Back to previous page   |  You are here: Guitars » Flat top » Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo / KG11 / 1935 / Sunburst / Guitar

Gibson's Depression era Kalamazoo line of guitars is gaining respect in the vintage guitar world, and provide great intrinsic value considering the relative cost. While built as a less expensive alternative to the "Only A Gibson Is Good Enough" flat-tops during the Great Depression, Kalamazoos were constructed by the same factory workers that built the standard Gibson line of guitars. Built very light, and generally ladder braced, the Kalamazoo flat tops are punchy and resonant, and this one is a great example. The KG-11 body shape is the only Gibson-made instrument to sport this particular form, with a lower bout echoing L-00's of the period, and a unique, truncated upper bout dimension. The sound of this particular Kalamazoo belies its smaller size, and comes close to a standard L-00 in timbre, with just a hint of ladder-brace bite.
The three piece top is sunburst Adirondack spruce with a well-defined 'firestripe' pickguard, the sides and back are mahogany. The upper bout measures 9 7/8", and the lower bout 14 11/16". The mahogany, 19-fret neck has a comfortable V-shape, and no truss rod. Scale length is 24 7/8". The fingerboard is Brazillian rosewood, showing only slight evidence of playing wear and the frets are in pretty good condition. The neck/heel joint is undisturbed. The joins in the three piece top are visible through the sunburst, but stable - the only crack is along the side of the pickguard running from the soundhole and is not in need of repair. There is a patch of heavy playwear on the back of the guitar, but nothing that goes through the wood. All in all it's a very strong 76 year old guitar, with masses of vintage vibe, and is seriously cool. The action is on the high side, but the authentic blues tone this guitar generates makes it well worth the extra effort - plus it works very well for slide play. It comes in a non original hard case.

Instrument sold

Glenns Guitars, UK  

Contact name:
Glenn Sinnock
Brands:
Gibson, Martin, Guild, Lowden, Collings etc.
Languages:
English
Specialties:
Vintage Flattops
Opening hours:
10am - 8pm / 7 days

Welcome to Glenn's Guitars here on Vintage & Rare. After many years in the industry, and having been fortunate enough to have worked in Hanks and The Acoustic Centre - probably London's two foremost acoustic guitar shops - I decided to do my own thing.

I have a passion for used and vintage acoustic guitars; nearly new second hand guitars because they can represent a bargain compared to the price of a new guitar, older and vintage guitars because they tend to have more character and can often become an investment.

You will notice when viewing my stock list my taste in guitars, as I only sell guitars that I genuinely like - and there are certain brands noticeable by their absence. I am a huge fan of older Gibson, Martin and Guild acoustics, but also more boutique brands such as Lowden and Collings.

I will consider part exchange if it makes your desired guitar a little easier to afford. I also offer a guitar finding service, if there's something specific you're looking for.

If you are happy to buy over the internet, I will send you as many high resolution photos and as much information about the guitar you're interested in as I can. If you can get to me - I'm based in Enfield, only 30 minutes from London Liverpool Street Station - you can always make an appointment with me and come and try some of the guitars out first.

I accept payment by Paypal, bank transfer, cheque and of course cash.

 
  Send message to: Glenns Guitars, UK
 
 
 
 
Other Products from Dealer 
Page 1 of 12
Search Glenns Guitars  inventory:
View as:      
Related Products from other Dealers 
Page 1 of 1
View as: