The Gibson Style O Artist with a sunburst finish was a radical and innovative acoustic guitar, produced from 1908 to approximately 1925. Featuring a striking scroll on the bass side of the body and an extended neck with 15 frets, it utilized a finish inspired by the mandolin designs of Orville Gibson.

In 1908, Gibson's mandolin-inspired approach to guitar design became clearly visible with the introduction of a new Style O model featuring a scroll-shaped body. In 1911, when the more conventional 16-inch guitar, the L4, came onto the market, catalogs began referring to the Style O by the name most collectors use for it today: the Style O Artist.

Not only was the appearance radical, but it was also functionally very modern and innovative. Whereas most guitars from that period had necks with 12 frets clear of the body, the design of the Style O's upper treble offered greater access to the fingerboard with 15 frets clear of the body. Otherwise, the Style O was a typical Gibson instrument. Like most Gibsons from that era, it had a carved spruce top and a birch back and sides. The mahogany neck has a particularly thick V-profile and, as a guitar from after 1921, is equipped with a truss rod.

Given that this guitar is over 100 years old, it is remarkably clean and well-preserved. The guitar has accumulated the expected signs of wear and dents over the years and has also undergone some repairs. For instance, the center seam on the back of the body has been repaired with cleats, and a break in the heel has been glued. The guitar is otherwise very clean, and its excellent condition makes it a unique opportunity to own and play this historic Gibson model!

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.

Consignment.

photos of: Actual Instrument