Gibson Nick Lucas

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Gibson Nick Lucas Special (1928-1938) During the late twenties ( roaring twenties ) it was a special time and a turning point in history for gibson because they started offering acoustic flat top guitars for the first time. 

 It was the golden pivotal moment for american popular music with stars like bing crosby ( actor ,singer), Paul whiteman ( orchestral king of jazz ) and of course nick lucas who was exceptionally known for his melodic jazz solos (an idol for many guitar players and musicians). 

 In 1926 Gibson introduced the L-0 and the L-1 acoustic flat top guitars which were crafted based on economy price , In 1929 gibson introduced a finer crafted flat top acoustic guitar endorsed by nick lucas and called it gibson nick lucas special which had an extra deep body and was superior to the l-1 and l-2. 

 Although the gibson nick lucas guitar was probably the finest crafted guitar of its time it wasnt as succesful as the l-0 and the l-1 guitars because the depression was taking its toll . At $125, the nick lucas guitar was not affordable by many , because of this a year later in 1929 gibson made a less expensive guitar with similar features called the Gibson L-2. 

At that time the l-0 , l-1, and the l-2 guitars were better sellers but the gibson nick lucas guitar gave gibson the respect and prestige they deserved , later on during the early thirties prices were reduced to $85-$90 and sales soared. 

 Since then they were not only played by nick lucas but by many famous guitar players and songwriters such as bob dylan....

In 1928 the gibson nick lucas special was 13.5" wide ,had a 4.5" deep body which was deeper than most guitars , mahogany back and sides , 2 multi-ply soundhole rings , they had rosewood bridges , bound rosewood fingerboards , patterned fingerboard inlays, 12 frets clear of the body , had "the gibson" silkscreen logo on headstock, round nick lucas label on the inside, and were made in sunburst finishes. 

 Late 1928 to 1933 gibson added a fleur de lis inlay on the peghead and were 14 3/4" wide . The gibson logos were inlaid on most of them ( not silkscreened ) , they also started making nick lucas guitars with rosewood back and sides , they had 12 frets clear of the body in 1929, 13 frets clear of the body in 1930, optional adjustable trapeze tailpieces with adjustable bridges were available too, some nick lucas guitars were made with elevated pickguards, and some were made with pickguards glued to the top. 

 In 1934 the Nick Lucas guitar was 14 frets clear of the body , maple back and sides and some were made in black finishes . Officially discontinued in 1938 . In 1991 Gibson introduced the Gibson Nick Lucas Reissue Limited Edition with maple back and sides , 14 5/8" wide , vintage sunburst finishes and were signed by ren ferguson ( only a 100 were made ). 

Discontinued in 1992 and were reintroduced in 1999 with flamed maple back and sides and were discontinued in 2004. During the 90s gibson also produced other nick lucas models such as the nick lucas elite with abalone inlays in 1999, '29 nick lucas special in 1998 , Nick Lucas Rosewood Montana in 1993 and several others .

Vintage Price Value For 2008 : 
1928 - 1938 > $8 500 to $12 000 ( Nick Lucas special ) 
1991 - 1992 > $1 600 to $2 100 ( Reissue limited edition ) 
1999 - 1999 > $1 800 to $2 200 ( Nick Lucas Reissue ) 

Note : 1928-1938 prices may vary due to preferences , maple body , mahogany , rosewood , 14 fret , 13 fret , 13.5" wide body , 14 ....... etc. (many guitar players and collectors prefer the maple back and sides from 1934 and up)

Comments

  1. Anonymous1:04 PM

    I HAVE A 1929 GIBSON L2 KALAMAZOO MI, IN ITS ORIGINAL BLACK CASE WITH BLUE FURRY MATERIAL INSIDE EVEN HAS A DISTINCT OLD ODOR TO IT. CONDITION VERY GOOD. CAN SOMEONE TELL ME THE REAL OR CLOSE TO IT VALUE?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous1:58 PM

    I have a similar mid 1920's to early 30's Nick Lucas Special. I have been offered $5000 on the spot and an appraisal of up to $12,000 or more at auction or on the open market.

    ReplyDelete

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