Gibson GS Series Classical Guitars

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Gibson GS Series Classical Guitars (1939-1956)

GS-1, GS-2. GS-5, GS-35, GS-85

The Gibson GS classical guitars were never really successful back then, and today there is not much of a demand for these classical guitars on the vintage market. However GS guitars are rare and still hold a significant place in Gibsons' history.

In late 1938 before world war II Gibson introduced 2 classical guitars with Gut Strings (GS ), the Gibson GS-35 and the Gibson GS-85. 

The GS-35 model had a classical style bound body, mahogany back-sides-neck, a rosewood tied bridge , black peg head w/screened logo, spruce top, round bound sound hole, 12/19th fret ebony fingerboard, tuners with plastic buttons, and were available in natural finishes. (Discontinued in 1942 and only 39 were made).  

The GS-85 was very much like the GS-35 except had rosewood back and a pearl bridge inlay. (under 30 guitars were made and were discontinued in 1942). These guitars paved the way for their more popular LG steel string models which were very successful during the post war. 

In late 1949 Gibson tried again with the GS-1 and GS-2 classical guitars, the GS-1 had a classical style body, a blackface peg head w/screened Gibson logo, rosewood fingerboard, rosewood bride (pearl block) with cross inlays, mahogany body back/sides/neck and were made in natural finishes. Discontinued in 1956. 

The Gibson Gs-2 was very much like the GS-1 instead had a maple body (back and sides) and were discontinued in 1956 along with the GS-1.  

In 1954 Gibson introduced the GS-5, same guitar like the GS-1 but with rosewood body (back and sides) and were renamed the gibson C-5 classical in 1957.. Go here to see the Gibson C Series (Classical Guitars) 

Gibson GS Classical Guitars Price Guide (Updated April-28-2021)
  • 1939 - 1942 > $1600 to $2000 (GS-35 - Spruce Top)
  • 1939 - 1942 > $3000 to $4000 (GS-85 - Brazilian Rosewood)
  • 1950 - 1956 > $700 to $900 (GS-1 - Mahogany Back & Sides)
  • 1950 - 1956 > $700 to $900 (GS-2 - Maple Back & Sides)
  • 1954 - 1960 > $1500 to $2000 (GS-5 Custom Classic)

Comments

  1. Anonymous1:29 AM

    Hi,

    I was wondering what you could me about this guitar.
    http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270255020549&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=017

    I know its a gibson Usa classical possibly 1930's but i dont know much more. can you help?

    thanks. charissa
    rock.girl.101@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lealon11:14 AM

    I have a Gs classical but don't know the model. It matches the specs of Gs-1 Mahogany tied rosewood bridge and I think it has 3 ring rosette (not sure what a 3 ring looks like - it has 2 same patterns separated by a different bolder one so I assume it is considered a 3 ring) The one factor that does not match the specs is that the Brazilian Rosewood bridge has no inlaid pearl cross, so I wonder if it is possibly a Gs-35 (which only has a 2 ring rosette) or an earlier version of the Gs-1 or Gs-35. Can anyone help identify the model? lealon@swbell.net

    ReplyDelete

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