Kalamazoo KG-11

[billdraper]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiL2FKKx1tY&feature=em-upload_owner

 

I purchased the guitar for $950 a while ago, as it looked good and no cracks in the wood. I had a luthier do a neck set and a refret and added new tuner keys.

 

Its ladder braced and not as versatile as cross braced....sounds boxy and stiff when flat picked.

 

But it looks so nice and is pre-war and is as light as a feather....and also really sounds good when open tuned....something about all those strings tuned to one key I think makes it resonant more.

 

Cost enough, but I really enjoy it. Thats a refinished 1939 J35 in the background....and I'll post a sound clip of that shortly as well.

 

 

 

 

Bill

[onewilyfool]

That K certainly has the "tone" good get!

[jannusguy2]

I had one of these for awhile. Fun little guitars.

[zombywoof]

I have had a couple of those as well as KG-14s over the past 50 years. Almost snagged a KG-11 6 months or so back when a small Mom & Pop store called to tell me they got one in they would let me have on the cheap. While it was a heck of a deal, I snoozed and I loozed.

 

Enjoy.

[billdraper]

"That K certainly has the "tone" good get!"

Thanks wily...has this hollow echo that I'm really enjoying.could be my fav guitar right now. I have the original case too which is just hanging on and not much to begin with but nice to have anyway!

 

"I had one of these for awhile. Fun little guitars."

Good for slide too...which I struggle with....but fun yes!

 

"I have had a couple of those as well as KG-14s over the past 50 years. Almost snagged a KG-11 6 months or so back when a small Mom & Pop store called to tell me they got one in they would let me have on the cheap. While it was a heck of a deal, I snoozed and I loozed."

 

There is a beauty for sale at UMGF one of the 'zippers'...so cool!

 

Anyway like this little guitar....here is a bit on my 1939 J35...thanks.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrWPpKsNzh4

[jt]

Bill,

 

Very nice guitars and very nice playing. Thanks for sharing with us!

[billdraper]

"Very nice guitars and very nice playing. Thanks for sharing with us!"

 

Thank you JT! Its easy to clip recording-wise....I played the J35 w fingers only and dug in a little at the end...but it held ok-no squawk! I copied that bit from watching dreamguitars.com

 

Bill

[62burst]

Hey.

 

Sorry I'm late. 'Just wanted to say I enjoyed those clips you posted. Also appreciated your candid thoughts regarding the tone of the KG-11; those ladder-braced econoGibsons can be quite alluring, with their vintage vibe & more down-to-Earth asking prices. But one must curb one's expectations as to their versatility. I wonder why the KG-11 was never (?) available as a "Gibson" like other re-badged, non-cross-braced models... Would be interesting to hear one of these converted.

 

Also enjoyed THE J-35 clip. Adept at making ethereal sounds, it is, as you've just shown.

In an attempt to capture a sound of an era, be it the '30's, '40's, or even '60's & beyond, it's easy to think in terms of following a recipe, starting with a guitar from that era. It sure helps, but is certainly no guarantee. You've taken something that just sounds so good, and made it part of your sound. Well done.

[billdraper]

The Kalamazoo - I could get it converted to cross-brace, but I'd kick myself if it didn't sound as nice. But thats a cool idea. I think some people are buying real beat up examples and having the conversion done.....I'd like to do that! thanks for reminding...I'll keep an eye out.

 

The J35 is very nice...it is very versatile...It just cracks like a shot gun when I'm looking for intensity....and then can be as sweet as an angel with the lightest touch....I haven't begun to half explore its creative potential...and I'm very thankful for to have it!!

 

Thanks!

 

 

Bill