Gibson - Recording King

by Brian Nordmann
(Blue Springs, MO, USA)

1938 Gibson Recording King

My grandfather bought this guitar.
I did some research but could not draw any good conclusion as to it's value.

I believe it was made in 1938, but I am not sure.
I put the link below in case it might help you. The link is to a book on google books and there is a picture of my guitar on the link.

The guitar has a signature painted on that reads: Carson J Robison

Below that it reads: MODEL-K.

There is a number on the back, behind the top of the neck. It reads: EW-532

It is a ladder shape on the inside, not the X kind.

http://books.google.com/books?id=vPK-cbGMpiUC&pg=PA1943&lpg=PA1943&dq=carson+j+robison+guitar&source=bl&ots=1tupei1e0n&sig=MKUVEc70zkhPjY7S_njv782n1CE&hl=en&ei=DCLVS4rvM8O88gaclcXlDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CCsQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=carson%20j%20robison%20guitar&f=false

I already donated my $5 through pay pal.
The transaction id number is: 6SY34636WF755221R

THANKS!

ANSWER

Hi, Brian--

The Blue Book does not list this model. I was, however, able to find this exact guitar at GBase.com. Here is the info:

"SOLD for $2,995.00

# Year: 1938
# Manufacturer: Gibson
# Model: Recording King
# Case: Soft
# Color: , SOLD!
# Condition: Excellent
# Description: This is the "Carson J Robison" version of the Gibson / Kalamazoo KG-14 guitar of the late 1930's, made by Gibson for Montgomery Ward. Essentially an L-00 with straight top bracing, these are totally cool guitars when you find one that's structurally intact and eminently playable, which this one surely is. No top cracks, frets in almost perfect condition; shows little playing wear, though there is an area at the lower edge of the back that appears to have gotten damp some years ago; repairs there show some. A BIG-sounding guitar, and way cool, at a price well below current market for L-00's."

If you have further questions, here is the contact info for the Gibson company:

Gibson Montana
1894 Orville Way
Bozeman, MT 57915 USA
www.gibson.com/acoustics
service@gibson.com
406-587-4117 (phone)
406-587-9109 (fax)

Gibson Headquarters/Corporate
309 Plus Park Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37217
www.gibson.com
615-871-4500 (phone)
615-884-9411 (fax)

Best Wishes,
Lynne

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