Need help with old guitar

[DLM1212]

We found an old guitar at my great aunts house and would like to know what year it is. This is what I can tell you about it. It is a Gibson Kalamazoo. It has Kalamazoo written at the top of the guitar. At the top on the back it has DK-1428. It is an 8 string guitar. It is what they call the sunburst, and has I think what they call F cut outs. It also has a guitar mike, DeArmond made by Rowe Industries. Can anyone help me out? I have looked on the internet for days and I cannot find this guitar.

Thanks so much,
Deb[/b]

[VintAxe]

Hi Deb.

It will probably take a picture to figure out what you have but with 8 strings it is unlikely your instrument is a guitar.

To me, your description sounds like a K-5 Master Mandocello.

Does your instrument resemble this instrument?

[Spud1950]

A little info on the Gibson "Kalamazoo" branded instruments from the Gibson site:

"Kalamazoo: budget brand made from 1933-42; models similar to low-end Gibsons but without adjustable truss rod in neck; revived 1965-70 on cheaply made electric solidbodies, amps and one flat top model."

If it is a Kalamazoo branded mandocello, it should look like this.








Here's a 1940 Kalamazoo branded six string archtop.

[DLM1212]

I think it is a mandocello, I will be going over to take some pictures of it in the middle of the week. The link you sent to the mandocello looked like it but the color is a little different.

Thanks so much for your help,
Deb

[Spud1950]

The mandocello was used pretty much exclusively in a mandolin orchestra. Here's link about the history of the mandolin orchestra which also has a link to more detailed info on the mandocello.

[Mgeek]

[VintAxe]

Deb sent pictures of her Kalamazoo archtop. Turns out it is a 6 string after all. Looks pretty much like the 1940 model you found spud except it has binding which indicates a later model than yours. The pickup is an aftermarket addition to the guitar Deb.

With the bound body and pickguard, I'm thinking this guitar is a KG-32 which was made from 1939-42. Measure across the widest part of the body. If it is 14.75 inches the guitar is a KG-32.

The Blue Book suggests a value of $800-$950 in Excellent condition and $500-$600 in average condition.

[simonm]

nice guitar!
the pickup is probably worth around $200-300 in its own right also

[Spud1950]

The pickup is a DeArmond Rhythm Chief FHC.



The Rhythm Chief series pickups are highly collectable and sought after,considered to be one of the finest sounding pickups for jazz. This Model 1000 recently sold for $399.



I've seen some sell for over $500.