Vintage Gibson Style O - USA 1907

Its not ever day that we come into contact with a guitar that is 118 years old -  today is one of those days! This 1907 Gibson Style O is a remarkable piece of early Gibson history. Introduced as Gibson’s first true standard model, the Style O retained many of the design elements seen in Orville Gibson’s earlier hand-carved instruments. While slightly less ornate than its predecessors, it still embodies the brand’s innovative craftsmanship with its arched top, oval soundhole, and sleek black finish.

This particular example was made just one year before the major redesign that introduced a pronounced upper bout body scroll. It features a broad 16-inch body, a wide oval soundhole, and a streamlined peghead, reflecting Gibson’s early evolution toward more player-friendly designs. Interior bracing is kept to a minimum, allowing for enhanced resonance. The shift from 18-inch bodies to the more compact 16-inch design signalled Gibson’s transition into more refined and modern instruments, paving the way for the Style O Artist and the early dreadnought models. Even so, this model retains the hallmarks of early Gibson acoustics—its arched spruce top, bound body, and rich, woody tone are unmistakable.

This guitar was acquired privately from a collector in the USA many years ago and has remained in exceptional condition for an instrument over 110 years old. The original finish has been lightly oversprayed on the top and back to preserve the lacquer, and the tuners appear original and hold tuning well. Some minor dings, dents, and superficial blemishes are present, all adding to the unique vintage character of this rare piece. The neck binding has been professionally repaired in places, one of the bridge pins is missing, and it still retains its original paper label. The wide, deep, 'V' profile neck is remarkably solid despite the absence of a truss rod, and the ebony fingerboard and frets remain in excellent shape. The tone is warm, dry, and unmistakably vintage, offering the kind of depth and character that can only be found in century-old hand-built instruments.

Despite its age, this Style O remains structurally sound with no cracks, splits, or major repairs. It plays beautifully, offering a rich, musical voice that simply cannot be replicated in modern instruments. While new electric guitars can be designed to sound ‘vintage,’ there is no substitute for the organic warmth of 118-year-old wood. A rare gem with stories to tell and another century of music left in her.

Comes in what we believe to be its original hardshell case, also in fabulous condition.

Features:

Action at 1st fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th fret: 2.0mm

Neck depth at 1st fret: 28.31mm

Nut Width: 41.77mm

12 fret width: 54.48mm

Weight: 1.86kg / 4.11lb

Top: Arched Spruce

Soundhole: Oval

Body: Bound, with Wood Inlay Rosette

Back & Sides: Walnut or Birch

Neck: Mahogany with Walnut Centre Strip

Fretboard: 12/20-Fret Bound Ebony with Pearl Dot Inlays

Bridge: Rosewood with Trapeze Tailpiece

Headstock: Bound Blackface with Pearl Logo Inlay

Tuners: Engraved Three-On-A-Plate Open Gear with White Plastic Buttons

Finish: Black Top

Manufacture Period: 1902-1907