Gibson HG-24 Prototype 1929, Sunburst
$80,000.00
| Instrument | Dreadnought |
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | HG-24 Prototype |
| Finish | Sunburst |
| SKU | GF7993-A |
| Handedness | Right |
| Made In Year | 1929 |
| Top | Adirondack Spruce |
| Back and Sides | Michigan Blistered Maple |
| Neck/Fingerboard | Mahogany/Ebony |
| Bridge Material | Replacement Brazilian Rosewood |
| Tuners | Original |
| Radius | 12" |
| Neck Profile | "V" |
| Neck Depth | 0.911" - 1.000" |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.784" |
| String Spacing at Saddle | 2.410" |
| Contains Brazilian Rosewood (Y/N) | Y |
| Electronics | None |
| Case | Green-lined Lifton Hard Shell Case |
| Modifications/Repairs | Neck reset, refret, planed board, replaced Brazilian Rosewood bridge, bottom of guitar has water damage resulting in several cracks along the lower back side, two cracks on top previously reglued unlevel, two b string cracks, crack along pickguard, back has been off, original finish with areas of touch up around the neck, replaced bridge plate, replaced low E-string bridge pin |
| Note | CVG technicians use calipers to provide the accurate measurements found above. We acknowledge variance within the manufacturing process and treat each instrument as an individual case. The following are common industry nut width fractions converted to decimal form |
| 1 9/16” | 1.563” |
| 1 5/8” | 1.625” |
| 1 11/16” | 1.688” |
| 1 3/4” | 1.750” |
| 1 7/8” | 1.875” |
A remarkably rare instrument, this 1929 HG-24 prototype is one of the first known Gibson flattop "dreadnaught" style guitars, crafted a handful of years before Martin coined the term and introduced the world to their storied D models. Attempting to enter the world of Hawaiian guitars, Gibson began work on the HG (Hawaiian Guitar) model to slip into the market. When the model reached factory production they added four F-holes and resonator style baffles, two on either side of the lower and upper bouts, and a different style of inlay. Gruhn Guitars sold the HG-24 prototype #88875 as the first known ever dreadnought made by Gibson, and this instrument is #88876.
This prototype HG-24 includes some of the higher-end features of the time, like a raised fretboard akin to Gibson's top-of-the-line arch tops and pearl inlays on the headstock and fretboard. Its back and sides are constructed of highly figured Michigan Blistered maple, and its stunning sunburst finish sits atop a tight grain Adirondack spruce top. Previous repair work on it was rather crude, the cracks on top are currently glued up un-leveled and there is still evidence of water damage in the lower bout; a future owner may wish to address some of these cosmetics. At Carter Vintage Guitars, it received a recreation Brazilian Rosewood bridge and saddle and was examined for structural integrity. It remains mostly as found and is playable with low action. Listening to it, we can understand why dreadnoughts became a staple shape.
Includes Lifton green-lined hard shell case.
