Found in Montreal, where it has presumably lived since it was new, this 1930 Gibson L-1 was originally owned by a Sister of the Grey Nuns of Montreal who made use of the guitar in the convent’s band. An incredible find, this guitar has survived more than 90 Montreal winters without suffering a single crack, or any significantly loose braces. The guitar needed a neck reset and fret dress when we acquired it, which have now both been done. Action and playability have been brought to modern standards, and the guitar’s only changed part is its bridge saddle (the original is in the case). The rope strap and case are original to the guitar as well. It bears the familiar ‘Made in USA’ headstock stamp and soundhole label and was clearly assembled during a particularly cold winter in Kalamazoo, when the factory was bone dry.

An exceptionally well preserved and lightly constructed guitar, this L-1 is quite likely the finest example of its kind that we’ve yet come across. There is life-wear to its finish, but very little playwear to the top, and it presents beautifully. The neck reset is essentially invisible, the bridge has never been off, and neither has the nut. We’ve very cleanly reglued 3 slightly separated brace ends; there was no other repairwork needed.

The guitar responds to fingerstyle or a lightly flatpicked touch with a very robust voice and a richly hued compliment of overtones. The trebles and mids are forward and pronounced and are underlaid by a warm sub-bass response typical of a very lightly built guitar. You’ll want to keep the guitar’s back away from your body when you play it, to allow all the wonderful low-end frequencies to flow.

Round neck with thiner fingerboard profile, 1-3/4” nut, 24.75” scale, and 2-3/8” string spread at the bridge. The neck thickness at the 1st fret is .82”. Weight of 2.95 lbs.