1938 Kalamazoo (Gibson) KM-11 Flatback Mandolin

Overview: This is a Gibson-made instrument and is roughly-similar to their other pancake-style mandolins in handling and style. I do like that it borrows the "pear shape" of their carved-top, A-style instruments, though. Its factory order number dates it to 1938.

Tone: It's very loud, forward, woody, and punchy. These don't have a ton of sustain but they sure do pop.

Feel: It feels like any other Gibson mandolin from the pre-1950s era -- it has a medium V neck profile with a flat board and slightly wider string spacing. It's quick and "home base" for a vast population of mandolin players.

Interesting features: The '30s-style sunburst looks great. It has a solid spruce top over solid mahogany back and sides and a curious, ladder-meets-x bracing pattern. These are lightly-built and feel quite "alive" when picking on them. We fit an adjustable ebony bridge to it for easier use as the seasons change.

Repairs included: Tim did a great job with it -- he re-repaired/cleated the two cracks on the top near the tailpiece, gave the frets a level/dress job, assisted me with resetting the neck, and fit the new adjustable bridge. He also made a new bone nut. It's setup, playing quick, and ready to roll.

• Weight: 1 lb 10 oz
• Scale length: 13 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium V
• Board radius: flat
• Body width: 10 1/8"
• Body depth: 2"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
• Bracing type: ladder hybrid
• Bridge: adjustable ebony
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 36w-10 lights
• Truss rod: none
• Neck relief: teensiest hair of relief at pitch (less than 1/64")
• Fret style: very low/small

Condition notes: It has two repaired hairline cracks around the tailpiece area -- these were crudely repaired in the past but Tim made sure they were cleated nicely. The tailpiece and bridge are replacements and the tailpiece has one of its string hooks broken, unfortunately. It still has plenty more to string-up with, however. The nut is new, too. There's average usewear throughout (minor scuffs, scratches, and nicks) but it still looks nice otherwise. The nitro finish has weather-checked as well but not a ton. The foam at the tailpiece is to dampen the string afterlength.

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: DDM