1936 Gibson L-1 Sunburst, Very Good, $3,550.00

In the mid-thirties, the L-1 was a companion of the more popular L-00. The L-00 was the budget model, and the L-1 was a cut above, featuring a matched, two-piece top, and quarter sawn mahogany back. The L-1 also features both top and back binding.
It's difficult to pinpoint the date of manufacture on this one since only the red-pencil item numbers remain, with the FON lost to time. We would place this one somewhere in the mid to later 30s. The neck and body are mahogany, with a spruce top. The fingerboard and bridge are Brazilian rosewood. The tuners are individual Grovers (possibly one tuner button replaced).
This example is mostly original, with only the saddle and nut as replacements, and possibly the bridge pins.
The guitar has had some past repairs to the back where several long cracks were sealed, and portions of the center strip inside the body were replaced. It appears the back braces were reglued as well, indicating this may have been a 'back-off' restoration in order to cleanly execute the needed repairs. The finish is original and shows much checking and a bit of flaking, and plenty of nicks and dings from use.
The neck was recently reset, the frets dressed and the tuners cleaned and lubed. The action is set at 6/64" and the guitar plays easily. This particular example of a 30s Gibson 'L' produces a deep and rich tone in the bass and mids, with less shrill in the treble range than some we've owned; very nicely balanced and perfect for recording country blues or old time music.