1969 Gibson C-1 Natural

According to The Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars, the Gibson C-1 classical guitar was manufactured in various forms from 1951 to 1971. Gruhn’s Guide and Vintage Guitar Price Guide basically agree, although there is some disagreement as to specific features. Like most classical guitars, it’s smaller than the dreadnought or jumbo series, measuring 39” long, 11” at the upper bout, 9 5/8” at the waist, 14 ¼” at the lower bout, and tapers from 3 ½” to 4 ½” deep. While it may have been designed more for the coffee house of the 1960s folk music scene or classical performance than for the blue grass stage, it still has enough carrying power for anybody and is a beautiful example of Gibson craftsmanship.

The C-1 features a solid spruce top with mahogany back, sides, and neck in a light natural finish, a rosewood wrap-around bridge, and a 12/19-fret (not including the zero fret) rosewood finger board with a 25 ½” scale. This one has the wide patterned rosette which Gruhn says was added in 1964, and it does have the tortoise binding on the top and bottom. The slotted classical headstock has the Gibson script logo decal (also added in 1964). The serial number (567909) suggests a date of 1969, and as far as I can tell all the characteristics fit the specs for this date.

After 54 years of making music, there are a few cosmetic concerns: there is some crazing or cracking in the finish, but virtually no wear at the frets (presumably due to its nylon strings). If you look closely you will see a few small dings; the only real concern is cosmetic: the binding has cracked and crystallized in some places, but has been stabilized/repaired. There is a single 3” professionally repaired crack in the top, barely visible in pictures 1-5, and a chip in the ebony nut at the high E string which does not affect tuning or playing. Otherwise, the neck, back, and sides are in remarkably good shape.

The action is fine at 4/32” at the 12th fret low E, the neck is straight, the bridge is tight, the top is flat, and of course playing music for over fifty years has made that Gibson sound even better and more resonant. It even has what I assume is the original warrantee card included in the case. Considering its current cosmetic condition, this guitar is not for a collector to put in a museum; this is a player’s guitar, and I sincerely hope that its next owner is someone who will play it well and often.

The case is not original, but it is a vintage “alligator” chip board case which is somewhat too large for this guitar’s dimensions, but has some market value in its own right. It is in good shape inside and out, with a nice fuzzy black interior and tarnished hardware which still functions perfectly. The handle is solid, it affords adequate protection, and it is an excellent vintage complement for this vintage Gibson guitar.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower forty-eight states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashiers and personal checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this vintage instrument, so its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to purchase it.

Thank you for your interest in this classic Gibson guitar.