1933 Kalamazoo KG11 Senior Sunburst

Kalamazoo KG11 'Senior' 1933 | $1775 | (vbg#2011) The Kalamazoo line of Gibson instruments was an effort to bring to market a more affordable guitar during the Great Depression. The same workmanship and quality materials were used, but the name 'Gibson' did not appear on the instruments, and they also lacked a truss rod and X-bracing. Omitting the 'Gibson' name didn't cheapen the brand, and the lack of a truss rod and X-bracing were both cost saving devices. We've had a number of KG11 'Senior' guitars over the years and have always liked them because they have a snappy look, sporting 'checkerboard' binding, both top and back binding, and sport the small sunburst. Additionally, you'll note a slightly thinner, more tapered headstock. This and the lack of a truss rod make the Senior very light in weight and responsive to the touch, plus, very cool looking.

The top is solid spruce, stained dark, with a small sunburst, firestripe pickguard and bound in white celluloid. The sides and back are mahogany and not finished as dark as the top. The back is bound in white. The fingerboard and bridge are Brazilian rosewood. The neck is mahogany and carved in a 'V', typical of the period. The headstock is painted black with "Kalamazoo" and "Senior" stenciled in white.

The body is a truncated L-00 shape, and measures 14 5/8" across the lower bout. Scale length is 25". The fingerboard measures 1 3/4" at the nut, and string spacing is 2 3/8" across at the saddle. The top is ladder braced.

This guitar is in remarkably good condition considering its age. All parts appear original except for the saddle (original is in the case). There are no cracks in the body, and the finish retains its factory sheen but for a few nicks and scrapes, and minute dots on the back that appear to be spattered paint .. so small they are difficult to photograph. The frets show no playing wear. We recently reset the neck, made a new saddle, and glued several brace tips.

The guitar is solid, attractive and plays well. Action is set a 7 & 8/64".

The sound is very strong in the mid range, with nice sustain and decent bass. A nice fingerpicking guitar with enough punch to hold its own flatpicked.

Comes with a soft case.

Check out the sound clip!