1935 Gibson L-00

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1935 Gibson L-00

FON 920. Built sometime around 1935, this L-00 has survived the years very well. We've dated this early model guitar by the small sunburst top finish and lack of back binding typical of guitars built between '34 and '36. It's a great ragtime and blues fingerstyle guitar, as most L-00's are, thanks to its punchy, open, balanced, and raw voice. We've got the action set very low (4 to 5 64ths) on this guitar, so with its current set up it's strictly a fingerstyle instrument. If you've got a heavy hand, or plan to flat-pick on this one you'll want to get a new taller saddle made, or possibly refret the guitar to add some forward bow to the neck (the truss rod is backed off completely). This one has had a neckset in the not-to-distant past it seems, and the frets were replaced at the same time. Its tuners, nut, bridge, and all bracing are original and intact, and its bridge-plate is in excellent condition. The low E string runs close to the edge of the fingerboard, a replacement nut with better string spacing would correct this if it is an issue for you. One 3" repaired top crack at the bridge, and another of about the same size at the lower treble bout; no back or side cracks. There have been some drop-fills of lacquer around these cracks and adjacent to the fingerboard's extension on the top, and in the vicinity of the heel of the neck (where there is also a filled strap-button hole). Given how shiny the guitar is, we suspect that the entire instrument (except for the headstock) was buffed as well. The bridge and pickguard are originals and have never been removed, and black lighting confirms the finish to be original. It has a superbly comfortable V-neck, with a 1-3/4" nut and 24.75" scale; the guitar plays itself. Replacement truss rod cover, bone saddle, and high-quality bridge pins.
With hard shell case
SOLD
1935 Gibson L-00
  • 1935 Gibson L-00
  • 1935 Gibson L-00
  • 1935 Gibson L-00
  • 1935 Gibson L-00
  • 1935 Gibson L-00
  • 1935 Gibson L-00
  • 1935 Gibson L-00
  • 1935 Gibson L-00

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