1933 Kalamazoo KG-11
1933 Kalamazoo KG-11.
First year production of this model Kalamazoo flat top and the only year of the extremely cool zipper sound hole binding (seen on later year Carson J. Robinson versions). THIS IS the holy grail KG11, the lightest built with the thinnest tops and knife like bracing and consequently best sounding of all years, hands down honest!
These early models have the most precise radius to the seemingly seamless Adirondack spruce tops and this example could perhaps actually be a one piece top, we just can’t be certain….we do see the solid non kerfed steam bent lining also on ’33-’34 L00s and that is special. Don’t you love the small burst on this guitar? We call this the Lloyd Loar sunburst.
Comfortable to play with great action and a headstock you could just stare at all day. Nary a crack anywhere and all original sans the as found replacement set of period correct and well functioning proper black button tuners.
All this one needed was some binding repair, a pro neck set, fret dress with new bone saddle and a set up. Work impeccably performed by David Hatchard of Exeter New Hampshire. 1 3/4″ nut, 3-2 action with proper string break and perfecto intonation.
Acknowledged by both players and collectors as one of the very best finger picking blues guitars ever made….and like us, you will wait a long time to come across a comparable example.
To my way of thinking, the KG-11 was one of the best ideas Gibson ever had. I have never heard a bad sounding one yet but these early examples are the best of the best!!
This guitar reaches out from the depression era and sez…play me!
Enjoy the YouTube videos.
- Year: 1933
- Manufacturer: Gibson
- Model: Kalamazoo KG-11
- Case: Hard
- Color: Small sun burst
- Condition: Very Good