1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special

Serial # 90454052. # 53 of 100. In commemoration of Gibson's 100th year in business, the company re-issued a number of their most iconic vintage instruments. Among these was a guitar originally built to celebrate a different 100 year milestone - Chicago's 100 birthday. The original Gibson L-Century of Progress model was displayed in Gibson's exhibit at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair (itself titled A Century of Progress), and featured white pearloid fret board and headstock overlays. It was a unique looking instrument at the time, but a short-lived model. The last Century shipped in 1941 after a brief production period of 8 years.

Styled closely after the 1930's originals, the 1994 L-Century features the same iconic pearloid fingerboard and headstock, sunburst lacquer finish, figured maple back and sides, fire stripe pickguard and vintage-style Waverly tuners. A gently used instrument, the guitar is in excellent condition and very finely set-up. The three-piece neck has a mid 1930's v-hulled rounded profile, and the instrument's only real flaw is a minor finish delamination along the centerline of the heel.

Rosewood and pearl inlays, pearl truss rod cover, bone nut and saddle, Limited edition label inside the soundhole, 'Centennial Special' sterling silver plaque on the back of the headstock. Sitka spruce top, Solid maple back and sides. 24-3/4" scale and 1-3/4" nut.

With original hard shell case.
1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special
  • 1994 Gibson L-Century '33 Centennial Special

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