Gibson Style O Guitar

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Gibson Style O Guitar (1902 to 1925) 

The Gibson Style O guitar has a primitive and old style mandolin design but they play a major and important roll in Gibson's history, especially for acoustic arch-top guitars.

These Gibson guitars were considered the most prestigious guitars of its time and are known to be the base model design from which other future Gibson arch-top guitars derived from. They were based on original arch-top designs from Orville Gibson himself and were actually introduced in the late 1800s. 

 Early Style O Gibson models had wide paddle shaped peg heads with one piece neck and sides, mahogany back and sides, oval sound hole, banjo style tuning pegs, black top finishes, and were 18" wide. 

In 1906 slotted peg heads were added with "The Gibson" slanted logo on it, fingerboards were made with a round pointed end that surpassed the sound hole. In 1908 they changed the body shape, it had a trapeze tailpiece , a carved artistic twirl on its bout with a single pointed cutaway feature which set the stage for future legendary cutaway guitars.

Notice how the pointed cutaway resembles the cutaway on the Es-175, L-4 C, SG models and many others. 

In 1911 elevated pick guards were installed, in 1918 a fleur-de-lis peg head inlay was added on the peg head and were available in red mahogany sunburst finishes. A truss rod was added in 1921 and the Gibson style O guitar faded away in 1925. 

Few models were sold in 1924 and 25. The Gibson Style O guitars looked very much like their line of mandolins which were mainstream instruments during the early 20s , but they were short lived when the highly crafted Gibson L-5 guitar was introduced with F-holes in 1924 and dominated the guitar market.

Gibson Style O Price Guide (Updated May-2-2021)
  • 1902 - 1906 > $5000 to $6500 (Paddle Headstock)
  • 1902 - 1906 > $6500 to $8000 (Fancy Paddle Headstock)
  • 1906 - 1908 > $6000 to $7500 (Slotted Headstock)
  • 1908 - 1913 > $5500 to $7000 (Solid Headstock)
  • 1914 - 1921 > $$5500 to $7000 (Scroll Variation)
  • 1922 - 1925 > $6500 to $8000 (Loar Era - Some With Truss Rods)

Comments

  1. Anonymous11:51 PM

    I have A 1907 Gibson Style 0 serial # 5783 that is a rare presentation model.It looks like a modern flat top in that it has an oval sound hole at the beginning of the neck. The slotted headstock has no Gibson script, just an inlaid star and cross. The neck has an inlay tree of life and this example is 18 " wide which despite what you say made this unusual and at the very top of the Gibson guitar line for that year.... George Gruhn estimated its value at $8500.00 U.S.. But this model is exceptional in its rarity.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous7:03 AM

    I'd like to buy your style o if you are interested?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mark Caughlin12:25 PM

    I have a 1906 Style O Gibson that was once my Grandfathers. I have the paperwork on it as I took it to George Gruin in Nashville about ten years ago. If anyone is interested in the purchase of this beautiful guitar, please contact me via email at or call/text at 850-381-0190

    Thanks,
    Mark Caughlin
    Panama City, Florida

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous5:48 PM

    I have a 1920 Style 0 & original hard case that my Great-Uncle gave me in 1963. I would be willing to sell it to the right person for the right price. Photos available.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rick Redington4:01 AM

      I’m interested…

      Delete
    2. Rick Redington4:04 AM

      Message Me If You Still Have The Style O Please

      Delete

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