Gibson L-1 Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1918), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, brown varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
The small-body L-1 was the most basic guitar in Gibson's 1910's line, but still had the company's trademark fully carved top and back. Intended for use in Mandolin orchestras, the early L-1 saw use with early country bands, vaudeville acts and even early jazz players before being re-designed as a flat top instrument in 1926. A nice ragtime and early jazz guitar, the arch-top L-1is a unusual, slightly funky and cool early Gibson.
Overall length is 38 3/4 in. (98.4 cm.), 13 5/8 in. (34.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 1/4 in. (616 mm.). Width of nut is 1 15/16 in. (49 mm.). This old Gibson has seen its share of play over nearly 100 years on this earth, but remains a very functional instrument. There is quite a bit of pickwear to the top, mostly near the soundhole and between it and the bridge. There are no major repairs; the original dark varnish finish appears worn but unaltered. The chrome tailpiece and adjustable bridge are more recent fittings; as is often the case the original non-adjustable bridge and celluloid block pin tailpiece are long gone. The tuners are old Waverly openback strips from the 1950's; there are several mounting holes from prevous installations visible. The frets are in good shape and the guitar plays well with the bright, barky tone these are known for. Includes the original HSC. Very Good + Condition.
