Two new models for 2020:
I’ve owned a number of mid-30’s small-bodied Gibsons over the last forty years. A few L-OO’s and a Nick Lucas were some of my favorite instruments for the music of Blind Blake, Bill Broonzy and other blues and ragtime favorites.
We’ve had many requests over the years to do a Froggy Bottom version of the guitars. They’re 14 1/2” across the lower bout, slightly smaller but no less powerful than 000 and OM guitars.
They also seem to be exceptionally versatile guitars as well as very comfortable to play. The 24 3/4” scale length is pretty user-friendly, but the slightly smaller box works nicely even when pushed with a flat pick. And for country blues, lots of players feel it to be the best guitar there is.
We’re offering both 12 and 14 fret versions. The twelve fret version is warmer tonally, with slightly more complex harmonics, while the 14 fretter has a bit more punch when pushed, and of course better access up the neck. After sending a few of these out and tweaking the design, we’re proud to add them to our lineup in 2020 for our fiftieth anniversary

R14 and R12 Specs
- Body Width:
- 14 1/2“
- Body Length:
- 19 5/16“
- Body Depth:
- 4 1/4“
- Scale Length:
- 24 3/4“
- Nut Width:
- 1 3/4“
(variable at no charge)
R14 and R12 Prices
These prices reflect only the basic grade and wood choices for this model. Our price list has prices for specific custom options. Our current prices, effective March 1, 2023 are subject to change without notice.
R14 and R12 | standard / deluxe / limited |
---|---|
mahogany | 7970 / 9125 / 10,500 |
rosewood | 7970 / 9125 / 10,500 |
maple | N/A / 9950 / 11,325 |
walnut | N/A / 10,885 / 12,260 |
koa | N/A / 12,095 / 13,470 |