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Saw this Gibson in a shop window (closed) while traveling today, a town half an hour from where I’m staying. Anyone know what this is? A thin body, I’m guessing semi. Bigger that a Les Paul, more a 335 width. Sorry the pics aren’t great, took them through the window. Any ideas if the price is good ($2250)? Leaving town in a couple of days so wondering if it’s worth going back to check on it.
Thanks a lot!
Last edited by maxsmith; 08-20-2022 at 10:41 PM.
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08-20-2022 10:22 PM
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It appears to be an upscale version of a Gibson L9, but with a bail tailpiece and L5 headstock inlay. Maybe it was custom ordered?
A more basic version was introduced at NAMM 2015.
NAMM ’15 Gibson Custom Shop L9 | The Music Zoo
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Looks like a fancier version of my ES-446.
Mine is a 2000.
The 446 is a hollowbody. The back and sides are carved from a single mahogany slab and it has a solid spruce top. Like a PRS archtop.
That one has the L5 headstock and inlay, but the body sure looks like a variation of the 446 with a Venetian cut away. Maybe a little thinner and slightly different body shape.
Is there a decal in one of the f holes that might give you a model number?
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On first glance, $2250 looks like a really good deal for it.
As longs as it's a real Gibson.
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It's a Gibson Midtown Kalamazoo
Vintage Guitars, SWEDEN - 2013 Gibson Midtown Kalamazoo Vintage.
Overview
The Gibson Midtown Kalamazoo is a replica of the Gibson Byrdland model that established a new standard for jazz guitars. The Midtown Kalamazoo offers many of the characteristics the Byrdland pioneered, pairing a fully hollow 23.5 inch scale Mahogany body with dual Classic 57 humbuckers and a thin profile neck.
https://reverb.com/p/gibson-midtown-kalamazoo
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Hmm. Not sure it really is a Gibson…. Looks like an ES-275 variation but body shape looks off…..
*edit: oh wait, yes Midtown Kalamazoo! Not my favourite model; f-holes are in the wrong place to me and the body just looks….. well, strange imho. Never played one though, could be a great guitar.Last edited by Little Jay; 08-21-2022 at 05:45 AM.
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Yes, the Midtown Kalamazoo. Kind of a weird, best of no worlds design.
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I was looking for one at some point, scale length with right vibe
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Bluedawg hit it; it’s a Midtown Kalamazoo alright. I’m not surprised now that I never heard of or saw this model, only a few hundred made at a time I was overseas and not really keeping up with new guitars.
With the short scale and smaller body, it’s the kind of thing I think I’d probably like. Off and on for years I’ve lusted after Byrdlands, but never really came across the right one at the right price. This one is Byrdland inspired, the body is more of a very chambered solid than a hollow or semi-hollow.
From what I can find, the price is good, assuming everything is in proper shape. I might give it a try today.
Thanks, everyone for the quick responses. When I saw it in the window I told my wife “I don’t know what that is, but I’m pretty sure I know where I can find out.”
Originally Posted by Bluedawg
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at that price, with that headstock, I'd love to give it a go.
short Byrdland Scale semi hollow, that concept sounds interesting from a distance.
all the best with checkin' it out.
Last edited by Filmosound 621; 08-21-2022 at 03:35 PM.
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I seem to recall that there were a couple of versions of the 275 reissue. One was a thin semi-hollow body. The other was a more standard depth full hollow. Might be the Midtown though. I know zero about them. Originally Posted by Little Jay
Oh yeah, definitely not a 275. I can see the routings in the back. I think even the semi-hollow 275 had laminate backs and sides. This one looks like tub construction.
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Yep, it’s 2013 Midtown Kalamazoo - my Midtown Kalamazoo, now.
Went back to the shop, played it - very nice neck, guitar in really great condition. Original hard case, paperwork and Levy leather strap inside. Good acoustic tone in spite of being basically a chambered solidbody.
Offered $2k; accepted.
Thanks for your help in ID’ing, everyone!
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Hey, Max, Originally Posted by maxsmith
Congrats, and let us know what you think of it, maybe post some clips!
Like Filmosound, the idea of short-scale chambered solidbody sounds very interesting... not that I need another guitar, but I am intrigued by this.
Inquring minds: what does it weigh?
Cheers,
SJ
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Feels like less than ten pounds. Most of the specs I see for this model run between 8 and 9. Not as heavy as a 335 but not as light as a 330. Originally Posted by starjasmine
Thanks!
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I was going to suggest ignoring comments on aesthetics and play it and if you loved it, grab a bargain for yourself.
Congrats, hope you long enjoy it.
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Congratulations, and play it in good health!
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I thought it looked cool when they released it. But I find that scale a bit cramped in the upper register for chords. Originally Posted by mr. beaumont
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I get that, I suppose it all depends on your hands. Mine are neither large nor small, but I do have pretty thin fingers with small tips, so the scale works fine for me, I’ve owned a couple of small scale Fender types before and liked some of the closer voicings they afford. I’ve taught a lot of students over the years, and it’s interesting how different hands and fingers can be.
Originally Posted by Woody Sound
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Its kind of a dichotomy. On one hand (pun intended) it's great for reaching wide open voicings with extensions, but in the upper register closed inner voicings are hard to squeeze in.
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A better picture of The Midtown Kalamazoo. Still having a great time with my new friend. Easy to play, nice PAF tone, sits comfortably in the lap.
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