1933 Gibson L00

Early model small sun burst L-00 with the higher style stained shaded top that appeared prior to colored lacquer, which along with the mocking pick guard is also seen on the Century of Progress model …this IS another one of my holy grail guitars, what I always try to find for myself and to share with you players out there. Perhaps it’s because these early examples have the most precise radius to the extra thin seemingly seamless red spruce tops (perhaps single piece on this one?) with the solid non kerfed steam bent lining or it’s the thin scalloped braces or just how damn light they are built! But these always sound the very best!

This example HAS that fine voice! Lively to play and a dream to hear. Crystal-clear sounding with a thunderous low end, dry ringing sustain all the way up the fretboard with bright mid range without a hint of shrillness or metal in the sound and ideal for single-note finger picking leads. This guitar has that explosive tone pickers crave and that openness of tone is remarkable! Slightly under 1 11/16″ at the nut with a comfy soft V oval neck, not the typical later chunky deep V.

This L00 came to me in trade from Italy. It has all the authentic markers only seen on exports , the rare “Made In USA by Gibson Inc. Kalamazoo Mich.” label in the sound hole and stamped “Made in the USA” on the back of the headstock with the number 151 stamped as well and a FON inked stamped on the neck block of 710, dating this guitar to 1933 according to Spann’s guide.

All repairs appear to have been performed by an experienced European violin repair craftsman. Exquisite old school work includes the neck set, violin style tastefully hand rubbed finish touch up to the pick rash on each side of the fretboard extension at the upper bout as normally seen on European violin repairs and the ever so slight over spray on the back. Looks all crack free except a minor well repaired small crack on the back. The guitar as some minor scratches but maintains its crack free seemingly seamless and perhaps single piece top as found on most 1933-34 L00s. There appears to be no over spray on the top or sides.

Original tuners and buttons, bridge and the bridge plate are un-molested. All David needed to do was fabricate a proper aged bone saddle and professionally it set up. The action is at a comfortable 4-3 with proper string break across the new bone saddle.

We are excited and so very pleased to have re repatriated this obviously well loved guitar back to the United States after almost eighty years abroad. This L00 embellishes my desire to find exceptional examples of depression era American excellence!

A terrific sounding vintage L00 from the best period of manufacture at an attractive price.

Truly a guitar for the accomplished player or professional musician.

Question is…. are you the player to give this one the loving home it deserves?

Enjoy the YouTube videos.
Newer hard case.