~1937 Kalamazoo KM21 Sunburst

Kalamazoo KM21 Mandolin c. 1937 | $950 | (v2233) Gibsons in-house budget brand was a pretty successful line when you consider how many Kalamazoo instruments appear in the vintage market. Made by Gibson from the same quality materials and workmanship, the only difference in this mandolin and the Gibson equivalent is the lack of an adjustable truss rod. We can date this example to the period from 1936-1940 because in 1936 the KM21 received the bound fingerboard and back, which this one exhibits.

The body is mahogany with a pressed spruce top featuring a beautiful Gibson sunburst and f-holes. The adjustable bridge is rosewood and the tail piece features the 'clamshell' cover. Top and back are bound in white celluloid. The pickguard is black, trimmed in white and appears original. The bound fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood, the neck mahogany. The 'roof-top' head stock is painted black with the Kalamazoo logo in white.

The body measures 10 1/4" across, and scale length is ~ 14". The fingerboard measures 1" across at the nut and string spacing is 1 5/8" across at the saddle.

The KM21 appears to be all original. It has had a few cracks repaired in the past, one on the top and one on the treble-side bout. We recently cleaned and lubed the tuners. The neck is straight, and the frets show a slight bit of wear in the lower position. The arched top retains its integrity, no detrimental sagging. There is a good amount of belt buckle rash on the back, and overall finish checking and nicks and dings from use and age. But a solid instrument and good value in the market today.

Comes with a newer hard case.