1933 Gibson Nick Lucas Special #89568, FON 485
No guitar is more “Special” than this one!
1933 Gibson Nick Lucas Special #89568, FON 485. Words fail to fully express the delight we have in playing this guitar. Clearly a memorable experience, unique even among the best of the many 1930s Gibsons and Martins we have enjoyed over the years. Although Gibson advertisements were often full of hyperbole, we agree completely with the description in the 1928 catalog (see entire ad below):
“Here is an instrument with a big, harp-like tone, responsive to the lightest touch, balanced in every register. Crisp sparkling treble and solid resonant bass that makes your whole being sway to its rhythmic pulsations.”
Nick Lucas was the first widely lauded American guitarist, singer & songwriter, known for his catchy songs (“Tip Toe Through the Tulips” charted at #1 in 1929) and wizardry on the fingerboard (“Teasing The Frets” 1922). Nationally famous for his performances on stage, in studio and on radio, he dominated the airwaves well before Jimmie Rodgers became the first country music superstar. In 1927, when Gibson sales director Frank Campbell asked Lucas to play Gibson guitars, Lucas replied he would do so only if they made an instrument to his specifications. The result was the Nick Lucas Special, which was in production from 1928 to 1938 (only 7 models shipped ‘39-41). Like the Lloyd Loar Master Models of 1922-1924, it was an instrument designed by an artist for artists.
When introduced in 1928 at $125, these were the most expensive Gibson flat-top guitars to date. In less than a year afer it was unveiled, however, the financial crash of 1929 put the price out of reach for most Americans. Consequently, production of the Nick Lucas model became very limited (in 1937, for example, only 35 were made). It seems that many were custom made to fill orders, and features such as finish and wood selections varied (rosewood, mahogany and maple backs and sides all appear in various years). The deep body on all Nick Lucas guitars is often cited as the major contributor to the resonant voice; we might add that the delicate and well-positioned bracing, wide string spacing, and top quality wood also play a part.
Features of Nick Lucas #89569 include sunburst finish; Adirondack spruce top; exquisite Honduran Mahogany in the back, sides and neck; Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and bridge (rectangular, not pyramid); Nick Lucas’ inlays in fingerboard with no two alike; “The Gibson” and fleur-de-lis in peghead; Gibson threaded adjustable truss rod; ebony nut; tapered peghead; upper bout 10 3/8; lower bout 14 7/8; body depth flairs from 4 1/4 at neck to 4 5/8 at end pin; 24.9 scale; white/black/white top binding; white back binding; string spacing 1 1/2 at nut and 2 5/8 at bridge (all measurements in inches). Top has a perfect profile, with none of the “belly” often seen on many ‘30s guitars. This guitar is in excellent condition, and completely original except for minor set-up and playing issues addressed by professional modern luthiers. For example, the Grover G98s have been replaced with modern Waverlys, but originals are extant and in the case. Two minor hairline side cracks have been seamlessly repaired as is a minor 1-inch grain separation at the soundhole rosette. Original Geib and Schaefer case is also included and is in very good condition. All in all, a remarkably well-preserved and rare guitar that has also been associated with a few well-known twentieth century musicians.
Gibson Catalog “Q”, 1928, p. 5. Introducing the Nick Lucas Special.
Are you ready to have your whole being sway to its rhythmic pulsations? This is a truly extraordinary guitar, an exquisite vintage guitar for the discerning player, or the find of a lifetime for a serious collector.
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