1940 Gibson Recording King Ray Whitley Near Mint, Hard, $12,500.00
This is very rare and historically important model. This was an endorsed guitar made at the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It's one of the rarest of Gibson's custom brand instruments, made for Montgomery Ward's. Made for only two years, 1939 and 1940. A very early period for celebrity endorsements on instruments. Rarity is also something of note- only 116 examples were produced in 1939 and another 116 in 1940 for a total of 232. Built to full Gibson standards. While most of Gibson's sub-brand flat tops were built to a lower standard with heavier ladder-braced tops, this model has a typical Gibson Jumbo X-brace pattern, and is crafted just as well as its full-line equivalents. The nearest equivalent to this model in Gibson's line is the equally rare J-55, the company's top 16" Jumbo flat top in 1940-41. This particular guitar has the same pickguard as the J-55, and the same carved bridge. These guitars were listed at a price of $19.95. Again, only two years of production. This example has completely original parts and finish. Wonderful condition with a huge sound to match. Below is a link to an extensive write up about this model. 12,500 dollars.
http://www.vintageguitar.com/18705/recording-king-ray-whitley/
Money Order, Bank Wire, PayPal, Cash, Western Union, Certified Check. Personal check- gear ships upon check clearing. Will hold an item for 30 days with 20 percent deposit. Will hold an item for 24 hours if customer specifically requests. Don't be scared off by our consistently low prices. We are in the business of selling guitars, not keeping them!
We ship worldwide, 24 countries and counting. Shipping will be added to the final sale price. 150 dollars for overnight shipping, 100 dollars for two day shipping. Other arrangements can be made at your request; i.e. UPS. All shipments are professionally packed and fully insured through Heritage Insurance. Shipping is paid for by the buyer every time.
Buyer pays shipping both ways in the event of a return. Your purchase price will be refunded minus cost of shipping when we receive the guitar back. 24 hour approval period in U.S. No returns overseas.