1950 Gibson CF-100

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1950 Gibson CF-100

The CF-100 was Gibson’s first cut-away acoustic flat-top guitar upon its introduction in 1950. It was offered throughout the 1950’s until low sales forced its discontinuation at the end of 1959 along with its electrified sibling, the CF-100e. There were about 1300 CF-100s built over its production run, and this example is easily the earliest we’ve yet come across, with an FON in the 4100s. Beyond that, it’s an exceptional sounding guitar, on par with some of the best post-war LG-2s we’ve had (including my own!). It’s surprisingly open, big, and resonant, and offers a string balance and underlying bass-response not often heard in a post-war LG-2. Trebles are strident without a shrill cut, making single note melodies that are sweet and strong, particularly higher up on the neck.

Unlike the CF-100e, the acoustic CF-100 is an X braced guitar with a light build that’s largely quite similar to a comparable LG-2. Apart from some bracing changes required by the addition (or subtraction?) of a cut-away, the guitar is very much a modified LG-2 with fancier SJ style neck inlays and binding.

This example is in wonderful condition, crack free, and shows less than average playwear to its original finish. It has had its frets recently and perfectly replaced and is set up with comfortable 5-6 64th action. Like pretty much all CF-100s, this guitar has had some top cupping repaired under the pickguard and some reinforcement added to keep things stable. The deep cutaway on this model comes quite close to the soundhole, which can result in some amount of top deflection in that area. This one has had this issue remedied very professionally and is now quite stable. The bridge plate’s pin holes have been repaired, and there is a filled jack hole on the lower treble side. Tuning machines are non-original but correct, and the headstock has not been modified. No brace repairs to report on, original bridgeplate, original bridge and saddle, original nut, and original finish.

Scalloped-braces, Sitka top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Tapered headstock, three-on-a-plate tuners, upgraded Antique Acoustic unslotted bridge pins. Round neck carve with a contemporary feel (not too big), and a nut width of 1-11/16”. 24.75” scale.

With original brown and pink Gibson-branded hardshell case
1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100
  • 1950 Gibson CF-100

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