Folkway Music -- Instrument Gallery




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Main Photo	1936 Gibson J-35 FON #961B-10. This Gibson J-35 is a one owner instrument in crack-free excellent condition. It is an exceedingly rare first-year issue (the J-35 was introduced in late 1936) with typical sunburst top and deep red back and sides finish. Three un-scalloped tone bars and early small-diameter (3.75") sound hole suggests that the top of this guitar was likely originally destined for a Jumbo. No back binding, V neck, French-style heel. The original bridge has been reglued but is full height with a full height saddle; otherwise there are no repairs. All braces are tight and well glued. 100% original down to the bridge pins, tuner screws, endpin, etc. One repaired tuner button, all six are original. Original bone nut has never been removed, and the strings were still high in the nut-slots when this guitar arrived! Some play wear to the lacquer of the back of the neck and around the edges of the un-bound back. Moderate fret wear. Very beautiful thin finish; and a very lightweight instrument. This J-35 is among the best sounding Gibsons to have passed though this store. With a 50's Gibson HSC. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1936 Gibson L-Century Love it or hate it, you've got to admit that there is something just entirely cool about Gibson's Century of Progress models. We're fans of excessive pearloid (AKA mother of toilet seat) even on a bad day, so you can imagine how excited we are to have one of these beauties in the shop! This one is entirely original - right down to the bridge pins and bone nut and saddle. It has been well played, but never abused; and as such, it sounds so so so good! Maple back and sides with some mild curl, spruce top, sunburst finish on all sides. The pictures tell the rest. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Neck detail

Main Photo	1919 Gibson A-2 A particularly fine sounding example of Gibson's brown-topped A-2. This one is completely original, crack-free, and very playable. Its 3 piece red-spruce top is in great shape with no sinkage below the bridge. The top's center section is fairly wide-grained, with tightly grained and quarter-sawn bookmatched bass and treble sections; possibly part of the reason that this one sounds so good. This A-2 also has the rare aluminum bridge top that does a good job of adding a little extra punch and sparkle. We think that the bridge is original to the instrument, although the serial number dates this mandolin a year or two earlier than the aluminum-top bridges; it is entirely possible that this instrument was completed in '21, but numbered in '19. It has a woody voice, fairly open, with a very responsive back; subtle overtones, and good strength. The pickguard support clamp is missing, and with only a few small dings and some fretwear from eighty-some years of tunes, there's not much else that can be held against this beauty. With original hard shell case SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1959 Gibson LG-2 With the quintessential 50's LG-2 tone, a fantastic '59 neck profile, and a gorgeous sunburst, this Gibson ranks high on my list of favorite guitars of the year. It's completely original except for the truss-rod cover which is likely from a 50's Gibson Electric (1959 'burst perhaps?). It has one well-repaired back crack which is all but invisible, and well repaired center-seam split on its top; the repairs were done in our shop, to our standards of excellence. The action is great, the frets are close to full-height, and the set up is very comfortable - with lots of saddle height to lower the action further. This is a loud guitar - much louder than most, with a treble response that will compete with most banjos, and a woodiness that will make you want to play it softly! Played hard or with a light touch, the tone just oozes out of this one! With newer hard-shell case SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1947 Gibson BR-4 Steel Oh, my name is Joe And you know I come from Toronronronronronto Where everybody talks and nobody nobody seems to care True words from the one and only Mendelson Joe, previous owner of this awesome guitar, who proudly inscribed his name on the side of the case. Mr. Joe was the backbone of the Mainline Triumvirate, a '60's Canadian phenom. Made for just one year, this post-war model is one of the best looking and yet affordable of Gibson's lapsteels. All original including those '40's tuners we should have saved for an expensive guitar. The guitar looks, plays, and sounds great, the case is a little beat. Own a piece of history... On consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Mendelson Joe

Main Photo	2004 Gibson F-9 From time to time, we feel compelled to rescue the poor doggy in the window of the big-box chain stores. This one came from such a place in Buffalo, which will remain anonymous. It is actually a brand new instrument, but badly needed a setup and some loving. Since the kind of guys who buy Gibson Mandolins don't usually shop in that kind of store, they found it impossible to sell, and let us have it near cost. So you get a brand-new F-9 at a second-hand price, no playwear. Curly maple, Sitka spruce, ebony fretboard and bridge, decent tuners and a gigbag. Plays and sounds great. SOLD More photos: Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1942 Gibson LG-2 F.O.N. 2164-44. First year of this model, Banner, excellent condition, 100% original, with a fire-stripe pickguard. This guitar is the pinnacle of all things LG-2. This is truly a remarkable instrument. Mahogany top, back, and sides; one piece Mahogany neck with V-shaped maple neck reinforcement. It is bound similar to the Southern Jumbo model with 5-ply top binding, 3-ply back binding, and a 7-ply sound hole rosette. Original Brazilian rosewood bridge with original plastic dot inlays, and original bridge pins and saddle. Original frets, bone nut and tuners. Scalloped braced, and perfectly intact. Beautiful neck reset done recently in our shop. The neck is big, because it was carved to be stable without a truss rod, but the nut is still 1 11/16". The finish has crazed beautifully, and has very little pickwear and no belt buckle rash. We have played many, many LG-2's, as any frequent visitor to our site will know - and this one is tops on our list for tone. Loud, dry, punchy, resonant, woody... it's got it all. For an accomplished blues or folk player, this guitar has what it takes. This is a rare instrument with a high intrinsic value, thanks to the condition it is in, its first model year status, and its incredible tone; and is a secure investment by anyone's standards. Sold with the original tuners in the original soft shell case SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail Bridge & Pickguard detail

Main Photo	1924 Gibson A-2z Serial #79609. Although Lloyd didn't get around to signing this one, it's got the magic. It shines through a bit of good honest playwear, with a rich, open sound. It is in remarkable condition, crack-free and original, with good tight tuners and the adjustable Patent bridge in great shape. The frets show a fair amount of wear in the lower position. We had fun playing "Antiques Roadshow" with this one, when it was brought in from under Grandma's bed. Did we think they could get $800 for it? As ever, our mother's voices from the back of our heads made us tell the whole truth, so we now offer it on consignment with a clear conscience! We've given it a good cleanup and a pro setup, and it's a hot little number, indeed. The A-2z was an upgraded version of the teens A-2, introduced during the Loar years. It features double binding around the Adirondack spruce top with ivoroid, double bound soundhole, and a narrow 1 3/32" nut. The original greenlined hard case is in great condition, inside and out. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1994 Gibson Custom Shop Brazilian/Adirondack Advanced Jumbo With some 300 ever made, few of us will ever have the chance to own (let alone play) an original Advanced Jumbo. It's too bad as those of us who have spent some time with one mostly agree that these guitars are among the best sounding flat tops ever been built. In 1990, Gibson's Head Luthier Ren Fergusen copied a 1935 AJ belonging to vintage Gibson expert Gary Burnett and Gibson soon thereafter re-introduced the model. Again, few were built; sales were low, and despite the instrument's incredible tone and appeal it was dropped from Gibson's lineup only to be offered as a custom-shop guitar. This particular example dates from '94, and bears the Gibson Montana Custom-Shop's 100 Year Anniversary label signed by luthiers Ren Fergusen and John Walker. It is an exceptional guitar in so many ways; it is as close as it gets to an original AJ in design, tone, feel, and looks. It features Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, bridge and fingerboard; Adirondack Red Spruce top, Vintage '35 V-neck profile, and tapered headstock. It is braced identically to the '35 AJ Ren copied back in 1990, and features the same 25.5 inch scale as the original. Its voice is powerful, clear and balanced; it is one of the best sounding newer Gibsons we've heard. With the exception of a small lacquer check in the finish below the bridge, this instrument is in excellent and original condition. It has been set up by us and plays wonderfully. Short of aging it 70 years, the builders of this instrument have done everything they needed to recreate one of the most famous guitars of the past century. Sold with original deluxe hard shell case On Consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1958 Gibson ES-125 A super clean and original ES-125 from 1958. It's a gigantic-sounding Gibson with a P-90 pickup that rocks, thanks to a hot DC resistance of 8.2 kOhms. Super-feeling late 50's neck profile with a nut width of 1 11/16". Frets are in great shape, and the set up is all electric... comfy and low. These 125's are some of the most affordable vintage Gibsons, for now anyway. Well suited for blues and rock, and favored by many alt-country artists for their grungy/bright voice, full-depth acoustic body, and cool looks; it's a just a cool guitar. This one has very little finish wear to speak of, and is all-in-all a great instrument. Sold with a hard shell case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1940 Gibson J-55 The J-55 is one of the most rare and collectable Gibson flat tops. With fewer than 400 of them ever built, we are very pleased to be able to offer one in such fine condition. This example was built with Gibson's famous moustache bridge and a standard (non-stairstep) headstock with the "fat" pearl logo. It has the terraced pickguard of fire-stripe celluloid unique to this model and the SJ-100; and a golden sunburst, with a lighter brown outside fading to an amber middle. Its body and fingerboard are bound with white celluloid, and the fingerboard binding is inlaid with tortoise-shell side dots. Red spruce top, Honduran mahogany back and sides, and coffeewood bridge and fingerboard. Inside, this J-55 has Martin-style back braces, spruce side reinforcements, unscalloped tone bars, and larger maple bridge plate to support the Moustache bridge. The X brace is positioned 1 1/4" from the sound hole. The long scale neck has a roundish D shape, and is surprisingly modern in feel, not at all a baseball bat. The nut width measures 1 21/32", bridge pin spacing is 2 1/8". The first variant of the J-55 was introduced in 1939, and differed from this example only by the Stairstep headstock. In 1941 the J-55 was redesigned with a smaller three-point "batwing" bridge, and shorter scale length. The model was discontinued sometime in 1942. This J-55 has had one top crack and a pickguard crack professionally repaired. There is a small amount of light overspray on the top in these areas. The finish work is nearly indistinguishable, and was very skillfully executed. The action and neck angle are fine. Original bone nut, newer bone saddle. Original frets have been dressed and play fine. It has an interesting voice, thanks to its long scale and moustache bridge - it is big, but not quite as boomy as the shorter-scale J-35, with a surprising punch to the treble notes. And it is just so much cooler than a 1940 D-18! There is some discussion among vintage instrument specialists as to the originality of the finish of this instrument. The possibility exists that this guitar has been either over-sprayed, or - less-likely - refinished, at some point it its history. We truely beleive the finish to be 100% original, with the exception of the aformentioned crack repair; but, as we cannot state this fact with 100% certainty, we feel that our pricing should be reflective of this in fairness to our customers. Original Lifton hard shell case (black with purple interior) in excellent condition is included. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back Detail Headstock Detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners Detail Back of Neck Detail

Main Photo	1933 Gibson L-00 An early 14 fret L-00 with Mahogany back and sides, red spruce top, black finish and white pickguard. This guitar features a super-rare elevated fingerboard extension, much like an arch-top, which significantly increases the top's effective vibrating area. The result is a super-open sounding L-00 - great volume and an airiness that drips with subtle overtones, lots of wood, and a quick and punchy attack. Yes, it is an awesome guitar. It has a very active and responsive back too, and sounds it's best when pulled off of your stomach - much like a good mandolin. This guitar is 100% original with the exception of one bridge pin, and a new bone nut (the original ebony nut is in the case). The action is 6 to 8 64ths at the 12th fret, and the saddle is as low as it can go. It needs a neck reset, and is slated to have one done; but we have way too many customer neck-sets in the shop at the moment to get this guitar done in the near future; it is offered at a discounted pre-neck reset price until we can commence the job. Older non-original case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1921 Gibson F-4 Among the finest instruments we have ever had the pleasure of offering for sale is this Gibson F-4 mandolin. Instruments with this tone quality are rarely this clean. Absolutely original and nearly unplayed, even the original frets are like new. The case is that clean, too! The vivid sunburst is completely unfaded and the subtly flamed maple seems to light up from inside. In pictures these style 4's can look a little garish, in person, everyone who has seen this instrument has dropped their jaw. This was the top of the line when it was made in 1921; the very next year the F-5 usurped that role. Personally, (cash aside!) I'd take this over an F-5, and this is pretty much the holy grail for anyone who doesn't play bluegrass. We repaired a clean "Bill Monroe" crack on the headstock scroll, and a loose end on the single interior brace. I'm glad to report there is no top sinkage, and the crack is all but invisible now, with no finish touch up. This is indeed one of the very best sounding mandolins I have ever played: loud, rich and full, lots of sustain, no mushiness and a big warm bottom end. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail In Case

Main Photo	1934 Gibson Jumbo Now 70 years old, this Jumbo has played more than a few country tunes... It has been well used but never abused, as so many have; and as a result, has the voice that so many of us search for in a big guitar. We've been fortunate enough to have 4 Jumbos pass through this shop within the last year and a half, but we were still giddy with excitement when we first opened the old case that this guitar has lived in for three generations. This guitar has more vibe than most - having obviously been played by the same man for many, many, years. There are entire sections of missing finish on the sides and back, where the bare mahogany has been polished smooth from years of holding the guitar the same way. The pickguard has also been well polished, and the back of the neck oozes with memories of late night jamborees, smoke-filled dens, and lazy Sunday sunshine. There are some repaired cracks on the back and sides, and one very old repaired split through the heel and shoulders; but there has been no new finish sprayed on this beauty. And with really only one small top crack - well repaired long ago - This guitar's scars are not robbing any tone. The top is in remarkably fine condition for an instrument as well used as this one, and there is no evidence of any repaired top braces. The bridge plate is original and in great shape, as is the bridge. The neck was professionally reset and refretted some time ago, and the playability is great. Original Grover Sta-Tites were at some point swapped out for Rotomatics, but have since been re-installed. The nut is original, the saddle is newer. All things considered, this is a great instrument. It has more vintage Mojo than most, but still retains it's signature voice. It has been both well played and well loved; and has a lot of life left in it. Sold with its original hard shell case On consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail Neck detail Heel detail Treble Side detail Bass Side detail

Main Photo	1952 Gibson Super 400C Serial # A-11162. At 18" wide the Super 400 is an instrument that commands your attention. The king of Gibson's Archtop lineup since its introduction in 1934, The Super 400 was designed to be a loud guitar, with great cutting power and strong projection. This example, dating from 1952, is a simply extrordinary sounding instrument. Crack free, and in excellent condition, this instrument features a warm sunburst on all sides, multiple bound top, back, fingerboard, f-holes, pickguard and headstock. Its rosewood bridge, engraved tailpeice and celluloid pickguard are original; along with its pickguard mounting hardware, truss rod cover, Kluson tuners and tuner buttons. Its pickguard has been cut to accomodate a pickup, and there is a small screw hole in the fingerboard extension from the pickup support. Evidence of a different pickguard (it was from a Johnny Smith) in two additional small screw-holes - one not visible under the pickguard, and the other adjacent to the pickguard support on the side. The back was lightly oversprayed a long time ago for a reason we cannot figure out. The over-spray is flaking off revealing an unblemished original finish. This can be seen in the "Back Detail" photo linked below, near the waist and upper bout of the bass side. If you had the time, it would be a simple task to remove the remaining overspray with your thumbnail. Playability and action are great. Some fretwear - Jazz style - evenly disributed along the fretboard. The Ebony fingerboard of this instrument is a first-year feature and has resisted pitting. 1960's era black HSC included On Consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Pickguard detail Fingerboard detail Tuners detail Tail piece detail Neck Back detail

Main Photo	1920's Gibson TB Tenor Banjo Serial # 11406-49. In remarkable condition, this tenor banjo was very well cared for throughout its life. Open back design, three-piece maple and ebony neck is finished in a vibrant sunburst. "Moccasin" headstock with inlaid logo and Fleur-de-Lys. Original tuners and pearl nut. 12" head with original skin head (with some period song titles penciled on the inside surface!), and 30 brackets. Fine playability. Very old-timey sound; kind of plunky, with lots of overtones. It takes a while to get used to the tone, but once you do a whole new world of sounds is your reward. Beautiful original case included SOLD More photos: Headstock Detail Tuners Detail

Main Photo	1934 Martelle De Luxe Find another like it! This Martelle De Luxe is essentially a 12-fret Gibson Jumbo. It has been expertly converted from Hawaiian to standard style. Similar to Gibson's 1934 Jumbo, this instrument has a near-uniform depth of 4 5/8 inches to 4 3/8 inches, a 3 3/4" sound hole, small period sunburst top finish, and short scale length. It has two scalloped tone bars and a huge voice. The conversion, which included reshaping and narrowing the huge neck, installation of a truss rod, new fingerboard and frets, filling and re-routing the saddle slot for correct intonation, and a new nut and saddle was very professionally done. The neck is comfortable to play, and has an aged finish that is particularly well matched to the guitar. With perfect action, simply Awesome tone, and one of the most beautiful sunburst finishes out there, this instrument is tough to beat. This Jumbo has a huge and open voice, strong, sweet trebles up the neck, and rich, complete basses. It is a very lightweight guitar, and has a quality of tone that can't be found in most other guitars on the planet. Mahogany back and sides Red spruce top 1 3/4" nut width 2 3/8" string spacing at the bridge 24.75" scale length Original full-height lacquered bridge Action of 5 to 6 64ths at the 12th fret Excellent condition with the exception of a repaired top crack below the bridge, and a patch to the bridge-plate. Period hard-shell case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back Detail Headstock Detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners Detail

Main Photo	1930's Kalamazoo KG-32N This guitar just came in for a little Folkway TLC. We had to show it to you all because it's so pretty! With its natural finish, figured woods, original everything, and cool checkered top purfling this is a knock-out. It even has an original 30's hard case... mmmmmmm. NOT FOR SALE More photos: Front detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1934 Gibson Jumbo Now 70 years old, this Jumbo has played more than a few country tunes... It has been well used but never abused, as so many have; and as a result, has the voice that so many of us search for in a big guitar. We've been fortunate enough to have 4 Jumbos pass through this shop within the last year and a half, but we were still giddy with excitement when we first opened the old case that this guitar has lived in for three generations. This guitar has more vibe than most - having obviously been played by the same man for many, many, years. There are entire sections of missing finish on the sides and back, where the bare mahogany has been polished smooth from years of holding the guitar the same way. The pickguard has also been well polished, and the back of the neck oozes with memories of late night jamborees, smoke-filled dens, and lazy Sunday sunshine. There are some repaired cracks on the back and sides, and one very old repaired split through the heel and shoulders; but there has been no new finish sprayed on this beauty. And with really only one small top crack - well repaired long ago - This guitar's scars are not robbing any tone. The top is in remarkably fine condition for an instrument as well used as this one, and there is no evidence of any repaired top braces. The bridge plate is original and in great shape, as is the bridge. The neck was professionally reset and refretted some time ago, and the playability is great. Original Grover Sta-Tites were at some point swapped out for Rotomatics, but have since been re-installed. The nut is original, the saddle is newer. All things considered, this is a great instrument. It has more vintage Mojo than most, but still retains it's signature voice. It has been both well played and well loved; and has a lot of life left in it. Sold with its original hard shell case On consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail Neck detail Heel detail Treble Side detail Bass Side detail

Main Photo	1933 Gibson L-00 An early 14 fret L-00 with Mahogany back and sides, red spruce top, black finish and white pickguard. This guitar features a super-rare elevated fingerboard extension, much like an arch-top, which significantly increases the top's effective vibrating area. The result is a super-open sounding L-00 - great volume and an airiness that drips with subtle overtones, lots of wood, and a quick and punchy attack. Yes, it is an awesome guitar. It has a very active and responsive back too, and sounds it's best when pulled off of your stomach - much like a good mandolin. This guitar is 100% original with the exception of one bridge pin, and a new bone nut (the original ebony nut is in the case). The action is 6 to 8 64ths at the 12th fret, and the saddle is as low as it can go. It needs a neck reset, and is slated to have one done; but we have way too many customer neck-sets in the shop at the moment to get this guitar done in the near future; it is offered at a discounted pre-neck reset price until we can commence the job. Older non-original case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1940 Gibson J-55 The J-55 is one of the most rare and collectable Gibson flat tops. With fewer than 400 of them ever built, we are very pleased to be able to offer one in such fine condition. This example was built with Gibson's famous moustache bridge and a standard (non-stairstep) headstock with the "fat" pearl logo. It has the terraced pickguard of fire-stripe celluloid unique to this model and the SJ-100; and a golden sunburst, with a lighter brown outside fading to an amber middle. Its body and fingerboard are bound with white celluloid, and the fingerboard binding is inlaid with tortoise-shell side dots. Red spruce top, Honduran mahogany back and sides, and coffeewood bridge and fingerboard. Inside, this J-55 has Martin-style back braces, spruce side reinforcements, unscalloped tone bars, and larger maple bridge plate to support the Moustache bridge. The X brace is positioned 1 1/4" from the sound hole. The long scale neck has a roundish D shape, and is surprisingly modern in feel, not at all a baseball bat. The nut width measures 1 21/32", bridge pin spacing is 2 1/8". The first variant of the J-55 was introduced in 1939, and differed from this example only by the Stairstep headstock. In 1941 the J-55 was redesigned with a smaller three-point "batwing" bridge, and shorter scale length. The model was discontinued sometime in 1942. This J-55 has had one top crack and a pickguard crack professionally repaired. There is a small amount of light overspray on the top in these areas. The finish work is nearly indistinguishable, and was very skillfully executed. The action and neck angle are fine. Original bone nut, newer bone saddle. Original frets have been dressed and play fine. It has an interesting voice, thanks to its long scale and moustache bridge - it is big, but not quite as boomy as the shorter-scale J-35, with a surprising punch to the treble notes. And it is just so much cooler than a 1940 D-18! There is some discussion among vintage instrument specialists as to the originality of the finish of this instrument. The possibility exists that this guitar has been either over-sprayed, or - less-likely - refinished, at some point it its history. We truely beleive the finish to be 100% original, with the exception of the aformentioned crack repair; but, as we cannot state this fact with 100% certainty, we feel that our pricing should be reflective of this in fairness to our customers. Original Lifton hard shell case (black with purple interior) in excellent condition is included. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back Detail Headstock Detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners Detail Back of Neck Detail

Main Photo	1953 Gibson L-50 A very nice example of one of Gibson's best-selling archtop guitars. Very little playwear and a great vibe overall. This one has a rich tone with full basses and clean trebles. There are no cracks or repairs and the action is nice. A very cool looking and sounding affordable vintage archtop guitar, being sold in its original alligator case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1964 Gibson Country Western A great looking and sounding early '60's guitar, with a lot of '50's warmth and volume. This one was made just before the switch to a shallower headstock angle, resulting in better sustain. It has a nice fast neck with normal nut width, not the later '60's pencil-neck. The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard has original jumbo frets, with plenty of life left in them. The body is crack-free and original; the Kluson deluxe tuners are original, too. The original plastic bridge has been replaced with Brazilian rosewood, and a bone saddle installed. The plywood bridgeplate has been replaced with quarter-sawn hard maple. Plays great and looks just that kool, kool way. With new hard case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1912 Gibson F-4 Although it's not for sale, we like to give you all a peak at the cool stuff we have the pleasure of restoring and repairing. This early 2-point mando has the full modern height bridge, with cherry neck and curly maple (not birch) body. We gave the instrument all new frets and refitted the bridge and pearl nut. Big job, and not easy on an instrument that had already been refretted twice before, but it came out absolutely perfect, giving this grand old lady the ability to sing with comfort, ease and style. NOT FOR SALE More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail In Case

Main Photo	2001 Gibson F-5 Fern Famous for their projection and percussive 'cut', the Gibson F-5 is the instrument of choice for most contemporary bluegrass and progressive acoustic musicians. This example features a beautiful sunburst lacquer finish over figured maple and spruce. It is meticulously carved and built to the the same specifications that Lloyd Loar employed. "Fern" headstock inlay in abalone pearl, engraved gold tailpiece and matching gold hardware. This instrument is in near-new condition with no scratches, dings, or dents. It has just been set up and plays wonderfully in every position. Original hard shell case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1957 Gibson SJ LEFTY!! There will soon be a real lucky lefty somewhere out there... but just one, as vintage left-handed instruments are as easy to find as a needle in a haystack! This is a 100% original, factory left-handed 1957 Gibson Southern Jumbo! It's body is crack-free, with original finish, Brazilian rosewood bridge, and original nut and tuners. The tuner buttons have been replaced, as has the saddle (it's a bone one that we made for it). There's also an old repaired headstock crack, which is a bummer, but it's solid and not glaringly obvious. The neck feels glorious; and the tone is most likely something that you lefties have yet to really experience. We have trouble believing it too. With original hard-shell case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1949-50 Gibson LG-2 An open, and warm sounding LG-2 from '49 or '50. There's no numbers anywhere on this guitar, but we're pretty sure that it's from 1949, or early 1950 at the latest. It has open-geared Banner-era original tuners, tapered headstock, scalloped braces, small tortoise pickguard, an incredibly comfortable big-ish early 50's style neck, and a modernized script logo. The tone is fabulous - it's been played a lot, and it sounds great! No top cracks, and 100% original. A couple of back cracks that are repaired and stable. Refret done by us. New hard case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	2000 Gibson Custom Vine J-200 The King of the Flattops in all his glory! The Gibson custom shop went all-out for this one: abalone everywhere with pearl in-between. The body is bound "45-style", top, back and sides with abalone, the ebony fingerboard is entwined with a classical vine motif, the tortoise pickguard is engraved with acanthus leaves. The soundboard is of master grade sitka spruce, the back, sides and neck are of stunning figured maple. The headstock is tastefully inlayed with a vintage script logo in pearl, a pearl truss rod cover, and hand-engraved gold Waverley tuners. A powerful guitar, this one puts out for those brave enough to touch it, and sounds just like a J-200 should. Its famous first owner installed a pickup, which has been removed, leaving the endpin jack in place. Other than that the guitar is extremely clean and has been professionally serviced throughout its short life. On consignment with the original hard case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1964 Gibson Skylark Steel With its original red-velour lined hard case, this Korina-bodied Skylark Steel (EH-500) is a classy package. A one owner instrument, this Gibson is in tip-top shape with next to no dings and scratches. Its original tuners work great, as do the original electronics; and the melody-maker style pickup sounds scrumptious. Very cool. SOLD More photos: Full Front detail Headstock detail

Main Photo	1933 Gibson L-7 Professionally refinished some 20 years ago by Luthier Michael Heiden, this L-7 is a great-looking, excellent sounding, and very playable guitar. The refin job looks as if it were done by Gibson in the 1950s, and the finish is thin and well aged. Quality repair work. The carved red-spruce top is in great shape despite 3 well repaired top cracks, and the carved back's figured maple is crack-free. The tuners, bridge, and tailpiece are all original. This is a guitar that is made to be played - it sounds the way you want it to; 16" archtops are some of the most under-appreciated instruments out there - and this is a good one! Great feeling v-shaped neck, not much fret wear, and well set up. With original hard shell case On Consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1957 Gibson J-50 Gibson guitars that are nearly 50 years old and in such fine condition are getting harder and harder to find. This J-50, built it 1957 has only a trace of playwear and fretwear. It is in crack-free condition with the usual exception of a repaired pickguard crack. Full-height original Brazilian rosewood bridge, original saddle, nut, bridge pins, pickguard. Tuners are period-correct single-line Klusons, but don't completely hide the slight foot print of the incorrect ones that were on this instrument when it arrived. 3 Replaced tuner buttons (we did the work, and they are indistinguishable from the originals). Great looking finish, attractive Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; great feeling '50s neck profile. Very comfortable action. And then there's the way it sounds... pure Gibson goodness! Round full trebles, awesome bass response, and lots of volume. With period-correct case SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Neck Back detail

Main Photo	1922 Gibson Style "0" It's not often that we get to have our hands on the coolest of cool old Gibsons! This Style O dates from Gibson's exahaulted Loar Era; but it bears little, if no, resemblance to the L-5 that debued that same year. What it lacks in tone it makes up in looks, and this guitar is one of the most downright attractive vintage instruments we've seen all year. It was through our repairshop for a seam separation and some set up work, and we tried our hardest to make the repair take as long as it could so we got to look at it longer! NOT FOR SALE More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1918 Gibson L-3 A pretty 'teens Gibson small round hole arch-top. This beauty was recently in our shop for bridge restoration and set up work. It plays great despite the hugeness of its neck! Thought you'd like to see it. NOT FOR SALE More photos: Front detail Headstock detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1942 Gibson J-35 and L-00, Opaque blond. These instruments, both built in 1942, and both featuring ultra-rare opaque blond top finish are sold only as a pair. With less than a dozen instruments featuring this top finish known to exist, these guitars are among the rarest of Gibsons. Both are sold with original hard cases, are well set-up, and in need of no repairs. 1942 Gibson J-35, Opaque blond, EXC- Incredible tone. Lush, rich, loud, Warm, and punchy. One of the best J-35's we've heard. One well-repaired top crack at the center seam, non-original saddle and bridge-pins; otherwise 100% original. 2 scalloped tone-bars, mahogany neck with truss-rod, mahogany neck and tail blocks. It has had a neck-reset, and appears to have a replacement heel-cap; as well as a small (2") section of back binding near the heel. Well set-up and great to play. A fine instrument. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail 1942 Gibson L-00 Opaque blond Full and robust, open-voiced L-00 tone. 2 very well repaired top cracks, old refret and bone nut. Proper replacement bridge-plate (by us). Newer bone saddle. tuners appear to be original, but there is evidence that there were others on it at some point - no modification though. Great playability and action. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1955 Gibson J-45 F.O.N. W2427-6. Older J-45's are getting harder and harder to come by, especially instruments of this quality. With its perfect top arch, lack of cracks (except for the standard pickguard crack), minimal finish wear, comfortable action, and simply wonderful tone, this J-45 is a very special instrument. Scalloped bracing and a small maple bridge-plate give this instrument a huge voice, powerfull basses and very full and robust trebbles. Anybody would become a Gibson fan with one strum on this beauty. A professional partial refret is almost undetectable, and a newer bone saddle adds to the sustain. Original nut, tuners, and pickguard; full height bridge. Output jack hole in lower treble side, and a filled strap-button hole on the treble side adjacent to the heel. Great feeling neck, early 50's shape. 1 11/16" nut, action is 5 to 7 64ths. Original brown Gibson hard-shell case is included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1917 Gibson A-1 Loud, full and warm: this one has it. In remarkable condition, an extremely beautiful instrument in every way. The back and rims are darker than most, and the back is one piece and sports a nice even figure, which is rare on these 'Teens Gibsons. The top has one "bearclaw" in the Adirondack spruce, and shows no significant playwear. Top and ebony fingerboard are bound in ivoroid. All original bone nut, ebony bridge, and tuners with little wear. Nice low action and original frets in ok condition. This one has the more "Dalmation" figured pickguard in great shape. Most importantly this mandolin sounds great, definitely one of the best I have played, rich and yet loud enough to be heard. You will not be disappointed. And the original hardshell case is just as clean. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Neck & Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Headstock detail

Main Photo	1947 Gibson LG-2 A Great-looking post-Banner LG-2, featuring the old style script logo. Adirondack spruce top, Mahogany back, sides, and neck. All original tuners, frets, nut, saddle, with "Made in USA" stamp. This one has been loved and played, and has developed great cut and projection, with a cool bluesy tone, a great guitar for a lead player in a duo. One well-repaired top crack, three short, stable cracks on the one-piece back. A little overspray on the back of the neck, for player comfort, otherwise all original. With the beautiful small tortoise guard and mellow vintage sunburst, you can't get a guitar with a better vibe than this With newer hard case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Headstock detail

Main Photo	1934 L-00 You have to trust us on this one, because the pictures don't do it justice. This is our favourite guitar to come through the shop in a long time. I've played guitars that sounded like this before, but I always wake up a few minutes later to realize it was only dream. We were struck by the vibe of this guitar as soon as we opened the case. It has had one owner, and still has the original strap and cool cardboard case it came with in 1934. We have just done an impeccably clean neck reset and refret, our best work on our favourite guitar. This guitar is extremely subtle, responding to the softest touch, and pulling out a surprising left punch for bluesy moments. What can I say? This one's got IT. The Adirondack spruce top is absolutely crack free, as are the mahogany back and sides. Few guitars have ever been quite as pretty as these early target-burst L-00's, with their firestripe pickguards and delicate-looking straight bridges of Brazilian rosewood. The original tuners still work well. This guitar is ready for another lifetime of music, and ready to look great doing it, too. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Neck set detail

Main Photo	1939 Gibson L-0, L-00 This is the guitar you've all been asking for! Two incredibly-well repaired top cracks and some honest play wear make this an affordable Oh-So-Cool '30's Gibson, a trustworthy vintage guitar you don't have to be afraid to really play. All original black finish on Adirondack spruce and Honduran mahogany; firestripe guard, with no curling or cracking; original amber-buttoned Kluson tuners. The original owner had worn the silkscreen logo right off the headstock through polishing and loving his guitar - yes it is a Gibson. I almost forgot that we have replaced the bridge with an exact replica in Brazilian rosewood, so "right" that most eyes would never know. Cowboy refret on the first three frets, done here. Best of all, this guitar has THAT sound: warm, intimate and crisp. I only hope I can sing the blues like this one when I'm sixty-four! With a new deluxe hard case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1942 Gibson "Banner" LG-2 F.O.N. 2164-44. First year of this model, Banner, excellent condition, 100% original, with a fire-stripe pickguard. This guitar is the pinnacle of all things LG-2. This is truly a remarkable instrument. Mahogany top, back, and sides; one piece Mahogany neck with V-shaped maple neck reinforcement. It is bound similar to the Southern Jumbo model with 5-ply top binding, 3-ply back binding, and a 7-ply sound hole rosette. Original Brazilian rosewood bridge with original plastic dot inlays, and original bridge pins and saddle. Original frets, bone nut and tuners. Scalloped braced, and perfectly intact. We have just completed a neck reset and set up and it plays wonderfully. The finish has crazed beautifully, and has no pickwear or belt buckle rash. We have played many, many LG-2's, as any frequent visitor to our site will know - and this one is tops on our list for tone. Loud, dry, punchy, resonant, woody... it's got it all. This is a rare instrument with a high intrinsic value, thanks to the condition it is in, its first model year status, and its incredible tone; and is a secure investment by anyone's standards. Sold with its original soft shell case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail

Main Photo	1947 Gibson L-7 Blonde Serial #99596. An absolutely exquisite intrument. Seldom do we see such fine examples of 55 year old guitars. This L-7 is in near-perfect condition, crack and blemish free, 100% original (except for one proper replacement Kluson), and sounds astonishingly great! Loud, and full, with an awesome cut. The maple back and sides are beautifully figured - as one would expect to find on Gibson's L-5 models - making this instrument one of the fanciest L-7's we've ever seen. In addition, this L-7 sports its original bound tortoise-shell celluloid pickguard; pearl inlaid script logo, and pearloid Kluson tuner buttons. Original lacquer finish is in fine condition with attractive gloss and mild finish crazing. You'll carry it home in its original hard shell case, of course. On Consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1924 Gibson H1 Mandola Imagine our excitement opening this beautiful case for the first time. Yes, we do have a good job! Unfortunately we do have to sell some of what comes through. So we offer you this super-clean Lloyd Loar period blackface H-1 mandola. Who doesn't long for that beautiful voice going down to "C"? It's got more cut than many mandolas, making it ideal for ensemble playing, where the 'dola can often be lost. It has very little playwear, but the original frets have been dressed quite low. The tuners are fine. We repaired a hairline top-crack next to the fingerboard, it is otherwise crack free. There is a little wear from the pickguard clamp. You will not find a more desirable Loar H-1. And, we'll throw in the original hard case, too. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1935 Gibson L-Century F.O.N. 219A-23. Another great Century of Progress model. If you visit this site regularly, you've likely figured out that we are crazy about this model of Gibson. This is the third one of this year! It's in great shape, and plays fine. It is in no need of a neck reset. It has a beautiful one-piece solid quilted maple back, medium-large sunburst finish, and fire stripe pick guard. It is in crack free, original condition; with the exception of one replacement tuner button (not noticeable at all), one replaced bridge pin (barely noticeable), a slightly shaved bridge (just over 1/4" thick), and non-original nut and saddle. A great sounding Century. Sold with newer hard shell case SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1913 Gibson A-3 Serial #13523. 100% original and in great condition, this is a collector's or player's delight. Set up with its original bridge, nut, saddles, pickguard, and hardware this instrument has a great vintage vibe and tone. Bound top and back, bound fingerboard and soundhole, pearl The Gibson logo and inlay, pumpkin top finish and reddish back, sides and neck finish. There is a repaired seam separation on the tail of the instrument. Original Hard-shell case included SOLD More photos: Back Detail Headstock Detail

Main Photo	1969 Gibson L-7C OK, jazz-hounds, this one's for you. A veteran one-owner guitar from Montreal, with such a great feel. This guitar has never been played below the third fret - I don't even think this guy knew C, F or G. Solid carved spruce top, solid carved figured maple back and sides, five piece maple neck. At 3 3/8" deep, this guitar has a good full acoustic sound, but it lights up like New Orleans when you plug that old DeArmond into a Fender Vibrolux. Original tuners that work, aluminum bridge top, tailpiece with pointed ends and three raised diamonds. The neck features good, honest playwear on the back, but there has been no abuse, no cracks or issues. This guitar is ready for another 35 years of gigs. The original case is in good condition. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Neck detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1965 Gibson ES-330TD Factory Lefty Well... Yes, it is Factory left-handed. And yes, it is a 1965 Kalamazoo-built, Gibson ES-330TD. And yes, it is as rare as you think it is. We aim to please all of our lefty customers here at Folkway! Gorgeous sunburst top, Chrome-cover P-90's, 100 % original wire harness and all components. Original frets, tailpiece and pickguard. Original ABR-1 Bridge with plastic saddles has been replaced with a new ABR-1 with brass-saddles for increased sustain and better tone all-around; the original is in the case though. Two newer knobs, and proper replacement Kluson tuners with aged keystone buttons. Fast, slim neck - a breeze to play. Near-invisible and very professionally done headstock repair. Factory-installed neck-side dots on both righty and lefty sides are an interesting feature. Original hard-shell case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail Headstock detail

Main Photo	1944 "Banner" LG-2 A one owner Banner-era guitar, that looks, plays and sounds just right. The owner's parents gave him this guitar as a gift for having his appendix out, the summer he was nine years old. I know, you're all thinking "we want our appendix out, too!" The guitar is all original, the top is crack free, not even a pickguard crack. There are a few nicks and scratches from growing up with a young boy, but very little actual play wear. The frets and the tuners show very little wear. There is one repaired back crack. No repairs have been necessary inside the instrument. As for the sound, we think this is a killer. Lots of volume, full trebles and that bass that us LG-2 players love so much. It's already great, and it's never been played! It's very playable, and has the kind of neck "Banner" instruments are known for. Comes with beat OSSC SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1942 Gibson SJ This First-Year banner SJ belongs to one of North-America's pre-eminent Gibson collectors, and has just emerged from our shop after a neck reset, refret, reglue of the pickguard, and some setting up. Some older poorly repaired back cracks downgrade this one to player status - which is good, because it is one of the best sounding Gibsons I've heard - ever! I've tried to get this guitar's owner to donate this one to Folkway Music's permanent collection (A.K.A.: Me) with no success... Oh well, enjoy the photos as much as I've enjoyed working on it, and playing it. NOT FOR SALE More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1947 Gibson J-45 Another instrument belonging to the owner of the '42 SJ (above), this one is a post-war script-logo J-45. With the exception of the later tuners, this one is completely original. It was in the shop for a neck reset, new frets, a bridge reglue, and some setting up. It's another incredible instrument, with a neck that could double as a telephone pole, and some of the best looking crazed and weathered finish. NOT FOR SALE More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1959 Gibson LG-2 F.O.N. S1127-33. Seldom do we get to see instruments of this age in such fine condition. Were it not for a well repaired pickguard crack and the installation of an end-pin output jack this instrument would come close to the M-word (MINT) that we so infrequently use! What can I say? It's crack-free, 100% original and unmodified; full-height rectangular bridge, minimal fret wear with great action (5 to 7 64ths) with lots of height on the original saddle to lower it further. It's finish is in fantastic condition with very few nicks and scratches, no belt wear, and only the slightest hint of pick wear above the soundhole. Original tuners are in great condition and work perfectly. Original nut has never been removed (it measures 1 11/16ths). AND it sounds great, too! Fat mids and highs, round loud basses. In '59 the bridgeplates on these instruments were still small, and single play maple - unlike the larger 3-ply plates that Gibson would a few years later adopt. All in all, it is a wonderful example of a late 1950's LG-2 in tone, playability, and looks. No case SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1933 Gibson L-7 Serial # 91399. A stunning instrument. 16" wide acoustic archtop with carved spruce top, carved figured maple back and sides. Very clean and original, but with missing pickguard. This guitar plays very well, thanks to a recent professional refret and set up. The tone is all there - loud, rich, warm, punchy, and with a good cut. Its v-shaped neck is very comfortable, and has a nut width of 1 3/4". Nick Lucas style fingerboard inlays and Fleur-de-Lys headstock inlay. Original Grover tuners, with evidence of Waverly tuners having been installed at some point (the screw holes from the Waverly's are spaced a little wider than the originals, and a few of these holes are slightly visible adjacent to the tuners). The Sunburst top finish is beautiful, and adds to the classy vibe of this instrument. The L-7 remains, in our opinion, one of best deals in vintage guitars as it is often as fine as an L-5, but priced at a fraction of the cost. SOLD Case option: We have a few period Lifton cases in stock with prices ranging from US$275 to $600. More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail

Main Photo	1938 Gibson HG-00 The HG-00 is the Hawaiian version of the L-00. These were braced a little differently than a standard L-00, and have a 12 fret neck, giving this instrument an inspiring mid-range. You can "dig in" to this guitar and play hard - it will not distort like a lighter-braced guitar would. It has a slightly wider neck an bridge pin spacing, and is particularly comfortable for fingerstyle. Nut width: 1 7/8", Bridge pin spacing: 2 3/8". Bridge and saddle were replaced by us to improve intonation, and it has had a neck set not too long ago as well. Great action, and the original frets have next to no wear on them (as it was Hawaiian... ahhh!) New bone nut (by us) with a comfortable spacing, and a full V-shape profile, make it a joy to play. 3 repaired top cracks, 2 repaired back cracks. Original Hard Shell Case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back Detail Headstock Detail Tuners Detail

Main Photo	1938 Gibson / Recording King M-3 F.O.N. DW-1815. 16" Carved spruce-top arch-top built by Gibson under the Recording King brand name in the late 1930's. With the exception of the proper-footprint replacement tuners this instrument is 100% original and in excellent condition. It has Gibson's classy sunburst finish on all sides and the back of the neck and headstock. Solid figured maple back and sides, 5-piece maple/rosewood/maple neck, Recording king headstock logo and crown inlay in pearl. Single-bound top, back, fingerboard, and firestripe celluloid pickguard. One minor and well-repaired seam separation on the back, but otherwise completely crack free. No top sinkage, and very playable with just the right amount of relief in the neck and fine action. Carved-top tone with lots of volume, cut, and roundness. All that and the original case to boot! Original soft-shell case included. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock Detail Tuners detail Full Front detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1924 Gibson A-Jr Snakehead, 100% original and crack-free, and amazing projection and volume. The Lloyd Loar era Junior A's are full-sized, full Gibson quality mandolins, with no frills, and a gorgeous warm brown stain all over. Plenty of life in the frets, tuners are fine, original pickguard and soft case. This mandolin has an exceptional warm tone with more cut than most 'teens A's, probably because of the maple back and sides that Loar specified. A couple of well-repaired seam separations, very little playwear: a great mandolin at a great price! Period soft shell case included SOLD

Main Photo	1929 Gibson L-4 Serial #89021. The combination of H style bracing, round soundhole, and carved top and back gives this instrument a very distinctive tone. A great sounding instrument, this L-4 has a surprising punch in its mid-range, and a loud and open quality to its voice overall. It plays well thanks to its adjustable truss rod, good frets, and low action. And with a nut width of 1 29/32" and V profile neck, it feels great in your hand. This guitar is, with the exception of one tuning machine, completely original (even the case!). It is crack-free, has a fine top arch, and has normal finish wear. It is a one owner instrument, and has been well cared for and maintained throughout its lifetime. Mild finish touch up around the "D" tuning machine is not particularly noticeable. Pearl-inlaid Gibson logo, beautiful sunburst top finish, black rear-headstock finish. Carved spruce top, carved Maple back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, ebony bridge, original bone nut, original tailpiece, and original pickguard. Original deluxe hard-shell case included. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1954 Gibson ES-125 A near showroom-condition instrument. 100% original and super clean, this instrument likely spent the most part of its life in its original case. Neck and frets are in great shape with very little wear, and the original tuners work well. There are no cracks, and very few dings and scratches to speak of except for a small area of case wear near the output jack. Single P-90 pickup sounds awesome, with a hot output of 8.22 kOhms. Fat, bluesy tone. Full-feeling early 1950's Gibson neck profile. It's 50 years old! Crazy. Original Case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Full Back detail

Main Photo	1942 Gibson L-00 Lots of vibe and bluesy tone make this wartime L-00 a winner for the working musician. Rare 3 piece spruce top, Rare 2- piece mahogany back, fire stripe pickguard and Brazilian rosewood bridge and fingerboard. 100% original except for pro refret. four repaired top cracks, one repaired back crack, and one short repaired side crack. Finish is completely original. Great feeling neck and low action (thanks in part to a slightly shaved bridge). Hard case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back Detail Headstock Detail Front (more detail) Back (more detail) Tuners Detail

Main Photo	1912 Gibson L-1 A small arch-top with lots of punch, volume, and vibe. We love these old small Gibson arch tops - they have a tone unlike any other guitar out there, and they match our Pumpkin-top A mandolins so nicely!. Carved spruce top, carved Birch back. The Tailpiece is celluloid on metal, and the bridge pins are ebony. And it has its original case too! It was in our shop for a new bridge, and some set up. NOT FOR SALE More photos: Front detail Headstock detail Full Front detail

Main Photo	1935 Gibson Black Special #2 F.O.N. 158A-100. Yes, strangely enough, this IS the second black special #2 to come through the shop this year! This one is just in better condition and more original than the last one we had! 100% original and in excellent condition minus some pickwear above the low E string, this guitar plays and sounds real nice. Original pickguard, tuners, tailpiece, bridge, etc.. The Black special #2 was a catalogue special Gibson built in the mid-late 1930's. This one, dating from 1935, is a particularly early example, and is therefore fairly historically important, given the relative rarity of this model. Carved spruce top, flat maple back and sides, L-00 body shape and size. Great feeling neck, and infinitely playable. Original soft shell case included (but in poor condition) SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1956 Gibson SJ F.O.N. V7389-15. A one owner guitar; bought 47 years ago at a store about half a mile away. Well this SJ is a great example of why everybody wants to play a Gibson these days. It is loud but mellow, thumpy yet bright, warm but aggressive. The neck is perfect, too. It fits perfectly in the hand, is not too big or small, and nicely rounded. And then there's the way it looks... The sunburst is exquisite, the original finish has crazed just so, and it hag got that vintage amber hue all over. It is in excellent condition and plays perfectly. The first 9 frets and tuner buttons were replaced by us. The only crack on the instrument was the standard pickguard crack, but it too was fixed in house. There was once a DeArmond soundhole pick up in the soundhole so there remains the two tiny filled-in holes in the rosette, as well as a couple of filled-in holes in the top at the lower treble bout. They were all filled by the owner many years ago. The work blends in well enough to not make me think much less of the guitar. The original finish is intact. There is now a Schaller "oyster" bridge-plate transducer pick up wired to an end-pin jack. A no issues instrument, with everything going for it! Sold with an older, possibly original, hard shell case, and a photo from the 1950's of the original owner and this guitar! SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1928 Gibson A Mandolin Serial # 84383. A post snake-head A, in original condition. Comfortable U shaped neck profile is immediately different feeling than earlier instruments. Original tuners, pickguard, bridge and tailpiece. Very loud, with well defined trebles; it's an instrument that cuts though the mix fabulously. Silk-screened "The Gibson" logo, and Black top finish add to the striking appearance. One small repaired crack at the edge of the finger board, and another just below the fingerboard in the neck (both well repaired). Original case included SOLD More photos: Back Detail

Main Photo	Early 1930's Gibson TG-0 F.O.N. 186. A super cool tenor guitar. This TG-0 has a standard L-size body, but is braced slightly different than an L-0 to accommodate the shorter scale length and lower string tension that tenor guitars have. It is, however, X braced - and it sounds it. With great power and definition, this tenor has what it take to make itself heard, but still retains all its tonal quality when played softly. It has top, back, and sides of Mahogany, with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. It is completely original, intact, and functional; with great frets, low action, and working original Grover tuners. Scale length is 22.8" Non-original hard shell case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail

Main Photo	1916 Gibson A- Mandolin Serial #26182. A very clean example. Beautiful tone with great action and a straight neck - and 100% original. One-piece top, three-piece back! No cracks. Very open sounding with a lot of bass. Original hard case included On consignment SOLD More photos: Front Detail Back Detail

Main Photo	1934 or 35 Gibson L-C Century Of Progress FON #788. A truly incredible instrument. This one is a fairly early example, having the small sunburst characteristic of pre-1935 instruments. It is 100% original and in excellent condition except for a repaired top crack south of the bridge. Beautiful curly maple back and sides, Adirondack spruce top, and lots and lots of pearloid! Arguably the best part is the tone of this instrument - light and open sounding, with lots of headroom in the bottom, and plenty of volume up top. It's resonant and full of character, with great overtones. Fine action and playability, and in no need of a neck reset, this L-Century is ready to play. Please inquire for price 1936 Gibson L-Century EXC- Love it or hate it, you've got to admit that there is something just entirely cool about Gibson's Century of Progress models. We're fans of excessive pearloid (AKA mother of toilet seat) even on a bad day, so you can imagine how excited we are to have one of these beauties in the shop! This one is entirely original - right down to the bridge pins and bone nut and saddle. It has been well played, but never abused; and as such, it sounds so so so good! Maple back and sides with some mild curl, spruce top, sunburst finish on all sides. The pictures tell the rest. It is in-shop, but not currently for sale (we want to hold on to this one for a little while). If you are a local guitarist feel free to drop by and try it out. If you are one of our many internet regulars, we figured that you'd at least want some good pictures to look at. There are not too many of these out there, and each tends to display its own subtly different characteristics. Please inquire for price

Main Photo	1964 Gibson J-50 Serial #188724. In near-perfect condition, this J-50 is 100% original. Action and tone are great, frets are in fine condition, fresh in-shop set up and adjustable bridge. No cracks at all, and no issues. Minor finish chipping at lower treble bout on the top (see detail shot), and a small 1/8" output jack hole in the side lower bout; otherwise perfect. It has been beautifully maintained, and looks way younger than almost 40 years! Original chipboard case included On Consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail

Main Photo	1953 Gibson LG-1 This might be the most attractive LG to have come through this year! Have a peek and decide for yourselves. Factory order # Y6619-28. It is in excellent condition, with no cracks or bruises - and the top has maintained its arch. Beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Fine action and playability, with surprisingly great tone (these are ladder-braced and sound very different from an LG-2 or 3.) Non original hard case included On Consignment SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	1937 to '40 Gibson Black Special No. 2 A big sounding small Gibson arch-top. The Black Special #2 is a 14 3/4 inch wide arch-top, very similar to the L-37 and L-47 models. Carved spruce top (not pressed), flat maple back and sides, single bound top with unbound back. Rosewood fingerboard and original bridge, and black finish. This guitar plays great, and has a surprising volume and fullness. Loud and clear, this guitar cuts through a mix incredibly well. A very rare guitar. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	1957 Gibson J-45 Factory order number U2307-11. An exceptionally fine sounding J-45. I've been thinking that I should trade my own 50's SJ in on this one! Great balance, lots of volume, not muddy sounding, and strong trebles. Many J-45's from this era have very thick tops (as much as an eight of an inch) which really deaden the guitar's tone, but this one's top is thin and lively. The top has a repaired crack at the lower bass bout, and a repaired pickguard crack. The back and sides are crack free. Original bridge, saddle, and nut. Period-original tuners; tuner bushing holes are chipped out on the peg-head face, and there is evidence that Grovers were once installed. Capo wear to the back of the neck. Incredible neck shape - 50's Gibson necks are definitely my favorite. This guitar was previously owned and used by "Crocket" Frizzell, son of the legendary "Lefty" Frizzell. Sold with later hard-shell case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	1952 Gibson J-45 No cracks. A super guitar in beautiful one-owner condition. FON #Z3442-2. This guitar has most of the features of the 'older' post-war Gibson J-45s: Scalloped braces, small pickguard, tapered headstock, and a great feeling neck. There is some pick wear by the sound hole, and a little bit of belt wear on the back. The top has a perfect (100% perfect) top arch. It has an endpin pick-up jack, but the pickup has been removed. The tuners look perfect, but a keen eye will notice the bushings have been changed. (The original tuners have now been re-installed). The tone is all there - in all its Gibson glory! Big fat round notes, and a wonderful woody thud - the Gibson signature! It has the looks, and the sound. Non-original high-quality hard case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Headstock detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1960 Gibson Hummingbird Serial #A-35160, FON R6298-33. One of 156 'Birds made in its first year. It has some features which distinguish is from other early Hummingbirds, most notably: 2 tone Tobacco sunburst top finish, long (25.25" scale), and a small, solid maple (not 3-ply) bridge plate. We also found a later 1960's yellow Label loose inside the instrument, but the serial number does not match the one on the original orange label firmly glued to the back. The yellow label would mean that this instrument went back to Gibson in the late 60's for some kind of repair work - but we are unable to figure out what that repair was. This guitar looks 100% original, the tobacco sunburst finish is factory perfect, and all the parts of this guitar are very much to 1960 specifications. The big mystery is the tobacco sunburst on a model of guitar which was always cherry. If this finish is original, then this is a RARE BIRD! However, because of Gibson's poor records, we were unable to figure out if any non-cherry sunburst hummingbirds were ever shipped. If, on the other hand, it is a factory refinish done in the later 1960's it has aged beautifully. Regardless, this is a Hummingbird with a top-finish unlike any other I have ever encountered. Other features of note: Original Gold Kluson tuners (with intact buttons) - in the case, new Gotoh-Klusons on the guitar 17 degree headstock pitch, with an older well repaired hairline fracture (see photo) No cracks or bruises. Just a spot of case wear in the finish on the upper bass bout side. Non-original (but 100% exact) replacement bridge - done by us. Brazilian and the same footprint as the original. A highly collectable guitar. New Hard-shell case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Tuners detail

Main Photo	1946-47 Gibson J-45 A post-war and immediately post-"banner" J-45. Red spruce top with scalloped braces, one-piece Mahogany back, Mahogany sides, one-piece Mahogany neck with an adjustable truss-rod, Gold script "Gibson" logo. This J-45 sounds absolutely HUGE! It has a massive bass response, and a big, full loud set of trebles. It is 100% what you'd expect, and want, in a 1940's J-45. The neck is BIG - in the baseball bat category - and feels great. The bridge has been replaced with a belly-up, and the tuners are new Kluson 3-on-a-strip. The top has a perfect arch to it - both in front and behind the bridge, and is crack-free. The back is also in great shape, with only one small, well-repaired crack near the neck. This is a lot of J-45. Older quality hard-shell case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	1944 or '45 Gibson "Banner" LG-2 A very fine sounding War-time LG-2. It's loud and punchy, with lots of warm overtones, and a great balance between "woody-sounding" and "bright". It has been well maintained, having already had a very well done neck reset, and a professionally repaired center-seam top crack. This LG-2 plays very easily and comfortably, with a neck that is significantly smaller in profile than models a year older - thanks, in part, to its adjustable truss rod. It has a "bearclaw" Adirondack spruce top, one piece mahogany back, one-piece mahogany neck, Brazilian rosewood bridge and fingerboard. Original bridge pins and through-saddle, original nut. It is a great example of why small-bodied Gibsons are becoming so highly sought after. This is one not to be missed. The buyer may choose to purchase a period Gibson deluxe hard case - arched top and back, with brown exterior and brown velour lining for an additional US$150. New hard-shell case included. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	1930's Gibson L-00/L-0 WOW. This might be the lightest steel string guitar I've ever played. This L-00 or L-0 is an incredibly responsive instrument with a wide-open, even and balanced, complex tone. It has a well developed bass response, fantastic trebles, and sounds great with a flatpick or fingers. Red Spruce and Mahogany with black finish and a white pickguard. The action is great, and the neck is a very comfortable soft 'v' shape. There are a few very well repaired cracks, and the tuners are not original, but appropriate period replacements. 12 frets to the body, 24.75" scale, 1 3/4 nut width. Original nut, bridge and saddle, bridge pins, and fret. Truly a great guitar. SOLD

Main Photo	1923 Gibson MB Junior Mandolin Banjo Serial # 11908-7. Snakehead! This is a genuine Loar-era Gibson Mandolin-Banjo! I bet if you put a Virzi Tone-Producer in it will still sound nothing like a Loar F-5! It's kind of fun to think that old Lloyd might have actually once glanced upon this little banjolin and smiled... This MB-JR is in great shape - It's all original with the exception of the new Grover bridge that I installed earlier today! It has an incredible punch and is probably the loudest non-electric instrument in the store. 13 7/8" scale length, 9" head diameter, double co-coordinator rods, open back. possibly original hard shell case included. SOLD

Main Photo	1943 Gibson L-00 Factory order number 2008-1. An exceptionally clean, one owner Gibson L-00. This instrument arrived in our shop with its original strings! It is in wonderfully clean, collectable and playable condition, with no cracks at all, very little pickwear, and almost no fret wear. This Wartime L-00 has some unique features for this model: No truss rod (not uncommon for Gibsons from 1943), and a bound sound hole similar to the L-1 and L-2 models, as well as many Kalamazoos and Cromwells. There are very few of these X-braced L-00's that have a bound soundhole in place of a rosette, and this feature really accentuates the looks of this instrument. Add the gorgeous fire-stripe pickguard, original Kluson open-back tuners, and Gibson script logo, and the beauty of this guitar speaks for itself. This guitar is incredibly lightweight and resonant and responds to both a flatpick or fingernail with a surprising volume and punch. It's one not to pass up! New hard case included SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	1914 Gibson A-1 Mandolin This one's truly amazing! Built in 1914, this 88 year old Gibson A-1 mandolin appears to have hardly been played. It is a one-owner instrument - and was put away, literally, "in the closet" when its owner passed away in 1958. In addition, its owner, a sawmill worker, lost all his fingers in a mill accident many years before his death at the age of 88! It is an instrument well suited for both the collector and player - it is 100% original and intact, with no cracks or significant wear. "Pumpkin" spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, double wooden inlayed sound hole rings, original ebony bridge and removable saddles, original tortoise-shell celluloid pick-guard and attachment clamp, original nut and "The Gibson" tailpiece cover, pearl inlayed "The Gibson" headstock logo, original tuners and frets, 3 piece neck with Ebony center lamination, and original case. It is a great sounding A-1 to boot ,which is surprising for an instrument that has not been strung or played in half a century. It does need to be played to really 'open up', buy the buyer will be treated to an instrument that he/she will have a great time making their own. Original canvas soft/hard case included SOLD

Main Photo	1949 Gibson LG-2 Here is a crack-free, 100% original 1949 Gibson LG-2. It has plenty of finish wear, but is in otherwise great shape. It has a great woody character, coupled with a very fast response, and big volume. The neck shape is about as comfortable as they come, not huge like those from a few years earlier - but still large and rounded. It plays fast and with little effort. The top has a perfect arch, and there are no cracked or separated braces. Beautiful quartersawn Brazilian rosewood bridge, and fingerboard. Original nut, saddle, and tuners. All in all a great sounding, looking, and playing LG-2. It does come with its original chip board case, but you probably won't want it, unless you've got some great duct taping skills! SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	1965 Gibson ES-330TDC An amazingly clean guitar! Serial #307065, pot codes date 1965. This 330 is (with the exception of 1 replaced volume knob) completely original. It is in excellent condition and plays perfectly. Original tuners, frets, electronics, hardware, and case, this 330 is a great sounding bluesy and gutsy axe - in collector grade condition! The two original P-90's are a great match with the thin full-hollow body; they growl and scream as much as you want them too. The neck is in like-new condition, with next to no fret wear, and no finish wear on the back. SOLD

Main Photo	1968 Gibson Trini Lopez Deluxe Very Cool. This is the Deluxe Trini Lopez - not to be confused with its cheaper brother the Trini Lopez Standard, of which many more were built. This example from 1968 is one of 84 that Gibson built that year, and one of a total of 284 that exist on the planet. Now - there were some 1500 Les Paul 'bursts with PAFs made between 1952 and 1959 - but only 284 Trini Lopez Deluxes. However, you can still buy 30 Trini Lopez deluxes with the $75 000 it would cost you to buy one nicely flamed '58 sunburst! Well, this guitar looks, plays and sounds great. It's one of those electrics that sounds great acoustically, and you just know it will sound great plugged in. True enough. It is being consigned by one of the busiest studio musicians in the country, who just has too many guitars. It's a tough problem some lucky people have. Its neck is fast and comfortable, and the double cut-away design allow full fret board access. Two humbuckers, and 100% original except for the output jack which is the case. The original pickguard has begun to deteriorate, and has been removed from the guitar to try to save what's left of it. It is in the case, as well. SOLD

Main Photo	1958 /1959 Gibson J-200 Our latest in the "Incredible Gibsons" category is this 1959 J-200 sunburst. Serial # A29197 makes it a 1959, but FON # T5206 11 suggests 1958. Regardless of when it was built, this J-200 sounds simply amazing! The high E and B strings have a huge robust tone that you would not suspect could come out of a guitar this large. The string balance is wonderful, and the sound from this instrument will fill any room. The body is crack free with the exception of a pick-guard crack. There is next to no wear on the finish. The tuners are orginal gold Kluson Deluxe with correct replacement buttons. The bridge is non-original, but very professionally done, having the correct foot print, arch, and thickness. The orignal was replaced (I am told) because the original owner had fastened rhinestones to it. There were also rhinestones in each of the bridge's cut-outs which were removed. These small scars are visible in the detailed photos provided below. The binding on bothsides of the fingerboard from the nut to the 7th fret was professionally replaced, along with the first 7 frets some time ago. The case, too, is original (brown and pink)and in perfect condition, and the original case-cover is in great shape too!. It is a gem of a guitar, in both tone and looks. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

Main Photo	1959 Gibson J-50 This guitar is in NEAR-MINT CONDITION. 99%. The case is the same, and so are the Gibson hang tags that are still on the guitar!! Excellent condition DeArmond pick up in the case with it! (with the output jack mounted in the side- the guitar's only flaw.). It sounds great, but we think that this guitar is a collector's specimen. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Neck Joint detail

Main Photo	1922 Gibson GB-4 Guitar Banjo A rare, rare find... Gibson produced these unique instruments between 1918 and 1931. Original 14" calfskin head, exquisite figured maple 3 shade sunburst trap door resonator, 24.75" scale length, "Moccasin" headstock with inlaid "The Gibson" script logo, original pearl nut, Original 3-on-a-strip tuners with ivoroid buttons, 3 piece maple neck, original ivoroid large pickguard, extended fingerboard, original trapeze tailpiece, 34 brackets - all original, original arm rest, Original case, too!!! and, it's Lloyd Loar era!! As on P.126 Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instruments by Gruhn & Carter. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Neck Joint detail

Main Photo	1943 (or 1944) Gibson J-45 BANNER Quite possibly the best sounding J-45 I have ever heard. This guitar is truly incredible. Huge volume, rich and warm, but very articulate, with perfect balance. It is Incredibly difficult to put into words what one feels and hears when playing a good pre-war Gibson. This is one of those guitars. "Only a Gibson is good enough" banner on the headstock. The neck is large and round, measuring 1 3/4" at the nut, and fits perfectly in your hand. It is a 5-piece maple and walnut neck, with a truss rod, and a scale length of 24.75". Scalloped braces. It has Mahogany back, sides, and top; sunburst finish on the top, and a tortoiseshell celluloid teardrop pickguard. One small repaired crack on the back, one other one on the top between the bridge and the sound-hole; both are properly repaired. Non-original bridge and bridge plate; the guitar once had an oversized bridge, but it was professionally removed and replaced with a Brazilian Rosewood bridge of proper dimensions, and the top's finish was touched up in the area of the old bridge's footprint with only very minor and localized over-spray. The top has maintained its perfect arch - so crucial to its tone, and the repairs have all been professionally done. A Martin D-18 of this age and condition would cost three to four times as much!!! New hard-shell case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail Neck Joint detail

Main Photo	1951 Gibson LG-3 Beautiful sounding small-body Gibson. Original tuners and fire-stripe pickguard, Non-original Brazilian rosewood belly-up bridge. Great neck, round and comfortable. Top is perfectly arched. A couple of repaired cracks on the back. The Tone is just amazing - great string balance and volume up and down the neck, robust but still tight and precise. Original case. SOLD More photos: Front detail Back detail

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