Gibson Nick Lucas Special (1929)

This 1929 Gibson Nick Lucas Special has just come in for consignment! This is the earliest version of the Nick Lucas -- essentially a deep-bodied L1 (aka "The Robert Johnson" model) with Lucas's custom fingerboard inlay motif and banjo tuners. This guitar retains the original "A" style bracing, which accentuates the midrange, though this guitar still packs an impressive, pillowy low end thanks to its deeper body. It may go without saying that this instrument looks beautiful, but let's quickly say how wonderful that sunburst is! Those late 20's / early 30's hand-rubbed cremona 'bursts set the standard by which all others are measured; and this one makes a particularly elegant pairing alongside the Nick Lucas aesthetic. This is a beautiful-sounding blues fingerpicking guitar, with punch aplenty, and a clear, glassy-sounding high end that also blooms under a flatpick.

Condition: at 95 years old, this guitar has seen lots of play and more than its share of repair work. There's a plugged jack hole in the treble side, and small holes near the end wedge from a previously installed trapeze tailpiece. The bridge and bridge plate were replaced at Folkway Music, outside Toronto, where a neck reset and refret were also performed. Multiple top cracks have also been repaired. But for all the work, the guitar still feels strong and sturdy in hand, plays cleanly, and sounds wonderful! Price includes its original hardshell case. On consignment; expedited shipping required.