Vintage
- Display 15 Products per page
-
Add to Compare1929-1933 Gibson Nick Lucas Special, Brazilian Rosewood/Spruce
Rare is an understatement when it comes to this extraordinary Gibson Nick Lucas, crafted sometime between 1929 and 1933. Featuring Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides, this guitar is a true gem from Gibson’s golden era.
Adding to its story, based on our research it appears to have been retopped by Gibson in the 1960s. This meticulous work not only explains the pristine condition of the finish but also gives insight into subtle details like the sunburst style on the top, the differences in binding between the top and back, and the laminated bridge plate—features that were not typical of Gibson’s 1930s build practices.
At its core, this is a prewar Nick Lucas Special—a rare and iconic model—with the coveted combination of Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, a 12-fret neck, and an ornate headstock inlay. To date, only a handful of Brazilian Rosewood Nick Lucas models with 12-fret necks have ever surfaced, making this one of the rarest examples of an already legendary instrument we’ve ever seen.
This Gibson Nick Lucas combines historical significance with undeniable beauty and tonal prowess. A collector’s centerpiece with a unique voice to match.Other keywords/misspellings:Luthier, lutherie, vintage, heirloom,
$26,000 Add to cartScale Length 24.9 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.063 in Woods Spruce, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1944 Martin 000-21, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
Oh, to lose track of time with this piece of history. Our 1944 000-21 is a sweet dream made reality; last year Martin exclusively used Adirondack Spruce, and one of the last serial numbers to have scalloped braces; straight-lace Brazilian Rosewood back and sides; silk-smooth setup. The voice has the liveliness and depth that can only come with age, and is a treat to behold under both fingertips and flatpicks. 21-Style appointments throughout, herringbone rosette, and original case and finish, as are the bridge and plate.
Other keywords: lutherie, cf martin, orchestra model, ooo, 21-style, fingerstyle, ’44
Additional Demo: https://youtu.be/O5-X7McZwEw
$29,120 Add to cartScale Length 24.9 in Nut Width 1.688 in String Spacing 2.125 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1954 Martin D-28, Brazilian Rosewood/Spruce
Oh, the sweets to be had with a well played and wide awake Martin D-28. This beau comes from 1954–70 years young today–and has seen lots of musical action since then. We always love to see a guitar that hasn’t hidden in the shadows, but instead has been out and about and making music. We’ve got Spruce on top, Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with some nice spiderwebbing in the figure, and a number of solid repairs from years of use. The top has the marks to prove it, and the neck is worn in with an instantly familiar feel.
Ready to step into a vintage Martin that’s seen lots of music, and is ready for even more? Give us a shout to schedule a live demo, or take it home on trial.
Other keywords/misspellings – d28, brazilain, 140188, dreadnaught, dreadnought, 50s
$15,600 Add to cartScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.68 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1951 Martin D-28, Brazilian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce
A great example of an early ’50s Martin D-28 that’s been played a lot over the years, and is in great playing shape for many more to come. This one comes to us from the period when Martin was still using Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, by the 1950s they were using Sitka Spruce tops. There are some repairs, see our specs tabs for more details, but our repair staff have gone over this instrument from tuners to tail to confirm a clean bill of health. 1951 is a good year with this beauty in your hands.
Other keywords/misspellings – cf martin, brazilain, vintage, dreadnought, dreadnaught, stika spruce, 121785
$20,800 Add to cartScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.625 in String Spacing 2.125 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1894 Beitel, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
When you listen carefully, a little piece of history can be heard crackling in the voice of vintage instruments such as this 1894 Parlor guitar from C.T. Beitel (1869-1916), one of the only examples existent today. Beitel, who worked with Martin at the end of the nineteenth century, has been identified by some as the first American-born apprentice at Martin. Clemence was the cousin of C.A. Zoebisch, Martin’s distributer in those days. This instrument was completed and signed by Beitel in June of 1894, and you can still see his signature on the underside of the top (“C.T. Beitel, 6/94, Easton”).
Understandably, this Parlor is similar to Martin’s instruments at the time in many ways, but it doesn’t fit neatly into any of Martin’s appointment packages. The top is X braced and features a Pearl rosette and Herringbone purflings. The body and neck is bound in actual Ivory (which was also used to make the oval-shaped tuner buttons). The Maple bridge plate is to all appearances original, as is bridge, the Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, and the Adirondack Spruce top. The tuners are original as well: German-built Jerome tuners engraved with flowers. These tuners were only found on Martin’s most decadent models from this period.
The voice is creamy smooth and tinged with warm overtones, and plays very easily. Weighing under three pounds, this Beitel is a true featherweight, but still manages to pack a lot of sound into a small package. We’d expect no less from an instrument that precedes us by over 117 years!
Here’s an additional demo with Steve Newbrough: https://youtu.be/_VCF1IEdWfE
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.56 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.41 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1962 Bozo 12 String Brazilian/Sitka Kotke Played One
Bozo Podunavac’s guitars always inspire strong reactions. Whether simple or ornate, once you’ve played one it is hard to forget. Back in the early 70’s Bozo built a few guitars for Leo Kottke — this one predates those! In fact, our research has uncovered that this very guitar is the 2nd 12-string ever built by Bozo! This one is crafted from superb old Brazilian Rosewood and topped with Sitka Spruce. There is a custom rosette and headstock inlay that showcase Bozo’s wonderful hand inlay work. Historically it is a very interesting piece, but what makes this guitar so special is it’s character. With its bold, authoritative sound, and the appearance of a road warrior, this guitar gives off the vibe that it has seen it all, and taken it in stride. Collectors and payers alike will love this guitar.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.88 in String Spacing 2.31 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1967 Bozo Bell Western Brazilian/Adirondack Red
Bozo guitars are extremely collectible and highly regarded for their wonderful tone. Bozo Podunavac was among the very first independent luthiers who began the current golden age of luthery. His instruments are used by many recording artists and coveted by collectors. This one comes from the personal collection of recording artist Steve Baughman and was previously owned by Larry Pattis as well. It is a real player’s guitar carrying it’s story in the form of dings, cracks and checks, but with tremendous tone, great playability and years of music still locked inside. Own a piece of guitar history…
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.31 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1912 Dyer Type 2 Style 5 Mahogany/Spruce
This Dyer (Larson Brothers) style 5 Harp guitar is a testament to their legend. In the early twentieth century the Larsons were at the forefront of harp guitar construction. Till this day their instruments are still sending ripples through the guitar world. At over a century old the Spruce top, and Mahogony back and sides are just raring to sing. As a standard six string it has an extraordinarily warm, well balanced voice. Throw in the sub bass though, and you have something truly special. Those five extra bass strings lend a full sonorous sound, and it’s magical. The playability of this guitar is superb. The V shaped neck and low action make it a joy play.
Add to Compare1980 Franklin OM Brazilian/Spruce
Franklin OMs are a force to be reckoned with, and this gem from 1980 backs that up with a handsomely opened up voice and easy playability. Brazilian Rosewood and Spruce, 25.4 inch scale, Grained Ivoroid bindings, Herringbone trim—all the appointments of a traditional Martin-style guitar. This OM goes one step further with a well-rounded C profile neck and a fast setup.
The voice has that easy, opened up flavor that makes the best vintage instruments stand out from the pack, with a hint of airiness in the bass that keeps its richness from overpowering the other registers. Trebles are crisp and focused. We put this Franklin through its paces with a flatpick for Bluegrass riffs—excellent. Dropping it into DADGAD for fingerstyle—even better.
The complete package: gorgeous woods, smooth setup, and a dynamic response that lends itself to a variety of styles.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.68 in String Spacing 2.3 in Woods Spruce, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1978 Franklin OM Brazilian/German
We are happy whenever we get in a Franklin guitar. There’s a great reason why John Renbourn, Woody Mann and so many other top fingerstylist own Franklin guitars. Nick Kuckich has an uncanny ability to create the ‘old’ sound we all yearn for in every guitar he makes. This Franklin OM features German Spruce and old and straight Brazilian Rosewood, the kind we wish we still had to build with. It’s #123, which has to mean something! It sure has a lot of mojo! We are all hoping someone buys it before Paul or Al does!
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.69 in String Spacing 2.31 in Woods Spruce - German, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1951 Gibson J-45, Mahogany/Sitka Spruce
The ‘Workhorse,’ introduced in 1942, the Gibson J-45 has been an iconic staple in the guitar and music world. Instrumentalists and songwriters alike have repeatedly made this axe their main tool for work in the studio or on stage. We have this specimen from 1951, featuring the classic combination of Sitka Spruce and Mahogany. With over 70 years of play time, it makes for one legendary-feeling instrument.
Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, vintage, sunburst, j45, 8846-6
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.9 in Nut Width 1.688 in String Spacing 2.125 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Mahogany 
Add to Compare1936 Gibson L-00, Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce
Friends, you won’t want to put this one down for a heartbeat. It’s dried out and woken up so much since 1936, this Gibson L-00 weighs next to nothing but packs a powerful, expressive, and frankly loud! voice that works great for fingerpicking, and honestly a fair bit of flatpick work too. Quick and energetic, it’s practically humming. Mahogany back and sides plus Adirondack Spruce top and tiger stripe pickguard, original finish, a recent refret for excellent playability, and replaced Kluson-style tuners for modern tuneability (originals included with case).
Other keywords: 1477, l00, loo, parlor, parlour, adriondack, sunburst
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.9 in - 24.75 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.281 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Mahogany 
Add to Compare1930 Gibson L-1, Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce
The ubiquitous Gibson L-1 came in many forms, originally an archtop in the 20s and later as a flattop from 1926-1937. This beauty comes in right at the middle in 1930 with a Mahogany body and Adirondack Spruce top, stained sunburst, and the wider 14 3/4” lower bout that collectors and players both agree make for the better-sounding beast. Our repair folks have gone over this one from tuner to tail and we’re happy to announce it has a clean bill of health!
Other keywords: gibson guitar, vintage, pre-war, adriondack, adirondack, shade top, blues guitar, l1
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.74 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.375 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Mahogany 
Add to Compare1935 Gibson Nick Lucas, Maple/Adirondack Spruce
The Nick Lucas model is consistently sought out as one of the finest sounding and exclusive vintage Gibsons in existence, having only been made from 1928 to 1941, and in that time undergoing a number of transformations. What began as a 12-fret flattop with a 13 1/2” lower bout eventually settled in 1935 as the 14-fret powerhouse with an extra inch across the lower bout and a 4 5/8” body depth, resulting in an injection of extra power and bass response into an otherwise warm, intimate voice. This guitar sings like a big guitar but in a small package–there’s a reason why so many modern builders have attempted to recreate the Nick Lucas model. The V neck is chunky and familiar in hand, and is largely mark free, as is the rest of the guitar. This Gibson comes to us all the way from 1935, approaching a hundred years old, but is remarkably well preserved. Aside from the frets and case, all the components appear to be original, and we don’t believe the neck has been reset before (in spite of the fact that the setup is still easy on the hands, with good break angle at the saddle). Vintage Gibsons have a reputation of not weathering the years very well, but this ’35 Nick Lucas is the exception.
The sunburst is darker and tighter than we what we’d expect from a flattop of this period, which leads us to guess that it may have been a custom order at the time of construction. However, the figure of the Maple still manages to shine through the back and sides, especially at the waist, and ditto for the incredibly tight-grained Adirondack Spruce top.
It’s vintage guitars like this Nick Lucas that get us out of bed in the morning. They’ve been around long enough to really wake up and have something to say, and we cherish the time we get to visit with them. But, this Gibson needs to find its new home, and we fear it won’t be with us. Do reach out if you’d like to discuss this piece with us, we’re more than happy to answer any questions you have.Other keywords: gutiar, 14 fret, blues guitar, flat top, adriondack, red maple, shade top, sun burst
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.75 in Nut Width 1.813 in String Spacing 2.375 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Maple 
Add to Compare1939 Gibson SJ-100, Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce
Big boy, big sound, big personality! 1939 Gibson SJ-100, anybody? Adirondack Spruce over Mahogany, 5-piece Maple neck, and a unique set of appointments and design features that step the SJ-100 outside the bounds of a regular Gibson Super Jumbo flattop. For the early 1939 SJ-100, Gibson used a mustache bridge with individual saddles, stairstep headstock, triple bindings on top, and butterfly Kluson tuners. 17 inches across the lower bout for a thunderous bass response, precisely what you’d expect from a flattop this fierce, and this beauty is only a little over five pounds in weight; easy to keep on playing. Original case, original components, and our repair shop went over the SJ-100 from tuner to tail to make sure it’s up to snuff and ready for action. They confirmed that the finish is original to boot, with some finish repairs over the years.
A powerhouse to be the gem of your Gibson collection!Other keywords: gibson guitar, SJ 100, sunburst, tiger stripe, ohsc
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.68 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Mahogany