Gibson L-12 Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1934), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 91920, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This model L-12 was a very short-lived addition to Gibson's line; it replaced the first model dot-neck L-12 around the turn of 1933-34, and was superceeded itself by the new "advanced" 17" wide L-12 by the end of the year. The 1934 L-12 is a particularly lovely guitar, with a dramatic 3-color sunburst top, shaped "picture box" fingerboard inlay and a bound headstock with pearl "vase" inlay.
This L-12 has the original owner's name ("Herman Doeppe Jr.") engraved on the truss rod cover-this was a custom service offered by Gibson. Mr Doeppe was evidently a very progressive guitarist-his L-12 is fitted with an extremely rare, original early-pattern Kauffman Vibrola in gold plated finish. This is the earliest Gibson we have ever seen fitted with this device, which is still quite functional. A fine sounding 16" archtop, and an extremely cool and historic guitar.
Overall length is 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm.), 16 1/8 in. (41 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.). Very fine original condition; some finish scratches and light playwear but no repairs or modifications. A beautiful example of this rare Gibson archtop, with a nice original case. Overall Excellent Condition.
