A little piece of early Gibson history, and still very much a playable guitar. Dated to around 1911 and provisionally identified as an L-1, this carved-top archtop has a round soundhole, pronounced spruce grain and a wonderful amount of honest age in its finish.
It is set up nicely, plays well and holds its tuning, with a beautiful sound and plenty of character. The dark-finished back and sides, long wire-style trapeze tailpiece and “The Gibson” headstock logo make it a lovely thing to spend time with.
This is an instrument with a long life behind it, including apparent seam repairs and some replacement parts, all detailed in the Condition section and close-up photographs. It comes with an older, non-original shaped hardcase with golden plush lining.