1931 Gibson L-2 Argentine Grey Sparkle Trim

FON (None) Here is an old friend that has dropped down the depth chart so, with a heavy heart, I’m listing it for sale. At least for now. This circa 1931 L-2 with Argentine Grey finish and gold sparkle trim is one of the rarest Gibson flattops of the 1930s. I dare say were it not for the Great Depression it might have survived as one of the most popular small bodied guitars ever. As it is, they are few and far between and almost never come up for sale – especially in this condition.

The L-2 appeared in several configurations in the late 20s and early 30s – rosewood with tailpiece, rosewood with pin bridge and thirteen frets clear of the body, mahogany in grey finish with gold sparkle and 12-frets clear, sometimes with a raised pickguard. This one is mahogany, Argentine, sparkle, 12-frets, no guard, original pin bridge. It’s a very light build – 2.9lbs – with tiny little back braces and aggressively scalloped x-brace and tone bars. It’s like a ship in a bottle. It shares the same shape as the Nick Lucas and L-1 and later the L-00 although, at 4-1/8” at the tailpin, not as deep. The body is bound top and bottom in white with a thin black racing stripe. The top is trimmed out with gold sparkle as is the rosette. It may sound gaudy but it’s subtle, tasteful and unique for sure and it is offset by the artistic Argentine Grey finish. Gorgeous.

The neck is mahogany shaded dark grey like the back and sides. The Brazilian fretboard is bound in white with the black racing stripe and brown position markers. Fretboard positions are a long pattern of dots. The headstock has a six-point inlay which some see as “the jester” and others see a flame. “The Gibson” is set in abalone. Adjustable truss rod possibly with a newer truss rod cover. Tuners are original engraved three-to-a-plate Klusons. The nut is just shy of 1-3/4 but I must say it feels a little tighter to me. String spacing at the bridge is 2-3/16ths.

As perfect as it looks, there are a couple of issues. The bridge is likely a replacement. The rosewood matches the fingerboard and it’s the correct dimensions But it’s a little too crisp to be believable as original. Additionally, it has the top-over-dovetail issue. The top under the fretboard must have cracked during a neck reset. Whoever did the work placed a thin veneer of spruce inside the guitar that matches the footprint of the fingerboard. Whatever is under there, it can’t be seen inside or outside the guitar. The neck set was completed.

The issues do not affect the playability or the tone. I’ve always used this as a fingerpicker. The action is quite low. It’s very touch sensitive. It gets pretty snappy when plucked more aggressively. Because the top is so thinly braced, I’ve always used 11’s. I’ve often tuned it to open D and G where it really sings. The prior owner, a friend, always used low tension strings. As a result, there is very little distortion in the top – a rarity in the L-2. I think 12’s pull the top too tight and it doesn’t sing like it should. But it’s a delicate instrument that rewards a light touch and a precise player (not me anymore).

The case is original and in VG condition – a textured black tolex with a single trim line and purple felt lining. There’s some wear on the edges. The old leather handle could be original.

SPECS:

Top: Adirondack Spruce
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Brazilian Rosewood
Appointments: Argentine grey finish, gold sparkle trim
Nut width: 1-3/4” (just shy)
String spacing: 2-3/16”
Body width: 14-3/4”
Depth: 4-1/4”
Scale length: 24.9”
Case: OHSC