Kalamazoo KG14 1936 | SOLD | Gibson's Kalamazoo line was created to help the company weather the depression. The Kalamazoo flat tops lacked a truss rod and were ladder braced, allowing for a less expensive guitar. The Gibson name was left off to avoid cheapening the Gibson brand. That said, the Kalamazoo line of guitars was produced with the same fine materials and craftsmanship as the regular Gibson line.
The KG14 shares body dimensions and materials of the Gibson L-00. Mahogany back and sides, spruce top, ladder-braced, mahogany neck with Brazilian fingerboard. The headstock shape differs from the L-00, as does the pick guard shape. The KG line also featured a white celluloid ring around the sound hole edge.
The body measures 14 3/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is 25". The neck measures 1 3/4" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 3/8" across at the saddle. The neck is carved in the typical '30s Gibson 'V'-shape, very comfortable in the hand.
The 'B' FON stamp dates this guitar to 1936, and all components appear original to the guitar except for the saddle (looks like original soft case, too). The finish still sparkles, and there are no cracks to report, only some light play wear on the top. No prior repairs are evident, and only a neck reset, fret dress and bridge re-glue were needed to get the guitar into optimal playing condition, quite uncommon with most vintage guitars.
The action is set at 5 & 7/64" and the guitar plays well. The tone is a cut above other KG14s we've played, woody and dry, but very full sounding with good sustain and tonal range. Great choice for finger picking blues or old time flat picking.
Comes with a soft case.
Check the video and the sound clip!
Check the sound clip!
The KG14 shares body dimensions and materials of the Gibson L-00. Mahogany back and sides, spruce top, ladder-braced, mahogany neck with Brazilian fingerboard. The headstock shape differs from the L-00, as does the pick guard shape. The KG line also featured a white celluloid ring around the sound hole edge.
The body measures 14 3/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is 25". The neck measures 1 3/4" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 3/8" across at the saddle. The neck is carved in the typical '30s Gibson 'V'-shape, very comfortable in the hand.
The 'B' FON stamp dates this guitar to 1936, and all components appear original to the guitar except for the saddle (looks like original soft case, too). The finish still sparkles, and there are no cracks to report, only some light play wear on the top. No prior repairs are evident, and only a neck reset, fret dress and bridge re-glue were needed to get the guitar into optimal playing condition, quite uncommon with most vintage guitars.
The action is set at 5 & 7/64" and the guitar plays well. The tone is a cut above other KG14s we've played, woody and dry, but very full sounding with good sustain and tonal range. Great choice for finger picking blues or old time flat picking.
Comes with a soft case.
Check the video and the sound clip!
Check the sound clip!