GOWER D-35 1958 Natural. Extremely Rare. Incredible Tone. Highly Collectible. An amazing Guitar.

GOWER

ELECTRIC GUITAR.

1958

MODEL

D-35

SN: 2-374

EXTREMELY

RARE

QUICK PREFACE NOTE: This is one of my favorite guitars in my collection. To me it represents the essence of the development of the guitar as an electrical instrument-maybe even the maturation of a sound that started acoustically. And these were the folks who were culturally and musically qualified to make it. Gospel singing guitar playing religious folk who were honest and devoted. But yet an oddly chosen profession-guitar builders-in a part of the US South where most everyone worked the land six days a week and went to church on the seventh day. Still it was honest work done with faith in God. Then the turn back from the “wild side” music that electric guitars were making in the hands of players like Willie Nelson (shown in one of the photos here). Maybe this was the beginning of” outlaw music”. But here in the good land of rural Tennessee the good people of GOWER went acoustic once again.

ABOUT THE BUILDER:

This ad is for an EXTREMELY RARE ELECTRIC GUITAR built in the late 1950’s by the GOWER GUITAR COMPANY. Those who know GOWER GUITARS know everything about them and those who don’t, should.

For the un-anointed, here are some details from online which go a very long way toward telling the backline story:

“Xxx Xxxxx, the son of one of the Gowers who made guitars, sent me an email message in August, 2003 with a little more information about the family and their guitar-making. Bobby Gower (Max's father), Bobby's brother JW, and his sister Alma (Gower) Moore built the guitars. JW died in the 1990's but Bobby and Alma are still alive. Max thinks they sold the business to Grammar Guitars in the 1970's. (Another family member, Charles [Ricky] Moore, sent me a correction to this: see below.)

“Yyyy Yyyyy, Alma's son (and JW's nephew), sent me a message shortly after I heard from Max. He reports that his mother and his uncle started the company in 1955, initially building guitars in a garage. They built both acoustics and electrics, and moved into a a bigger building in the early 60's. They did mass produce accoustics (I had thought it was just a hobby) until about 1972.

Mr. Yyyyy thinks they probably made some number of thousands of guitars over the years they were operating. Alma also worked for Grammer Guitar (. Apparently, the company was still supposed to use the Gower name, but Billy decided to put his own name on the guitars. Yyyyy reports that Grammer Guitar was sold to Tut Taylor in the mid 70's; Alma worked at Taylor's and then went to worked at Gibson for 11 Years.

Here's more information from Mr. Yyyyy:

Grammer never bought out Gower. This is what happened according to my Mom. It was when my mother and Uncle JW were building guitars in their garage that Billy Grammer approached them to go into business. When my uncle JW found out they were going to put "Grammer" on the Guitars, my uncle got mad and left Grammer and went into business as Gower Guitar. My mother worked at Grammer's briefly after JW left, then she left and went back to join my uncle at Gower Guitars. When Gower Guitar went out of business my mother went back to Grammers.

Zzzz Zzzzz wrote with some information about Grammer Guitars, and sent a pair of nice photographs of his guitar. Note the similarity in headstocks to the Gowers in the photos. Here is his information.

Hi,

My name is Zzzz Zzzzz  . I really enjoyed your page on Gower Guitars. I live in Benton, Il about 6 miles from Zzzz Grammer. I play music with him from time to time. I am 41, so I am the junior in the bunch!! I have the 87th Grammer made. Lowest number Zzzzz knows of in private hands.

Let me tell you his take on the company. The dates and such are correct, Ruth his wife agrees, the Gower split, ??, This is his side... Clyde Reed, JW Gower and Billy started the company, that’s the RG&G found on the early ones. Billy owned 51% of the company. He also figured if he was going to be the main spokesman and at the time had the most name recognition, Grammer should be on the headstock. (sounds reasonable). They bought and cut up a D28 Martin to see how it was but together... spent a year in trial and error. First Grammer was in March of 65... started production on April 7, '65... built 5 guitars a week. He also said they never gave a guitar away to any entertainers, but sold the guitars at cost to get them out there. In 65 a new D28 was $395 and a G58 was $495. Billy says JW left because Grammer was put on the guitars and not Gower so i guess that part jives. After the fire in '68, he sold the company to Ampeg. Dan Armstrong killed the Grammer as he talked Ampeg into focusing on his guitar because it was electric and Ampeg was really an amp builder, also makes sense.

NOTE OF DISCLOSURE: The quotes above have been taken from an excellent public educational website (RE: UIUC-University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign) dedicated to the history of Gower (and Grammer). The names of individual contributors have been aliased.

ABOUT THE GUITAR:

BODY: Solid ALDER.

NECK: MAPLE.

FRETBOARD: Brazilian ROSEWOOD.

BRIDGE: Floating EBONY.

PICKUPS: Two (2) Original. Single Coil.

KNOBS: 2 Volume. 1 Tone.

SWITCH: 3 Way Toggle.

FRETS: Small.

BRIDGE: “Cast Aluminum”

TUNERS: Original. Kluson “Tulip”

PEARL DOT INLAYS.

FINISH:  “Nitro Clear”

CASE: Original? Not sure but it fits.

This is one of those “vintage” guitars with an “obvious vibe”.

THE COOL VIVE OF THIS GUITAR.

Another one of my collection guitar that plays in a world of its own. There is no way to really describe how this guitar plays and how it sounds. The neck is comfortable and fists just about any hand very comfortably. It is a very well balanced guitar and hangs very comfortably. For its sound, I describe it as an “universally honest” tone and fullness but with a high kick of power that comes from playing it quickly and all over the fretboard and it “staying with you”-no skip, slide, or screech. Those who have played it have stayed mostly at the top of the fretboard near the nut doing a lot of chording and rhythm playing (and some power chords). It does a great job of keeping the thunder and sustain going. And for those players who stayed from fret No. 9 down to the neck pickup, it screamed when pushed with slides and then sparkled with clean pristine tones when picked. But those are all subjective observations but are really intended to show the endless capabilities of this guitar. It is simply one of the most amazing playing and sounding guitars in my collection.

Included here is a really cool photo of one of these guitars being played in the late ‘50’s/ early ‘60’s and yes, that’s Willy playing bass.

CONDITION OF THIS INSTRUMENT.

Mechanically and electronically, it performs quite well. And the Neck is straight and the action is great.

Cosmetically, I would rate it a 6 of 10 due to the numerous dings, scraps, scratches, etc.

The pickguard appears to be original but has newer pickup rings (not original) added.

Please remember to read our policies and procedures listed below.

OTHER. As to possible “exchanges”, I can only say “once a trader, always a trader” so don’t hold back.

 MY TRY IT OUT POLICY.

Understanding the normal hesitation of buying a guitar without first playing it, I want to make sure these guitars make you happy. To accomplish that, I want you to try them for 72 hours (three days). Play them, hold them, walk around with them on your back, sleep with then-whatever it takes for you to make sure these are the ones for you. During that time, you can return them for a full refund of your payment price (but of course they need to be treated well while you have them, as I expect you will) less shipping cost and you must pay the cost to ship it back to us.

If it arrives damaged, please let me know immediately by email. Be sure to hold onto all packing material and the box. I will contact the shipper for an inspection. Remember that this can take up to a couple of weeks but I will rush it along.

Minor problems. If there is a problem with one of the guitars when it arrives, e.g., loose wires etc. then I will work with you to get it repaired by someone in your area.  

OTHER POLICIES.

A. Payment Policy: PAYMENT DUE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PURCHASE.

B. Shipping Policy: Buyers outside USA must contact me for shipping quote prior to buying this guitar.

C. Return Policy:

1. Returnable for total refund within 3 days of delivery. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer pays all return shipping costs.

2. Returns of undamaged and unmodified instruments may allowed after the 3 day “try it out” period, with permission of Seller, for a period of up to 14 days following delivery but will be subject to a 20% restocking fee. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs.

D. Refunds: Buyer receives a full refund in their original payment method less any shipping charges and restocking fees if appropriate.

E. The guarantee:

1. The guitar is in the cosmetic condition as described in this ad. Used guitars will all have signs of use to include dings, dents, scratches, smudges, etc.

2. The guitar is in fully operational condition.        

3. Buyer has 72 hrs. to inspect the guitar or have it inspected. Any defects, damage, misrepresentations or other problems must be reported within that time period in writing to the Seller.

4. In the case of damage during shipment, Buyer shall immediately inform seller of such damage and will maintain all original packing materials and box for inspection by the transportation company.

5. If other problems are discovered, Seller will either arrange for repair etc. at a location near the Buyer or request that the Buyer return the guitar to the Seller. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs.

Seller will correct indicated problems and ship the guitar back to the Buyer within 7-10 days of receiving it.

6. Refund Procedure.

 a. In the event that the guitar cannot be repaired or replaced with a similar item from Seller’s inventory, the Seller will provide a full refund in their original payment method less any shipping charges and restocking fees if appropriate.

  b. During this 72-hour evaluation period, the Buyer may return the guitar for any reason by notifying Seller and receiving a Return Authorization number. Guitar must be in the same condition as received by the Buyer. Buyer pays cost of shipping guitar back to Seller.

  c. Returns may be allowed, with permission of Seller and issuance of RA#, after the 72 hour evaluation period for up to 14 days total but a standard 20% Restocking Fee will be charged for the return. Guitar must be in the same condition as received by the Buyer. Buyer pays cost of shipping guitar back to Seller.

NOTE: I want each Buyer of a guitar from my collection to be pleased and happy with his/her purchase so let me know immediately of any problems with your purchase so that we can work it out. Thanks.

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