1963 Gibson B-25-12 Cherry Sunburst

Gibson B-23 12-String 1963 | $1375 | In the early 1960s Gibson joined in on the 'folk music' trend that had enthralled many young baby-boomers by adding 12-string guitars into their line up. The B-25-12 model was based on the LG/B-25 acoustic 6-string shape and first offered in 1962; the model had a run of about eight years. This example dates to 1963 and makes it one of the earlier and more desirable offerings due to it's solid wood bridge as opposed to the later trapeze tailpiece versions. The deep, rich cherry 'burst adds an attractive visual component.

The body is mahogany with a bright cherry-sunburst spruce top, X-braced. Top, back and sound hole are bound with white celluloid. The bridge and finger board are Brazilian rosewood. The neck is mahogany with the 'Gibson' in gold block on the black-painted head stock, and features an adjustable truss rod. Tuners are enclosed Kluson.

The body measures 14 1/2" across the lower bout. Scale length is 24 7/8". The neck measures 2"across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 5/16" at the saddle. Action is set a 7/64"

The guitar appears to be in mostly original condition except for the end pin and a few bridge pins. The adjustable saddle was removed and replaced with an ebony insert and new bone saddle for better tone. (original parts remain in the case) There is a glued and cleated crack along the treble side of the fb extension, which continues across the sound hole to the bridge (common pick guard crack). The neck was recently reset. The finish is the typical thick Gibson finish from the 60s and shows some stress checking. There are various nicks and dings from wear. The frets were leveled and dressed, and retain excellent height, with no evident wear on the finger board. Overall, a solid, attractive and quite affordable example of an early Gibson 12-string.

The guitar plays easily and produces a clear, ringing tone. The B-25 lacks the boom of the B-45, but has enough punch to hold its own for blues or folk music. The small-ish body is very comfortable in the lap.

Comes with a soft case.

Check out the sound clip.