1930 Gibson L-1 Sunburst

FON: 9756. Here is a lively and responsive 1930 L-1 with crazy good tone and perfect setup for the fingerpicker or old time player. First year for the then-newly redesigned larger 14.75” body that would define Gibson’s 00-sized offerings until the 40’s. Very lightly built with tall knife-blade back braces, triangular top braces, two tapered tone bars, small maple bridge plate and thin finish. The modern-feeling neck is reinforced with an adjustable truss rod and carved to a soft V. This is the final year the headstock reads “The Gibson” in stencil. The mahogany back and sides are bound top and back and finished in a Cremona sunburst with some shades of the Argentine Grey that would be used on the equally legendary L-2 the next year. The bridge may be a replacement but period correct size and materials. Tuners are original. Master SF builder and repairman Alan Perlman administered a perfect neck reset and refret with a barely perceptible shim under the fretboard tongue. He also cleaned up some old crack repairs on the back. The guitar is very original, presentable, and playable from top to bottom. Top and sides are crack free. Even the bridge pins look original (though the end pin is a replacement). The previous dealer’s listing is still findable through a Google search with a more eloquent description than mine. The guitar has been in good hands for many years. The original case is still with the guitar though the hinges are blown and it should ship in something else. On consignment.