Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $17,995

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gibson Roy Smeck acoustic guitar is a legendary tribute to the heritage of Hawaiian-style music, seamlessly blending vintage charm with contemporary craftsmanship. Originally designed for lap-style playing, this guitar boasts a strikingly large body and a 12-fret neck that delivers profound resonance and depth. Over the years, many musicians have adapted the Roy Smeck to suit Spanish-style playing, resulting in a versatile instrument that caters to a broad spectrum of musical styles.

What truly sets the Roy Smeck apart is its ability to produce a rich, booming tone that captures the attention of collectors and performers alike. Its classic design and construction pay homage to a bygone era while still offering the playability and sound quality demanded by modern musicians. Whether you're a collector seeking a piece of musical history or a performer in search of that quintessential acoustic sound, the Roy Smeck is a guitar that promises to deliver both character and quality.

Key Features:

  • Large body design for enhanced resonance
  • 12-fret neck originally intended for lap-style playing
  • Adaptable for Spanish-style guitarists
  • Renowned for its rich, booming tone
  • Ideal for both collectors and performers seeking vintage charm with modern playability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe
Finish Sunburst
Year 1934 - 1942
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Artist Roy Smeck
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Roy Smeck
Model Sub-Family Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Pre-War Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe?

The Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe offers a rich, full-bodied sound with pronounced bass and clear treble, thanks to its mahogany back and sides paired with a thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top.

Is the Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe's round neck shape and 1.805-inch nut width make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering comfortable string spacing and ease of access across the fretboard.

Does the Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe come with any electronics?

No, the Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe is a purely acoustic guitar without any built-in pickups or preamps, designed for traditional acoustic sound.

What is the body shape of the Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe?

The Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe features a dreadnought body shape, providing a robust sound with excellent projection and resonance.

How durable is the finish on the Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe?

The guitar features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which is known for its durability and ability to age gracefully, enhancing the guitar's visual appeal over time.

greekflatpicker

greekflatpicker

Roy Smeck playing a Gibson Stage Deluxe 1983

Video thumbnail for Roy Smeck playing a Gibson Stage Deluxe 1983 by greekflatpicker

Roy Smeck playing a Gibson Stage Deluxe 1983

greekflatpicker

greekflatpicker

Video thumbnail for 1938 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage De Luxe Conversion | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1938 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage De Luxe Conversion | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1934 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe Mahogany/Spruce by Dream Guitars

1934 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe Mahogany/Spruce

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1935 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage De Luxe by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1935 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage De Luxe

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Roy Smeck.

Comparisons

  • The Gibson Roy Smeck model is significantly more valuable than rebranded Harmony or Kay guitars, indicating a potential misconception in value between different models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • X-bracing conversion is mentioned as a potential upgrade that could increase the guitar's value and playability, especially compared to stock Harmony versions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for similar models vary widely, with sales reported from $450 to $1400, suggesting a significant impact of condition and modifications on value.

    Source

User experience

  • Collectors may find more value in this guitar than players, as the vintage appeal could outweigh playability or sound quality concerns.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's crucial to verify the condition and any repairs done, as vintage guitars like this often require maintenance that can significantly affect value and functionality.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ry Cooder uses Gibson Roy Smeck

Ry Cooder

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Rycooder

Ry Cooder's main acoustic guitar, according to his guitar repairman Rick Turner, is a Gibson Roy Smeck model from the mid-30s. Frets were added to this guitar, which was originally designed for lap-style playing.

See how Jackson Browne uses Gibson Roy Smeck

Jackson Browne

Singer, Guitarist

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

...
Verified via Gibson

Browne uses his Roy Smeck Stage De Luxe frequently, and it was the inspiration for the creation of his signature Gibson acoustic:

“As a performer, I’ve learned over the last 20 years what I like, and what works for my music. To use the iconic Roy Smeck model as a starting point—as well as Gibson’s 1994 reissue—and build something that helps me bring my songs to life is really exciting.”

See how T-Bone Burnett uses Gibson Roy Smeck

T-Bone Burnett

Singer, Guitarist

The New Basement Tapes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Then I played a bunch of T Bone’s old Gibsons. There were a couple of Nick Lucas models and an old Roy Smeck from the ’30s. T Bone has a stable of guitars, so I got to experiment a bit on the record. Changing instruments can really bring a different vibe and voice to a song. In the past I might have played a part on my D-18 and we would have tried mixing it differently to get a certain sound, whereas T Bone goes straight to the source and suggests just the right guitar." - Chris Eldridge of the Punch Brothers when talking about their album "The Phosphorescent Blues" which was produced by Burnett in 2015.

See how Chris Eldridge uses Gibson Roy Smeck

Chris Eldridge

Singer, Guitarist

Punch Brothers

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Then I played a bunch of T Bone’s old Gibsons. There were a couple of Nick Lucas models and an old Roy Smeck from the ’30s. T Bone has a stable of guitars, so I got to experiment a bit on the record. Changing instruments can really bring a different vibe and voice to a song. In the past I might have played a part on my D-18 and we would have tried mixing it differently to get a certain sound, whereas T Bone goes straight to the source and suggests just the right guitar."

See how Roy Smeck uses Gibson Roy Smeck

Roy Smeck

Guitarist, Ukulele Player

Roy Smeck’s Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video Roy can be seen playing a Gibson Roy Smeck Stage De Luxe, a hawaiian-style guitar that was intended to be played on the lap, but this one was converted to spanish mode. He found this one at a music store and he is surprised by the price, from $50 in 1930 to $700 in the 80s. This footage is from the documentary Roy Smeck: The Wizard Of The Strings (1983).

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Roy Smeck, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

BlueChip TAD60
BlueChip TAD60 Picks & Pick Holders
1
Takamine J-15E
Takamine J-15E Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1
Rickenbacker Electro Spanish Model B
Rickenbacker Electro Spanish Model B Lap & Pedal Steel Guitars
1
Gibson Nick Lucas
Gibson Nick Lucas Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Martin 00-18 Acoustic Guitar
Martin 00-18 Acoustic Guitar Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Martin D-18
Martin D-18 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Gibson J-200
Gibson J-200 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1

More Gibson Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    lexman
    lexman

    Gear IQ 6823