A super cool, great-sounding player's L-1 from the late 1920s.
The L-series was introduced at the turn of the 20th century as an archtop design before transitioning to a flattop around 1926, the configuration made famous by none other than Robert Johnson. This earlier example retains the characteristic 13½-inch round lower bout (post-1929 models moved to a squared-off bottom) and other period-correct identifying features, including the tapered headstock. At some point the headstock logo was updated to reflect styling seen on mid-to-late 1930s models. The unbound rosewood fretboard sits on a neck profile somewhere between a 'C' and a soft 'V', and the body features binding front and back.
The bridge has been replaced, and cleats have been applied to stabilise cracks in a few locations throughout the body, all consistent with an instrument of this age and history. The tuners appear period-correct, though can't be cross-referenced with certainty and may be a sympathetic later replacement. Natural or amber-stained L-1s from this late '20s window are not well-documented, and as with many examples of this era, assessment is complicated by age and the nature of repairs over the decades.
Cosmetically, the guitar presents well for its age. The top shows some light waviness but is stable and sufficiently flat, with plenty of saddle height left for a comfortable, playable action, currently set up medium/low. Hardware is fully functional.
As a player, this thing is great: ultra lightweight, fantastically resonant, and versatile well beyond the blues it's most associated with. It's a brilliant strummer too. Includes a later aftermarket hardcase.
Your chance to own a genuine piece of Gibson and music history.
