Gibson HG-2 Dark Sunburst, 1948 [USED]

A Gibson HG-2 squareneck Hawaiian guitar is a rare sight. Gibson first made Hawaiian Guitars in 1929. The run comprised 5 models including the HG-20, the HG-22 and HG-24 and was discontinued after 5 years due to declining sales. There is not much information about the HG-2 other than the fact that less than 50 of these guitars were ever made and it appears they were manufactured towards the late 40’s. In essence it is a Gibson LG-2 with a 12 fret square neck and many have been converted to standard acoustic guitars. This particular example dates to the Kalamazoo factory in 1948.

The steel guitar, or Hawaiian guitar, is played horizontally across the lap using a steel bar to glide over the strings, creating a smooth, sliding tone. Originating in Hawaii towards the end of the 19th century, the technique was popularized by Joseph Kekuku and became known as ‘Hawaiian style’. In the early 20th century Hawaiian music became hugely influential on American pop music and the steel guitar gained widespread popularity. However, despite its resonant body, it was not as loud as other instruments of the time, namely brass instruments. The development of resonator guitars in the late 20’s, and the later advent of the electric lap steel guitar, addressed this issue, and ensured that slide guitar playing would remain a staple feature of a vast array of genres including Bluegrass, Blues, Country and Rock. 

This guitar has a solid spruce top with a weathered dark sunburst finish and a tortoise celluloid pickguard. The back and sides are mahogany, giving it a well-rounded warm tone. The HG-2 was not initially braced for heavy strings leading to some cracks on the soundboard of this guitar, which have been repaired. A new Brazilian rosewood bridge has been installed and the bridge plate has been replaced. The neck is mahogany with a Brazilian rosewood fretboard. The tuners have been replaced. Overall this guitar is in very good condition with some playwear and scratches and dings around the body.  

There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here

DETAILS: 

• Instrument Model: HG-2 (Hawaiian Guitar)
• Instrument Manufacturer: Gibson
• Instrument year: 1948
• Instrument Finish: Sunburst
• Instrument Class: Square neck guitar (Steel Guitar)
• Instrument serial number: 2334 13
• Country of Origin: USA (Kalamazoo)
• Instrument Condition: Very good
• Playing Condition: Very good
  
• Right-handed 
• CITIES Documentation Required: Yes (Brazilian Rosewood)
• Case included: No
• Instrument Weight Imperial: 3.8lbs
• Instrument Weight Metric: 1.73kgs
• Scale Length Imperial: 25in
• Scale Length Metric: 635mm
• Nut Width Imperial: 1.75 in
• Nut Width Metric: 44.45 mm
  
• Consignment: No
• Product ID: 20230621

There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here