson GS-2
FON V6230-9. A guitar every Gibson collector needs to really round out their collection! This is a rare guitar - shipping totals for the GS-2 indicate only 177 were ever built, 32 of these in 1955. It's a bit of an odd bird, sure, but it certainly is a cool one! LG-sized body of solid flamed maple and spruce, fan braced, with a 25.5" scale neck, slotted headstock, flat fingerboard, and a 2" wide nut. The guitar is in gorgeous original condition, with no cracks or playwear. We've replaced the tuner buttons, but the guitar is otherwise as straight-up as they come.
With period case
SOLD

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1948 Gibson BR-6
FON 1409. The BR-6 lap steel was introduced shortly after the end of WWII, and remained in production until 1959. The solid mahogany instrument features a square neck, bound top, a Lucite pickup cover under-painted gold, gold painted fretboard, and a subtle sunburst top finish. This late 1940's instrument it outfitted with first-generation "Pat. Appld." Kluson tuners, first-generation numberless speed knobs, and a first-generation P-90 pickup. Apart from the tuner buttons, this steel is completely original and in excellent working order. There is some minor tape scarring on the fingerboard and a light smattering of dings and dents, but the instrument presents nicely and is quite a lovely example.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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C. 1938 to '42 LG-2 Prototype
FON 710. Almost certainly a prototype LG-2, this is a most interesting instrument: Imagine a mini-J-35, with features indicative of both the pre-war L-00 and post war LG-2. Gibson's shop records were notoriously terrible during that era, making our research into the what and when of this instrument a very difficult task; but after much forensic investigation and discussion with other leaders in our field, we're confident in what we present below. The LG-2 was introduced in 1942. It featured the body shape pioneered with the GS-35 and GS-85 classical guitars built between '38 and '42, but with an X-braced top, and steel string neck. The scalloped bracing was slightly more robust than that of the L-00, and the neck was carved into a round profile and had a fatter, squatter heel. Its headstock, too, differed; with curved edges versus the straight edged look of earlier Gibsons. The new LG-2 received a smaller tear-shaped pickguard, a sunburst top, and dark Sheraton-brown back and sides with top and back bindings to match its big brother J-45. From around late 1946 onward the modernized logo seen on this guitar was used regularly. When looking at this instrument, it is immediately obvious that it's not completely an LG-2 - but it's certainly no L-00 either! Have a good look at the photos and see if you can spot the various L-00 and LG-2 characteristics. The entire neck, pre-war truss rod, pickguard, two-piece bookmatched back, lighter sides and back finish, and lack of back binding are L-00 features. The bridge, sunburst top finish, and bracing are 40's LG-2. The tuners were installed here, and cannot be used to date the guitar. To further the mystery of this guitar, the underside of the truss rod cover is etched with (presumably) the original owner's name and address, and a date of July 27th 1939. The guitar's finish is original, the neck has never been removed, and with the exception of the tuners no parts have been changed. The bridge was loose when the guitar arrived to our shop, it appeared to have been glued back more than once before; but there was no evidence of another bridge ever being on the instrument. There are two possible scenarios to explain this guitar: Either it was built in 1938, and sent back to the factory in the late 1940's where its top and headstock were refinished and a new logo applied (we really don't see any evidence of refinish); or the guitar was started in 1938 (as the FON suggests), worked on again sometime around '42 when the LG-2 went into production, and finally finished in '47 - in which case the truss-rod cover may have been a transplant from another instrument, or perhaps indicate a birthdate. Either way you choose to look at it this must be a prototype LG-2, and probably the first steel-string guitar with this body shape. It looks a lot more like a J-35 than an L-00, and might have been a design that Gibson was experimenting with before their big redesign of 1942. The guitar has been well used, but is in fine structural condition. There is only one crack on the guitar - on the uppermost bass side, although there are many scratches, dents, and pickwear. The bridge plate is an exact replica that was made here (original included in sale), and the bridge has been reglued a couple of times, most recently by us. We re-repaired a few brace ends that had wiggled loose of their old glue, and made a new bone saddle for it when we set it up. The bridge pins are nice vintage-style replacements too. The original frets have good height left, but there is a rise in the fingerboard tongue that causes some buzzing on the bass strings up past the 12th fret. The guitar plays well, with comfortable action. It is a very open and woody sounding instrument, with a little less mid-range honk than most LG-2's. And, best yet, the pre-war L-00 neck has that super comfortable V-shaped profile, so you don't need to struggle with a baseball-bat-sized banner neck. Even if it weren't an historically important guitar, this Mini J-35 is a highly desirable instrument based on its own merits of tone and feel.
With new deluxe hard shell case
SOLD

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1946 Gibson ES-150
No FON. A very early P-90 equipped Gibson, and one of the earliest 17" ES-150's you'll encounter. The early post-war 150's featured a laminate maple body, single bound in white; and unbound rosewood fingerboard with simple dot inlays, individual tuners, and a long 25.5" scale length. Keen eyes will also notice this guitar's original tall, numberless, first-generation speed knobs. An old neck set and associated side-crack repair keep this great sounding jazz box's price low, but don't hurt its tone one bit. Tailpeice and tuner buttons are replacements; original frets are worn in the first position but are quite useable except at the 13th fret where notes buzz out noticeably; avoid playing in F, I guess. Great feeling late 40's neck, with 1-11/16" nut width, and original finished-in nut. Original adjustable bridge, wire harness, and all finish. With a bit of fretwork this guitar will be an excellent player; but is being offered AS-IS
With original hard shell case.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1959 Gibson J-50
FON S8398-20. Completely original, intact, and gorgeous, this J-50 is a closet special. No repairs aside from a glued pickguard crack - even those tuner buttons are original! Not much else to tell you here. it's a beautiful J-50 in beautiful condition, with excellent tone. Great neck, no fretwear or finish wear, and fairly normal crazing to the lacquer. Nicely set-up in shop.
With hard shell case
SOLD

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1930 Gibson PG-0
FON 9929. An interesting Plectrum L-body Gibson from the first era of Gibson's X-braced flat-tops. This guitar closely resembles the 1930 - 31 L-0's we've seen, with the exception of fingerboard biding and elevated pickguard reminiscent of the L-2 model; and - of course - its long scale 4 string neck. A spectacular instrument, this PG-0 is in remarkably fine condition, plays well, and has a tone that will take your breath away. There is nothing quite like an early 1930's Gibson flat top; never since has the company built instruments as light and delicate as those built between '29 and '32. With its combination of long scale (26.4"), mahogany top and back, and X bracing, the notes leap from this guitar with piano-like clarity and ring. It's transcendental and beguiling.
No cracks or repairs and just minor finish scuffing here and there. Light to moderate fretwear, and well set-up in our shop. Action of 6 to 7 64ths at the 12 fret. We have the instrument low-strung and tuned in fifths with an E in the bass, but will gladly set it up with tradition Plectrum gauging and tuning, should you desire.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

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1924 Gibson Tenor Lute
Serial # 76700, FON 11172A. Definitely a curiosity of the Loar era, the Tenor Lute was offered between 1924 and 1926, although all known examples bear 1924 serial numbers. The Tenor Lute has the distinction of being the only Master Model-labeled instrument that was not part of the Style 5 line and it does not bear a Lloyd Loar signature label. Its F holes and elevated fingerboard are Style 5 features, but that's where Loar's improvements end. The Tenor Lute has a Mandola body with carved spruce top and carved birch back and sides. Its maple neck is akin to that of a Style 3 banjo, complete with Moccasin headstock, dot-neck ebony 24 fret fingerboard and 20-3/4" scale length. The instrument is in excellent condition and has no cracks, separations, or top sinkage. Its pickguard is missing, but it is otherwise completely original. Grover G-82 tuners are in good working order, fingerboard and frets are level, and it plays very nicely after being set-up in shop. We have replaced the original bridge with a better sounding ebony adjustable unit, but will include the original with the instrument. Tuned to G Octave Mandolin tuning, the instrument has a lovely tone. Its body is too small to produce a great deal of bass response, but the trebles are certainly nice to listen to! Imagine an octave mandolin with only 4 strings, and you'll have an idea of the Tenor Lute's tone. Among the rarest of Gibson's 1920's Mandolins, very few Tenor Lutes are known to exist. Here is a chance to round up your Master Model collection!
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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1961 Gibson Hummingbird
Serial # 18380. Introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird was Gibson's first new flat-top design since the J-185 a decade earlier and their first square-shouldered acoustic. It was second only to the J-200 in the price-list and was dressed up with a cherry sunburst finish, pearl fingerboard inlays and headstock décor, gold Kluson tuners, and -- most notably -- its iconic pickguard. A few early 'birds were built with maple back and sides, and some had short-scale necks; but most were just like this one with mahogany back and sides and a long scale neck. 156 Hummingbirds shipped in 1960, that figure jumping to 595 in 1961 thanks to the immediate popularity of the model. These early hummingbirds - like all Gibson acoustics - differ significantly from those built after 1964. Their top's bracing was still light, bridge plates were still small and single-ply, and their headstocks were pitched at 17, rather than 14 degrees. These were great flat-tops, and became well-anchored as the flagship of the company's acoustic lineup.

Mahogany back and sides, Sitka top, bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with split parallelogram inlays, multilayered body bindings, original nut and tuners. One old repaired back crack on the lower left bout adjacent to a section of reglued binding; pickguard crack nicely repaired. Repaired quarter-sized impact on upper treble bout (pictured below). New Brazilian rosewood replacement bridge with drop-in bone saddle, and new maple bridgeplate. The pickguard, bridge, and plate were repaired here at Folkway. The original maple bridge plate and adjustable bridge will be included with the instrument. The bridge had been previously reglued poorly which necessitated a slightly oversize replacement in the fix. To finish it off, we replaced the first 5 frets and set up the instrument. It is now structurally perfect, and in great playing condition; and, it's a ridiculously good sounding guitar to boot. Standard 5 to 7 64ths action, 25.4" scale, and 1-11/16" wide nut.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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1946 Gibson LG-2
No FON. A lovely script logo LG-2 from right here in Guelph. A one owner guitar, this Gibson was treated well throughout its life and has matured into a very fine vintage instrument. Lots of openness in its voice, even balance, and plenty of that organic, mossy, roundness that these early LG-2's are famous for. It's not so much a punchy and loud one as it is rich and tempered - and like many LG-2's this guitar responds well to thumpy fingerstyle a la Mississippi John Hurt, but maintains its definition well at any volume. There are lots of overtones to get lost in, which is what we all love about a good LG-2 around here, and the body size and neck shape combine to make this a guitar that literally is very hard to put down. In our shop a very minor crack at the end-pin was expertly repaired, and we replaced the disintegrated bridge pins and tuner buttons with our best stuff. The bass side tuners are not original, but are of about the same age as the originals. No top or back cracks, no braces repaired or in need of attention. Original nut and saddle have never been removed, and the guitar's original frets are in fine shape with pitting only in the first position. Original finish is quite clean and shows significantly less wear than you'd expect on a 60+ year old. Comfortable post-war 1-11/16" wide nut, C-shaped neck. Action of 5 to 7 64ths with close to full saddle height available for future adjustment.
With original soft shell case
SOLD

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1924 Gibson A-Jr Snakehead
Serial # 77035, FON 11185A. A particularly interesting Loar Era A-JR thanks to its unique factory original light brown finish. Most Jr's were finished with a dark brown stain, however a few examples such as this one have surfaced over the years. It seems that for a short while in 1924, possibly coinciding with the switch from birch to maple, Gibson used a stain which nicely complimented the figure of the wood. The Jr. was Gibson's most affordable mandolin at that time, similar to an A- but without top binding or rosette, and with a simple clamshell tailpiece. This example is completely original, but is unfortunately without its pickguard. It is very playable, and nicely set up; nice top arch, full height bridge, and good neck angle. This mandolin has the volume and cut you'd expect from a maple instrument, but maintains the warmth you generally associate with oval hole Gibsons. Its back center seam was professionally re-glued, and a few inches of back / side separation have been properly dealt with as well. Just a little playwear to the finish on the back of the neck and left of the bridge.
With newer hard shell case
On consignment
SOLD


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1965 Gibson RB-250
Serial # 533140. Introduced in 1954, the RB-250 went on to become the best-selling banjo Gibson ever produced. There were a great many variants of this model through the years, but the most notable changes occurred in 1969 with the redesign to a fiddle-shaped headstock, 2 piece flange, and different fingerboard inlays. This particular example is likely a mid-1960's instrument and features a 40 hole flathead tonering, 1/2 rim, double co-ordinator rods, bowtie inlays, dove-wing peghead, bound ebony fingerboard, four-screw resonator attachment, and Kluson tuners. It's in excellent condition and is set up well. Spikes at frets 7, 8, 10. Very fine sound.
With newer hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD


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1967 Epiphone Cortez
Serial # 100079. The FT-45 Cortez was the Epiphone-branded version of Gibson's LG-3. It's an X-braced small-bodied flat-top with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, one-piece mahogany neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and adjustable bridge. White body bindings, tortoise celluloid pickguard with epsilon emblem, and Kluson "double-line" tuning machines. Like all Gibson acoustics from this era, the neck is very small - measuring 1-9/16" at the nut. It feels like an electric guitar in your hand. This guitar is in remarkably fine condition, and has been well set up in our shop.
With hard shell case
SOLD

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1939 Kalamazoo KG-31
FON 2446. A great looking vintage Gibson Kalamazoo jazz box from the late 1930's. Spruce top, mahogany back and sides. Sunburst finished on all sides, with single-ply binding throughout. Gorgeous bound fire stripe pickguard adds huge pizzazz to this already cool guitar. Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, nickel tailpiece, Kluson tuners. With the exception of one tuner-button, one tuner-gear, and one tuner screw (each on different tuners) and a two inch splice of fingerboard binding by the nut on the treble side of the neck, this instrument is completely intact. Neck and frets are in excellent condition, and playability is spot-on. No cracks, no issues. Typical 1930's Gibson neck with V profile and 1-3/4" nut width.
With 1950's alligator chip-board case.
SOLD

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1959 Gibson J-45
FON # S7825-23. A strong J-45, with good looks and fine playability. Its original adjustable bridge was cracked in a couple places so we opted to replace it with a Brazilian rosewood vintage-replica drop-in-saddle bridge. It's the same footprint as the original, looks right, and made the guitar come alive. Original small maple bridge plate is in excellent condition, and its braces are all tightly glued. Older repaired pickguard crack and refret. Original tuners, nut, bridgepins. No cracks in this one other than what we've already mentioned, and the finish is original. There are a few small drop-fills on the top (upper bass side - likely cigarette burns), and another pair of small fills on the back. Very nicely set up with a compensated bone saddle; the action measures 5 to 7 64ths with a full height bridge and saddle. Comfortable '59 round and full neck profile. It's a particularly good sounding J-45, and a very pleasing instrument to play.
With newer hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1926 Gibson A
Serial # 83371. From the early post-Loar era, this A model mandolin features the same adjustable bridge and truss-rod that were introduced by Llyod Loar just a few years earlier. The back and sides are maple (another Loar introduction) rather than birch, as was previously used by Gibson on all their carved instruments. All told, this Model A is much more akin to a Loar period Snakehead than to the instruments built before '22 and after '28. And it sounds like it too. This is about as loud an oval hole mandolin as you can find. Although tonally it is very dissimilar to an F-5, it can carry its own in terms of sheer volume.
The instrument is in excellent overall condition, but does show finish wear on the back of the neck and on the top under where your arm would rest. It has been played, and it has been well cared for throughout its life. Completely original but for a bone nut that we've made for it, the instrument has a fabulous look and feel. The neck and frets are bang-on (the frets were lightly dressed by us, too), and the action is slinky low. The top is in good shape and shows no signs of sinkage.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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1959 Gibson J-50
FON S910-19. If you're on the hunt for a truly great sounding adjustable bridge Gibson, you'd be best to quit right now and give us a call. This guitar is lively, loud and resonant, woody and open, and a bunch of fun to play. An early ceramic-saddle adjustable bridge model, with a small maple bridge plate, nice 50's neck profile, and thin celluloid pickguard. It's completely original - right down to the bridgepins, and is in very excellent condition. It has no cracks aside from the pickguard crack which we've just repaired, and its frets are neck are spot on as well. Gorgeous original finish shows only minor wear and tear at the bottom edge of the soundhole and on the back's bass-side waist. No weird old repairs on this guitar, and no further repairwork is needed. Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, nice original Kluson tuners with original buttons (the D-string shaft is bent a bit). Original nut has never been removed, and the original bridge pins don't show much wear either. It's a great guitar, and we're happy to have it for you.
With non-original hard shell case
SOLD

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1917 Gibson A-1
Serial #35106. A wonderful sounding, well set up, and beautifully well kept pumpkin-top A-1 from the glory days of the mandolin era. This under-the-bed special is in remarkable condition, especially when you consider that it was built 91 years ago! No cracks, no top sinkage, no excessive finish wear, and no fret wear on this instrument. It's completely original except for an identical replacement bridge made in our shop (have a look at the detail photo). Very nicely set up with action set at 3-4 64ths and excellent neck and frets. Carved spruce top and birch back, bound top and ebony fingerboard, The Gibson logo inlaid in pearl, ivoroid button Waverly tuning machines, tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard with intact mounting bracket; The Gibson engraved nickel-silver tailpiece. No repairs and no issues. Loud and warm, if you're into mandolins at all you'll love the sound of this A-1 - it definitely holds company with the best A style mandolins that have passed through Folkway over the years.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1957 Gibson ES-140T
FON U938-31. The ES-140 was Gibson's first 3/4 sized electric upon its introduction in 1950. For the first six years of production the model featured a full-depth body, but by 1956, its depth was thinned to 1-3/4", and the model renamed the ES-140T. With its 22-3/4" scale length, 1-9/16" nut width, and small 12-3/4" wide cut-away body, the 140T was designed to be a kid's guitar; but today the model has found favor with those players looking for the tone that the combination of P-90 and short scale offers. This one is in excellent condition, very well set up, and completely original. There is really no playwear on it, and the finish looks fantastic. Its P-90 reads 7.6kOhms, and sounds big. Play it yourself, or take it home for your son or daughter - they'll surely be the coolest kid on the block!
With chipboard case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1951 Gibson J-50
FON 7854-3 Talk about vibe! This J-50 is a mostly one owner guitar that has been played hard its whole life - and has the wear to prove it. Pickwear on the top, and lots of neck and fingerboard wear. The thing feels great! Despite the worn look of this instrument it's in excellent condition, with no top cracks, side cracks, and only a pair of small back cracks. The frets were replaced by us a couple of years ago, and it has since had a professional neck reset saddle - the set up is just right. It sounds as good as it looks - as long as you like the looks of well-played guitars as much as we do! Early fifties Gibsons are great sounding instruments in any condition, but crack-free original guitars with lots of playing in them are the best ones, and this guitar is no exception to the rule. Lots of thumpy bass and breathy trebles. It's completely original, with the exception of the frets, saddle, and tuner buttons, and in perfect working order, including its early Pat. Appld. Kluson tuning machines. Sexy firestripe pickguard, too, huh? Check out the original hard shell case it comes with, and God Bless!
SOLD

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1942 Gibson J-45
No FON. Banner J-45's don't come in much finer shape or more attractive than this one, folks. With its gorgeous two-tone sunburst finish, banner headstock logo, small rectangle bridge, and open-geared Klusons this guitar perfectly epitomizes the War-time J-45. This is an early Banner model, but without factory order number, we can't get too specific about the year it was built; however, analyzing its features leads us to believe it was finished up in very late 1942. The first Banner models featured multi-layer top bindings and soundhole rosettes, while later models have simple single-ply bindings and rosettes. This guitar's top has the multi-ply rosette of the first Banners, but has the single-ply binding of the later models. It has a four-piece top of Red Spruce, one-piece mahogany back and matching sides, mahogany neck (with truss-rod), and mahogany head and tail blocks. It was completely original when we acquired it, but has since had a neck reset, a refret and set up. The tuners, nut, finish, bridge and end pins are original. This guitar is in truly excellent condition; it has had no internal repairs, and shows no top deflection. We repaired a short 2" back crack, a pickguard crack, and glued a suspect top-seam; this guitar arrived with no loose braces - very unusual! Typical of war-time Gibsons the neck on this J-45 is quite large and round; measuring 1-25/32" wide at the nut. Thanks to the new frets and nice action, this guitar is very comfortable to play despite its girthy neck. Its got that typical Banner J-45 voice - big, loud, and warm, with a very quick attack, and robust mids and trebles... there's nothing out there that sounds anything like it. I'll be sad to see this guitar leave the shop - Banner J-45's are getting harder and harder to come by, and examples this nice are as rare as palm trees in Michigan.
With its original case
SOLD

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1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr.
Serial # 188; pot codes 1346041 and 1346043. Lightweight and resonant, at 6.7 pounds. One piece mahogany body and set-in one piece neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. Fantastic sounding and super-hot P-90 with a DC resistance of 10kOhms! Original lightweight aluminum wrap around tailpiece. Original pots, knobs and capacitor. A few re-soldered joints, but mostly original, including output jack. Finish and plastic parts are completely original. Original vintage Kluson single line tuners, but there were Grover Roto's on it in the past. Neck and body are in great shape and crack-free; finish is also in good shape - with normal crazing in the lacquer and a slightly faded top. No belt rash, but the finish is worn through to the wood where your arm would rest on the bass-side edge. A small amount of material was removed under the pickup at some point in the past - we suppose to make room for the pickup to fit properly (see photo). . Professionally refretted with jumbo wire, and a new bone nut. The instrument plays very nicely and is well set up with 11's. Fat and bright P-90 tone will make you not want to put this one down! The '61 neck profile is very comfortable and more manageable than the earlier larger necks, but still has a 1-11/16" wide nut. It's a great sounding guitar, and a good investment.
With 70's Les Paul Case
On Consignment
NOT FOR SALE

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1954 Gibson SJN
FON X8618-9. The first natural finished Gibson Southern Jumbos were offered in 1954, the year this instrument was built. The SJN was renamed "Country Western" in '56, but aside from the standard changes which occurred to all Gibson acoustics in 1955, there was no real difference between these two models. First year production of the SJN totaled only 15 instruments, making this a guitar of some historical significance - and one fiftieth less common than it's fraternal twin, the sunburst-finish Southern Jumbo. Scallop-braced spruce top, mahogany back and sides, bound Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard with double parallelogram pearloid markers. Small tortoise-celluloid pickguard, multi-ply body bindings, Brazilian rosewood bridge, and three per side Kluson tuning gears. Completely original and unmodified, this instrument is complete with its shrunken tuner buttons and factory bridge-pins. The guitar is in fine condition, with no repairs other than a reglued center-seam on the top. Some light playwear is evident on the side of the neck in the first position, and along the soundhole's bottom edge. Action currently measures 7 to 9 64th's at the 12th fret with room on the saddle to lower it to about 5 to 7 64ths if you'd like to. Typical 50's round neck carve with 1-11/16" nut and 24.75" scale. Great lo-fi jumbo tone with thumpy lows and fat trebles, perfect for singing country tunes.
With period Gibson case
NOT FOR SALE

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1928-9 Gibson L-1
FON 9511. Gibson's first flat-top guitars arrived on the scene in 1926 with the L-0 and L-1 models. These first variants had massive necks, H-bracing, small and round 13.5" wide bodies, 12 fret necks, and an appearance much akin to the "Pumpkin-top" mandolins the company had been building for twenty or so years. By 1929, the L series had acquired the larger, more squared-off body that we commonly associate with the L-00, X bracing, and modern neck dimensions. Somewhere in between, the L series' evolution paused for a short while - and the guitar pictured here was completed. Another one, similar to it, would end up in the hands of Robert Johnson, circa 1935, in a photo studio in Memphis and forever be associated with the legendary bluesman. Of note is the X-bracing employed on this guitar; it is the earliest X-braced Gibson flat-top we've yet encountered, and surely among the first such guitars the company built. Its bridge is a simple rectangle, and its truss-rod equipped neck is modern in feel. A great deal of restoration went into this guitar over the course of a year, including replacement of all four back braces and the top's X brace and bridge plate. Holes in the top were patched, the bridge is new, the neck has been reset, and the frets are replacements. This guitar is a family heirloom of one of our regular local customers; it has been with the family since new, and features the "Made in the USA" stamp on the heastock's rear face typical of export guitars from that era.
NOT FOR SALE

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1934 Gibson TG-50E
FON 798. For a short period in 1934 and early 1935 the TG-50 and related L-50 models featured a 14-3/4" wide L-00 sized body with a braced flat back, and a carved top with a round sound hole. By late 1935, the Gibson catalog pictures these instruments with the larger and more common 16" body. Also in 1935 Gibson introduced its first production electrics - the Electric Hawaiian - a lap slide guitar fitted with the earliest version of what we today commonly call the Charlie Christian pickup. A year later, this pickup was fitted in a pair of newly introduced slide models, and by late 1936 the first Gibson Electric Spanish, the ES-150, was offered, complete with a variant of the same pickup. Gibson employed this pickup on its EH and ES series electrics until 1940, when it was retired in favor of the metal-covered, smaller magnet units which would forbear the venerable P-90. The pickup fitted into the TG-50 pictured here was known as the ES-96. This unit, and a simpler version of it (the ES-75) were listed in the 1936 Gibson Catalog on the same page as the new ES-150. It sold for a whopping $35, while the TG-50 sold at $50 (imagine buying a pickup worth 70% of your guitar's value today!). It is identical in construction and dimensions to the earliest EH-100 pickups, with large and heavy bar magnets, slip-over bobbin, and lowish DC resistance; but is fitted in a circular nickel-plated disk which also features a smartly configured volume control. When we acquired this instrument, the pickup wire dangled loosely from the tail-piece; we removed the 15 feet of original cord and hard-wired an output jack in the tail-piece (no modification to the tailpiece, but we did widen the hole in the endblock to accommodate the 1/4" jack). We also mounted an 1/8" quick-connect jack to the pickup for easier removal. This pickup can be removed for shipping, or for installation in another instrument; it can be used in a 6 string acoustic as well.
The TG-50 is a beautiful guitar, with carved Red spruce top, braced flat maple back and sides, cream bindings. Ebony fingerboard and adjustable bridge. It is fitted with Grover # 79 geared pegs, pearl Gibson headstock logo, bone nut, truss-rod and nickel-silver tailpiece. It originally was fitted with an elevated pickguard, but its removal would have been necessary for the use of the soundhole pickup. The guitar is crack free and in excellent condition but for some pick wear near the sound hole and the usual assortment of dings and scratches. It is well set-up and very playable. This Gibson, complete with its period pickup and original red-line hard shell case is beautiful - and very useable vintage package.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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1946 Gibson LG-2
No FON. An LG-2 from the early post-war period. One-piece mahogany back, tight-grained spruce top. Truss-rodded one-piece mahogany neck with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bone 1-3/4" nut. Script Gibson logo, original Kluson open geared tuners, small tortoise pickguard and rectangular Brazilian rosewood bridge. Changed tuner buttons and bridge pins, but otherwise original. This guitar sounds great; it's loud and articulate, with an even string to string response. It was in our repairshop for a while where it had various top cracks and braces reglued (the back and sides are crack-free) and is now in very fine structural shape. It has a good neck angle, low and comfortable action, and is very nice to play. Its original finish is thin and finely crackled all over - and looks beautiful. Set up with light-gauge strings, this guitar is great at both fingerstyle and flatpicking. Its original frets are level have good life left in them, and its set-up is spot-on with action measuring 5 to 7 64ths with plenty of saddle room to make further adjustments. It's a guitar with a lot of vibe and tone; Vintage - with a capital V.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

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1951 Gibson LG-2
FON 6962-29. With its original Fire-stripe pickguard, dark sunburst finished top contrasting against aged white purflings, and small Brazilian rosewood bridge, this '51 Gibson easily ranks among the most attractive LG-2's we've yet come across. It is in excellent condition, with no top cracks, one repaired side crack, and a well-repaired back seam separation. Very clean original finish, original nut, frets, and tuners (replaced buttons). Perfect neck angle and set up, the guitar plays like a dream with action at the 12th fret measuring 5 to 7 64ths. Scallop-braced spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. New bone saddle and bridge pins installed in our shop. We removed a pickup form the guitar, as such the end-pin hole has been widened to 1/2" and a new endpin has been installed. Exceptional tone, with very woody mids and vintage warmth. Exceptionally balanced, this guitar would find favor with any flat-picker or fingerstylist; and, thanks to its knock-out looks you collectors are going to love it too.
With deluxe TKL hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1937 Kalamazoo KTG-11
FON 223. The KG-11 and KTG-11 were the base-model Kalamazoo offerings during the late 1930's. Both the 6 string KG-11 and and 4 string KTG-11 featured the slightly squashed looking 17.5" body, and basic trim. Like all of Gibson's Kalamazoo branded guitars the KTG-11 is ladder-braced and without truss-rod, but nicely built. This tenor features a mahogany and spruce body with bound and sunburst-finished top, unbound back and bound soundhole. It is 100% original including bridge and end pins, ebony nut and bone saddle, firestripe pickguard, Brazilian rosewood lacquered bridge, and friction banjo tuners. Not much for ornamentation, the Kalamazoo has a silk-screened logo and firestripe pickguard, but not much else to fancy it up. All that being said, I'd rather have tone than looks, and this guitar has lots of it. Big and open, with a very surprising bass response and trebles in balance, we have set the guitar up in a low E-B-F#-C# tuning with heavier strings, and it sings. Great action and frets, this guitar is ready to play and need no further restoration. No cracks or issues other than one minor brace repair. Set-up in shop.
With original (beat) chip-board case
SOLD

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1920 Gibson H-1 Mandola
Serial # 60117. A fine example of the classic Gibsons that were made just before Lloyd Loar's tenancy. This one is warm, with plenty of bite and cut, and will suit ensemble players well. It is all original, including the "JAN, 18-21" adjustable ebony bridge. The nut is 1 5/16" with a nice V-neck. Ivoroid-bound top and fingerboard, which has the 21st-fret extension for the A string. The finish on the back and sides is in exceptional condition, some areas on the top have flaked off of the grain, but there is no damage and there no cracks on this beautiful instrument; however the top's center-seam has been reglued between the bridge and tailpiece. The frets are original with little wear, and the instrument plays nicely. The original case is in great condition.
On consignment
SOLD


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1961 Gibson ES-355TD
Serial # A 35848, FON R5464-17, pot codes date 27th week of 1960. Likely completed in the first weeks of 1961, this Mono 355 was bought new by the same gentleman who walked into our shop with it earlier this week. They're still out there folks... This one is complete with its original hard case, original bill of sale (he bought a Fender Super at the same time - but it was sold long ago), tunematic instructions, and "*Humbucking Pickup Adjustments" sheet (with the asterix in front of the word 'humbucking' footnoted at the bottom of the page with the words "Patent applied for"). It is completely original and completely unmodified - right down to the switch tip. PAF's with DC resistances of 7.95 (neck, zebra) and 8.15 (bridge, double white). 8.5 pounds light, vibrant un-faded cherry finish, gold hardware and factory Bigsby tailpiece. Most 355's of this era were equipped with the Stereo Varitone circuit which killed tone, and a Gibson sideways Vibrola tailpiece which simply didn't work very well. Luckily for all of us this one is gig-worthy thanks to its great sounding standard mono wiring and very functional Bigsby; it's a 335 all dressed up! There is some playwear on the back of the neck and a small chip on the back treble corner of the headstock (see photos). The body finish is very clean and rash-free. The gold plating is worn away from the Bigsby arm, parts of the pickup covers, and tuning machine knobs. The nut has never been removed, and the original frets are worn up to about the 9th fret, but still in fine working order. The instrument is well set-up (done here), and plays smoothly with no buzzing out. This is a very well cared for instrument, who's owner showed it a lot of TLC -and it sounds simply amazing.
Original hard shell case (very nicely covered with Naugahyde) included
On Consignment
SOLD

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1962 Gibson GA-18T
With foot-switch able tremolo, a pair of EL84 power tubes, a 12" Ceramic Canadian Jensen, and about 14 watts the GA-18T is highly prized for its small-amp breakup and big-amp tone. A very fine sounding lower wattage tube combo, and a killer blues amp. It can't be much longer until the amps built by Gibson start realizing the vintage dollars and cache of some of those other companies amps! Original tolex and grill cloth in excellent shape, and no real wear to the chassis, knobs, or handle. It is missing it's back panel though, but those are easy to make...
On Consignment
SOLD

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1935 Gibson L-00
FON 920. Built sometime around 1935, this L-00 has survived the years very well. We've dated this early model guitar by the small sunburst top finish and lack of back binding typical of guitars built between '34 and '36. It's a great ragtime and blues fingerstyle guitar, as most L-00's are, thanks to its punchy, open, balanced, and raw voice. We've got the action set very low (4 to 5 64ths) on this guitar, so with its current set up it's strictly a fingerstyle instrument. If you've got a heavy hand, or plan to flat-pick on this one you'll want to get a new taller saddle made, or possibly refret the guitar to add some forward bow to the neck (the truss rod is backed off completely). This one has had a neckset in the not-to-distant past it seems, and the frets were replaced at the same time. Its tuners, nut, bridge, and all bracing are original and intact, and its bridge-plate is in excellent condition. The low E string runs close to the edge of the fingerboard, a replacement nut with better string spacing would correct this if it is an issue for you. One 3" repaired top crack at the bridge, and another of about the same size at the lower treble bout; no back or side cracks. There have been some drop-fills of lacquer around these cracks and adjacent to the fingerboard's extension on the top, and in the vicinity of the heel of the neck (where there is also a filled strap-button hole). Given how shiny the guitar is, we suspect that the entire instrument (except for the headstock) was buffed as well. The bridge and pickguard are originals and have never been removed, and black lighting confirms the finish to be original. It has a superbly comfortable V-neck, with a 1-3/4" nut and 24.75" scale; the guitar plays itself. Replacement truss rod cover, bone saddle, and high-quality bridge pins.
With hard shell case
SOLD


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1913 Gibson K-2 Mandocello
Serial # 15759. In years leading up to the First World War, about two decades before the guitar's rise to popularity and the first Singin' Cowboys, the most common family of instruments in America was that of the Mandolin. Mandolin Orchestras could be found in just about any urban center in the country, and mandolin-family instruments were being produced in just about every imaginable fashion. The Gibson Mandolin -Guitar Company was one of the predominant producers of high-end instruments, and naturally took an interest in expanding the popularity of their products; they became the nation's largest promoter of Mandolin Orchestras, and outfitted thousands of musicians with their instruments. Among the mandolin varieties the Gibson company produced was the Mandocello, a guitar-sized instrument with a 24.75" scale length and four courses of strings, with unison pairs tuned C-G-D-A.
The instrument pictured here was built in 1913, near the height of the Mandolin craze. It has an ivoriod bound spruce and birch carved body, with a black top and reddish-brown back and sides. Its appointments and construction are consistent with the Style 4 Mandolins (with which you may be more familiar). It has a three-piece neck, pearl "The Gibson" headstock logo and Fleur-de-Lys ornament, bound ebony fingerboard with pearl dot markers, bound oval soundhole with a double rope pattern rosette; non-adjustable compensated ebony bridge, elevated tortoise-celluloid pickguard, and clamshell tailpiece. There are no cracks on this 'cello, and it is completely original save for the pickguard mounting bracket, and the binding on the treble side of the fingerboard up to the 16th fret (the work was very nicely done, a long time ago). The top shows no sinkage, and the neck and frets are true. Its original nut has additional string-grooves from being guitar-strung at some point in the instrument's long history, and a strap button has been added to the heel of the neck. We have just finished a thorough set up of this instrument as well. The mandocello's original shellac finish is intact and in fine condition with minor scratches here and there, and shows no areas of excessive wear. This is a very fine sounding instrument; it has great volume and sustain, and a presence befitting of any contemporary mandolin orchestra.
Two cases accompany this instrument: its original tooled leather Maulbetsch & Whittemore, and a more recent Harptone custom-made hard shell.
SOLD

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1956 Gibson ES-225T
FON: V5873-14. The ES-225T was introduced in 1955 only to be phased out four years later, despite strong sales. The model was Gibson's first thinline electric, and the company's first electric to feature a single pickup located halfway between the bridge and finger board. Essentially a thin body ES-175, the 225T was designed to offer the electric guitarist a more feedback resistant instrument. It was ultimately replaced by the double cut away ES-330, whose modern styling found more appeal among the guitarists of the era. The guitar features a 16 inch wide laminate maple body with a depth of 1-3/4", a pointed Florentine cut-away, 5-ply bevel-edge pickguard, single P-90 pickup with volume and tone controls, Les Paul style trapeze bridge/tailpiece, individual nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners, and a pearl inlaid Gibson headstock logo. This example is in very excellent condition. From finish to frets, there is nothing to fault about this guitar. It is completely original, save for replacement tuner buttons. Its original frets show only very minor playwear, the set up and playability are excellent, and the instrument sounds exceptional thanks in part to a particularly strong P-90 (8.1kOhm). The guitar's mid-50's neck profile is about as comfortable as it gets, and coupled with this instrument's light weight make it a joy to play. 24.75" scale, 1-11/16" nut.
With its original brown/pink hard shell case
On consignment
SOLD


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1965 Gibson Skylark EH-500 Steel
Gibson introduced the EH-500 in 1956, and the model remained largely unchanged until its discontinuation in '68. This 1965 model features a single piece Korina body, with a slant-mounted single coil pickup. It is completely original and in perfect condition. Its chrome parts are still mirror-shiny and its finish pretty much blemish free. Silver logo, black amp knobs and matching black buttons on the Kluson tuners. Original hard shell case.
SOLD

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1960-1 Gibson Les Paul / SG Special
Serial # 2246. In my mind, electric guitars don't come much better than a slab-bodied double-cut Les Paul or SG Special. Produced for only 3 years between '59 and '61, the model was named the Les Paul Special for most of '59, but by November of that year it was re-designated the SG Special - although with the exception of the headstock markings and the position of the neck pickup the guitar was unchanged. In early '61 the Special took on the new skinny SG body, but production of Les Paul bodied Specials trickled on throughout the year until supplies were used up. This instrument has an early 1961 four digit serial number, and pot codes dated the 27th week of 1960. Its neck is typical of the '60-'61 transition, having a fast carve and a standard width 1-11/16" nut. It has maintained a good neck angle, and its playability is flawless. There are no neck joint issues, and the original frets have good life left in them. The electronics are original and untouched, with P-90 DC values of 8.3K and 7.9K, and a vintage replica switch tip. The guitar sounds fantastic. The cherry finish has strong color, and there are no areas of extensive rash on the body and neck. There are the usual number of dings and some minor belt wear on the back; on the headstock there is a bit of lacquer-melt caused by an old sticker. The tuners are original, but there are nicely filled screw-holes from a set of Schallers; the original headstock bushings fit tightly in their original holes. Overall, this Les Paul Special scores highly - it's gorgeous to look at, weighs in at a feathery 6.75 pounds, and sounds spectacular. And it comes with its original hard shell case, too.
SOLD

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1925 Gibson MB-4
FON 11832-10. The Trap-door banjos built by Gibson in the early 1920's are some of the most attractive instruments the company every made. At the high end of the model line up was the Style 4, which featured a gorgeous Cremona sunburst finish, expertly bound "Moccasin" style headstock with pearl logo and Fleur-de-Lys inlay, bound ebony fingerboard, resonator, rim, and heel, three-piece curly maple neck, and pearl nut. The MB-4 is Mandolin version of the style, with 13-7/8" scale, 1-3/16" nut, and 10-1/2" head. The MB-4 pictured here is a local one-family instrument, and in very fine condition. It is missing its tailpiece cover, and five brackets are replacements, but it is otherwise original, intact, and in good working order with a fresh set up.
With original hard shell case
SOLD

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1935 Gibson A-50
FON 169A-9. Priced at $50 at the height of The Great Depression the A-50 was Gibson's fanciest A style instrument, and 15$ more expensive than the J-35 guitar introduced a year later! The A-50 featured a body of carved spruce and maple, a one-piece mahogany neck, brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and adjustable ebony bridge. The pickguard and tailpiece were the standard issue of the day, and the Gibson logo was inlaid in pearl on the headstock. The body was bound in white and featured a sunburst top finish matched with Cremona back and sides. The neck was equipped with a truss rod and had a nut width of 1-3/16". This particular instrument is in near-mint condition, it is completely original and in perfect working order. Although the mandolins Gibson was building 10 years after the departure of Loyd Loar are not renowned for their tone, this A-50 is highly collectible thanks to the pristine condition that it is in, and doesn't sound half bad! They don't come much nicer than this.
With original "Red Line" hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD


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1937 Gibson L-00 Lefty
FON 50C-36. Ok, so here's something your don't see every day. Actually, scratch that. Here's something that you never, ever, in a million years, even think you'll come across! Vintage lefties are just about as rare as, well... vintage lefties; and finding a pre-WWII left handed guitar is a once in a lifetime occurrence. Well here you go. It's an original 1937 lefty Gibson L-00. Complete with a gorgeous fire-stripe pickguard and all the vintage tone you'd hope to hear. The instrument is in excellent condition, but has had some modifications over the years. The top and sides were oversprayed a very long time ago, and the back and neck were refinished at that time. The finish-work is of the highest quality; and may even be Gibson factory work from the 1950's. There is much crazing in the lacquer, and it looks quite respectably old. The headstock face has not been oversprayed, and its logo and finish are original. The bridge is a slightly oversized replacement, and the bone nut and saddle were cut and installed in our repair shop. There is a very (I mean VERY) slight shadow of a right-handed pickguard that you may or may not notice, and I suspect that prior to the overspraying of the top the guitar was fashioned with a second pickguard. Frets and tuners are original. As with all pre 1969 left handed Gibsons, the guitar is braced right-handed, and has dots on both sides of its fingerboard. The frets and fingerboard show lefty playwear, as does the top adjacent to the pickguard. The top wear is actually under the overspray, suggesting that this instrument was used by a left handed player throughout its life. The instrument checks out well, structurally. There are no top or side cracks, and only one well-repaired back crack. The original bridge-plate and bracing are all intact. The neck angle is fine, and the action measures a standard 5 to 7 64ths at the 12th fret. It has an added strap button on the heel of the neck, and the end-pin has been drilled for a pickup output jack. It has that perfect V-profile neck that most lefties have never had a chance to feel, and a roomy 1-3/4" nut width. A great sounding guitar, it's woody and balanced, loud and bright. Tonally, it's unlike any guitar most lefties have ever had a chance to play.
With newer hard shell case
SOLD

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1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
FON 42-2 By late 1929 Gibson's banjo designs had pretty much reached modern standards. Mastertone pot assemblies had cast one-piece flanges and tone rings, double coordinator rods, 24 hooks and a standard 11" head. But the banjo was, at that time, beginning its decline in popularity and on its way out as America's instrument. The guitar would soon become the instrument of choice for the nation's most famous cowboys, engineers and hobos. But those Mastertones built between '29 and the Second World War would soon find favor with a different musician than the Jazz players they were designed for. Bluegrass was taking root, and the Gibson Mastertone was the banjo of choice. Today original five string Mastertones from that era have become amongst the most sought after acoustic instruments on the vintage market.

The TB-3 pictured here was built in 1935. It features a Mastertone pot assembly with a cast one-piece flange and 40 hole arch-top tone ring. All of its metal parts are original and intact, and its flange is not cracked. It has a very nice replacement 5 string neck built by Frank Neat, and comes with its original tenor neck and hard shell case. Its four original Grover tuners are in service on the new neck, and its original Presto 4-string tailpiece was not replaced in the conversion. One resonator screw is a replacement, and the original mahogany resonator (and original 4 string neck) have been over-brushed with lacquer. The finish on the rim is original. This is a very fine and collectable arch-top Mastertone.

With hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1946 Gibson J-45
No FON. If tone is what you're all about and Gibsons are your kind of guitars, then I can't think of an instrument that would be better suited for you than this script-logo J-45. It's a huge sounding guitar, with classic Banner-era J-45 tone: big bass and punchy trebles, with endless headroom and volume. 40's J-45's are very different animals than their 1950's offspring, and if you've not played one from the 1940's you're in for a big treat. This guitar has a lightning-fast attack, and a sparkle that you wouldn't necessary associate with a '50's era instrument. It looks and feels quite different, too. The neck is 1-3/4" wide at the nut, and has a pretty large C profile. It's not as girthy as wartime necks, but it still feels big. The sunburst top finish has a smokier vibe, with a more gradual shift from vintage amber to dark reddish brown; and at the center of the burst is a small rectangular bridge of lacquered Brazilian rosewood. A small tear-shaped tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard finishes of the top just right. It's an attractive package.
This guitar is in excellent condition overall, although the tuning machines have been changed a couple of times. There are two small and tightly repaired top cracks, and few on the back as well. Internally, the guitar has had some brace-gluing done, and is healthy. The top is perfectly arched, which is likely why this one sounds so good. Its small maple bridge plate is in good shape, too. Original lacquered bridge, original frets and bone nut (the nut has never been removed), newer bone saddle and aged plastic bridge pins. There are three-on-a strip Kluson tuners on the guitar now, but the headstock was drilled for Grovers in the past; the Klusons do a good job of hiding the old Grover footprints. The guitar's action is set at 5 to 7 64ths, and there is a hair of adjustment room left on the saddle. There is not much playwear on this guitar, and the frets are in much the same condition; there are only some minor divots on the first few frets, and the guitar plays very well up the neck. Guitars this nice don't come around to often these days...
With newer hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1925 Gibson A-Jr
Serial #81896. The A-Jr was Gibson's most basic and inexpensive mandolin during its tenure from 1919 to 1927. It was constructed identically to all the higher-end A models, but its trim and adornment was significantly scaled down. The only binding on this mandolin is around the sound hole; the finish is a uniform dark brown, and there is no logo on the headstock. Additionally, to keep the price low on this model, Gibson omitted a truss-rod (which was by that time a standard feature on all mandolins), and fitted the instrument with a clamshell tailpiece and an ebony nut. Its body is carved of spruce and maple, its neck is mahogany. Ebony fingerboard with pearl dot position markers, Loar-era "Snakehead" headstock, adjustable bridge and pickguard, and Waverly tuning machines. This A-Jr. is in excellent condition overall. It is without cracks or structural issues, and is original with the exception of two tuner buttons and its adjustable bridge (which is a slightly later Gibson part). There is some finish wear around the body edges, adjacent to the fingerboard, and on the neck; and the frets show normal wear under the A and E strings. The instrument is well set up and plays nicely. Typical of Snakehead A models, it is a fine sounding instrument, with surprising volume.
With non-original hard case
SOLD

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1960 Gibson ES-330TN
No serial # or FON (we dated this one by the neck profile). Is there anyone out there who doesn't think this guitar is at (or very near to) the pinnacle vintage Gibson coolness? We all certainly think it is! The single pickup ES-330T was built between '59 and '63, the natural finish version (ES-330TN) only being offered in '59 and '60. A total of 165 were built, compared to 1121 sunburst ES-330T's during those same two years. Any blond Gibson is rare, and the blond 330's are no exception to that rule. This one is a two owner guitar, and it's had nearly 50 years of steady use. We opted out of cleaning the finish on this baby; it looked too good to mess with. But we did set it up and carved a new old-looking bone nut for it; it plays beautifully. Original frets are evenly worn and not pitted (he played the whole neck of the guitar), original P-90 pickup with 8.4 kOhm resistance; original pickguard and mount, knobs, ABR-1 no-wire bridge, and tailpiece. Original tuning machines (although one might not be original, but is the same style and age as the others); newer pots and capacitor. The finish is completely original, and is fairly worn is a few areas; the back of the neck, inside the horns, and under your arm in particular. In our books the finish wear on this guitar is a value-added feature... it looks that good! 1-11/16" nut, 5.3 pounds light. And yes, it sounds as good as it looks...
With 70's Gibson hard case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1937 Gibson Cromwell G-4
FON 261. This 16" archtop, similar to the Kalamazoo KG-31 and the Gibson L-50, the Cromwell G-4 features a solid spruce arched top and a braced arched Mahogany back. The Cromwell brand was distributed by a few mail-order stores from 1935 until 1939, and are now famous for their flashy Art Deco fingerboard ornamentation. This instrument features a sunburst top, elevated firestripe pickguard, single-bound body and fingerboard, and nickel tailpiece. It has a comfortable V neck with a 1-3/4" nut width and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. Original everything, and in excellent condtion. The guitar plays very well thanks to a fine setup and good original frets. I like the way it sounds, too - it's loud and punchy, but also has a warmth not usually found in less-pricey archtops. This guitar's fingerboard sports double stripes, as opposed to the single stripe found on most Cromwell fingerboards. Only a few Cromwells with this fingerboard were built, making this a rare instrument. According to Gibson records this guitar was shipped on August 13th, 1937.
With original chipboard case
SOLD

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1967 Gibson ES-355TD
Serial # 872797. This Mono 355 is just about as close to mint condition as you could hope to find. We're talking un-faded cherry red finish, full height unworn frets, original solder joints, gorgeous original pickguard, and original hard case. The finish is pretty close to scratch free; but the lacquer is crazed, as you'd expect. The gold plating on the pick-up covers, bridge, and top corner of the tailpiece is a bit worn, and the nut is a bone replacement; but that's pretty much it. This guitar is otherwise spot-on perfect. Two Patent Number pickups, wired in Mono, with DC resistances of 7.7 (neck) and 7.6 (bridge) kOhms. Original Grover Pat. Pend. Rotomatics, Deluxe Vibrola tailpiece. Five-layer bindings on headstock, pickguard, and back; seven-layer bindings on top, bound ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays, pearl headstock inlays and logo. 24-3/4" scale, 1-9/16" nut width. Tips the scales at 8.98 pounds. If you're looking for a super clean, collector-condition ES from the same year the Beatles released Sgt. Peppers, and Hendrix rocked Monterey, you've found it.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1963 Gibson Country Western
Serial #118390. Unfortunately, too few people know what the Country Western Model is. These were originally designated Southern Jumbo Natural Finish, or SJN, selling for just a few dollars more than the more familiar sunburst SJ. The difference is only in the finish color, same as the J-45 and J-50. You could think of it as a spiffy J-50 or a blonde SJ. In 1962 the model was renamed Country Western, given square shoulders and the three-point pickguard.

This particular guitar has had the original plastic bridge replaced with a rosewood facsimile with bone saddle, and a bone nut installed. It's had a couple of strap button changes over the years with a small mahogany fill in a screw-hole beside the tail-pin, and there is a minor finish touch up on the top near the bridge. Mahogany body, spruce top, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. Very little wear on the original jumbo frets, and only a few dings with generally very little playwear on the rest of the guitar. No pencil neck here, this one's got a 1 11/16" nut and a nice fast D profile. Nice fat well-developed sound, with plenty of warmth and punch. Ready to rock with a nice professional setup.

On consignment with a non-original good period hard case.
SOLD

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1938 Gibson HG-00
FON Mostly illegible, but is a 3 digit number beginning with 6. Introduced in '37, and priced the same as its counterpart, the L-00, the Hawaiian HG-00 is almost identical to the L-00, but with a 12 fret neck, slightly heavier bracing, high bone nut, and straight saddle. These guitars are very simple to convert back to Spanish-style - a new nut and compensated saddle are all that it takes - and they generally sound incredible as standard acoustics. This one is no exception; with a strong and punchy voice, it is a great blues and ragtime companion. But you've got to like big-necked guitars to take this one home - the neck profile is a typical 30's Gibson V, but that larger 1-7/8" nut make it feel quite substantial in your hand.
Mahogany back and sides, Red Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. L-00 body with a 12 fret neck, 24.75" scale and 1-7/8" wide nut. Original bridge and small maple bridge plate, one repaired top crack and a small filled screw hole in top from an old pickup. Top lightly over-sprayed (original finish on back, sides, and neck); new pickguard (original will be furnished with the guitar); tuners replaced sometime in the 1950's or 60's, original bushings; new bone nut, original frets and saddle. Action currently set at a comfortable 5 to 8 6/4ths. It's not at all a museum-grade specimen, but it plays and sounds great and is priced to sell.
No case
SOLD

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1947 Gibson LG-2
Anyone who has followed the Gibson chapter of this website over the years has heard me wax poetic about LG-2's. It's no secret that they are among my favorite guitars, and we've done our best to offer many of them to you. We've had some great LG-2's pass through the shop - from first-year mahogany topped Banner models and the prototype that's currently for sale, to late 40's instruments (including the '49 I kept for myself), punchy 50's models, and even a few from the early 1960's with those horrible plastic bridges. Among these, certain guitars really stand out from the crowd; and the '47 pictured here is the newest member of this top-tiered group.
No FON. With the combination of Script logo and 1-11/16" nut, this guitar can only be from early 1947. Script logos are commonly associated with necks that have a wider 1-3/4" nut width, but were replaced by the modern block logo sometime in early '47. It's a very nice combination of features, really - the guitar is pretty much a Banner model in construction and tone, but has the slightly smaller and easier feeling neck of the late 1940's. All that being said the real selling feature of this instrument is its ultra-fine condition. This is the cleanest 40's Gibson we have ever offered for sale. With the exception of an inch wide spot of play wear by the sound hole and a few isolated nicks and small scratches this instrument is in mint condition. There are no cracks or separations and no loose braces or parts. There have been no repairs, and there are none needed. The inside of this guitar is spotless and dust-free, the outside is shiny-new, but with some fine lacquer crazing. The nut has never been removed, the tuners work smoothly and flawlessly, the frets and fingerboard show no wear, the bridge is full height, and the original bridge pins are in almost-new condition - meaning the strings haven't been changed more than a few times. You simply will not find a better preserved example of an early LG-2 than this guitar. We have set up the instrument in shop, and it plays very nicely with an action of 5 to 7 64ths at the 12th fret. Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, scalloped braces, Brazilian rosewood bridge and board. The guitar has an open and strong voice, with big round trebles and mids and woody low notes. Play this guitar, you'll love it - but play it carefully. LG-2's are still relatively under priced in the vintage market, we expect instruments such as this one to appreciate significantly over the coming years.
With original chipboard case in similarly fine condition.
SOLD

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1915 Gibson H-1 Mandola
Serial # 23584. A super-fine pumpkin-top Mandola from the golden era of the mid-teens. This particular instrument is exquisite condition overall, and shows only minor wear to the frets and finish. It is completely original and intact, and having been set-up in our shop it plays as nicely as it looks. It is an under-the-bed special, the strings that we removed seemed to have been on this mandola for a long long time. The neck and fretwork are excellent, and the top's arch is the same as it was when it left Kalamazoo some 92 years ago... Ninety two years ago?! Yes, really. The finish is gorgeous, the nickel plating on the tailpiece and tuning machines is un-tarnished, there are no cracks anywhere on the instrument, and the tortoise-shell celluloid pickguard is intact and not showing any signs of the decomposition that oft plagues them. Have a look at the felt lining inside the original case - the color is unfaded... Best yet, this instrument sounds wonderful. It is loud when you want it to be, and subtle when you softly ask it. The high A string has life all the way up the neck, and there is a warmth that washed over you when you strum a big C chord in the first position. Do you think we like this one?? Is it that obvious?
With original hard shell case
On consignment
SOLD

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1957 Gibson J-45
FON U-9012-12. Hands down the best sounding adjustable bridge Gibson I've ever heard. The guitar is in excellent and original condition - it's only flaw is some case-wear on the upper treble side. No cracks (no pickguard crack either), and only mild pickwear around the sound hole. Original tuners with new buttons (check out those repro buttons - we custom ordered them from Germany; they're pretty cool). Original nut, frets, saddle, bridge and end pins, too. It's nicely set up and perfectly playable but with some light fret and fingerboard wear. The neck shape is super-comfortable, making the guitar as nice to play as it is to look at. Tonally, this guitar sounds as good as any drop-in saddle late 50's Gibson out there. It's a rare one, this guitar.
With 70's hard shell case
SOLD

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1957 Gibson LG-2
FON U-2613-27. Gibson was building some good guitars in 1957. Kalamazoo must have had some good weather or something. The LG-2 pictured here is a loud and punchy little guitar, with a feisty edge, and a strong cut. LG-2's are great jam guitars - you're often the loudest instrument in the group; but they love being played softly too, and are responsive to a light touch. My own LG-2 is my go-to guitar -and my desert-island instrument - so I'm a bit biased, but if you're looking for a great sounding LG, this is the one. In excellent condition, with a very well repaired pickguard crack and no other issues. Completely original, and well set up. The action measures 5 to 8 64ths at the 12th fret with ample saddle room to come down further. Full height Brazilian Rosewood bridge, original tuners, nut and frets, clean original finish with some minor dings here and there and not much lacquer craze. A very fine instrument.
With original soft shell case
SOLD

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1936 Gibson EH-100 & EH-150 Set
Historially important, if not completely cool. This is a first year example of Gibson's EH-100 Steel and EH-150 amp combo. Both from 1936, the steel and amp both have features indicative of the first year issues. The EH-100 steel is a hollow maple guitar-shaped body, with an early blade pickup doing the dirty work. One Bakelite knob on the treble side, black finish with a white-bound top. The EH-150 amp is the first production amplifier bearing the Gibson script logo. It features the same tweed-with-stripes covering that was found on many Gibson cases of the era, a 10" speaker, 4 tubes, and a removable back cover. Shockingly, it works well and sounds cool. It's only a few watts, so don't expect tons of volume though. With the package comes the steel's original "red-line" hard case, the amp's original slip cover, and the slide-bar, picks, and extra fuses that we found in the case. A wonderful piece of Gibson history.
SOLD

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1959 Gibson Melody Maker
Serial # 933344. The Melody Maker was introduced in 1959 and stayed in production until 1971. The guitar was offered as Gibson's new budget model, replacing the Les Paul Jr. which was abandoned at the end of 1960. The original MM featured the same single-cut body as the Jr., but was about 3/8" thinner; in 1961, it was redesigned with a double cut-away body. The first Melody Makers featured a slightly larger single-coil pickup than the later model, an aluminum wrap-around tailpiece, and Kluson Deluxe tuners. The neck profile was standard '59 Gibson... just about 1-11/16" at the nut, and big and round - making this guitar awesome to play. One-piece mahogany body with set-in neck, Brazilian fingerboard, and pickguard mounted electronics. With the exception of the knobs, the guitar is completely stock and original; although there are some repaired solder joints. The neck, frets, and finish are in great shape, and the guitar is set up nicely. There is a possible crack at the neck-joint (pictured), but we feel that it's not a significant crack. There is no movement in it, and it does not appear to have ever been fixed. We don't like saying that It's just in the finish (because usually, it's not just in the finish), but in this case we kind of feel that it is. They say a picture tells a thousand words, so you can decide for yourselves. The guitar is accompanied by its original alligator chipboard case, which is in rough shape.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1934 Gibson TG-00
FON 895. A rare find. For anyone who thinks a tenor guitar has to sound like a tin can and be strung with barbwire, this one will be a revelation. With a full, rich tone, matching any 30's L-00, this guitar has lot to offer. Tuned in fifths (traditionally C-G-D-A) I play mine tuned down as low as a guitar (E-A-F#-B), giving a big sound that belies the four strings. This instrument will add a whole new dimension for a recording guitarist, and open new doors for mandolin players. The guitar is in great shape, with a few tight and well-repaired cracks, and has tuners that were replaced most probably in the 1940's. The nut is 1 1/8" wide, and the action is great with plenty of room for future adjustment. An exciting guitar. With new hard case.
SOLD

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1917 Gibson A-1
Serial # 37313. There's not even dust on this 90 year old mandolin. It is without a doubt the cleanest and most original pumpkin-top Gibson A we've ever seen. There is virtually no wear to the finish or frets and all the parts are in perfect condition. The tuning machines have no wear on their gears. And then there's the case that looks like it was made last week. This Mandolin is nuts. We've set it up, so that after 90 years maybe someone will play it - carefully! A true investment-quality instrument, especially when you take into account how under-priced A models are in today's hot vintage market.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1929 Gibson TB-3
FON 9025-17. This TB-3 came in for some set up work last week. It is a beautiful instrument, and completely original. A few months and one string away from being worth an awful lot of money! Gibson switched to the one-piece flange sometime in '29, but this one still has its tube and plate. The original owner told us he thought he must have had it for more than 30 years but his wife reminded him that they bought it new on their honeymoon! You do the math! I'm sure there are a lot of you out there who'd love to convert this one, but you can't have it... sorry.
SOLD

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1947 Gibson L-7
Serial # A-625. A serial number on a 1940's Gibson! Wow... the things us guitar guys get excited about! This is a mid-year 1947 L-7, with a then-new "Modernized" Gibson logo, and open-geared Kluson tuning machines with original tulip buttons. The guitar is remarkably beautiful, with a gorgeous sunburst finished top, bound tortoise pickguard, raised-diamond nickel plated tailpiece, triple bound body, single bound fingerboard and headstock, and pearl ornamentation. With the exception of the outer-pickguard mounting nut the instrument is completely original. Like its more expensive big brother, the L-7 features a 17 inch body, with a carved spruce top and carved maple back. There is an old repaired crack on the sides of the guitar at the heel of the neck, and a bent tuning key - the classic combination. A bummer, really, as this guitar would otherwise be as nice an L-7 as you'd likely find. As it is, it is still a spectacular guitar; and a couple grand less. No other issues to mention - the top is in perfect condition, the neck angle is spot-on, the action and set-up are perfect. No top or back cracks, no neck damage. Original nut, frets, Brazilian rosewood adjustable bridge, and finish.
With original Geib hard shell case
SOLD

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1916 Gibson A-
Serial #26224. Our third pumpkin-top Gibson this month is this near-perfect 1916 A- mandolin. It is in almost the same ridiculously clean condition as the mint 1917 we posted a few weeks back, but with a touch of playwear and a tiny chip missing from the ebony bridge base. The instrument is complete and entirely original, with an intact pickguard and bracket, tuners and tailpiece. No cracks, separations or structural issues, and a perfect top arch with no sinkage. The frets and fingerboard are true and level, and the instrument plays buzz-free all the way up the neck with comfortable low action. We wish all the vintage pieces we encounter would be in such fine and playable condition! It has a sweet voice, with a nice openness and rich sustain.
With a non-original hard shell case
SOLD

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1967 Gibson ES-335TDC
Serial #024726. A completely original, one owner cherry-red ES-335 in excellent condition, with original hang tags, tunematic instructions, bill of sale, case key, and original hard case. Well, ok... almost completely original - the switch tip is new (but we've aged it to fool you). Bought new at Mason's Music in Toronto on July 11th 1967 by the fellow who has placed it on consignment, this guitar has been very well taken care of over the last 40 years. It has been well used, as is suggested by the finish wear on the back of the neck and its dressed frets; but the guitar is scratch-free and intact. It is a first-rate example of a '67 335, complete with chrome-covered "Patent Number" pickups, trapeze tailpiece, nylon saddle tunematic bridge, double-ring / double-line Kluson tuners, and block fingerboard inlays. The photos should speak for themselves in attesting to the condition of this instrument, and all of you who are looking for a clean and unmolested 60's 335 should consider this instrument - especially as earlier models have become all but unobtainable for the majority of us. The neck angle is perfect, and the set-up is buzz-free with action of 4/64ths across. Great neck profile - round back, with a nut width of 1-5/8". The pickups measure 7.8 kOhms (neck) and 7.7 kOhms (bridge), and the instrument weighs in at a feathery 7.67 pounds with strings! It's a resonant and amazing sounding guitar, with serious investment appeal.
SOLD

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1966 Gibson Melody Maker D
Serial #553755. With it's Vibrola tailpiece and double single-coil pickups the melody maker was the poor man's SG standard in its day. Today these have come to be respected vintage guitars that command real dollars on the vintage market. The Melody Maker has a solid one-piece mahogany body with a set-in mahogany neck that joins the body at the 18th fret. This example is in excellent condition, but for the changed tuners and plugged screw-holes that are still visible adjacent to the tuning machines. Melody Maker tuners were famously lousy, and it's not uncommon to find these guitars with changed machines. The Vibrola tailpiece functions, but requires the action to be set a bit higher than we'd like it to be to work without rattle. These units were badly designed from the onset, and most people take them off - preferring to use the original wrap-around bridge/tailpiece for better guitar performance (as pictured below). There are just three small screw-holes in the top, so the conversion is not particularly unsightly to boot. The neck and frets are in good shape, as are the electronics. Narrow 1-17/32 nut width, standard scale.
Original alligator chip-board case is included
SOLD

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1959 Gibson EH-500 Skylark Steel
Serial # 9 1565. Single piece Korina body, completely original and in great shape. Very cool '59 serial number ink-stamped on the back of the headstock a la Les Paul. Gold logo, nickel-plate parts, black UFO knobs and matching black buttons on the Kluson tuners. Original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1914 Gibson H-1
Serial # 18980. At 92 years of age, it's incredible to imagine the musical diversity this mandola has partaken in over its life. What was the first song played on it way back before the First World War? How many people called this their-own instrument over the four generations since it was built? From a receipt dated June 30th 1920 we know that it was sold to a Mr. J. M. Connally from Miss Grace M. Jackson and Mrs. F. M. Jackson for forty five dollars; but who were these people? Were the Jackson's selling the Mandola after Mr. Jackson, husband and father, passed away? After all, forty five dollars was a significant amount at that time. These are questions that we will never know the answers to, sadly. What we do know, however, is that Mr. J.M. Connally and the various subsequent owners of this instrument valued it highly and took very good care of it to this day.
It is in excellent condition, with no cracks, scrapes or bruises; just some minor playwear to the finish on the neck and some mild grooving on the frets. The Mandola is completely original with the exception of a 1920's replacement adjustable bridge (the original, in the case pocket, is fractured and not useable), and it is in perfect working order. The top arch is fine, as are the neck, tuners, pickguard, and tailpiece; and the shellac finish has a rich patina. Mandolas all sound great; but Gibsons from the 'teens particularly so. There is a familiarity and warmth to the tonal response the Mandola offers - it is in the same range as the human voice - and this instrument can warm the coldest winter night with its lovely sweetness. Excuse the flowery metaphors; but it really is a wonderful instrument! We've completed as set up on this instrument, and needed to position the bridge slightly rearward for proper tunability; you'll notice the finish in front of it is marred from years of the bridge being in the wrong place. Instruments like this don't come around too often, sadly - and this one will bring happiness to many more generations over the years to come.
With its original hard shell case, and 1920 bill of sale.
SOLD

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1935 Gibson A-00
The flat-backed A-00 was Gibson's most economical mandolin when it was introduced at the height of the Great Depression. The mando version of the classic L-00, it featured similar appointments to its larger 6 string cousin. The sunburst-finished carved spruce top is single-bound in white, and the dark-brown back and sides are unbound maple. The bridge and nut are ebony, and the fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood with simple pearl dot inlays. A simple silk-screened Gibson logo adorns an otherwise plain headstock. The mandolin's tuners, clamshell tailpiece, and pickguard are all original, the pickguard suffering slightly from mild decay. It's in excellent condition, with good frets and a true neck, and the in-shop set-up we've just finished has made it a very playable instrument. 13-7/8" scale length, and a nut-width of just about 1-3/16".
With original soft shell case
SOLD

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1931 Gibson L-0
FON 9919, 127. An all-mahogany 12-fret early L-0 Gibson. Introduced in the very early 1930's, the flat top L-0 was one of the very first modern Gibson flattop guitars. Featuring X-braced tops with pin bridges, larger body sizes, and modern-shaped necks, these guitars replaced the small-bodied, H-braced, 12 fret guitars with huge necks and thumpy voices that were previously available.

Gibson got it right straight out of the gate with their take on Martin's X bracing. With their exceptionally thin tops and back, slightly wider X angle, and unscalloped braces, the remarkably lightweight and resonant L-0 has its own sound, and was among the first Gibsons to "have that Gibson sound" - the same one we hear about a lot around here. It is much more lightly built and resonant than the L-00's and L-0's built from 1933 onwards, and this L-0 has bit more subtlety as a result. The body is completely Mahogany, bound in white celluloid and features a very thin lacquer finish. The braces are tall, thin and unscalloped, and the tiny original bridge plate is quarter-sawn maple. The 12 fret truss-rodded Mahogany neck has a very comfortable C profile, that's not as bulky as those on guitars from the 1940's, and a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The nut is 1-3/4" wide, and the scale length measures 24.75". Silver "The Gibson" silk-screened logo, original three-on-a-plate tuners. Full height Brazilian rosewood bridge and bone saddle. Original bridge pins, ebony nut, endpin, and truss rod cover. The action measures in at a standard 5/64ths under the high E and 7/64ths under the low E. This instrument is completely original and in remarkably well-preserved condition. No cracks, no loose or separated braces, and in overall excellent condition, but with some minor pickwear below the soundhole. This guitar plays very well; its original frets have almost no wear, and the fingerboard is in great shape. This guitar performs well under a pick or fingers - and has ample headroom if you have a heavier attack, despite its super light weight. It is loud, full, and woody, with a sparkle imparted by the mahogany top. A wonderful guitar.
Sold with its original case
SOLD

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1954 Gibson J-45
FON. X9053-34. Everyone loves small-guard J-45s - there's just something about these gorgeous instruments that makes us want to pick up the guitar and play. Is it the smokey sunburst finish, the single-ring sound-hole rosette, or the small upper-belly rosewood bridge? Or is it in the finer details - the small frets and petite headstock, the color of the Kluson buttons, or the way the screws holding the tuners and truss-rod cover on are kind of flat on the top? Perhaps it's because we all know, with just one look, that it is a guitar that's going to sound and feel great. Before 1955 Gibson scalloped the braces in their J-45s, giving them the woody openness they're famous for. Also, the necks from this era are popularly considered to be the most comfortable necks Gibson ever put on their acoustics. The whole package is simply awesome; and anyone who's spent time with an early 50's Gibson knows it.
This guitar is in excellent and original condition. With the exception of two very small and very tightly repaired back cracks the instrument is crack free. There are no changed parts, no funny repairs, and no signs of abuse. The original frets show some wear but are still playable, and there are two patches of pickwear on the top - one by the pickguard, and another by the bass side of the fingerboard that has been carefully tinted dark to match the finish. Unlike most Gibsons this guitar came to us with no loose or cracked braces and nothing to adjust except a couple of nut slots. It is a "collector quality" instrument, with tone to match - so if your collection is just this one guitar, you'll have done well; this guitar is a songwriter's dream.
Sold with a newer deluxe TKL hard case
SOLD

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2006 Gibson Custom Shop Historic Les Paul R8 VOS Lefty
Serial # 8 6432. It is a 2006 model from Gibson's Custom Shop. A faithful 1958 reissue, complete with VOS (Vintage Original Spec) components and design - from the long neck tenon, mildly aged looks, nitro finish, sexy plastic parts, bumble-bee capacitor, solid one piece mahogany back and mildly figured maple top. The neck is awesomely comfortable, and the guitar weighs in at a svelte 9.17 pounds total. Acoustically, it's an incredibly resonant instrument - which always translates to a killer amplified tone - especially when its voice is coming from a pair of Gibson Burstbucker pickups. This guitar does exactly what Les Pauls are supposed to do. And it's so much fun to play. It's sold with all its original documentation, hang tags, patch cord, and hard case.
SOLD

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1962 Gibson LG-3
Serial # 54928. The LG-3, for those of you who are not familiar with this model, is a natural-finish version of the LG-2. Gibson generally charged more for natural topped guitars, and as a result these are harder to find today than their sunburst brothers. A very fine sounding LG, this guitar has had two top cracks and two back cracks repaired in our shop; a replacement Brazilian rosewood replica bridge and bone saddle made and installed, and a new small single-ply maple bridgeplate. The guitar needs no further repairs, but the original frets are getting fairly tired. The action and playability are very comfortable, and the guitar's neck has a very early 60's feel to it - not quite a big as a late 50's, but certainly more beefy than a mid 1960's. Those of you who are seeking a fine sounding vintage LG-2 or 3 but don't want to pay a fortune for it will very much appreciate this guitar.
Without case.
SOLD

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1932 Gibson TG-00 Tenor
FON 191. This guitar has made tenor players out of everyone in the store. Its voice is beguiling, with the depth and fullness of an opera singer's voice, and the resonance and and warmth of a vintage ribbon microphone. The secret to this guitar's tone is its all-mahogany L-00 body, light weight, and short scale (23") 12 fret neck. The resulting bridge placement is only 2" from the soundhole, leaving a much larger area of the top free to vibrate. The black finish with white binding and pickguard is nothing but gorgeous, and the instrument is original right down to the bridge pins. One very well repaired small back crack is the only flaw that we can point out; and the guitar's frets and action are perfect. It has geared Grover tuning machines, and ebony nut, truss-rodded 19 fret neck with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and a full height Brazilian bridge and bone saddle. The case it comes with is its original hard shell, with broken handle, and suspect latches and hinges.
SOLD

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1951 Gibson ES-150
FON 8742-17. A remarkably fine early ES-150. With the exception of the tuning machines, this instrument is completely original and unmodified. The finish is in great shape, and there are no cracks or bruises to mention. Original 5/8" tall barrel knobs (these were replaced by 1/2 tall speed knobs in '52), original tuning machine screws and bushings, 4-ply bevel-edge pickguard, trapeze tailpiece and bridge. Bound Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays and original frets. The P-90 pickup has an output of 7.2 kOhms. Very comfortable neck, set up with fast low action. Some fret wear on the first 3 frets, not much elsewhere. They don't come too much more clean than this one, and they don't often come with an original hard shell case...
SOLD

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1925 Gibson L-5
Serial # 81629. The Gibson L-5 designed by Lloyd Loar and introduced in late 1922 revolutionized the guitar world. Loar's 16" carved instrument was the first to employ "F" holes in its design, and signaled the genesis of the modern arched-top guitar. The L-5 featured many other modern features: An adjustable truss rod in the neck, a height adjustable and intonated bridge top, an elevated pickguard with a right-angle mounting bracket, and an elevated fingerboard which allowed the top's effective vibrating size to be enlarged; and a fourteen fret-to-the-body neck. Similar to his famous F-5 Mandolins, Loar's L-5 guitars featured Gibson's most select timbers, with spruce and maple plates carved, graduated, and tap-tuned to perfection. Thanks to Lloyd Loar, 1923 also saw the end of the celluloid tailpiece bracket (replaced with metal), and the introduction of a tilted-back neck attachment which permitted a taller bridge, more downward pressure on the instrument top, and a resulting increased volume. Today, the Loar-era "Master Model" instruments (L-5, K-5, H-5, F-5 and Style 5 Banjos) which bear Loar's signature are among the most prized instruments on the vintage market. Loar resigned from Gibson in December of 1924. The last known Loar-signed instrument was an F-5 dated December 21st 1924 bearing serial number 80416.

The instrument pictured here is an L-5 completed in the spring of '25. This instrument's construction was undoubtedly begun during Loar's tenure at Gibson, but completed after his departure. As such it bears the Master Model label associated with Lloyd Loar, but not Loar's signature label. This particular L-5 bears certain transitional features indicative of the immediate post-Loar period: An angled peghead logo, flowerpot inlay, dot fingerboard inlays from the 5th fret on, single-bound fingerboard with pointed end, and gold hardware. Of note are the original tuning machines - gold Grover "Pancake" planetary banjo tuners with pearl buttons - a rare and beautiful feature.

A one owner guitar and a local instrument, this L-5 came to us after being in storage since the early 1980's. There is finish wear to the back of the neck and to the areas that were in contact with the owners clothing. There is one small and largely insignificant top crack at the waist below the pickguard, and an invisible center-seam repair (done by us) beneath the tailpiece. The back and sides are in crack free excellent condition. The top braces are intact, and the top's arch is perfect. Original frets, pearl nut, bridge, endpin, and bound pickguard. The original tailpiece string hanger is bowing forward slightly, but is intact and functional. As is evident in the photos, the pickguard was once notched for a DeArmond floating pickup, and there is a fairly well-hidden 1" splice of fingerboard binding adjacent to the 18th and 19th frets. This instrument features two Master Model labels, one almost completely obstructing the second. We'd only love to be able to read the hidden label, but we can't, so that's all we can tell you about it... sorry. The maple figure in the neck, back, and sides is tight and deep; and is accented nicely by the Cremona sunburst hand-rubbed stain. Set up in our shop, this instrument plays perfectly up the neck. 24-3/4" scale, 1-3/4" nut. Tone? Well, that's the best part. If you've never played one of these first L-5's you really ought to soon.

Sold with its original hard shell case in excellent condition
US $28500 SOLD

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1935 Gibson Jumbo
FON #161. Wow... The fifth Jumbo we've offered in the last few years! Among the rarest and most collectable Gibson flat-tops, the Jumbo was Gibson's first big guitar - introduced in '34. This model dates from '35, and features a bound fingerboard and a slightly larger sunburst diameter than the '34 guitars. With its even deep body depth, scalloped triple tone bars, and small sound hole its tone is unmistakable. Clear, balanced, even, warm, rich and loud; but still quick and raw. It's all there. Fine action (5 to 7 64ths) and lots of room to raise or lower the strings. 1 3/4" nut width, 24 3/4" scale length. Only one tiny top crack - a 1inch long, very tight split near the waist by the pickguard. The sides show a few well-repaired cracks and some light overspray that has been blended in well. The back has an old splice repair at the bottom, a few cracks as evident in the photos, and has been completely over-sprayed or refinished. The crack repairs are very old, and the newer finish has aged and crazed to an appealing patina. The top has a few small spots of drop-filled finish below the bridge, and a small area of touch-up adjacent to the fingerboard. The bridge has been off in its life, but is well glued currently. Internally, this jumbo is in great shape - there are no signs of repaired broken or loose braces - only the internal support of the aforementioned back repair, and a small cleat we installed near the sound hole to ward off a potential crack.

The neck is incredibly comfortable. A bigish V profile to go with a big guitar. It's plainly obvious that you're holding something special when playing this guitar. The neck was reset at some point, and the heel shows some overspray and a repaired crack. The tuners and neck finish are original, the bone nut is not. We have recently refretted the guitar and replaced the bridge saddle resulting in a 70 year old guitar that plays perfectly.

While it is not in perfect condition, this Gibson Jumbo is a very fine example of the very first Gibson large-bodied flat-top guitars. It sounds wonderful and plays and feels the same.
A period-correct Gieb / Gibson tweed hardshell case is included
SOLD

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C. 1945 Gibson LG-2 MAPLE
FON 301-8. As the Second World War dragged on into the 1940's the supply of tropical hardwoods dwindled as shipping lanes to and from the major North American ports were unsafe and vulnerable to German U-Boat attack. As a result, manufacturers had to look to other, more locally available, materials. Many Gibson instruments from this era, which were typically constructed of Honduran Mahogany, are built of maple - a wood locally available to the Kalamazoo, Michigan company. Earlier during the war, spruce and steel were rationed for the war effort and instruments with Mahogany tops and no truss rods can be found from that period. However, as the war drew to a close, the supplies of these materials again became available; but the supply of South American Mahogany would take a few months to restock. It is during this period that the LG-2 pictured here is most likely from.

There was almost no Mahogany used in the construction of this instrument -only the kerfed linings are of this wood. The back and sides are maple, stained dark to match the catalog description of the LG-2. The neck is a 5 piece laminate of maple and rosewood, stained dark as well, and capped with a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard. The instrument's top is bookmatched Red Spruce, its bridge is Brazilian rosewood which (typical of Gibsons from pre-'46) is lacquered over. The truss-rod equipped neck features a 1-3/4" nut width, and sports original open-geared Kluson tuners and the famous "Only A Gibson Is Good Enough" headstock logo. The instrument is in excellent condition despite heavy lacquer crazing. There are no cracks and no loose braces, however there is some minor damage to the pickguard's top corner where it was previously lifting. The back of the neck sports some worn-away finish in the first position, and there is a small patch of case-wear on the upper-treble bout's side. The original frets have some mild wear, but are still very playable, and the action measures 5 to 7 64ths at the 12th fret. The tone is all LG-2, but with the brightness and snap of maple. A very rare and interesting instrument.
With period chip-board case
SOLD

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1962 Gibson Johnny Smith
Serial # 87019. Introduced in 1961, and offered in the Gibson Company catalog until 1989, the Johnny Smith was both the most expensive and (arguably) the most popular of the artist models the company offered in the 1960's. This early 1962 example (pot coded 12th week of 1962) features the earliest version of the JS humbucking pickup which has a layer of celluloid between the pickup's upper bobbin and gold plated cover (which made pole-pieces non-adjustable). Solid carved spruce top, and highly figured solid carved maple back and matching sides. Three-piece maple neck with 5-ply bound ebony fingerboard and matching headstock. Pearl split-block pearl fingerboard and split-diamond headstock inlays. 7-ply top bindings, 3-ply on the back and sides. 5-ply bound celluloid pickguard, bound f-holes, ebony adjustable bridge. Gold L-5 style tailpiece with Johnny Smith emblem, matching hardware, and Kluson Sealfast tuners. Rich sunburst lacquer finish on all sides.

A beautiful and ultra-deluxe vintage Gibson archtop with a wonderful voice both acoustically and plugged in. The instrument is completely original and in remarkably excellent condition. The original frets show mild wear, the nut has never been removed, and the playability and feel are exceptional. Nut width of 1-3/4", 25" scale length. Included with this guitar is its original Lifton hard-shell case in Mint condition and original Canvas case cover (with replaced zipper). The Johnny Smith offered here is a fabulous investment opportunity, as instruments of this quality and condition are becoming harder and harder to come by.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1924 Gibson F-5 Lloyd Loar
This fine Loar F-5 was brought in by a visiting musician on his trip through Guelph. It is often that we get a show and tell of fine instruments around here, but it was an extra special day when this mandolin was placed on our evaluation bench. The instrument is in excellent original condition but with heavy one-owner playwear to the back of the neck and fingerboard in the first position. We thought you'd all like to see photos of it.
NOT FOR SALE

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1963 Gibson F-25
Serial # 367591. In response to the folk revival of the late 1950's and early 1960's the big American guitar companies all introduced "Folk" guitars in effort to capitalize on the demand for small-bodied gut and silk-and-steel strung instruments. The F-25 was Gibson's offering, and was designed to be used with either ball end gut (nylon) strings or steels. The neck is 2" wide at the nut and features a flat fingerboard, much like a classical guitar or turn of the century parlor. The body is that of a B-25N (or LG-3), with an X-braced spruce top and mahogany back and sides, and the dual white pick-guards are factory original. The guitar sounds like an LG-3, with big mids, lots of volume, and punchy treble and bass notes. It is a great instrument for fingerstyle country blues for those of us who prefer the feel of a wide neck and the finger room it affords. Those of you who were reared on a classical guitar will also feel right at home on this guitar. It is completely original, with the exception of a compensated bone saddle, and in remarkably fine condition with no cracks or issues. The set up is comfortable and low, and the guitar is strung with standard light gauge strings. It is sold with its original Gibson soft-shell case.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1939 Gibson Recording King M3
FON # EW-1026. Some guitars just have it all. From the original stamped Kluson tuning machines (which are the same that are found on many high-end Gibsons of the era - and worth about five or six hundred) to the exquisite bound fire-stripe pickguard and the sunburst-on-all-sides original finish, this is a scrumptiously appealing guitar. It features a solid red-spruce carved top, maple back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and pearl headstock inlays and position markers. It is original right down to the tuner screws! Frets and neck are in great shape, with only some minor fret wear and worn finish on the back of the neck. Playability is great, thanks in part to this instrument's first-ever set up done right here!
The nut measures 1 -3/4", scale length of 24-3/4". Superbly comfortable rounded neck profile with the slightest hint of a V. To top it off, it comes with its original soft-shell case! Wow.
SOLD

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1950 Gibson J-50
FON 4655-18. Wow! What a knockout of a guitar! It's gorgeous, AND it sounds great. Older J-50's are getting harder and harder to come by, especially instruments of this quality. With its perfect top arch, lack of cracks, minimal finish wear, comfortable action, and simply wonderful tone, this J-50 is a very special instrument. Triple-bound natural-finished spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood bridge and fingerboard. Scalloped bracing and a small maple bridge-plate give this instrument a huge voice with powerful basses. Anybody would become a Gibson fan with one strum on this beauty. Original finish, nut and saddle, Kluson tuners, small pickguard, and bridge pins; full height bridge, with newer bone saddle, replacement end pin. The back of the neck shows a very professionally repaired crack (that looks much worse in the photo than in person); it is tight and poses no future risk. The neck is that great feeling early 50's shape with a 1-11/16" nut. The action measures 5 to 7 64ths.
Older soft-shell case included
SOLD

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1940 Gibson EH-150
FON F612-6. An instrument like this must make you want to play lap steel guitar! What an incredibly gorgeous instrument. Sunburst on maple guitar-shaped body, gumwood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, nickel hardware, individual Kluson tuners with translucent amber buttons, one black and one brown Bakelite octagonal knobs, and, of course the famous Charlie Christian pickup. Complete with its original hard case, this is a beautifully preserved instrument. The pickup is very hot, with a fat tone and bigness not usually found in steels.
SOLD

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1931 Gibson L-0
FON #163. Introduced in the very early 1930's, the flat top L-0 was one of the very first modern Gibson flattop guitars. Featuring X-braced tops with pin bridges, larger body sizes, and modern-shaped necks, these guitars replaced the small-bodied, H-braced, 12 fret guitars with huge necks and thumpy voices that were previously available.

The guitar pictured here dates from 1931 most likely. It is among the earliest X-braced Gibsons built and is remarkably lightweight and resonant. It is much more lightly built and resonant than the L-00's and L-0's built from 1933 onwards, and represents a period of great change at Gibson. The body is completely Mahogany, bound in white celluloid and features a very thin lacquer finish. The braces are tall, thin and unscalloped, and the tiny original bridge plate is quarter-sawn maple. The 12 fret truss-rodded Mahogany neck has a slim C profile, with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and original frets. The nut is 1-3/4" wide. White "Gibson" silver silk-screened logo, original three-on-a-plate tuners with their original buttons. Brazilian Rosewood full height bridge and bone saddle. Original bridge pins, ebony nut, endpin, truss rod cover, and celluloid pickguard. The action measures in at a standard 5/64ths under the high E and 7/64ths under the low E. This instrument is completely original and in remarkably well-preserved condition. No cracks, no loose or separated braces, and in overall excellent condition, this instruments plays nicely and is set up with light gauge strings. As with most feather-weight guitars, this guitar performs best under a light touch. It has very robust almost classical-guitar like trebles and a very open and woody middle to low register. A very fine vintage instrument.
Sold with non-original hard shell case
SOLD

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1950's Gibson Vibra-Rest
Gibson offered these in the 1950's as add-on vibrato units. Though simple in design, it works quite well. It's as new in its original box.
SOLD

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1941 Gibson A-00 Mandolin
FON 3706-18. While we are calling this Mandolin an A-00, we are equally certain that it is an A-1... or an A-50. Gibson Catalog descriptions from this era are dubious at best, and the company is famous for building instruments of the same model with differing trim and construction details. In any case, here are its specifications: 10-1/4" wide, A-style body with f-holes; solid carved spruce top, solid carved maple back. Lacquer finish, sunburst top, rich red mahogany stained back and sides. One piece mahogany neck, with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and ebony nut. Nickel Grover open geared tuners with white (now yellow) buttons, Gibson silk-screened script logo. Clamshell tailpiece, tortoise-celluloid pickguard, adjustable ebony bridge. Bound top, and unbound back. The instrument is in excellent and original condition, with a normal but not extensive, amount of wear and tear. Set up in our shop, the mandolin plays very well with comfortably low action. The first 7 frets appear to have been replaced, but they are nearly indistinguishable from the originals. There is plenty of fret life left, and many tunes left to be played in this attractive instrument.
With newer hard case.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1956 Gibson ES-225T
FON V4037-1. The ES-225T was introduced in 1955 only to be phased out four years later, despite strong sales. The model was Gibson's first thinline electric, and the company's first electric to feature a single pickup located halfway between the bridge and finger board. Essentially a thin body ES-175, the 225T was designed to offer the electric guitarist a more feedback resistant instrument. It was ultimately replaced by the double cut away ES-330, whose modern styling found more appeal among the guitarists of the era. The guitar features a 16 inch wide laminate maple body with a depth of 1-3/4", a pointed Florentine cut-away, 5-ply bevel-edge pickguard, single P-90 pickup with volume and tone controls, Les Paul style trapeze bridge/tailpiece, individual nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners, and a pearl inlaid Gibson headstock logo. This example is in excellent original condition; the hardware is in great shape, and the original tuner buttons are still functional (a rarity). The set up and playabilty are excellent, and the instrument sounds exceptional thanks to a particularly strong P-90. A small key-style reinforcement was long ago spliced into the neck's heel to fix a slight separation - the repair is very well done and structurally stable, and no finish was altered or added in the process. The guitar's mid-50's neck profile is about as comfortable as it gets, and coupled with this instrument's light weight make it a joy to play. 24.75" scale, 1-11/16" nut.
No case
SOLD

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Early 1970 Gibson ES-335 TDC
Serial # 612257. A pre-Norlin orange-label 335 with features typical of the 69-70 transitional period. Three-piece mahogany neck with volute and Made is USA stamp, "Pantograph" headstock logo, original 60's fiberglass nut, chrome-plate hardware, nylon bridge saddles, trapeze tail-piece and patent # pickups. Kluson Deluxe double ring tuners (but there is evidence that there were once Grovers on it, and the bushings are non-original). Frets and neck are in great shape, as are all electronics. Guitar weighs in at 7.7 pounds. Cosmetically in near-perfect condition, and in excellent playing set up. Included is a MINT condition early 1970's original Gibson hard shell case.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1955 Gibson J-185
Sorry folks, this one sold before we were able to post it on our website. It is an excellent condition 1955 Gibson J-185. Rarer than the J-200, The J-185 was built between '51 and '58 - and only 59 of them were built in 1955. It is a gorgeous guitar, and in wonderful and original condition. The package even included an original brown/pink Gibson hard shell case. We thought you'd like to see it...
SOLD

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1932 Gibson Nick Lucas Special
Serial # 87896. Uncommonly rare, entirely desirable. Most likely built in '32, this Lucas features a thirteen fret neck and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. It was originally fitted with a trapeze tailpiece, adjustable bridge and floating pickguard, but has since been converted to a pin-bridge instrument. The sound is simply to die for and impossible to describe; there is a good reason why so many consider this model the ultimate Gibson flat top guitar.

Intensely figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides, X-braced Red spruce top. Body depth of 4-5/8" at the tail and 4-1/4" at the neck heel. Bound ebony fingerboard with Nick Lucas pattern inlays, pearl "The Gibson" and Fleur-de-Lys peg head inlays. Scale of 24-3/4", nut width of 1-3/4".

Repair history:
The Current bridge is a very nice early 50's style replacement built of figured Brazilian rosewood that well matches the back and sides. There has been at least one other pin bridge on the guitar, as is evident by the small finish touch-up visible under the bridge. The bridgeplate is a correctly sized replacement, and is made of Sycamore as the original was. The plate was replaced to deal with old bridge pin holes that were poorly positioned. The bridge pins are period correct, but of course non-original, and the saddle is bone. The top is in excellent condition with no significant cracks or bellying. All top braces are intact and un-repaired. Back and sides are crack-free and in excellent condition with the exception of a 1/8" filled strap-button screw-hole by the neck heel on the side. The finish on the body is original with no overspray; the finish touch-up by the bridge is the only finish flaw of note. The neck appears to have been reset some time in this instrument's past, and there is a second filled strap button hole on the neck heel that is largely not noticeable. The tuners have been changed a few times; the holes have been enlarged for thread-in bushings. The current tuners are 60's Waverley three-on-a-plate machines which are fairly close in appearance and footprint to the early 30's engraved Waverleys that this guitar would originally have had. The action is currently set at 5 to 6 64ths at the 12th fret.

This is a wonderful guitar that, despite some old repairs, is actually in very fine condition. Its voice is rich and open, with well developed complex overtones and harmonics, and a very even response across the strings but with an added oomph in the bass register thanks to the deep body depth. Sold with a period correct hard shell case
SOLD


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1960 Gibson Super 400CES
Serial # A-33851. Considered by most to be the "Holy Grail" of electric jazz guitars, The PAF equipped, round (Venetian) cut-away Super 400CES from 1958 to 1960 is a beautiful thing. Only about 90 Super 400's with this combination of pickups and cut-away were built, and most of us will never have a chance to get our hands on one. Well, we aim to please here at Folkway Music, and offer this near-mint condition 1960 Super 400CES for your enjoyment.

About as clean as they come, this instrument shows only minor playwear. Some slight finish-wear to the back of the neck in the first position and slight scuff marks on the back, and a slight warp to the original pickguard are all that can be held against this fine guitar. It is completely original, with the likely exception of the frets. The wire harness has never been removed, and all solder joints are virgin. The original gold PAF humbuckers have outputs of 8.5 and 8.1 kOhms. The original hard shell case is in equally fine and unfaded condition as well. It is an astronomically warm and rich guitar, and certain to inspire. The combination of solid carved spruce and maple, 18 inches, and PAFs is simply magical.
On consignment
SOLD

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1930 Gibson L-0
FON #281, 9767. The first modern Gibson flattop guitars - those which featured X-braced tops with pin bridges, larger body sizes, and modern-shaped necks - were the redesigned L-0 and L-1 instruments introduced in the very early 1930's. These were the first instruments with the now-familiar 14 3/4" wide body commonly referred to as the L-00 shape. Prior to these, Gibson flat-tops were small-bodied, H-braced, 12 fret guitars with huge necks and thumpy voices.

The guitar pictured here dates from 1930 or '31. It is among the earliest X-braced Gibsons built and is remarkably lightweight and resonant. It is very different from the L-00's and L-0's built from 1933 onwards, and represents a period of great change at Gibson. The body is completely Mahogany, bound in white celluloid and features a very thin lacquer finish. The braces are tall and thin and unscalloped, and the bridge plate is flat-sawn maple; and very small. The 12 fret truss-rodded Mahogany neck has a shallow C profile, with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard that is very thin. This thin fingerboard (similar in thickness to those found on Fender Electrics of the early 60's) is factory original; other L-0's from this period have been documented with such boards. The nut is 1 23/32" wide. "The Gibson" silver silk-screened logo, original three-on-a-plate tuners with their original buttons. The Brazilian rosewood bridge has been shaved and the saddle position shifted back a 16th of an inch for proper intonation. The ebony bridge pins are original, the bone saddle is not. The action is on the high side at 7/64ths under the high E and 1/8th under the low E. With the exception of the saddle and one well-repaired back crack this instrument is completely original and in remarkably well-preserved condition. It plays nicely and is currently set up with light gauge strings. As with most feather-weight guitars, this guitar performs best under a light touch. It has very robust almost classical-guitar like trebles and a very open and woody middle to low register.
With original semi-hard shell case
SOLD

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1951 Gibson J-50
Talk about vibe! This J-50 is a one owner guitar that has been played hard its whole life - and has the wear to prove it. Pickwear on the top, and lots of neck and fingerboard wear. The thing feels great! Despite the worn look of this instrument, it is in excellent condition, with no top cracks, side cracks, and only a pair of small back cracks. We've replaced the frets and set it up with some fresh strings (the originals were antique) to discover that it sounds as good as we hoped it would. Early fifties Gibsons are great sounding instruments in any condition, but crack-free original guitars with lots of playing in them are the best ones, and this guitar is no exception to the rule. It's completely original, with the exception of the frets, and in perfect working order. Check out the original hard shell case it comes with, too!
SOLD

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1942 Kalamazoo KGN-12
FON 2801G-33. The rarest of Kalalmazoo Guitars, maple natural finished L-00 sized instruments (many with the famous Oriole decal) are hard to come by, especially in this condition. Crack-free and with just about no finish wear. Ladder braced, with maple back and sides and red-spruce top. Original lacquered Brazilian rosewood bridge with bone saddle, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with ebony nut. Original Kluson 3-on-a-strip tuners with newer buttons. The headstock logo was removed and tastefully replaced with an r-rated 40's decal... a nice touch. Action measures 5 to 9 64ths, (a bit high on the bass side), and can only be lowered further with a neck reset or bridge shave. 24.75" Scale, 1 3-4" nut.
Sold with original soft shell case.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1940 Kalamazoo Sport
FON # 1119F. At first sight this one won us over. We all wished that as kids we had a guitar like this to learn on! The 3/4 size sport model by Kalamazoo (Gibson's budget brand) was designed and marketed for the young guitarists of the post-depression era. It is a Mahogany and Red spruce 12-1/2" wide guitar with a scale length of 22-3/4", a nut width of 1-9/16, and a proportionally sized 3-1/4" soundhole. The top is bound in white, the back unbound, and the rosette is a simple white-black-white ring. This instrument is original down to the bridge pins... the lacquer is still on the bridge (and the pearl dots - or lack thereof - is an original feature). There are a couple of well-repaired top cracks and a bit of kid-style pickwear, but this instrument looks like it's been played very little, judging by the absence of fretwear and tuning machine wear. The canvas case is original, too. Just set up in our shop, this instrument plays very well with comfortable low action. Hey - it's cherry sunburst too! A few years earlier than you usually see this finish.
SOLD

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1953 Gibson L-4CN
This L-4 came in for some basic set-up work this week. It is in such wonderful condition that we thought you all should see it. It is a one-owner guitar, bought new in '54 with a matching National tweed amp. Very cool.
SOLD

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1943 Gibson J-45N
FON #7117H-25. Talk about rare! The J-50, introduced 1947, was a natural-finish version of the J-45, with slightly different top purflings - but otherwise the same guitar. So what's a natural finished J-45 from 1943 called? Well... a J-45N - and it's one of the most rare variants of the wartime Jumbo. Introduced in 1942, the J-45 featured Banner headstock logo, teardrop pickguard, rectangular bridge, scalloped bracing, a two tone bar brace layout, and a sunburst finished top. Only a small hand full of natural-finished topped J-45's are known to exist - and this one is likely the best preserved one of the lot. It is free of any cracks, and has just about no finish wear. It is completely original, with the possible exception of the ivory nut, and the new saddle that we cut for it. Beautifully set up, this guitar is in no need of a neck reset, and plays well with 60 year old frets that are in great shape. The bridge has been reglued and some finish has chipped away from the top along its front margin.

This J-45N is definitely the best sounding J-45 we've ever encountered, and every one of our customers who have played it agrees that they have never heard a better example.

Sold with its original soft shell case.
SOLD

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c. 1946 Gibson LG-2
FON 707. A Banner LG-2 in excellent and original condition. One piece solid mahogany back, solid mahogany sides and a bookmatched spruce top. One piece truss-rodded mahogany neck with a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and 1-3/4" bone nut. Original Brazilian rosewood bridge with newer bone saddle. No cracks, no repairs, none needed. The neck has been professionally reset and the action is perfect. Original tuners work well too. The finish is completely original, but has been cleaned and mildly buffed to a vintage gloss. The guitar sounds fabulous (as most Banner LG-2's do) with a woody midrange, full trebles, and open basses.
Sold with newer hardshell case.
On Consignment
SOLD

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1926 Gibson TB-1
FON 8325-24. A great banjo for Celtic players, the short scale feels great and can be tuned to C or G. This banjo has a truckload of vintage charm, and it plays like you want it to! 11 inch diameter head, 3/4" three-ply maple rim, diamond-hole stamped flange with 22 brackets; single coordinator rod, 21" scale length. Very cool original Elton pickguard with built-in pickholder, original arm rest and friction tuners. Single-bound fingerboard and maple resonator. Non-orig tailpiece and two changed resonator screws (we had to tell you!) A simply appointed tenor banjo, the TB-1 occupied the lower end of the Gibson banjo lineup in its day. The warm tone of this instrument is the result of a simple brass hoop tone ring mated with Gibson's 3/4" maple rim, its 11" head, and short 21" scale length. With the original hardshell case in great shape.
SOLD

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1963 Gibson L-48
Serial #102713. We challenge you to find a cleaner 43 year old Gibson. This L-48 is in just about Mint condition, and we've never seen anything like it. It's a true "Closet Classic" one owner guitar. Mahogany top and sides, Maple back - in classic Gibson form! 1-3/4" nut, 24.75" scale length. Completely original, and very playable, with new hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1955 Gibson L-48/ ES-125 Lefty
Nope, it's not a factory lefty, but it is the next best thing. We started with a 1955 Gibson L-48 that was missing all of its hardware, and made a lefty electric out of it... just because we could! The tortoise celluloid pickguard was made by us after we installed a Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90 and a completely new wire harness in the guitar. The 3-on-a-plate Klusons are new, and we've aged the buttons to look the part. We installed period-correct lefty side dots on the neck, installed a Tone-Pros AVR-II bridge, set it up with 11-49's and voila! A quasi-vintage lefty Gibson. It has a great feeling neck, vintage appeal and vintage tone thanks to the Antiquity P-90, and everything about the guitar looks just right and perfectly believable. Very cool.
SOLD

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1964 Gibson J-50
Serial # 190146. A local one owner J-50. This guitar has just emerged from our repair shop with new frets, a drop-in bone saddle, a couple of glued braces, and a set up. It plays great now thanks to the fret work, and sounds significantly better than it did with its original rosewood adjustable saddle. Mahogany back and sides, spruce top, Brazilian rosewood bridge and fingerboard. Original "single line" Kluson tuners. One older repaired back crack, no others. Lots of nice mids, and that plunky bottom end early 60's Gibsons are famous for. 24.75" scale, 1-21/32" nut (a hair less than 11/16ths)
With original soft-shell case
On Consignment
SOLD

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1962 Gibson Melody Maker D
Serial # 46358. The Melody Maker is still one of the most under-valued instruments Gibson built in the 1960's. These guitars, with their mahogany bodies, set necks, and wrap around bridges have a lot in common with the Specials and Juniors built a few years earlier - except no one too famous played one, so they've lived a life of quiet servitude and under-appreciation. The Melody maker pickups sound good - sort of a cross between a Strat pickup and a P-90, and compliment the light weight body well. These days, though, we're seeing more and more Melody Makers with replacement P-90s as they convert very easily. This instrument is in great original condition with the exception of a very well repaired headstock crack. Playability is great, with a good neck and quality frets. When this guitar was built, Gibson hadn't yet switched to the smaller neck profile of the later 1960's, so many of you will love the way this one feels. Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with a 1-11/16" nut.
On Consignment with original soft shell case.
SOLD

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1951 Gibson J-45
FON # 8576-34. I don't know about you, but for me a small-guard J-45 is where it's at. Gibson switched from the small tear-drop pickguard in '55 - the same year they stopped scalloping braces, making the pre-55'ers better sounding guitars, too. A year later, they'd introduce the adjustable bridge (as an option, to start)... the first of many big changes to come. This guitar is a 1951 example. It has been a one owner guitar until now, as is evident by the great looking pickwear around the soundhole and pickguard. The instrument is completely original - frets, nut and saddle, tuners, bridge pins - everything except the tuner buttons which had to be replaced. There is a crack on the back and another at the pickguard's margin - both repaired well. There are no other repairs to speak of, and none needed; a rarity for any Gibson of this age. The set up is great too - with an action of 5 to 7 64ths and lots of saddle height to play with should you want it lower still. The frets show some light wear, but no major pits or grooves, and play buzz-free. It's a great sounding J-45, as you might expect; thanks to its light build, scalloped braces and 50 some-odd years of service. It's loud and full, with a nice midrange and equally balanced basses and trebles.
With hard case
SOLD

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1967 Gibson Tal Farlow
Serial #891899. A wonderfully well preserved one owner Tal Farlow that has spent its entire life right here in Guelph, Ontario. The Tal Farlow is the most rare of the Artist models Gibson built in the 1960's - only some 215 were shipped, and one would be hard pressed to find one in such stunning condition. With it's distinctive inlaid scroll on the cutaway, upside down crown fingerboard inlays and shapely pickguard, it's not only rare - it's a very unique instrument as well. In nearly new condition, the only mentionables are the beginnings of deterioration to the pickguard's celluloid, two spots of minor play wear on the back of the neck, and possibly some very light overspray on the back of the headstock from the E tuners up. I say possibly as there exhibits no reason for overspray or finish work, and the serial number is still very legible. Gibson quite possibly could have touched up a small flaw in the back of the headstock before shipping this guitar out in '67... we'll never know. 1-9/16" nut width, 25-1/2" scale. Double crown pearl headstock inlays, single-bound headstock, fingerboard, and f-holes; triple-bound top and back. Original Patent # pickups, original (but not common on the Tal Farlow) Grover Rotomatics. Original bone nut (never removed) and plastic saddle bridge top. Set up with 11-50 flat wounds.

Sold with its original hard shell case in similar condition
SOLD

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1950 Gibson CF-100
A cool first year Gibson LG-2 cut-away. It was here for a new bridge, some brace work, and a refret. We thought you'd like to see it. Yes, it sounded great.
SOLD


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c.1919 Gibson GY
Gibson's first flat top was not the L-1 that Robert Johnson made famous, but GY model (or Army Navy) which predated the flat-top L series guitars by some 10 years. The Army Navy instruments were low-budget guitars and mandolins with flat tops and backs sold through military stores from the end of World War One into 1921. They were unornamented and finished in Sheraton Brown with natural finish on the neck. This instrument features a ladder-braced spruce top, birch back and sides, trapeze tailpiece and adjustable bridge; ebony fingerboard with simple pearl-dot inlays, and three-on-a-strip tuners. The list of repairs on this instrument includes multiple seam separations, a long top-crack, two side cracks and a replacement bridge and pin-block. Despite all the repairs, this instrument works very well. The neck and frets are in particularly good condition, and the set up is very playable. Typical of the day, the neck is large, clunky, and V-shaped. It joins the body at the 13th fret. The scale length is 24 1/4", and the nut width is 1-3/4". It's a fun guitar to play - very plunky and bluesy - and great for a heavy fingerstyle attack on Leadbelly era tunes.
With a non-original soft shell case
SOLD


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1938 Gibson GS-35
FON # 41D-4. Gibson has never been well known for their classical guitars, and with the exception of the folk boom of the 1960's never built a significant number of them. However, from 1938 on, classical or Gut-String (GS) guitars have occupied a small corner of Gibson's catalogues. From 1938 to 1942 the GS-85 (Rosewood) and the GS-35 (Mahogany) were built in very limited quantity; 27 rosewood instruments, and 39 Mahogany. They are rare guitars. These early Gut Strings marked the emergence of the LG-body shape, one that would become a staple of the post-war steel-string lineup. This example dates from early 1938, and is possibly the earliest known of its kind. It is a one owner instrument that was bought new a year before its owner was sent off to fight in World War Two, sadly not to return. With the exception of some slight pickwear this guitar is in vintage-mint condition, having spent the last 50 years in its case in the closet of the family home.

White-bound Solid Mahogany back and sides and Red spruce top. Brazilian rosewood bridge with pearl inlays and bone saddle. Ebony fingerboard, carved polished bone nut. Gibson pearl inlaid logo, Kluson tuners with original buttons. Interesting 7-7-5 white and black rosette around a bound soundhole.

This instrument is very much a classical guitar; the top is fan braced with 7 fans, and it is very lightweight and resonant with fine tone. The nut measures a shade less than 2" and the scale is 25.4".

With the original 'Red Stripe' Geib case, this is very collectable and rare instrument - a true museum piece.
On consignment
SOLD

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1952 Gibson SJ
FON # Z1681-13. A one owner early 50's SJ in remarkably fine condition. With its small pickguard, thru-saddle bridge, and gorgeous tobacco sunburst finish this guitar exudes every thing that the term "Vintage Gibson" embodies. It's a knockout, simply put. It came to us from its home in Michigan, not too far from the town of Kalamazoo where it was built 52 years ago. Scalloped braces, tiny little maple bridgeplate, Brazilian Rosewood bridge and fingerboard, and completely original -right down to the bridge pins. Evidently not played too much, the frets show only the most minor wear on the first 3 frets under the B and E strings. The saddle is full height, and the action in perfect - this guitar does not need a neck reset. It's always fun to discover that you are the first person to adjust a guitar's truss rod in a half century! A few small repairs to note: A pickguard crack and a small (2") top crack from the bass-waist have been well glued. The tuners are the originals, but with newer buttons, and although you'd likely never notice, the tuner holes were enlarged for the replacement Gibson Klusons that adorned this one when it arrived. We removed the incorrect newer tuners, replaced and aged the buttons on the originals, and re-installed the original bushings which almost completely cover the markings of the replacements. The finish is in fine shape with only minor dings and scratches (as are over-exemplified in the photos). There is a minor (1" by 3/8") area of case-wear on the upper bass side. The guitar plays wonderfully, and sounds.... well, like a '52 Southern Jumbo!
With 60's era Gibson HSC.
SOLD

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1927 Gibson A-4
A very nice mandolin, made just after the change back from snakehead to paddle headstock. That means it has the powerful tone of the maple back and sides and the original adjustable bridge and truss rod of the Loar period, coupled to the great looks of the earlier 'Teens A-4s. This one also has the slightly wider 1 3/16" bone nut, which many players prefer. The original tuners have plenty of life. There's a little honest playwear but no cracks or seam separations. The first eight frets have been replaced many years ago, and all of the frets have recently been leveled and crowned. Two brass rings for tying a strap have been left in place by a previous owner. The instrument has a loud, balanced tone with some sweetness and some good old-fashioned chop. The original green-lined case is in good condition, too.
SOLD

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1955 Gibson ES-175TD
Here's a '55 ES-175 in very nice condition, just some changed tuners to detract from its originality. It was here for some TLC, so we though we'd let you see some of what we get to play with every day...
NOT FOR SALE

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1942-3 Gibson "Banner" LG-2
FON 1011-9. By now a lot of you know that we love our LG-2's here at Folkway, and it is with great excitement that we unveil this '42 - '43 Mahogany-top. This instrument's condition is truly amazing; to think that this guitar is more than 60 years old is simply mind boggling. It is without cracks, even though the top and back are one-piece mahogany (yes, a one-piece top... very cool). The pickguard is not curling up at all, and all the braces are well-glued - a rare event with old Gibsons! Only a few minor nicks and a touch of lacquer crazing blemish the otherwise perfect finish; it's obvious that this guitar was not played too much over its lifetime. Wartime features of this Gibson include a Maple neck, gumwood fingerboard and bridge, and the Mahogany top; there is an adjustable truss-rod though, and the original tuners work much better than most war-time gears I've encountered. 1 3/4" nut width, 24.75 scale length, action of 5.5 to 7 64ths. We replaced the bridge-plate as it was cracked and had had an excessively large patch glued over it. The new plate is an exact replica of the original, and has allowed this guitar's voice to really come out. It is a fine choice for any collector and a great sounding LG if you're looking for another muse.
Newer hard-shell case included
SOLD

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1965 Gibson ES-125CD
In 1965 Gibson introduced the ES-125CD as an inexpensive alternative to the fancier ES-175. Starting with the best-selling ES-125 platform, Gibson added a Florentine cutaway, a second P-90 pickup, and standard 2 pickup Gibson wire harness with volume and tone for each pickup, and a 3 position toggle. Not many of these instruments were produced in their 5 year run, and as a result they are fairly unknown today. Unfortunate, given the bang-for-the buck this instrument offers vintage Gibson fans. The dimensions are the same as an ES-175; at 16-1/8" wide and 3-3/8" deep, with a scale of 24.75", and this guitar features the same laminate maple construction of its older brother. Essentially the instrument is a simply-appointed pre-PAF ES-175. The squiggle tailpiece of the 175 is substituted by a standard 125 trapeze, the Maple top laminate is unfigured, and the finger board has a simple dot inlay pattern. The tuners are three-on-a-strip Kluson double-lines with white plastic buttons. The pickups are P-90's and the bridge is Brazilian rosewood. The finish is the now-famous Gibson Cherry Sunburst. Everything on this guitar is original and in great condition, except the pickguard has gone missing. The original hardshell case is in great shape too. Nut width of 1 9/16.
SOLD

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1942 Gibson Banner J-45
F.O.N. 1012. A first year Banner J-45 that is one Factory Order Number away from our 42 LG-2!! This one is on the list of the best sounding J-45's I have ever heard - this guitar is truly incredible. Huge volume, rich and warm, but very articulate, with perfect balance. "Only a Gibson is good enough" banner on the headstock. The neck is large and round, measuring 1 3/4" at the nut, and fits perfectly in your hand. It is a 5-piece maple and walnut neck, with a truss rod, gumwood fingerboard and a scale length of 24.75". This guitar has a Mahogany back, sides, and scallop-braced top; sunburst finish on the top, and a tortoiseshell celluloid teardrop pickguard. One small repaired crack on the back, one other one on the top between the bridge and the sound-hole; both are well repaired. Non-original Brazilian Rosewood bridge. This guitar most likely once had an oversized bridge that was professionally removed and replaced, and the top's finish was touched up in the area of the old bridge's footprint. The repair is very good, and the finish work does not terribly detriment the instrument. Most importantly the top has maintained its perfect arch - so crucial to its tone, and the guitar sounds sooooo good! Original tuners, nut, and frets. Strap button in the heel, and the end-pin replaced with an out-put jack. Action of 6 to 7 64ths, with a little wiggle room if you'd like to bring it down further.
Non-original hard-shell case included
SOLD


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1941 Kalamazoo KG-32N
Talk about a gorgeous guitar! This is a '41 Kalamazoo KG-32N; it's just about same guitar as an Oriole, but without the peg-head ornamentation and with different binding. The KG-32N shown here is a rare guitar - most KG-32's were finished in sunburst - and it has withstood the ages very well, making it a truly collectable budget Gibson. Arched solid red spruce top (with three tight well-repaired cracks), arched figured maple back and sides, and what looks like a Korina Mahogany neck! The guitar's top is bordered with checker-board white and black, and the back and top are bound in white. Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, bound tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard and chrome-plate tailpiece. The tuners are original three-on-a-plate Klusons, with beautiful swirly-celluoid buttons. This guitar is original down to the last screw and bushing, and is simply breathtaking. The original hard shell case is included, too.
SOLD


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1940 Gibson J-35N
Well folks, the third Gibson J-35 that we're offering this calendar year is yet another super-clean and original example - this time in natural finish. It's easy to understand why pre-war Gibsons are so sought after by musicians and collectors alike. As far as vintage guitar shops go, we think we're pretty fortunate to have had three excellent-condition J-35s come through so far this year. We have been provided with a very interesting opportunity to compare and contrast the tonal and structural characteristics between some of the finest sounding and most original J-35's out there. This example, dating from 1940 (FON 1463F-19), has double un-scalloped tone-bar bracing which results it a tighter bass response and more cutting trebles. Those of you who find the boom of old Gibson Jumbo 35's a little to extreme will likely prefer the more even string-to-string balance that this instrument offers.

This J-35 is in original condition, right down to the blue-and-white-twist strap that you'll see in the photos. The lacquered bridge, pins, saddle, nut, and tuners (but not the tuner buttons) are all factory originals. Nearly crack-free, there are only two very small and well-repaired (by us) side cracks to speak of - barely noticeable. The neck is round and large, no V, tapering to a French-style heel. Little wear to the frets and fingerboard, and only the most minor finish wear on the body. Small out-put jack hole in the side (bummer) from an old DeArmond soundhole pickup. The action is at 7/64ths on the E,B,G, and D strings, 9/64ths under the A, and 5/32nds under the low E; the saddle is cut down as low as the full-height bridge will allow. The playability is fine, but does feel high, especially on the bass side. The instrument looks wonderful, with one of the nicest original natural finishes that we've seen surrounding a striking firestripe pickguard. Complete with it's original chipboard case, this time-capsule of a 1940 Gibson J-35 is priced at:
SOLD

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1952 Gibson SJ
Sorry everyone - but we tried to get this guitar off the original owner's hands... and we couldn't. It's a '52, and it's as clean (or cleaner) than it looks. Last year an unscrupulous vintage dealer replaced his original tuners with those wrong replacements - and charged him! We'll offer the owner a set of originals from our reserve. Anyway, it was here for some loose braces, a bridge reglue, and some set up work. We thought you'd want to see it.
NOT FOR SALE

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1927 Gibson L-4
When this guitar was brought in for our assessment by the neighbour of the original owner, I knew by the sound of the two remaining strings that we had an exceptional instrument on our hands. With a few repairs and some setup work done, this guitar has proven to be one of the richest sounding archtops I have ever had the pleasure of playing. Structurally it is a rare bird, with a few unusual features. The serial number, 83708, dates to early 1927, and it has a transitional soundhole rosette around the oval soundhole, with checkered outer rings and diamonds in the middle. Very classy. And then there's that snakehead, a rare vestige of the Loar period, never usually seen this late. The details are all concurrent with Loar instruments. I suggest that this guitar was built in an earlier batch, and completed and dated in '27. All that aside, it sounds so good, that I challenge you to find a Loar-era guitar this appealing! The basses have the quality of a cello, huge, rich and full, with sweet trebles. This is a guitar that will appeal to players of many styles, particularly if you've ever found standard f-holed archtops a little tight and cold.

The guitar is all original: maple and Adirondack spruce, ebony board and patented bridge, pearl nut, engraved tuners, floating guard, and that luscious green-lined case! We think the mahogany neck is a close copy of the bat that helped Babe Ruth sign on for $70,000 in February 1927, when the next highest player made $20,000. There is no fret wear, as the original owner played it lap-style with a riser nut. Check out the picture sent along by his family! The guitar plays exceptionally well, with a fresh setup from our shop, and has a reglued centre seam on the top. There are two dings in the top which were clearly filled in the Gibson shop, prior to sunbursting and finishing the guitar. A very fine investment.
SOLD

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1968 Gibson Super 400 CESN
From the Tsumura Collection. This 1968 Gibson Super 400CESN is pictured in Akira Tsumura's book "Guitars, The Tsumura Collection" (Kodansha International Ltd, New York, ISBN 0-97011-839-0) on pages 76 and 77.

A stunning natural finish Super four, and one of only 11 built in '68. Carved spruce and highly-figured maple - and 18" wide there is a lot to look at on this beauty. All original gold hardware, bound tortoise-celluloid pickguard, 5 piece maple neck, and legendary tone. Factory original side repair in the area of the out-put jack, as seen in our detail photo, and noticeable in the Tsumura pictorial; the jack plate was likely to have been later added. There is the possibility of a repair to the headstock of this instrument, but the workmanship is so fine that we are unable to conclude this for certain. Recent professional refret and set up gives this guitar excellent playability - amazingly low action without buzzes. Nut width of 1 5/8", and a long scale. Sold with its original hard shell case.
SOLD

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1933-4 Gibson TG-00
A rare find. For anyone who thinks a tenor guitar has to sound like a tin can and be strung with barbwire, this one will be a revelation. With a full, rich tone, matching any 30's L-00, this guitar has lot to offer. Tuned in fifths (traditionally C-G-D-A) I play mine tuned down as low as a guitar (E-A-F#-B), giving a big sound that belies the four strings. This instrument will add a whole new dimension for a recording guitarist, and open new doors for mandolin players. The guitar is in great shape, with a few tight and well-repaired cracks, tuners that were replaced probably in the late thirties (it came with cheap planetaries originally). The nut is 1 1/8" wide, and the action is great with plenty of room for future adjustment. An exciting guitar. With new hard case.
SOLD

More photos:
   Front detail   Back detail   Headstock detail
   Full Front detail   Full Back detail   Tuners detail

 
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