1936 Gibson Nick Lucas Special – Sunburst

This iconic 1936 Gibson Nick Lucas in Sunburst is a fantastic example of Gibson’s first artist-endorsed model! It’s even the first artist-endorsed model across any brand. Nick Lucas was an American jazz singer and an OG guitar hero to many. You may know his 1929 hit “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” (or Tiny Tim’s 1968 cover as the two were friends). This guitar is small but mighty, with an immense depth of sound and crisp tone. While some were made with mahogany or rosewood, this guitar features maple back and sides, which is largely desirable for this model. The maple adds a brightness to the sound that the mahogany bodies do not capture as well. Plus, the grain and flame of the wood are stunning! The neck is a thick V shape, and fits nicely in the hand as you play up and down the neck. There is one center seam top crack and one small pickguard crack which both have been glued and addressed long ago. The guitar was also refretted and there is light evidence of a light fretboard plane. Inside the soundhole you will find that iconic Nick Lucas label, denoting the serial number and therefore the year! This model was discontinued in 1938, so we are happy to have this rare example that ran for less than 10 years. 

Overall Condition: 7