1935 Gibson L-00

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1935 Gibson L-00

A local family-owned L-00 from 1935, this Gibson found its way to our shop in need of little more than a reset and set-up, which we’ve just completed. It’s one of those miraculous winter-built vintage guitars that has survived 90 years in Canada without cracks or loose braces. And with the exception of a new saddle, bridge pins, and endpin, it’s completely original as well. The guitar had a soundhole-mounted 1960s pickup and top-mounted control unit on it when we bought it, which have now been removed. There remain 7 tiny screwholes in the top, which have been plugged cleanly and coloured for camouflage, and the Takemine-style output jack has been replaced with a go-back endpin. The bridge has never been off; the same is true of the nut.

A remarkably good sounding ’35, this L-00 delivers all the punch and midrange support that a mid-thirties version is famous for, but this example adds in more bass-end warmth and overtone development than is the norm for L-00s built between 1934 and 1939. It’s very well suited for melodic flatpicking and fingerstyle and offers equally great tone played lightly or with a heavy attack.

Bookmatched eastern spruce top and mahogany back and sides, X bracing, rosewood board and bridge, firestripe pickguard, white top bindings, Grover ‘Booktop’ tuners, white Gibson logo and Made in USA stamp on the back of the headstock. A strap-button has been installed in the neck heel.

The guitar is set up with 12-54 strings and an action of 5-6 64ths. The neck has a full-feeling V carve with nicely rounded shoulders and rolled fretboard edges. 24.75” scale, 2-3/8” string spread at the bridge, and 1-3/4” nut. 1st fret neck depth measures .983”, 9th fret depth is 1.089”. The original frets remain in very good condition and play cleanly despite light to moderate playwear in the first 5 frets.

With original chipboard case
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
  • 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
  • 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

SHOP VINTAGE & USED

Don't just browse history. Play it.

If you like what you see in our archive, you’ll love what’s currently in the shop. Explore our hand-picked selection of available vintage and used gear.

 Shop Vintage & Used
Folkway Music in Guelph, Ontario Canada

OUR STORY

Three decades of industry experience

We've spent thirty years building relationships with musicians, collectors, and fellow dealers across Canada and the US. Every guitar we sell has been inspected, played, and approved by hands that know the difference.

Learn More