Jumbo Cutaway
Collecting Hall of Fame Vintage Guitars
Over the past couple of years the vintage guitar market has taken a hit here and there but overall has proven to be a sound investment for most. The experts say that when inflation accelerates and the dollar shrinks collectibles prove to be a good place for your money.
You might be asking yourself whether a guitar can really be a good investment. After all, to the untrained eye, most guitars are the same. However, the right guitar can be worth a lot to a collector. Guitars that have been owned by celebrities, or which are rare or unusual, can command very high prices indeed. If you’re worried about getting a return on your money, don’t be. Vintage guitars have consistently performed with more stability than the stock market. There are a number of reasons that collecting vintage guitars is an excellent strategy.
For one, they’re more tangible than a stock or bond. They give you an attractive piece to display, and are fun to collect, too. Guitars also don’t lose value over time. In fact, it’s just the opposite – vintage guitars consistently gain value as they get older, as long as you take the time to keep them in good condition. They’re also usually superior instruments. If you’re a musician as well as an investor, you’ll appreciate the superior action and tone of a real vintage instrument. The most popular vintage guitar with collectors is probably the Gibson Les Paul.
Here is a small example: Let’s say in 1959 you had $100.00 if you were to bury the $100.00 in a coffee can in your back yard or put it in your bank account and let it sit there drawing a couple percent interest inflation would slowly take this $100.00 and if you were to pull it out 50 years later you would find that $100.00 would barely get you a nice dinner for two. However if you would have taken that same $100.00 and gone to your local pawn shop in 1959 and picked up a 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar and placed it in the closet instead then you could pull it out of your closet today and it could be worth well over six figures.
People are starting to realize how much these instruments from the 50’s 60’s, and 70’s really mean to our culture.
There is a very limited supply and there still seems to be a high demand for these pieces of history which has proved to be a good choice for those who have invested in these instruments, such as the Gibson Les Pauls’ and Fender Telecasters and Stratocaster’s from the same era. (50’s, 60, and 70’s).
A good place to start collecting vintage guitars as an investment would be to focus your research on obtaining guitars from the list below. This list includes that have been inducted into Vintage Guitar Magazine’s Hall of Fame. There are, of course, other lists and other guitars worth investing in, but this is certainly a great place to begin. Two great sites to begin your search for these exquisite instrument are Bob’s Vintage Guitars at http://www.bestguitaronline.com and the Best Guitar Shop at http://www.best-guitar-shop.
In the coming weeks, I will be featuring each of the exquisite instruments in detail. This information will prove useful in your search for vintage guitars that will provide a good return on your investment.
Fender Stratocaster
Inducted in 1990
The VG Hall of Fame was started in 1990 and we had little doubt the Strat would be among the first instruments selected for inclusion by our readers. Three single-coils, a vibrato (usually), and that great contoured, offset-double-cutaway body. Some 50 years after its introduction, it is still one of the most popular designs.
Gibson Les Paul Standard (‘Burst)
Inducted in 1990
Also an easy first-year selection, LP Standard was introduced with a sunburst finish in 1958, and the ‘58 to’60 models are the most valuable vintage solidbody guitars. The Les Paul Standard is a classic no matter what finish it bears.
Martin D-28
Inducted in 1991
The first acoustic in the VG Hall, the D-28 launched Martin’s line of incredible big and loud dreadnoughts in 1931. The D-28 has inspired many guitarists and builders, and remains one of Martin’s most popular models.
Fender Telecaster
Inducted in 1991
Leo Fender’s timeless classic is about as simple as an electric guitar can be, but still has the magic to appeal to guitarists playing just about any style of music. Every guitar player has a Telecaster (or should). Along with the Strat and Les Paul, the Tele is among the most popular designs around.
Fender Precision Bass
Inducted in 1992
The first bass in the VG Hall, and why not, it only forever revolutionized how the bass was played. One of the most innovative ideas in modern music history.
Gibson ES-335
Inducted in 1992
Born during Gibson’s “golden era,” the semi-hollow body ES-335 wedded archtop looks with solidbody performance. Whether it has dot inlays or blocks, it remains one of the coolest designs in guitardom.
D’Angelico New Yorker
Inducted in 1993
George Gruhn said of it in the March 2000 issue of Vintage Guitar, “The New Yorker is significant due to its superb quality and aesthetic artistic appeal,” and is “one of the finest guitars in the history of the instrument.”
Gibson Super 400
Inducted in 1993
Introduced in 1934, with its 18″ body and deluxe features, the Super 400 was the largest and most expensive guitar in the Gibson line. Its influence was soon apparent in the designs of many of the great archtops built by others. Whether the earlier non-cutaway acoustic version or the later double-pickup cutaway, it remains a true work of art.
Gibson L-5
Inducted in 1994
Introduced in 1922 and with a design guided by the legendary Lloyd Loar, the L-5 was the first modern archtop guitar. Initially a non-cutaway acoustic, the L-5 went through many changes, ultimately becoming a single-cutaway with two humbuckers.
Fender Jazz Bass
Inducted in 1995
With its two specially designed pickups, offset waist, and slimmer, narrower neck, the Jazz Bass was intended to be the more tonally diverse, slicker-playing descendant of the Precision. The fact it was available in Fender custom colors (often with matching headstock) makes it all the more cool.
Gibson Flying V
Inducted in 1996
One of the most distinct guitar designs ever created, but it wasn’t a hit when it came out in 1958. Rock and rollers discovered it the late ’60s and the V still makes a unique statement today.
Gretsch 6120
Inducted in 1996
If you play rockabilly, you better have one of these! Introduced as the Chet Atkins Hollowbody in ‘54, the 6120 soon shed the “G” brand and western inlays of the early versions, but never lost the Western Orange finish or the cool twang.
Rickenbacker 360/12
Inducted in 1997
It was good enough for George Harrison and gave us the “jingle jangle” of Roger McGuinn. That’s more than enough for the 360/12 to be the only 12-string in the Vintage Guitar Hall of Fame.
Martin D-45
Inducted in 1998
Originally the fanciest of Martin’s innovative dreadnought line. If you had one of the 96 made in the 1930s and early ’40s, your net worth would be considerably higher than it is now.
Gibson ES-150
Inducted in 1999
Gibson’s first electric Spanish guitar was also the first good-quality electric to hit the market. Favored by Charlie Christian, it housed Gibson’s first pickup, which is still in high demand and considered a classic.
Fender Jazzmaster
Inducted in 2002
Designed and marketed by Leo to cut into Gibson’s jazz market, it supplanted the Strat at the top of Fender’s line in 1958. And though its sound kept it from catching on with jazzers, garage surf bands of the day ate it up. It is one of the most copied solidbody designs of all time.
Gibson SJ-200
Inducted in 2002
A landmark amongst acoustic flattops, the SJ-200 was designed for cowboy guitarist Ray Whitley, and any cowboy worth his salt played one. Its popularity carried over to other genres, and never faded. From its jumbo-sized, sunburst-finished body to its ultra-fancy pickguard, bridge, and headstock, it was considered the consummate flat-top. Just ask Emmylou!
The 1954-’56 Gibson Les Paul Custom
Inducted in 2003
Can you say “Black Beauty?” Though Gibson didn’t give it the name, Les Paul himself chose black as the secondary color for the guitar bearing his moniker. Gibson did, however, use it to experiment with a three-pickup configuration and to introduce its famed Alnico-magnet pickup.
PRS Custom
Inducted in 2004
The first production instrument from a company that has become the guitar’s preeminent modern success story.
Gretsch White Falcon
Inducted in 2004
Like many great guitars, it has evolved through several versions. But it has been a classic since day one, for both it sound and utterly unique aesthetic.
National Tri-Cone series
Inducted in 2005
Its warm, sustaining tone emanates from three aluminum “resonators” designed to help guitarists stand out in big-band or orchestra settings. But, soon after being introduced, Nationals were adopted by Hawiian and blues players. Today, the Tri-Cone produces what many consider the ultimate acoustic blues tone.
Gibson ES-5
Inducted in 2006
One of the first guitars built after Ted McCarty took charge of Gibson, it helped solidify the company’s position as the world’s preeminent electric archtop maker. Today, its late-’50s variant with three PAF humbuckers and Switchmaster tone control is one of the most collectible of its ilk.
Fender Jaguar
Inducted in 2006
Jumping on the speeding Fender bandwagon in 1962, it helped the company stay on top throughout the decade, with its fancy new vibrato tailpiece, sophisticated electronics, and (usually) a funky custom color. If you played instrumental rock at the time, you either had one of these or you were probably ignored!
Gibson J-45
Inducted in 2007
Martin’s “dreadnought” flat-tops were big and dominated the guitar market of the 1930s. By the early ’40s, Gibson knew it needed a big flat-top to compete, and he J-45 (“J” for Jumbo, “45″ indicating its price in dollars) was it. A 16″ round-shoulded flat-top, even in the tough times of its launch, it received a very warm welcome and has ever since remained one of – if not the – most popular Gibson guitars.
Gibson Les Paul Model (Goldtop)
Inducted in 2008
Les Paul tried for years to convince Gibson it needed a solidbody in its line. Finally, Ted McCarty brought a single-cut experiment guitar to Les for his approval. Though its origianl bridge/tailpiece was far from perfect, the instrument served as Gibson’s test bed through the ’50s. Eventually, it reached the pinnacle among guitars and today sits among the top collectibles.
Gibson SG Standard
Inducted in 2009
By 1960, declining sales of the Les Paul model had Gibson looking to revamp the guitar. So the company gave it a radically redesigned, much thinner (and lighter!) body intended to better compete with Fender’s Strat. But the things that made up its very heart and soul – especially its humbucking pickups – remained. Today, the early-’60s version is a true classic.
About the Author
For more information on vintage guitars visit Bob’s Vintage Guitars at http://www.bestguitaronline.com and the Best Guitar Shop
Goodall Custom Jumbo Cutaway
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Takamine EGB2S-BK Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar – Gloss Black $549.00 |
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Unique Brand solid Koa Cutaway small jumbo Guitar NO14 $969.00 |
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Revell/Germany Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet Cutaway Display MISB $80.00 |
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WASHBURN WB200SCE BABY JUMBO A/E GUITAR B BANDEQ CUTAWAY NATURAL $450.00 |
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Washburn Festival EA20 Spruce Acoustic Cutaway Electric Mini Jumbo Flame Maple $249.00 |
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Stagg SA40MJCFI Cutaway Mini-Jumbo Acoustic/Guitar, Trans. Blue w/FISHMAN pickup $160.00 |
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Stagg SA40MJCFI Cutaway Mini-Jumbo Acoustic/Guitar, Trans. Red w/FISHMAN pickup $160.00 |
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GUILD F50CE STANDARD BLONDE JUMBO CUTAWAY AC/EL $2,399.99 |
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MINT 2001 Taylor 615-CE Jumbo Cutaway NATURAL Acoustic-Electric Guitar 615CE! $2,377.00 |
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TAKAMINE – TF 250 SMC – Jumbo single cutaway $1,100.00 |
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Yamaha CPX500II Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar W/FREE GIG BAG $329.00 |
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Carvin Cobalt C980TMW Jumbo Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar w/ Hard Case NEW $769.00 |
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Fender CJ 290SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Maple Spruce CJ290SCE $349.99 |
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Takamine EG512C Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Bass – Natural, BEST DEAL! $629.00 |
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GUILD F212XLCE STANDARD CUTAWAY 12 STRING JUMBO ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC $2,299.99 |
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Unique Brand solid Koa Cutaway small jumbo Guitar NO14 $970.00 |
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Washburn EA20 Spruce Top Acoustic Cutaway Electric Mini Jumbo Flame Maple $249.00 |
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Great Divide Independence Series Jumbo Acoustic/Electric Cutaway LGJ18CEG $369.95 |
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NEW WASHBURN EA10B BLACK PETITE JUMBO FESTIVAL ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC CUTAWAY GUITAR $199.00 |
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Takamine cutaway acoustic/electric jumbo in Maple with SKB hardshell case $450.00 |
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NEW GIANNINI GF-4SCEL JUMBO CUTAWAY ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR NATURAL $180.00 |
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Jasmine by Takamine S34C NEX Series Mini-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Guitar $129.00 |
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Jasmine by TakamineES34CFM NEX Series Mini-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Guitar $169.00 |
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Yamaha CPX500II Natural Medium-Jumbo Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar $349.99 |
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Washburn WJ45SCE Jumbo AC/EL Cutaway Guitar $549.00 |
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Takamine G Series Jumbo Cutaway 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar Bundle $749.00 |
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Taylor Presentation Series Jumbo Acoustic Electric Cutaway Engelmann/Macassar $7,599.99 |
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Taylor K65ce Flame Koa 12 String Jumbo Edgeburst Finish Florentine Cutaway $4,774.99 |
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Yamaha CPX1000 Medium Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar – Transparent Black $749.99 |
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Superb Larrivee JV-10E Jumbo Cutaway acoustic/electric Guitar and Original case $2,299.00 |
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Solid Cedar Top Jumbo Acoustic/Electric Guitar – Cutaway – Mahogany Back & Sides $120.00 |
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Takamine EG512C Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Bass $549.00 |
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Washburn WMJ10SCE Mini Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural $249.00 |
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Takamine EG523SC cutaway maple jumbo $495.00 |
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Yamaha CPX500II Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Elec Guitar Old Violin Sunburst $349.99 |
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Unique hand made solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar MISR $880.00 |
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Seagull Performer Cutaway Mini Jumbo Flame Maple Ac-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag $749.00 |
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Yamaha CPX700II-12 Medium-Jumbo 12-String Cutaway Acoustic-Elec Guitar Natural $599.99 |
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Yamaha CPX500IIDRB Med-Jumbo Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar Bundle $349.99 |
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Jumbo Saddlebags with Shock Cutaway Honda Yamaha Suzuki $229.08 |
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Dean Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Guitar + GIBSON GUITAR STRAP $521.00 |
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Fender CJ-290SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Guitar – Natural $449.99 |
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Larrivee 1996 Custom LCJ-10 Jumbo Acoustic Electric Cutaway w/ K&K Preamp $2,599.99 |
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Yamaha CPX1200 Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric SRT Preamp Vntg Sunburst $1,174.49 |
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Yamaha CPX700II-12 Medium-Jumbo 12-String Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Natural $521.99 |
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Washburn Festival EA12 Acoustic Cutaway Electric Mini Jumbo Guitar 4-Band EQ Red $199.00 |
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2006 James Goodall ZCJC Concert Jumbo Cutaway Ziricote/Redwood Acoustic Guitar $3,895.00 |
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Takamine EG523CDX-HB Jumbo Cutaway Ac/El Guitar $849.00 |
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Takamine EG523SC Jumbo Cutaway Ac/El Guitar Black $699.00 |
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Takamine EG523SC-SPT Spalted Maple Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar $649.00 |
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Fender CJ-290 SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar $449.99 |
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Takamine EG523SC Jumbo Cutaway Ac/El Guitar $699.00 |
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Seagull Cutaway Mini Jumbo Flame Maple High Gloss QI Acoustic-Electric Natural $651.63 |
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Ibanez AJS1180ECENT Jumbo Cutaway AcousticElectric Guitar Natural 889406880979 $799.99 |
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Unique handmade solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar MISR-2 $1,100.00 |
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Fender CJ-290SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Guitar with Extended Warranty – Natural $449.99 |
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Seagull Performer Cutaway Mini Jumbo QI A-E Guitar Ntrl $749.00 |
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Seagull Performer Cutaway Mini Jumbo Flame Maple High Gloss QI Acoustic-Electric $749.00 |
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Seagull Performer Cutaway Mini Jumbo Flame Maple High Gloss QI Acoustic- Natural $749.00 |
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Fender CJ 290SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Flame Maple $429.99 |
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Seagull Performer Cutaway Mini Jumbo Flame Maple QI acoustic electric guitar $699.00 |
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Washburn Festival EA12 Acoustic Cutaway Electric Mini Jumbo Guitar 4-Band EQ Red $199.00 |
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Unique hand made solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar ACKK4 $899.00 |
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Washburn WMJ 11SCE Cedar Top Mini Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $249.00 |
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Washburn WMJ 10SCE Mini Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $249.00 |
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Washburn WMJ 10SCE Mini Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $249.00 |
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Washburn WMJ 11SCE Cedar Top Mini Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $249.00 |
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Alvarez Yairi Standard GY2E Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar Natural $2,399.99 |
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Gretsch G5022CE Rancher Jumbo Cutaway Electric Savannah Sunset $489.99 |
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Yamaha CPX500II DRB Med-Jumbo Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar Dark (Red Burst) $349.99 |
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Yamaha CPX700II Medium Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar – Sandburst $549.99 |
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Washburn WMJ11SCE Mini Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle $255.00 |
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Washburn WMJ11SCE Mini Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle $245.00 |
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Washburn WMJ11SCE Mini Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural $245.00 |
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Unique hand made solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar ACKK7 $1,100.00 |
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Unique hand made solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar ACK-6 $1,200.00 |
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Unique hand made solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar ACK-8 $1,200.00 |
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Yamaha CPX500II Medium Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar – Dark Red Burst $349.99 |
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Dean PEGN Dean Performer Mini Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Guitar with Tuner $319.99 |
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Takamine EG523SC Jumbo Maple Cutaway Guitar $699.00 |
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Seagull Performer Cutaway Mini Jumbo Flame Maple QI $749.00 |
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Washburn Festival EA12 Acoustic Cutaway Electric Mini Jumbo Guitar Red $199.00 |
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Fender CJ 290SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $449.99 |
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Fender CJ 290SCE Jumbo Cutaway AE Guitar Natural $449.99 |
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Fender CJ 290SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $449.99 |
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Yamaha CPX1000 Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Translucent Black $849.99 |
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Simon & Patrick by Godin Cutaway GT Mini Jumbo Cedar Acoustic/Electric Guitar $699.00 |
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MARTIN USA 2005 CUSTOM JUMBO 0000 Cutaway w/ Fishman Prefix Premium Blend $2,249.00 |
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Unique hand made solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar ACK-10 $980.00 |
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Fender 960290021 CJ-290SCE Jumbo Cutaway Electric Guitar Natural NEW $429.99 |
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Yamaha CPX500II Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $349.99 |
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Yamaha CPX500II Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Black $349.99 |
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Yamaha CPX700II Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $549.99 |
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Yamaha CPX1000 Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Ultramarine $849.99 |
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Yamaha CPX1000 Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Brown Sunburst $849.99 |
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Unique hand made solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar ACK-11 $980.00 |
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Unique hand made solid Cutaway small jumbo Guitar ACK-13 $980.00 |
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Yamaha CPX700II Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Tinted $549.99 |
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Yamaha CPX700II Medium-Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Sandburst $549.99 |
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Takamine EGB2S-N Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar – Gloss Natural $549.00 |
