jaywolfe Posted June 24, 2009 Posted June 24, 2009 It is mentioned in another topic here that the Heritage Golden Eagle is similar in trim & spec to the late 70's Gibson Kalamazoo Award model, which was Gibson's most expensive guitar offered at that time. Mr. Mike Korpack of Kalamazoo was the designer of the Kal. Award model. He was managing Gibson's Custom Shop in the late 80's & proposed this model when the troublesome Citation model was cancelled. Mike wanted to name it the "Fuque" and designed it to be better than the ill fated Citations, which suffered way too may cracked tops due to a silly idea to "stress" the tops. (another story). Management agreed to make the model but not the name "Fuque", deciding over Mike's objections to name it the Kal. Award because of Guild's Artist Award model getting so much attention at that time. When they began to make the Kal. Award model Mike decided to have one made for himself, which guitar I now own- Thanks to J.P Moats. What does all this Gibson trivia have to do with Heritage, you ask?? Mike Korpack was one of the 4 "original" owners of Heritage. He did not stay with them long, opting to return to Farming. In selling me his unplayed & very special Kal. Award, the affable Mr. Korpack included an extra tailpiece with "Fuque" inlaid in Abalone, along with other prototyped parts for this model and a letter detailing the story behind the guitar. BTW- with July 4'th so near, wonder if anyone owns an American Eagle & would like to post pics? If not- lemme know & I'll post some of mine, as it's the most "Patriotic" American Guitar ever made. Jay Wolfe, www.wolfeguitars.com
fxdx99 Posted June 24, 2009 Posted June 24, 2009 Nice post - really enjoying the insight you're providing 'round the HOC here, Jay. Thanks much.
tulk1 Posted June 24, 2009 Posted June 24, 2009 Nice background story, Jay. BTW, why wait for someone else to post a pic the American Eagle? Post away, I say.
rjsanders Posted June 24, 2009 Posted June 24, 2009 thanks, Jay! i've long wondered what became of Mr. Korpack
jaywolfe Posted June 24, 2009 Author Posted June 24, 2009 OK- Some Pics just posted at members gallery. So "Patriotic." Jay Wolfe
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