Vintage Gibson B-25-12N 12-String - USA 1963

The Gibson B-25-12N stands as one of Gibson's most beloved small-body twelve-strings, introduced in the early 1960s to bring the chime and shimmer of a twelve-string into Gibson's compact, comfortable B-25 body shape. Where many twelve-strings of the era were built on larger jumbo platforms, the B-25-12N proved that a smaller body could still deliver genuine twelve-string sparkle without sacrificing playability.

This 1963 example, finished in Natural, carries serial number 142492 stamped on the back of the headstock. The mahogany back and sides show a rich, even patina that only comes with genuine age, and the spruce top has aged to a warm honey tone typical of guitars from this era. No cracks are present anywhere on the body, top, or headstock. Visible wear includes light surface scuffing and buckle-style marks to the back, along with honest handling marks consistent with over sixty years of ownership, all cosmetic rather than structural.

Playability-wise, the neck presents straight with no visible warping, bowing, or fret sprout in the photos, and the twelve-string headstock and tuners appear complete and original throughout. Sonically, these B-25-12N models are known for a surprisingly full, ringing voice for their size, more focused and articulate than a jumbo twelve-string, with the characteristic shimmer and chime that made this model a favourite for fingerstyle and strummed accompaniment alike. Comes complete with original hardshell Gator case with a broken handle.

Specifications:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 2.25mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 23.41mm

Nut Width: 51.07mm

Width at 12th Fret: 59.94mm

Weight: 2.06kg / 4.54lb

Model: Gibson B-25-12N

Serial Number: 142492

Year: 1963

Finish: Natural

Body: Mahogany Back & Sides

Top: Spruce

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Strings: 12-String Configuration

Case: Original Hardshell Case (Gator OHSC)

Crafted in: Gibson, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA