Carson Robison Recording King Model K Jumbo Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, made by Gibson (1940), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark stained back and sides finish, Mahogany back, sides and neck; spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, black tolex soft shell case.
A very nice example of one of the rarest Gibson-made flat top guitars, a 16" round-bodied Jumbo Recording King. Made only for a very brief time in 1939 and 1940, this guitar pre-figures one of Gibson's greatest designs, the 1950's J-185. Straight braced with a thicker Kalamazoo-style top, the Model K has plenty of bark and volume, with the depth of a larger body. This guitar has a mahogany back and sides with a spruce top but a poplar (thanks Neil!) neck, most unusual for a Gibson flat-top of this era.
The "Recording King" instruments were produced by several different makers for the Montgomery Ward catalog company, and this particularly high-grade guitar was a jewel in the line. This Model K is unusually dated with a small internal stamp "MAR 1940"; the serial number also dates to that year with the "W" signifying a Wards order.
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.).
A nicely unaltered guitar, including uncut bridge with original saddle and original flat-plate Kluson tuners with translucent celluloid buttons. Some heavy play wear to back of neck; top is still very nice with only minor dings. Excellent Condition.
