Gibson L-0 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1942), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black lacquer finish, mahogany back, sides and neck; spruce top.
An interesting late L-0 from early 1942, shortly before the model was discontinued. This guitar has a black finish with unusually fancy body binding, 5-ply on the top and 3-ply on the back in place of the standard single strip. The soundhole has no rosette at all but is bound on the edge, like a Kalamazoo. It is possible that some of these last L-0's were built with components originally made up for other instruments...certainly this model (of which we have seen several) was never catalogued with these specifications.
The neck is standard for the period, big and chunky with a round-backed profile. The headstock has a simple white script Gibson logo and open back strip Kluson tuners. Like most well-kept L-series Gibsons, this is a very good-sounding guitar that plays extremely well.
Overall length is 40 in. (101.6 cm.), 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.).
Some wear overall. A number of repaired side cracks; top has some noticeable pickwear, but is in very good shape. A nice-playing example. Very Good + Condition.
