Gibson Special #3 made in Kalamazoo, MI in 1941. Serial number 27786G-7. I have located the serial number in the Spann book on page 178 validating it's model and year of manufacture. These little guitars have a similar configuration as the L-30 and L-37 with a more elaborate finish, continuing the sunburst on the sides as well as the back and back of the neck. I believe the bodies are Maple and the top is carved Spruce. The guitar has the original pick guard, Brazilian Rosewood bridge, and tail piece as well as Kulson three-on-a-plate tuners with black knobs matching the black nut. The guitar has additionally been amplified some years ago with the addition of a tone and volume pot on either side on the upper bout and the 1/4" jack in the center on the upper bout on the treble side.

There was the addition of a vintage blade pickup screwed to the top of the guitar that was not working when I acquired the instrument. I filled the cavity and routed for a small reveal in top and added a Johnny Smith style recessed pickup. Four small screw holes were patched and finished on the top above and below the pickup.

The guitar is nice piece of vintage history that plays well and sounds terrific. The neck has a surprising fat C profile unlike the more common V neck for this time period. The Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard shows very little playwear for the exception of the first few frets. The truss rod has been oiled and adjusted. Included with the sale of the guitar is an older loose fitting hard shell case with bright yellow interior.

Nut width = 1 11/16"

String height at the 12th fret on the bass side = 5/32"

String height at the 12th fret on the treble side = 3/32"

Scale length = 24 3/4"

Weight = 4.91 lbs

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Pearl Guitars, Portland Oregon