Gibson L-1 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1932, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
A very rare and interesting guitar...an early 1930's 12-fret L-1. Fancier than the better-known L-0 and L-00 from this era, the L-1 was overshadowed by them in the depths of the Depression and built only in small numbers. This one has an odd mix of features. The neck is quite chunky with a round back; the top has an older (almost 1920's style) sunburst with a small center. The logo is the white 1930's style, and the pickguard is spectacular flame celluloid.
This is a transitional model; the L-1 with these cosmetic features is generally a 14-fret instrument, and this is the only one like this we have seen. This is a very lightly braced, good-sounding guitar that makes an excellent fingerpicking or flatpicking instrument.
Overall length is 38 3/4 in. (98.4 cm.), 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/2 in. (11.4 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 general wear; bridge is original with original pins and newer saddle and has been reglued solidly but obviously. One small repaired back crack near heel. Equipped with correct period Grover Sta-Tite tuners but shows signs of having carried period strip tuners at some point. A very rare guitar, with an even rarer original HSC. Overall Excellent Condition.
