1941(c.) Kalamazoo KG-21

In many ways, the '30s and '40s defined and shaped the modern acoustic guitar. On the heels of Maybelle Carter, more and more players began to use guitars as lead instruments in string bands. Relative to other instruments, guitars were also more affordable—and  more portable! Not only did guitars fit depression-era budgets, but guitars were the perfect companion for thumbing a ride out on the dust-bowl or hopping in a boxcar to get to the next Juke Joint. In today's market, prewar models often come with exorbitantly high price tags, and because of their historical significance, they mostly deserve to.  Nevertheless, there were many low-cost, workingman's guitars built in those days, too, and perhaps these more accurately embody the era. While these guitars might not demonstrate the same level of impact on the future of the guitar industry, they can still be inspiring guitars, more than capable of capturing the sound, feel, and mojo of yesteryear.  From 1933 to 1942, Gibson used the "Ka