Kalamazoo KG11 c 1936 | SOLD | (v2219) Gibson's Kalamazoo line was created to help the company weather the depression. The Kalamazoo flat topos lacked a truss rod and were ladder braced, allowing for a less expensive guitar. The Gibson name was left off to avoid 'cheapening' the Gibson brand. However, the Kalamazoo line was produced with the same fine materials and craftsmanship as the regular Gibson line.
In the vintage guitar market, the KG is somewhat unique because of its truncated upper bout. With less air in the box and ladder bracing, the KG11 produces a voice of its own.
Back and sides are mahogany, and the two-piece top is spruce, set off with the typically beautiful Gibson sunburst. The neck is mahogany, with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The head stock is the 'rooftop'-style, with the Kalamazoo brand in white script. The body measures an L-00-like 14 3/4" across the lower bout. Scale length is ~ 25". The fingerboard measures 1 3/4" across at the nut and string spacing is 2 3/8" at the saddle. The neck is carved in the typical mid-thirties Gibson 'V' and is comfortable in the hand.
This KG is in original condition except for a new saddle. The appear to be no prior repairs. We recently reset the neck, dressed the frets, and cleaned and lubed the original tuners. Pulling the neck we realized that Gibson at the factory had covered the dovetail with the top (this is not uncommon in this era btw). Some top spruce was broken out and replaced to complete the neck removal. The spruce was glued with hot hide glue and is as good as new. A fingerboard extension crack along the treble side was glued. A prior owner seems to have melted a cross on the head stock. The finish shows a patina from age and use that we chose not to polish out, there is the typical finish crazing, and some nicks and scratches from use and age. Overall, a good looking and solid example.
The action is set a 6/64" and the guitar plays easily. The tone is bright with the boxy ladder-braced sound, great for blues and old time music.
Comes with a soft case.
Check out the sound clip!
In the vintage guitar market, the KG is somewhat unique because of its truncated upper bout. With less air in the box and ladder bracing, the KG11 produces a voice of its own.
Back and sides are mahogany, and the two-piece top is spruce, set off with the typically beautiful Gibson sunburst. The neck is mahogany, with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The head stock is the 'rooftop'-style, with the Kalamazoo brand in white script. The body measures an L-00-like 14 3/4" across the lower bout. Scale length is ~ 25". The fingerboard measures 1 3/4" across at the nut and string spacing is 2 3/8" at the saddle. The neck is carved in the typical mid-thirties Gibson 'V' and is comfortable in the hand.
This KG is in original condition except for a new saddle. The appear to be no prior repairs. We recently reset the neck, dressed the frets, and cleaned and lubed the original tuners. Pulling the neck we realized that Gibson at the factory had covered the dovetail with the top (this is not uncommon in this era btw). Some top spruce was broken out and replaced to complete the neck removal. The spruce was glued with hot hide glue and is as good as new. A fingerboard extension crack along the treble side was glued. A prior owner seems to have melted a cross on the head stock. The finish shows a patina from age and use that we chose not to polish out, there is the typical finish crazing, and some nicks and scratches from use and age. Overall, a good looking and solid example.
The action is set a 6/64" and the guitar plays easily. The tone is bright with the boxy ladder-braced sound, great for blues and old time music.
Comes with a soft case.
Check out the sound clip!