1962 Gibson B25N Natural

Gibson B25N 1962 | $1975 | (v2307) The B25 series, introduced by Gibson in 1962, is essentially the third iteration of the mid-sized flat top acoustics produced in Kalamazoo. The evolution begins with the L-series in the early 1930s which evolved into the LGs in the 1940, and by 1962 became the B-series. Each generation has proved to be a popular guitar for players seeking a mid-sized acoustic offering great balance and tone.

This example dates to the first year and pre-dates the infamous plastic bridge. The back and sides are made from mahogany bound in black/white celluloid binding. The top is spruce, X-braced, and features sound hole b/w celluloid binding and a 'pointy' faux-tortoise pick guard. The bridge is Brazilian rosewood and features Gibsons adjustable saddle. The neck is mahogany, carved in a comfortable 'C', and topped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The neck features an adjustable truss rod. The head stock is painted black with the gold, block-letter 'Gibson' decal. The tuners are enclosed Kluson.

The body measures 14 3/16" across at the lower bout. Scale length is ~ 24 3/4", with a compensated saddle. The neck is 1 11/16" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 1/16" at the saddle.

The guitar is essentially original but for the attempt to 'southern-ize' the look by adding block inlay in the fingerboard. A glitzy add-on if not amateurishly accomplished. There is also evidence of a crack repair under the fingerboard extension, with a long cleat added for support. We recently glued and cleated two top cracks below the bridge, and glued and cleated a pickguard crack below the sound hole. The guitar is in overall excellent structural condition, with a few nicks and dings, and a couple of touch-ups on the top between the sound hole and bridge, and a spot the size of a dime near the bottom of the lower bout, both minor cosmetic things.

With its adjustable truss rod and saddle, the guitar is dialed in for smooth-playing, low action, set at about 4/64" - 6/64". The guitar produces the punch expected from a 14" body, with clear tones across the spectrum, full and warm-sounding. The B25 isn't spoken of in the same hushed tones as its L and LG kin, but with its quality materials and great tone make it a relative value in the vintage guitar world.

Comes with a very spiffy older 'alligator' hardshell case, which could be original to the 60s.

Check out the sound clip!