Kalamazoo KG-11 (c. 1939)

Description

While the guitars Kalamazoo built for Gibson were considered student-level instruments back when they were manufactured, all solid woods age and open up over time - turning this KG-11, which dates from around 1939, into a superb little guitar for fingerstyle blues or ragtime. These guitars, which at the time were tremendously popular, featured a spruce top with a mahogany neck, back, and sides, and were ladder braced, in line with early steel string designs. The KG-11 features an odd, stout body shape with a wide 14-fret neck that packs quite a punch despite its compact proportions, and while cosmetics are minimal, ones of this era feature a vibrant sunburst reminiscent of the finish work Gibson were doing on their Banner Year guitars shortly afterwards.

This guitar has spent decades as a player's instrument and has about the average amount of cosmetic and structural wear, but remains highly playable with a comfortable and forgiving set up. Major wear includes a crack roughly five inches in length that runs parallel along the left edge of the pickguard up from the bridge to the bottom of the soundhole, a small crack (less than one inch) which ascends from the middle of the bridge, a horizontal, two inch crack at the endpin, and a three inch crack on the back. All of these cracks have been glued, cleated where necessary, and show no signs of reopening provided the guitar is cared for properly. There is also clear evidence of a neck reset, which was probably performed over 30 years ago. The tuners and pickguard are both original, and the degree of finish checking suggests that the finish has not been sprayed over. Most major picking wear centers on the top just above the pickguard, and there is a footprint from a sticker or wall hanger on the back of the headstock. Despite the cosmetic damage, this guitar plays very well, and we consider it to be in good condition overall. Included in the price is the original chipboard case, which has damage at the latches and will need to be replaced to ensure the guitar is properly protected during transportation.

*Please note, per our return policy, all sales on used and consignment instruments are final.*