1940 Kalamazoo KGN-12 Oriole

From 1933 to 1942, Gibson used the "Kalamazoo" name to sell a line of low-cost, no-frills department-store instruments. The KGN-12 Oriole appeared in 1940 and was made just until America's entry into World War II. It's a fairly rare model, and it's instantly recognizable by the Oriole decal on the peghead.  The Oriole body shape is based on the L-00, but it has two key differences: 1) ladder bracing under the hood, and 2) Maple back and sides. While most Kalamazoo guitars were given a plain model number, it's not clear why Gibson chose to give the KGN-12 the "Oriole" name. Regardless, the decal and natural finish/tortoise dining combo only add to the vibe and mystique of a prewar Kalamazoo.  Like many of these old department store axes, this 1940 Oriole has been through a lot over the years. Nevertheless, thanks to a recent overhaul by Schoenberg Guitars, it plays nicely and sounds fantastic. According the story, the original owner brought this guitar to Guadalcanal where he worked as