For Sale Or Trade: c. 1930 Solid Koa 12-fret - Rare - now $1800 shipped - trade options

Howlin Bob · #1 08-07-2020, 04:11 PM

I am offering up for your consideration this rare, original all-Koa 12-fret round neck 0-18K sized guitar made in Hawaii at (new price 9/5), $1800 shipped to US. It's been completely restored to perfect playing condition. It's not a closet queen and has been played, but is in VG condition with mainly original finish.

Trade value at $2100 and only looking for 12-fret 00 or 000. Able to add or subtract $ +/- to make a trade work out.

Key specs: 1.75" nut, 2.25" saddle, 25" scale and a comfortable C neck. It's x-braced and resonant. The body is 13.75" at the lower bout and 10" at the upper bout. Body depth is 3.75" at the end block. (Note the wonderful feature at the bottom that was used for a rope to hang the guitar at one time).

The tone is rich, warm and enveloping. It punches well above its 0-18K size body. I've owned and played Martin 0-18Ks, as well as similar Weissenborn models and nothing really compares, especially for this price. Vintage tone at an affordable price.

It's set up at 3/32" with a bone nut and saddle. All original. The bridge saddle and string spacing are something adopted by Weissenborn guitars.

Various top and back cracks have been repaired and the back was off at one time...I presume to address loose braces...but all is solid now. No issues and ready to play for another 100 years.

What makes the "tabu" guitars special is that the construction is virtually 100% Koa, made from old growth Koa no longer available today. The flame figuring on this guitar is amazing and it sounds incredible. The back, sides, top, fret board, bridge and all major components are made from Koa. As such, they produce very lightweight and resonant guitars.

As always, I offer 48 hour approval, with a buyer paying for return shipping if it doesn't work out.

This is a really good one. Only selling to finance a custom build I've been wanting to do as I get down to one or maybe two guitars.

Thanks for looking,

Bob

Howlin Bob · #2 08-09-2020, 10:42 AM

Sunday bump. Price is lowest here.

More photos at:

https://reverb.com/item/35133548-pau...-koa-very-rare

Have a safe day.

Evanelk · #3 08-09-2020, 11:35 AM

I got to play this here in Portland before Bob bought it. Incredibly light and resonant. Set up really nicely. A really fun little koa guitar!

Howlin Bob · #4 08-10-2020, 08:53 PM

Thanks, Evan.

It's a really sweet guitar.

Someone will be very happy.

Howlin Bob · #5 08-14-2020, 02:08 PM

Friday bump for a sweet, 12-fret Slothead!

48 hour approval always.

Howlin Bob · #6 08-17-2020, 10:52 AM

Monday bump...only $2000 shipped, insured for a great sounding 12-fret with 1-3/4" nut and short scale. Perfect couch, singer-songwriter guitar.

Get a great 1930s-ish guitar at a great price. Reasonable offers considered.

Howlin Bob · #7 08-19-2020, 11:31 AM

The clearance at the top of the sound hole per a request from a member appears to be 7/16".

Howlin Bob · #8 08-22-2020, 11:41 AM

Weekend bump for this great all-around guitar.

Sound clip possible if interested.

Howlin Bob · #9 08-24-2020, 04:34 PM

Thanks for looking. Now at lowest price...unless you have a great 000 12-fret to trade.

Howlin Bob · #10 08-26-2020, 09:18 AM

Wednesday bump for a great guitar.

48-hour approval...

Howlin Bob · #11 08-28-2020, 10:15 AM

Trades for a 12-fret 00 or 00 are now also a possibility. What do you have?

Best email is [email protected] or 503-784-9962 for calls or texts.

Howlin Bob · #12 08-30-2020, 10:58 AM

Sunday bump day.

Koa is a great wood -- rich and enveloping. With 70+ years of aging, it's the best.

Bob

Howlin Bob · #13 09-01-2020, 09:10 AM

Can add cash +/- to work.

Bob

Howlin Bob · #14 09-03-2020, 12:09 PM

Thursday mid-day bump for a great, slotted headstock, 12-fret guitar that sounds and plays wonderful.

Howlin Bob · #15 09-06-2020, 10:29 PM

Final price drop. Still open to 12-fret trades.

Have a safe holiday.

Bob