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Highly sought after 1940 all original Kalamazoo KG 16 guitar in the best condition of any I can find online.  This guitar has the one thing you can't build into a guitar:  75 years.  If you're really serious about getting "that sound" this is the one you're looking for.  

ABSOLUTELY NO ISSUES--some scratches (duh) but nothing to impede structural integrity, longevity, sound or super playability:  low action, no cracks, no buzzing, no loose braces, no neck problems, tuners work great:  ready to play right out of its horrible soft case.  (And before I forget it:  YES, it has original tortoise shell pick guard, not pictured because I don't need it but it's in great condition too.)

A bit of advice:  If you don't buy this one, buy one that doesn't need work or you're going end up paying for it again.  Although mine might be a tad more than (and a good bit less) than others out there at the moment, its condition justifies my asking somewhat more--shop around, consult some of the vintage instrument sellers who carry these when they can find them, and you'll see why.  

As for why this is the model you're looking for: This is virtually identical to the KG 21, the model Robert Johnson many believe used on his final recording session. (The only differences between the KG 16 and the KG 21 is the finish on the back and that some KG 21s had a chunkier "V" neck; this one's is closer to a modern "C".)  

To my ears, both models  are the bluesiest guitars ever made, bar none.  If you're looking for the guitar that has...all THAT, this is IT:  the magic trick of super dry snap and sustain for days, incredible bell-like inner reverb.  

It's a diminutive guitar--10" upper bout, 14: lower; incredibly comfortable and light--but exudes mojo, and is LOUD.

All that in a perfect player.  Set up for adults (12 gauge strings, action 3mm at 12th) it can fly.  Set up for kids (lighter gauge, lower action), no problem--still sounds great, no buzzing, though of course doesn't have the full force that archtops can only deliver with a bit heavier strings.   

All solid wood and, I believe, all original, although the tuners may have been changed at some point.  If so, the ones on it now are both vintage-appropriate but also work great.  
Comes with a soft case absolutely suitable for getting it from me to you and storage.  FREE SHIPPING.  

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Listed11 years ago
ConditionGood (Used)
Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • KG-16
Finish
  • Iced Tea Sunburst
Categories
Year
  • 1940
Made In
  • United States
Pickup
  • None
Fretboard Material
  • Rosewood
Body Shape
  • Archtop
String Type
  • Steel
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Finish Pattern
  • Sunburst
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Top Material
  • Spruce
Back Material
  • Mahogany
Color Family
  • Orange
Sides Material
  • Mahogany
Active Preamp
  • No
Number of Frets
  • 19

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Vic's

Athens, GA, United States
Joined Reverb:2014

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