Gibson L-1

The Gibson L-1 is an acoustic guitar that was first sold by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in the early 20th century. The L-1 model was introduced first as an archtop (1902), and later as a flat top in 1926. The model is famously associated with the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson.



History
1902 L-1 introduction specs (acoustic archtop): single bound round soundhole with 2 rope pattern wood rings, single bound top, ebony fingerboard, dot fingerboard inlays, orange top finish, dark mahogany back and sides, 2 sizes.

1908 L-1 specs: 13.5" wide, narrower waist, trapeze tailpiece with pins anchored in tortoise celluloid plate, elavated pickguard, 13 frets clear of the body, bound fingerboard, slated "The Gibson" logo.

1912 L-1 specs: No pickguard.

1914 L-1 specs: Pickguard added again.

1918 L-1 specs: Sheraton brown finish.

1920 L-1 specs: Double 5 ply soundhole rings.

1925 Discontinued.

1926 Re-introduced as a flat top.

Gibson L series flat top guitars are just a shade larger than parlor guitars providing more voice while retaining a comfortable couch guitar feel. A Martin sized equivalent would be a OO. Standard x-bracing on all models. Over the production years and various models Gibson would switch between the neck joint at the 12th or 14th fret. These instruments were considered to be Gibsons' "budget" guitar. That being said these were produced during the depression era when the unemployment rate was 25% and the average household weekly income was between $7 and $17.

The L-OO was introduced in 1931 and was available until 1945. Being the "base" model cost $25 ($478.22 2018 equivalent). This model featured a spruce top with a black or sunburst finish. Back and sides were made of Honduran Mahogany. Only the top was bound in white. in later years upon request you could have a "Firestrike" pickgaurd applied.

The L-O was introduced in 1926 and was available until 1942. This model came in at $35 ($641.51 2018 equivalent) though was later reduced to $25 in 1937. Features of the L-O mirrored that of the L-OO but included binding on both the top and back.

The L-1 was introduced in 1926 and was available until 1937. This model cost $50 ($751.82 2018 equivalent). The L-1 featured a tighter grained two piece spruce top and Honduran mahogany back and sides. In some cases the back was single piece and in others it was two. Top and back were bound in ivoroid. In 1930 Gibson squared off the bottom to a more traditional shape as opposed to the previously "egg shaped" bottom commonly known as the Robert Johnson style.

The L-2 was introduced in 1929 and was available until 1935. This model cost a healthy $75 ($1,127.73 2018 equivalent). The L-2 featured a spruce top and Honduran Mahogany back and sides. Both the top and back were ivoroid bound and sometimes featured a gold sparkle.

The L-C (Century of Progress) and the Nick Lucas models were introduced as well and featured fancier attributes. Mother-of-Toiletseat fretboard on the L-C and larger pearl inlays on the Nick Lucas.

Collectability varies from a C+ to a B+ as the models move up. L-O pieces are rather common where as considerably less L-2, L-C and Nick Lucas pieces were made. With that being said, after 90-100 years of aging these guitars have become some of the best sounding instruments. Therefore if you can get your hands on one, hold tight and enjoy the song.

In the late 90s or early 2000s, Gibson introduced the L-1 Robert Johnson acoustic guitar model, the guitar features the historic small L-series body design (25" scale length), ebony bridge with carved pyramid wings, 3 3/4-inch soundhole diameter, and a Robert Johnson signature inlay at the end of the fingerboard.