1964 Gibson F-25 00-Size 12-Fret Guitar

Overview: I recently took this cool old F-25 in trade. For those not in the know -- this is essentially a 12-fret version of the venerable B-25/LG-3 model and came with those big, Spanish-looking, double pickguards from the factory. The other notable changes are a straight saddle slot which affords classical/nylon-stringing in a pinch (when fit with an uncompensated saddle), a 2" wide nut, and a flat fretboard radius. This was aimed at "folk" players who were more-used to classical-style necks and/or the wider string spacing and flat boards found on older, 12-fret guitars.

The lower-down bridge placement and bracing alterations mean this guitar has a similar sound to a B-25/LG-3 but it's "rounder" and "warmer" overall and really suits fingerpicking to a T, though that Gibson "dryness" and "woodiness" is still very much at-large in the voice.

Repairs included: I reset the neck and Jose did an excellent level/dress job on the frets and fit a new, compensated bone saddle. It's playing spot-on and is ready to serve.

• Weight: 4 lbs 2 oz
• Scale length: 24 5/8"
• Nut width: 2"
• Neck shape: shallow-medium C/oval
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: .8"
• Depth at seventh fret: .88"
• Body width: 14 1/8"
• Body depth: 4 1/2"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid mahogany back, likely ply hog sides
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: wide/lower

Condition notes: It's in excellent shape for its age and all-original except for the truss rod cover and saddle. There is one tiny hairline crack at the bass waist, but it's right over kerfing on the inside and so is a non-issue. I would say that most Gibsons from the '60s get that same one in the same place as they age -- there's a photo of it. There's plenty of weather-checking to the finish throughout and some small scuffs, nicks, scratches, and dings here and there.

It comes with: It has a good, heavy-duty gigbag.

Consignor tag: JW