1967 Gibson C-1D Natural

According to The Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars, the Gibson C-1D Laredo classical guitar was manufactured from 1963 to 1971. Gruhn’s Guide and Vintage Guitar Price Guide basically agree, although there is some disagreement as to specific features. Like most classical guitars, it’s smaller than the dreadnought or jumbo series, measuring 39” in overall length, 19” in body length, 11” at the upper bout, 9 5/8” at the waist, 14 ¼” at the lower bout, and tapers from 3 ½” to 4 ½” deep. While it may have been designed more for classical performance or the coffee house of the 1960s folk music scene than for the blue grass stage, it still has enough carrying power for anybody and is a beautiful example of Gibson craftsmanship.

The C-1D features a solid spruce top, beautifully grained dark mahogany back, sides, and neck in a light natural finish, classical ladder bracing, a rosewood wrap-around bridge, and a 12/19-fret (including a zero fret) rosewood finger board with a 25 ½” scale. It has an unusually patterned rosette and black binding on the top and back. The slotted classical headstock has the Gibson script logo decal (also added in 1964). The tuners look like an upgrade, but I don’t know if it was by the factory or by an owner. The serial number on the label and the back of the headstock (060035) plus the above features probably date this particular guitar as being from 1967, but of course Gibson is notoriously inconsistent in its serialization and specs.

After 52 years of making music, there are some obvious cosmetic concerns in this guitar, starting with the several repaired cracks in the top; in addition, it appears that the top has been lightly sanded and sealed. If you look closely at the pictures, you will see some evidence of the bridge’s being re-set, but it basically plays like a well cared-for guitar of about a tenth its age. The action is fine for a classical guitar (with a very high saddle if you wish to lower it), the neck is straight, and, of course, playing music for over fifty years has made that Gibson sound even better, more resonant, and more powerful.

The case is not original to this guitar, but it is a “deluxe” Gibson chip board of this period, complete with the Gibson name on the top. The latches work fine, and the red fuzz is clean and soft. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it is a vintage dreadnought case, probably for a J-45, which is too large for the smaller classical body. In addition, two of the hinges have torn loose from the top edge, so it won’t stay closed. On the one hand, a vintage Gibson has some intrinsic value by itself; on the other hand, you certainly can’t carry a guitar anywhere in it safely. I can find a quality gig bag for the guitar if you prefer, or you can accept the case as is, sell it for twice what it’s worth, and replace the case yourself. Just let me know your preference.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower forty-eight states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashier’s checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this vintage instrument, so its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to purchase it.

Thank you for your interest in this vintage Gibson guitar.