Up for sale, a circa 1928 Gibson TG-1 in 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. This uncommon Gibson tenor model was offered between 1927-37, and the TG-1 was the more premium of the two tenor guitars produced by Gibson during this era, boasting a bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and headstock inlay. Via the bridge, body size, and Factory Order Number (FON), this particular TG-1 was produced between 1927-29.

Similarly to the L-1, tonewoods include an Adirondack spruce top with 20s-style bracing, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, and Brazilian rosewood fretboard and bridge. The body measures 12 5/8 wide at the lower bout with a 23 scale length. This TG-1 is punchy and bright-sounding, offering a plucky, percussive quality that’s also smooth and warm, effectively straddling the sonic territory between a parlor guitar and a mandolin or tenor banjo. This TG-1 is featherweight at 2lbs 5oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mikes Guitar Bar with 10-30 strings and easy-playing action.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: V, measuring .755 1st fret, .895 9th fret
-Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, grained ivoroid binding, dot inlay
-Frets: Banjo wire (very slender), light wear beneath plain strings on frets 1-6
-Scale Length: 23
-Nut: 1 3/16
-Headstock: Gibson script logo and ornamental inlay
-Tuners: Grover Pat. sealed banjo tuners, grained ivoroid buttons
-Factory Markings: Four-digit FON stamp on neck heel block

Body Specs:

-Wood: Adirondack spruce, mahogany
-Bracing: 20s-style, straight
-Bridge: Brazilian rosewood pyramidal bridge with grained ivoroid pins, bone saddle
-Marquetry: Simple rosette, one-ply cream binding

There are two professionally repaired splits on the rims (one at the treble-side waist, one at the endpin), and two on the back along the centerline at the lower bout. The hand-rubbed Sunburst nitro lacquer finish exhibits tight lacquer checking, with some pick wear across the strum path, a small area of finish loss at the bass-side lower bout rim, and some minor dings and scratches on the instrument as a whole consistent with almost a century of careful use.

A modern black tolex hardshell case is included.