Kalamazoo KG14 1936 | SOLD | (v2114) 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.
This is a solid example and original but for replaced tuners it appears (appropriate for the era, treble strip winds backwards though). Past repairs include neck reset; re-fret; new nut; saddle slot filled and re-cut for accurate intonation; a few back cracks glued; some braces re-glued. Along with some play wear and dings, someone had scratched the word "Swing" in fancy script in the upper bass bout area of the top (actually looks kinda cool, but subtle) and the initials 'HT' on the back of the neck in small letters. Made in USA is stamped into the back of the head stock, and a Made in USA label is visible inside the sound hole indicating that this was an export guitar.
With an accurate set up the guitar plays very well and is one of the best sounding KGs we've offered. It has a clear sound with good sustain, bright trebles and a woody bass.
Comes with what appears to be its original, arched-top, soft Geib case.
Check out 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.
This is a solid example and original but for replaced tuners it appears (appropriate for the era, treble strip winds backwards though). Past repairs include neck reset; re-fret; new nut; saddle slot filled and re-cut for accurate intonation; a few back cracks glued; some braces re-glued. Along with some play wear and dings, someone had scratched the word "Swing" in fancy script in the upper bass bout area of the top (actually looks kinda cool, but subtle) and the initials 'HT' on the back of the neck in small letters. Made in USA is stamped into the back of the head stock, and a Made in USA label is visible inside the sound hole indicating that this was an export guitar.
With an accurate set up the guitar plays very well and is one of the best sounding KGs we've offered. It has a clear sound with good sustain, bright trebles and a woody bass.
Comes with what appears to be its original, arched-top, soft Geib case.
Check out the sound clip!