Vintage Gibson B-25N 'Betty' - USA 1968

Here is a Gibson B-25N, a mid-1960s small-bodied acoustic guitar originally introduced as part of Gibson’s B-series, designed to offer an accessible, compact alternative to larger dreadnought models while retaining the brand’s signature warmth and character. The “N” denotes its natural finish, highlighting the understated aesthetic typical of the era.

This example features a solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, delivering a warm, balanced tonal profile with a strong midrange focus, clear articulation, and a responsive, intimate voice. The smaller 00-sized body enhances comfort and makes it especially well suited to fingerstyle playing, light strumming, and singer-songwriter applications.

This example features simple, functional period-correct appointments including minimal binding, dot inlays, and a clean rosette design, reflecting the model’s original intent as a straightforward, great-sounding working instrument. The result is a guitar that prioritises tone and usability over decorative excess.

Playability is excellent, with a comfortable neck profile and responsive feel across the fretboard. The guitar has a naturally balanced dynamic range, offering clarity at lower volumes and a pleasing, focused response when driven harder.

Condition is very good for its age, having been well played and clearly cared for since its purchase in 1996 in Amsterdam. The instrument—affectionately known as “Betty”—displays attractive natural ageing with checking on the top and back, along with light cosmetic wear to the neck, but no structural issues. The neck remains straight, the truss rod functions correctly, and the tuners hold tuning well.

Specifications: 

Year: 1968
Country: USA
Model: 00 Concert acoustic guitar
Finish: Natural nitrocellulose lacquer
Body: Spruce top with mahogany back and sides
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood with dot inlays
Scale: 24.75"
Bridge: Rosewood belly-up bridge with plastic pins
Tuners: Gibson Deluxe
Case: Non-original hard shell case