1934 Gibson Kalamazoo KG11 Sunburst, Excellent, Original Soft, $1,650.00

The Gibson-made Kalamazoo line of guitars was introduced as a result of the Great Depression. This line of flat tops lacked the truss rod, and was fitted with ladder bracing. One example of the line that did not follow the typical 'Gibson' body shape was the KG11. The KG11 sports the full lower bout, but differs in the truncated upper bout. This unique body change resulted in a flat top with a unique voice, one with a growing number of fans. This particular example was likely built in 1934, and remained with the original owner's family until acquired by us. It's typical for its type but for one unique facet, the 'pointy' pickguard. The guard typically found on the KGs is cut to a quite different shape than this one. We've yet to see this particular shape on a KG; however there is an example extant of a Gibson-made Cromwell with the same guard shape, but in white instead of 'firestripe'.
The body is mahogany, with a three-piece, spruce top, bound in white. The neck is mahogany with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The bridge is also Brazilian.

The guitar is completely original except for the saddle. There are no evident repairs. The original owner painted a gold stripe around the front of the head stock, shaved the bridge just a tad on the treble side, and there is a small blemish on the upper bout where the side meets the back, which could have been from the factory. We recently reset the neck, added a new saddle, and leveled and dressed the frets. Action is set at about 5/64".

Overall, there is little evidence of playing wear, and the tuners and finish retain a bright sheen, with minimal nicks from use.

Scale length measures 25", and the fingerboard measures 1 3/4" across at the nut. The neck is carved to a soft 'V' and fits the hand nicely.

The guitar plays easily, and produces the woody 'bark' coveted by KG devotees. Comes with its original soft case, also in excellent condition. Check out the sound clip.