RIJSBERGEN, Netherlands
About this listing
A rare 1938 Kalamazoo KG-21, built by the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Co. in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Gibson developed the Kalamazoo line as a more affordable alternative to its higher-priced Gibson models. Today, these early Kalamazoo models have become highly sought-after pre-war instruments.This relatively compact archtop features a solid spruce top with double binding and a curved mahogany back and sides. The body has the L-00-style shape characteristic of Kalamazoo and is finished in a beautiful dark sunburst. The mahogany neck has a fairly substantial V-shape and a rosewood fingerboard.The Kalamazoo is completely original. Naturally, over the course of its nearly ninety years, the guitar has accumulated the usual signs of wear. In the past, the side had a crack that was expertly repaired; see photos. Cleats have also been added to the inside.Even the frets are original. They’ve worn down quite a bit by now, and a refret would certainly be worth considering in the future. For now, we’ve decided to keep the original frets. The guitar is well-adjusted and has a nice low action, which makes it play surprisingly well and comfortably despite the worn frets.Despite its compact size, the KG-21 has a surprisingly full sound. It has a direct response and that typical dry, warm pre-war sound that really shines in blues, roots, fingerstyle, and other traditional American music styles.This Kalamazoo comes with the (well-worn) original case from the period when the guitar was first sold. It also includes a few old string packages, which give the whole thing just that little bit of extra vintage character.
Price€1,675
+ €75 Shipping
