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c.Late 1930's Cromwell (Gibson) 16" Archtop w/SSC - $1,195 (Sherman Oaks)
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Local Pickup In Sherman Oaks
In Fair Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Made By Gibson
Press-Carved Solid Spruce Top In Sunburst Finish Shows Heavy Playwear Throughout Including Marks, Dings, Scratches And Checking
Mahogany Sides Show Heavy Checking (As Shown)
Original Pickguard
Original Trapeze Tailpiece
Original Floating Bridge
Some Braces Appear To Have Been Updated
Open Side Crack On Lower Bout (As Shown), Appears To Be Stable
Open Back Crack (As Shown)
Mahogany Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard
Frets Are Low, But In Good Playable Condition
Original Open-Gear 3x3 Tuning Machines
Low E-String Tuner Button Appears To Have Been Changed
Comes With Later Softshell Case As Shown
The Cromwell brand emerged in 1935 as one of Gibson’s key “house brand” lines, created specifically for large jobbers and distributors who wanted quality instruments without the Gibson name or price tag. Positioned alongside similar offshoots like Kalamazoo, Cromwell offered affordable, well-built guitars that shared many structural and tonal qualities with their Gibson-made counterparts. Throughout the late 1930s, Cromwell instruments were sold by major wholesalers such as Continental, Jenkins, and Grossman, helping the brand become a recognizable presence in the budget-to-midrange market. Despite their modest intent, many Cromwell guitars—like the G-4 model—are now appreciated for their craftsmanship, character, and unexpectedly strong sound.