Kalamazoo KG-12, 1939 - Amber Burst

For sale is a beautifully preserved 1939 Kalamazoo KG-12 in a rare amber burst finish (L-00 body shape). The finish is super clean for an 87 year old guitar and it appears that all parts are original (nut, bridge, pickguard, tuners…not sure about the saddle). It had a recent neck reset at Nashville Fretworks so it is in superb playing condition with a straight neck and low action. Shelly Ferrell said they didn’t have to do any refret work at the time because the originals were in such good condition (apparently it hasn’t been played all that much). The top center seam has been re-glued and cleated as well as a few other areas that needed addressed. Overall, it is in fine structural condition…and the sound, well, there’s nothing like that dry, woody, mid-range tone of a ladder-braced small bodied mahogany/spruce guitar for bluesy finger picking and light flat picking.

If you’re looking for an affordable vintage instrument that is ready to play without having to invest a ton of restorative work, this is it! Made by Gibson in the Kalamazoo factory, these depression era Kalamazoos are a real treat. The prices of these have only been going up and up, so now is a good time to get in. It comes with its original case, but it’s not in very good shape (I wouldn’t take the guitar out of the house in it).

I have described/photographed this guitar as accurately as possible. Please don’t buy it if you aren’t sure you want it. I am an individual seller, not a store, and adhere to Reverb’s “as-is” policies. As always, setup is a personal preference. The action is currently very comfortable for both finger and flat picking. Any adjustments would be between you and your luthier…there is plenty of room on the saddle. Specs: nut width = 45mm (approx. 1-3/4”), saddle spacing from low e to high e = 59.5mm (approx. 2-11/16”), and traditional Gibson short scale with pronounced, soft “V” neck. The low e string action height of approx. 7/64” at the 12th fret.

Shipping in the continental US only. NO SHIPPING OCTOBER 19-26.

Thanks for looking!