Gibson L-2 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1933), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 453 (FON), natural lacquer finish, rosewood back and sides spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, black hard shell case.
This is an exceptionally rare pre-war Gibson flat top-the last of the L-2's, built in 1933 just before the model was discontinued. The model had gone through a number of changes over the preceding years; this final version has a rosewood body, pin bridge and natural finish top with a 14 fret neck. This is simply one of the finest Gibson flat top designs of perhaps their best decade, combining the perfected 14-fret L style body with a rosewood back and sides. Other appointments are a triple bound top and back, "firestripe" tortoise celluloid pickguard and the unique "Harlequin" abstract pearl inlay on the headstock. The sound is simply divine, expansive and precise, with the sort of punch only a rosewood body can provide. Simply an exceptional Gibson that was sadly built in only very small numbers-it remains a rare jewel of a flattop today.
Overall length is 40 in. (101.6 cm.), 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 3/8 in. (11.1 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 extremely rare Gibson has been very nicely restored with as little alteration as possible, while maintaining the guitar's exceptional sound and playability. All the finish is original, with a bit of polish-out around the bridge and some heavy checking on the headstock face. Recently re-fretted with correct style wire, new repro bridge is slightly oversize but in the correct period style. There is light wear and light-to-medium checking overall but amazingly no cracks; the checking is heaviest on the rim near the heel and there is some flaking where numerous players' fingers have made contact over the years. There have been several sets of tuners mounted over the years; currently the guitar is set up with the correct repro openback strip tuners. Set up ready to go, this is a wonderful playing and sounding guitar that is truly unique. Overall Very Good + Condition.
