Up for sale, a 1967 Gibson B-25N in excellent, crack-free condition, complete with the original chipboard case. The successor of the LG-3 (and by association the same size but lesser priced LG-2), the B-25N features a slope shoulder body design with a 14 1/4" lower bout width and X braced construction. Short of purchasing a J-45 and heading into upscale dreadnought territory, the B-25N was the highest grade Gibson money could buy in '67, and the solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides and one-piece mahogany neck add up to a guitar that is very resonant, soulful, and easy to play. A modestly-sized cannon with incredible projection and muscle, this B-25 delivers a woody, percussive cut and sweet midrange character. The bass register is full and defined, and the trebles are smooth and punchy. Weighing 3lbs 15oz, this Gibson has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 12-53 strings and comfortable action.
The one-piece mahogany neck has a slender C-shaped profile carve at the nut with round shoulders in every register and lightly rolled fretboard edges. The neck gains quite a bit of additional heft as you travel up the fretboard, measuring .795" deep at the 1st fret and 1.010" at the 9th. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard sports pearl dot inlay, and the original medium jumbo fretwire is stunningly clean, showing only moderate wear beneath the plain strings on the crowns of frets 1-3. The original nut is present and measures 1 9/16" in width. On the headstock, the silkscreen "Gibson" logo is present, and the original Kluson Deluxe double line tuners turn smoothly and hold pitch well.
Instrumental to the tone of this particular B-25N, this guitar is one of few to have a genuine rosewood bridge fitted from the factory (in contrast to the plastic bridges seen on many examples), complete with the original adjustable rosewood saddle. The bridge sits flush with the top and the solid, X braced spruce top sits quite flat with minimal deflection. Visible through the soundhole, the "B-25 Natural" factory stamp is present on the back center seam.
This B-25N retains the original Natural nitro lacquer gloss finish, accented by the stock red tortoise pickguard. Crack-free, cosmetic wear is limited to prominent lacquer checking on the sides, with a scuff through the gloss and a small amount of finish loss over the mahogany on the bass-side upper bout. The top also exhibits tight lacquer checking and some small scattered dings behind the bridge, while the back is exceedingly clean with zero buckle wear and just a bit of light lacquer checking at the waist. The smooth nitro gloss finish on the neck profile is nigh flawless.
The original brown faux alligator chipboard case is included. The case has clean brown leather trim, functional latches and the original handle.