Gibson L-00 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1935), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black lacquer finish, mahogany back, sides and neck; spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, black hard shell case.
This is a very nice early 14-fret L-00, finished in black with the white celluloid pickguard-by 1935 this was a fairly rare variation of the model. The L-00 was a depression-era staple for Gibson, offered this year at the rock-bottom price of $25.00. This one would be a fairly early 14-fret version of the model, which was sold up into WWII. A plainly-ornamented but striking looking guitar, this L-00 sports a white script "Gibson" headstock logo, single bound spruce top and 3-ply W/B/W soundhole ring.
The stark but oddly luxurious black-and-white cosmetics give it a very distinctive "tuxedo" look. The L-00 model went through numerous design changes over a short period of time in the early 1930's, as Gibson struggled to create affordable instruments for depression era players struggling to make ends meet. This is one of our favorite versions of the L-00- a very light and responsive guitar, great looking and a fabulous fingerpicker especially suited to traditional blues and the like where a certain amount of snap and growl is required.
Overall length is 38 1/4 in. (97.2 cm.), 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 11/16 in. (11.9 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.). This is a really superb example of a "tuxedo" 1930's L-00, with less wear than most and a spectacular sound. All original except the tuners are modern repros - there appear to have been several sets on over the years but the scars to the headstock are very minor. As is typical the neck has been reset and the original bridge reglued-all very clean work. There are no cracks anywhere, which is relatively rare for these very lightly built guitars. There is some very light strumwear to the top and some small touchups, but overall the finish still shines like a black cat at midnight. A great playing and sounding pre-war Gibson with a spectacular look as well. Excellent Condition.
