zombywoof Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 I recently stumbled across this little sweetie - a Capital archtop. These were made by Gibson in 1936-1937 for Jenkins Music in Kansas City. While I gather there are not a whole lot of surviving examples, these are simply re-badged Cromwells. Even has the same roof peak headstock. Not sure of the model but I am guessing a J-2 ("J" for Jenkins). I gotta admit that I have a real soft spot for el cheapo archtops finding that I tend to prefer them over their higher dollar kin. This one is nice and punchy with a warm sound to it. No truss rod so a chunky neck with a 1 3/4" nut. It has its share of scrapes and scuffs but is in perfect playing condition. It is in the house for a test drive and I am seriously chewing on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 Nice find, and right up your alley. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpbiii Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 Cool!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCtom Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 Neat guitar! I have a soft spot for the off-brand Gibsons; they did every thing they could to stay afloat during the Depression. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 I recently stumbled across this little sweetie - a Capital archtop. These were made by Gibson in 1936-1937 for Jenkins Music in Kansas City.... Amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayoubengal1954 Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 Yeah Yuh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 Nice. Reminds me of the Gibson-made Wards I had from the '30s, which was X-braced. Really did like the tone of that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted March 5, 2017 Author Share Posted March 5, 2017 Nice. Reminds me of the Gibson-made Wards I had from the '30s, which was X-braced. Really did like the tone of that one. I believe all Gibson archtops were X braced up till the end of the 1930s. Gibson called those made with pressed tops and backs Arco Arch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vw1300 Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 I really like that stripe down the middle of the fretboard - gives it a little visual flair - is it painted on or an inlay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted March 6, 2017 Author Share Posted March 6, 2017 I really like that stripe down the middle of the fretboard - gives it a little visual flair - is it painted on or an inlay? Celluloid inlay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayoubengal1954 Posted March 6, 2017 Share Posted March 6, 2017 I believe all Gibson archtops were X braced up till the end of the 1930s. Gibson called those made with pressed tops and backs Arco Arch. I believe the 16" L-5 started out as parallel braced when it was introduced in 1922-1923 and stayed that way until 1935 when the lower bout increased to 17" and the bracing was changed to X. In 1939 the L-5 went back to being parallel braced. http://www.prewargibsonl-5.com/16-inch-timeline/4576093552 http://www.prewargibsonl-5.com/17-inch/4576374952 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinder Posted March 6, 2017 Share Posted March 6, 2017 Stunning!! Absolutely love the fretboard skunk stripe 😍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieSchooner Posted March 6, 2017 Share Posted March 6, 2017 Real sweet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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