1939 Kalamazoo KG-32 with 87 years of family history
Some guitars are special because of their sound. Others because of their rarity. And every once in a while, an instrument comes along whose story is just as impressive. This Kalamazoo KG-32 is one such guitar.
This Kalamazoo KG-32 comes from the son of the first owner. That doesn’t happen often. Remarkably, this isn’t the first time we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming a Kalamazoo KG-32 from the same family. In 2023, we had the opportunity to acquire a similar model directly from the original family. Read the full story here.
A few months ago, we received an email from the son of the guitar’s first owner. He told us the story of his father’s guitar and immediately sent along some beautiful, old photos. His father played in a small band with his mother. The Kalamazoo is clearly recognizable in the photos: a wonderful snapshot of the 1940s and 1950s. His father and mother met at music school just before World War II.
In the mid-1950s, they stopped performing. The Kalamazoo was then put away in its case, where it remained untouched for decades. After his father’s death, the son took charge of the guitar. Although the instrument has always been treated with great respect, unfortunately no one in the family plays the guitar. That is why it was decided to find a new owner who would both appreciate and play the guitar.
Of course, we invited the son to come to our store in Rijsbergen with the guitar. During his visit, the fondest memories came flooding back. He told us about his parents, the bands they played in, and the role this Kalamazoo guitar played over the years. Thanks to the photos and personal stories, the guitar’s history really comes to life.
A poster from October 1951 for a cabaret and revue troupe. In the small orchestra, the father played the Kalamazoo.
A 1939 Kalamazoo KG-32 with a package of Black Diamond Strings and chord charts.
Kalamazoo KG-32 1939 headstock.
Kalamazoo KG-32 1939 headstock with export stamp.
Made in U.S.A. by Gibson label.
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