Vintage 1932 Gibson “Nick Lucas” Model.*Fine All Original Condition*

I’ve sold & traded several guitars on this forum, but never have I had the pleasure to offer something as collectable as this vintage Nick Lucas Gibson!

This guitar was owned by Chuck Meyer, the founder of KOIN out of Portland, OR. When he died in 1947, it was put away in his basement. It stayed there, unplayed, until his wife died in the 1960’s, at which time it was retrieved by Chuck’s nephew, who left it largely unplayed as well. This is who I acquired it from.

I have taken it to my luthier for a complete examination. Aside from the obvious playing marks and requisite scratches, there is only a very thin crack on the back, which he stabilized. Otherwise, this Nick Lucas Gibson is in remarkable condition. The neck is straight and there’s a large amount of saddle left on the bridge.

Here's something else you rarely see with an instrument of this age: It has the ORIGINAL HARD SHELL CASE!!! Although the case has some dings & scratches, it too is in remarkable condition, and fully functional.

I’ve been trying to determine how to describe the sound, but this is very difficult, since it sounds different than most modern guitars. For one, it’s very loud for a small-bodied guitar. The tone is very sweet across the spectrum. Now I understand why the good vintage instruments are in such high demand!

Leaving nothing to chance, I had this guitar professionally appraised at Gruhn’s. Below is the appraisal

July 30th, 2008
We certify that the guitar described below is, in our opinion, a Gibson Nick Lucas model made circa 1932.

Description: Serial number 86608 would normally be consistent with a manufacture date in the year 1928, however, most Nick Lucas models have serial numbers consistent with 1928 or 29 in spite of the fact that they clearly have structural and ornamental specifications dating later. It would appear that Gibson numbered many Lucas labels at the same time and then used them over a period of several years. We have been provided the following description: “Serial # 86608 on soundhole label. There's a crack about 2.5" long on the back by the block. This will be stabilized by my luthier. The rest of the guitar is very sound structurally. Comes with what appears to be the original case.”

Based upon examination of the attached photos the guitar appears to be in fine original condition. It conforms to the typical specifications of the model for the period which it was made with 14 3/4" wide body, mahogany neck, back, and sides with walnut stain finish, spruce top with sunburst finish, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with typical Nick Lucas inlay, The Gibson peghead inlay, white binding on the top and back edges of the body, 12 fret neck, and original “red line” hard shell case. This is a model which is of interest to collectors as well as musicians.

Current market value: $17,500 (seventeen thousand and five hundred dollars)

I am going to offer this beautiful, rare Gibson at its current market value: $17,500. Please PM me if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Rick

Nice guitar! Would love to hear a side by side recording with a good C10....


Good luck with your sale. ML.

SOLD Pending Payment