Up for sale, a 1936 Gibson-made Carson J Robison model acoustic in excellent condition and in perfect working order. One of many brands crafted by Gibson at their Kalamazoo factory during the Great Depression, the Carson J Robison model is typically seen in conjunction with Recording King branding, tied to instruments exclusively sold through the Montgomery Wards catalog (this example retains its “Wards” foil label, visible through the soundhole).

A Pre-War Gibson instrument in every respect, the Carson J Robison model was named for the singing cowboy and radio entertainer, who was also a long-time Gibson endorsee. This model benefits from service due an instrument of its vintage, including a neck reset, refret, and bridge plate reinforcement.

The body measures 14 5/8“ wide at the lower bout, with a depth of 4 1/4“, boasting a mahogany neck with a prominent V profile carve, solid ladder-braced Adirondack spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and Brazilian rosewood fretboard. Tonally, this guitar is extremely authoritative and cutting, with tons of treble chime and notably taut, punchy wound strings. The plain strings are crisp and snappy, and this guitar really opens up when hit with a flatpick, yielding impressive projection while retaining articulation. This Carson J Robison weighs 3lbs 8oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Substantial V, measuring 1.030” 1st fret, 1.115” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, dot inlay
-Frets: Slender (refret), faint wear beneath B and high E strings on frets 1-3
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 3/4”, bone (modern)
-Headstock: “Carson J. Robison” silkscreen
-Tuners: Original open-gear strip tuners, white buttons

Body Specs:

-Wood: Adirondack spruce (top), mahogany back/sides
-Bracing: Ladder
-Bridge: Brazilian rosewood bridge, modern bone saddle, reinforced bridge plate (maple)
-Plastics: Original “tiger stripe” tortoise pickguard
-Serialization: Montgomery Ward “Wards” gold foil label, B-suffix Factory Order Number on heel block dates to '36

The gloss Sunburst nitro lacquer finish is 100% original save for a touch-up adjacent to the fretboard extension, exhibiting “shattered glass” lacquer checking. There are two repaired splits, one on the bass-side lower bout on top and one to the bass side of the center seam on the upper bout of the back. Cosmetic wear includes faint buckle rash on the back, a few prominent scratches on the top at the lower bout, and some additional nicks and scuffs on the body as a whole, consistent with decades of careful use. The neck profile retains its smooth gloss.

A vintage chipboard case is included.