62burst Posted April 26, 2014 Posted April 26, 2014 An interesting listing on eBay (no affiliazione): Re-topped & X-braced Kalamazoo KG-11 12 fret With their exaggerated lower bouts, I have always been curious as to what these would sound like, but they were ladder braced, so not that curious. Many of Gibson's off-brands are getting converted to x-braced, and with this one's 12-fret configuration, it now becomes a bit more interesting. Seller says it's been sat on (hence, the new top), mahogany added to the sides, but no photos of the repair area (?). These 1930's econo Gibsons did not necessarily have the highest grade wood selection, let alone quartersawn tops, and were originally ladder braced with bridgeplates that went most of the way across the top. So, hopefully, this re-topped example has a 'plate to match that nice new top and cross braces. And what would be the best angle for the "X", given those rotund lower proportions? No Gibson precedent here to copy. I wonder why Gibson never put their own name on an X-braced version of this guitar? Some other nice KG-11 photos (listings): ...and it's neck reset time for this one; cool old case, though...
zombywoof Posted April 26, 2014 Posted April 26, 2014 I have heard that the little Kalamazoos take well to the X braced conversion. But then again, you can convert any guitar. As example, a nice little cottage industry in X bracing Harmony Sovereigns has popped up. And a guitar with a smashed top would certainly be an excellent candidate. It is always a pleasure to see somebody breathe life into a guitar headed for the scrap heap allowing it to do what is was built to do. Sorry though, I feel that asking price for a re-topped, re-braced guitar is way high.
tvguit Posted April 26, 2014 Posted April 26, 2014 I happen to love the old Kalamazoos. I actually prefer their original ladder bracing as long as the top hasn't distorted too bad, as these are prone to do. I have a shade top KG-12 with Maple back and sides that has huge tone and the top is in perfect condition with no distortion. I guess that one just got lucky with a nice piece of Spruce. Zomby, I'll always be fond of Harmony Sovereigns too. I don't think there's any need to X brace them because they sound so damn good already! They all either need or have had a neck reset though.
zombywoof Posted April 26, 2014 Posted April 26, 2014 Zomby, I'll always be fond of Harmony Sovereigns too. I don't think there's any need to X brace them because they sound so damn good already! They all either need or have had a neck reset though. I agree on all counts. I have pre-63 (no date stamp but a block letter logo) Sovereign 1260. It was just barely playable when I got it and stayed that way for years but now is in need of a neck reset.
onewilyfool Posted April 26, 2014 Posted April 26, 2014 That one looks like it has high action…probably needs a neck reset?
BluesKing777 Posted April 26, 2014 Posted April 26, 2014 The bridge has moved a bit, or...... BluesKing777.
62burst Posted April 27, 2014 Author Posted April 27, 2014 That one looks like it has high action…probably needs a neck reset? Yes, the other KG-11 listing (the photo with the tweed case) seller says will need neck reset. The bridge has moved a bit, or...... BluesKing777. Yes, BK, the 12-fret configuration on the OP guitar (the re-topped one) really puts the bridge far down into the lower bout; the main source of curiosity in how this particular model would sound. Would the guitar's natural "eq" be shifted too far to the bass side of things? Looking at this photo, one wonders what the angle the cross braces would have to be, even if the upper corners of the bridgeplate were cut off to allow a slightly tighter x-brace.
Picker Fred Posted December 22, 2016 Posted December 22, 2016 I'm new to this forum, but have been enjoying reading the various comments regarding Kalamazoo KG 11's and KG 14's. I have one of each. My KG 11 has the Carson J. Robison banner on the headstock and the "Wards" sticker on the inside, but is identical to other KG11's. My KG14 is a 12 fret neck version, and I had to have extensive work done on it after buying it off eBay. It hung on the wall for 10 yrs. before I finally had it repaired, including a new bridge fabricated, new bridge plate, neck reset, and it needed an entirely new back. Since my luthier had to take the back off any way, I asked him to convert the top to X bracing. Ever since then this little 12 fret Kalamazoo has been loud, even toned from the bass to the treble, and a real joy to play and listen to. Fine tone with a pick and even better for fingerpicking. I have a '33 Gibson L00, and although the two guitars have slightly differnent tones, I actually prefer the Kalamazoo with the X bracing. it is my go to, around the house guitar, but when I take it to a jam of 6 to 8 people, it cuts through the fiddle, banjo, bass, dobro and other guitars and can be heard well. It was totally worth doing the X bracing and I would recommend it! A note to the KG11 owners out there: the bottom bout of the KG11 is the identical pattern as the Gibson L00, so if you were to re-brace the KG11, I would strongly consider doing the exact same bracing pattern as the mid-30's L00's. Just my opinion, but they would suit the shape of the KG11 very well. Sorry about the long blog, but I get excited talking about these beautiful old relics!
OldCowboy Posted December 22, 2016 Posted December 22, 2016 Lots of Gibson 'budget' guitars from that era have a great deal of potential if properly upgraded. I'm pleased to hear that you're enjoying yours☺
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