SEARSPORT — Carver Memorial Library is auctioning a very special guitar donated by James Hyland, of the Makers Guild of Maine, according to the Library, in a news release.

The guitar is a 1969 Gibson B-25N, which for a great many aspiring folk singers in the 1960s was the first “real” guitar they would own. Some players stuck with the B-25 for life, and many others wish they had.

“Here is the chance to reconnect to the Gibson B-25,” said the Library. “Aged to perfection and tone to spare.”

All the funds raised from the auction will support the Musical Instrument Lending Library in Searsport, which provides an opportunity for anyone in the community wanting to learn or try out a new instrument. The collection includes guitars (acoustic and electric), mandolins, a banjo, ukuleles, a double bass, and more. Funds are used to maintain the instruments and provide a small stipend for expert instruction.

“This program brings music to a small rural town where access to musical education and instruments is hard to come by,” said the Library. “Your generous bid will benefit many people.”

The guitar is all original and complete except for missing saddle height adjustment screws. The B-25N features a 24.5” scale on a mid-sized body. The top is spruce, and the back sides and neck are mahogany. This guitar has the small body Gibson brightness and ring, and will make an excellent folk strummer or songwriter guitar with a little bit of love, said the Library.

You can see James Hyland doing a demo here: https://vimeo.com/487327165.

Condition: The original rosewood bridge and fretboard are in good shape, and the natural lacquer finish is generally in good shape with signs of age and minor checking on the top. The pickguard, original bridge pins, and Kluson deluxe tuners are all present and working. The frets, which appear original, have plenty of life left. The original chipboard case and hang tag are included, although the case shows wear. This guitar does need some setup work, and may need a neck reset to allow the saddle to come back up to the original height. As it stands, it’s playable near the nut but the action is higher than ideal overall. There’s also a 5" nearly invisible closed hairline crack in the back, and a hairline crack in the top along the side of the fretboard extension.

Original case included for shipping purposes but you will want to consider a new one if you plan on traveling with the guitar.

The auction is on ebay, and runs for 10 days, ending on Sunday, December 20. Bidders from anywhere can participate, since there is a shipping option. Local pickup is also available in Searsport, Maine. Shipping is $50, free if bid exceeds $1200.

The auction can be found online at: https://www.ebay.com/itm/224273689411. 

For more information, contact Carver Memorial Library at 548-2303 or email staff@carverlibrary.org.