1963 Gibson F-25 Folksinger — Excellent Condition

A beautiful 1963 Gibson F-25 Folksinger, one of Gibson's distinctive Kalamazoo-made acoustic guitars of the 1960s. This is an excellent-condition example of a relatively uncommon model, featuring the classic small-body/Grand Concert-style design, solid Sitka spruce top, Honduran mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and Gibson's signature wide 2" nut.

The F-25 Folksinger was introduced in 1963 and remained in production through the early 1970s. It was designed as a comfortable, versatile acoustic with a surprisingly powerful and balanced voice. The combination of a spruce top, mahogany body, X-bracing, and relatively compact body produces excellent clarity, warmth, and projection. 

Excellent Vintage Condition

This guitar is in Excellent condition, presenting beautifully for a 60-plus-year-old instrument. It has the look, feel, and character of a genuine early-1960s Gibson while remaining a very practical and playable vintage acoustic.

Important Pickguard Note

The original F-25's distinctive double white pickguards are no longer on the guitar. They have been replaced with PVC tortoiseshell material, giving the instrument a classic vintage appearance while being clearly distinguishable from the original Gibson white guards.

The replacement pickguards are an intentional modification and are disclosed here for complete transparency. The iconic double-guard configuration remains intact, but the material is now tortoiseshell PVC rather than the original white material. Period F-25 examples are documented with the characteristic two-piece white pickguard arrangement. 

Construction & Sound

The F-25 is a particularly interesting Gibson acoustic because of its combination of a compact concert-sized body and full 2" nut. It's exceptionally comfortable for fingerstyle playing, while the X-braced spruce/mahogany construction gives it considerably more punch and low-end than its size might suggest.

The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge add another touch of quality to what was already a beautifully conceived American-made instrument. Contemporary vintage examples have been described as having a clear, woody voice with impressive low end and excellent recording qualities. 

Specifications

• Brand: Gibson

• Model: F-25 Folksinger

• Year: 1963

• Country of Manufacture: USA

• Factory: Gibson, Kalamazoo, Michigan

• Series: Folksinger

• Body Style: Concert / Grand Concert

• Number of Strings: 6

• Number of Frets: 18

• Neck-to-Body Joint: 12th fret

• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce

• Back: Solid Honduran Mahogany

• Sides: Solid Honduran Mahogany

• Neck: One-piece Honduran Mahogany

• Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood

• Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood

• Tuners: Kluson

• Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl dots

• Headstock: Black-faced Gibson headstock

• Pickguards: Two-piece configuration; replacement PVC tortoiseshell material

• Bracing: X-braced

• Scale Length: Approximately 24 5/8"–24 3/4"

• Nut Width: 2"

• Body Width: Approximately 14 1/4"

• Body Depth: Approximately 4 3/8"

• Fingerboard Radius: Flat / no radius

• Neck Profile: Medium/full C-D shape

• Truss Rod: Adjustable

• Finish: Natural

• Finish Type: Nitrocellulose lacquer

• Electronics: None

• Pickup: None

• String Type: Steel

• Orientation: Right-handed

Specifications above are consistent with documented 1963 F-25 examples; individual period examples show minor dimensional variation, particularly in measured scale length and nut width.

A Special Early Kalamazoo Gibson

The early-1960s F-25 is a great example of Gibson's Kalamazoo-era craftsmanship. These instruments were made during an important period in Gibson's acoustic-guitar history and have become increasingly appreciated for their distinctive designs, old-growth tonewoods, and excellent vintage character.

The F-25 is considerably less commonplace than Gibson's better-known dreadnought models, making an early example like this an especially interesting addition to a vintage Gibson collection.

A beautiful 1963 Gibson F-25 Folksinger with excellent vintage condition, classic Kalamazoo construction, Brazilian rosewood appointments, and the unmistakable double-pickguard design—updated with tasteful PVC tortoiseshell replacements.

Original Hardshell Case Included