Kalamazoo / KG11 / 1935 / Sunburst / Guitar
Gibson's Depression era Kalamazoo line of guitars are gaining respect in the vintage guitar world, and provide great intrinsic value considering the relative cost. While built as a less expensive alternative to the "Only A Gibson Is Good Enough" flat-tops during the Great Depression, Kalamazoos were constructed by the same factory workers that built the standard Gibson line of guitars. Built very light, the Kalamazoo flat tops are punchy and resonant, and this one is a great example. The KG-11 body shape is the only Gibson-made instrument to sport this particular form, with a lower bout echoing L-00's of the period, and a unique, truncated upper bout dimension. The sound of this particular Kalamazoo belies its smaller size, and comes close to a standard L-00 in timbre. This example has clearly seen a lot of play over the last 79 years, with nicks. dings and several repairs, it has also had the original ladder braces replaced and is now X braced. This means the guitar is far more resonant than it would have been originally, and although it handles the blues with ease, it's now a far more versatile guitar. The V profile neck is very comfortable, and the action is very easy. All Kalamazoos represent a more affordable way to buy a vintage Gibson made guitar, but with X bracing this particular example competes tonally with the far more expensive Gibson L00's. The guitar comes in a non original hard case.
Glenns Guitars, UK
Welcome to Glenn's Guitars here on Vintage & Rare. After many years in the industry, and having been fortunate enough to have worked in Hanks and The Acoustic Centre - probably London's two foremost acoustic guitar shops - I decided to do my own thing.
I have a passion for used and vintage acoustic guitars; nearly new second hand guitars because they can represent a bargain compared to the price of a new guitar, older and vintage guitars because they tend to have more character and can often become an investment.
You will notice when viewing my stock list my taste in guitars, as I only sell guitars that I genuinely like - and there are certain brands noticeable by their absence. I am a huge fan of older Gibson, Martin and Guild acoustics, but also more boutique brands such as Lowden and Collings.
I will consider part exchange if it makes your desired guitar a little easier to afford. I also offer a guitar finding service, if there's something specific you're looking for.
If you are happy to buy over the internet, I will send you as many high resolution photos and as much information about the guitar you're interested in as I can. If you can get to me - I'm based in Enfield, only 30 minutes from London Liverpool Street Station - you can always make an appointment with me and come and try some of the guitars out first.
I accept payment by Paypal, bank transfer, cheque and of course cash.