Kalamazoo (by Gibson) Mandolin-Banjo (Banjolin) 1935's

The Kalamazoo banjo-mandolin from the mid-1935 to 1937 period was produced during a particularly significant time in Gibson's history, when the Great Depression hit the American music industry hard.

In the early 1930s, Gibson's very survival was threatened by the collapse of the instrument market, prompting the company to temporarily diversify its production into wooden toys in order to stay in business.

It was in this context that the Kalamazoo brand was born, named after the Michigan city where Gibson was based. It was first used for a range of toys before being applied, in 1933, to a line of more affordable instruments manufactured by Gibson.

Kalamazoo instruments were designed to offer an economical alternative while maintaining serious manufacturing methods and genuine American craftsmanship.

The Kalamazoo banjo-mandolin produced around 1935 is a perfect example of this philosophy, combining the sound projection of a banjo with the tuning and playing style of a mandolin, a format that was very popular in acoustic ensembles and orchestras of the time.

Although positioned as an entry-level or mid-range instrument, this banjoline incorporates many technical features from Gibson 00-style banjos, which are now sought after for their direct and authentic sound.

These Kalamazoo models were intended for export, particularly to South Africa, and bear the “Made in U.S.A.” label characteristic of instruments shipped outside the United States, reinforcing their historical interest and rarity since very few were produced.

The absence of a serial number is typical of these Kalamazoo instruments, with Gibson archives indicating that an extremely limited number of examples were shipped between 1935 and 1937, giving this instrument a particularly confidential and collectible status.

This Kalamazoo banjo-mandolin from 1935-1937 represents a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic Gibson instrument, steeped in history, with a unique sound and great musical and collectible potential.

Technical specifications:

• Soundboard: Organic
• Resonator: Maple
• Hoop: Maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut width: 30.5 mm
• Radius: Flat
• Frets: 15 frets
• Scale length: 352 mm
• Profile: C / V
• Country of manufacture: United States, Kalamazoo
• Year: 1935 - 1937
• Finish: Sunburst
• Decorations: Rosette around the soundbox / White mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays
• Details: Apocryphal buttons and bridge / Excellent condition / Delivered without case

Like all our instruments, this banjo-mandolin has been carefully adjusted.

This makes it very comfortable to play.

The sound of this banjo-mandolin is lively, snappy, and extremely projective, with a clear attack and incisive midrange that easily cuts through an acoustic ensemble.

It delivers a tone that is both percussive and warm, ideal for traditional music, old-time, ragtime, or any group looking for a strong rhythmic and melodic presence.