1930 Gibson Kel Kroydon

I am so pleased to share this very cool offering …. the magical and even mystical Kel Kroydon KK1. This is the only original example of this quality for sale in North America at the present time.

A holly grail guitar for the most accomplished finger style pickers. At just over 2.5 lbs, these are considered the lightest Gibson flat top guitars ever built. It is a depression era wonder, essentially the equal of a 1930 12 fret Gibson L1 without the adjustable truss rod. Built to help Gibson through the depression and not many survivors left. This one has a faint 4 digit FON beginning in 97 making it certain to be 1930.

This guitar is 100% original to the last fret. Totally crack free and the flattest top we’ve ever come across. Un molested original bridge and bridge plate, no wavy sound hole, no belly, no fretboard divots, perfect fretboard radius with a comfortable “C” neck profile and original fully functional tuners. Never any re finish or funny business what so ever, period!

For those who are in the know about these, I’m preaching to the choir. For those who don’t, it would be worthwhile to get on the net and read what others say bout them. Razor sharp X braced, ultra thin Red Spruce tops and light gauge mahogany back and sides. Mahogany neck with Brazilian rosewood fret board and bridge. 12 fret vintage joy.

I had Ross Teigen of Naples Florida perform the set up which included cleaning, re glue of a brace, reset the neck, add a new bone saddle and some Willi Henkes Antique Acoustics Gibson repro bridge pins. That’s it. Ross’s work is impeccable. The set up is truly worthy of any accomplished player. 1 3/4″ nut with perfect intonation and action set a hair over 3-2 at the 12th. Currently strung with light gauge bronze 011 – 052 German made Pyramid brand strings. Totally acceptable for this particular guitar.

The cosmetics? Very clean with minor scratches and honest play wear and some cool bear claw below the bridge.

The sound characteristics? Kel Kroydon’s are legendary. Please watch Frank Corso play some cool vintage blues licks on this old girl.