Gibson L1 Archtop 1912 Used

Jaw dropping specimen. This is a very early Gibson L-1 archtop in stunning condition. Arched birch back and sides, arched bound spruce top, mahogany neck with chunky deep v profile, dot-inlaid bound ebony fingerboard with thin fret wire.

This instrument has been baby’ed for its whole long life and as far as we can tell the instrument is all-original, including the tuning machines as well as bridge and tailpiece hardware. There is very limited wear at all, with some light buckle rash and other very minor scuffs on the rear, and one or two tiny dings on the top. The action is good, very playable. The case contains printed correspondence with Gibson, whose records date the instrument to 1918, however the characteristics of this model make it much more consistent with the models from 1912.

Original case, with purple interior, is included, though its original handle has needed to be replaced, but is included nonetheless.