I am offering here a Kalamazoo KG-31 from 1936, a handcrafted in Kalamazoo, Michigan (USA), at the legendary Gibson Kalamazoo factory vintage hollowbody archtop jazz acoustic guitar, featuring an arched spruce top with two F-holes, back and sides made of mahogany, set mahogany neck with 42.9mm bone nut and V-shaped neck profile, bound brazilian rosewood fingerboard (!) with mother-of-pearl dot inlays and professional refret, open 3-on-a-plate tuners with white buttons, height-adjustable floating brazilian rosewood bridge with trapeze tailpiece as well as professionally upgraded K&K Pure Mini pickup in an authentically aged sunburst finish in well maintained condition, including GEWA hardshell case and professional setup with 11-gauge strings.

The Kalamazoo brand was launched by Gibson in the early 1930s as a secondary brand to offer high-quality yet more affordable instruments even during the economically difficult years of the Great Depression. Kalamazoo instruments were produced in the same factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Gibson guitars were also made. Many models shared designs, materials, and manufacturing methods with their Gibson counterparts, which is why Kalamazoo guitars are now regarded as authentic vintage instruments with direct Gibson DNA. Due to their comparatively low production numbers and excellent value for money, they are highly sought after today by collectors and musicians alike.

The KG-31 is one of the most elegant archtop models in the Kalamazoo series. With its fully hollow construction and arched spruce top featuring two F-holes, it embodies the typical sound and charm of American pre-war archtops. Its exceptionally light weight of just 1.86kg ensures remarkable resonance and an extremely lively playing feel.

Sonically, the guitar impresses with a warm, woody, and distinctly open tone. The combination of a spruce top and mahogany body produces a balanced tone with clear mids, pleasant highs, and a quick response. Acoustically, the KG-31 is ideal for traditional jazz, swing, gypsy, blues, and fingerstyle playing.

A sound sample of the model can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

The professionally installed K&K Pure Mini further expands the guitar’s versatility with a very natural amplified sound, making it an excellent choice for both stage and studio use.

The set mahogany neck with a rather chunky V-profile delivers the authentic playing feel of a vintage archtop from the pre-war era. Combined with the bound brazilian rosewood fingerboard and the medium-length 635mm scale, it creates an exceptionally comfortable and inspiring playing experience.

Visually, the KG-31 impresses with a beautifully aged sunburst nitro finish, single-layer cream binding, and an unmistakable vintage vibe.

Technical Specifications:

• Origin: Kalamazoo, MI, USA
• Year of Manufacture: 1936
• Top: Spruce with two F-holes
• Back / Sides: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany, set-in
• Neck Profile: “V”
• Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood with mother-of-pearl dot inlays, bound
• Frets: 19, professionally refretted
• Nut: 42.9mm bone (Upgrade)
• Headstock: Mahogany Black Face
• Tuners: 3-on-a-plate with white knobs
• Bridge: Adjustable floating brazilian rosewood bridge
• Tailpiece: Trapeze tailpiece
• Hardware: Nickel
• Pickup: K&K Pure Mini (Upgrade)
• Bindings: Cream, single-ply
• Finish: Sunburst, nitrocellulose
• Scale length: 635mm
• Weight: 1.86kg
• Serial No.: 822B
• Includes black GEWA hardshell case

The Kalamazoo archtops were manufactured only between 1933 and 1942 and are rare today.

This Kalamazoo KG-31 is in excellent condition and technically flawless. Visually, after 90 years, there is various superficial wear that together creates a beautiful, authentic vintage patina (see photos). The guitar has undergone a professional luthier setup, during which a new bone nut was installed and the frets were refretted.

The instrument has been professionally set up with 11-52 strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €29.99 within Germany or €79.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping is available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All images shown are of the actual instrument for sale.

Note: Because it was built before 1947, this guitar is subject to antique regulations and is exempt from CITES restrictions on protected woods in accordance with applicable regulations.