Introduced in 1926, the L-1 was one of the first flattop Gibson guitars to leave Kalamazoo. By 1928, its design began to change rapidly from year to year, and in many ways, the lessons learned from the L-1 paved the way for small-body Gibson guitars. Of all the major manufacturers of what are now considered "vintage" guitars, no one was as inventive, creative, dynamic, and open to experimentation as Gibson.
In 1930, the L-1 still had a 12-fret neck, and the body was 14-3/4" across with a squarish-lower bout, more like the L-00 which was introduced the following year. This particular iteration of the L-1 is known for its exceptional responsiveness, which is the result of featherweight light construction. Thin woods, slim braces, and thin finishes combine to make a guitar that feels alive in your hands.
Because of the light build, many of these old prewar relics have required extensive repair to maintain proper playing condition, but this 1930 L-1 is a sight to behold! This L-1 was described by a NYC Gibson expert as a "miraculous survivor," and we agree wholeheartedly. There is some checking to the thin top finish but very little wear at all, just minor dings and dents. This 1930 L-1 features the older-style, hand-rubbed Cremona brown sunburst finish on the top and small script "The Gibson" logo on the peghead.
There are no cracks anywhere, but the original bridge appears to have been lowered from the top slightly long ago. Nevertheless, the bridge does not appear to have ever lifted or been re-glued, and the very thin maple bridgeplate—along with the rest of the interior—remains untouched original and unaltered. The neck has been reset, which left some subtle touchup marks around the heel and fingerboard extension. Aside from the work related to the reset, the finish is all original.
This 1930 Gibson L-1 includes its original hardshell case, and it came to us with period Gibson strings, an ancient polish cloth, and an old Hawaiian bar in a leather pouch. The frets are the original thin style wire surviving with virtually no wear—based on the Hawaiian bar included in the case, the original owner appears to have intended to play Hawaiian style. The flat-plate Waverly tuners are original and still shiny, and they hold tune as they should.
Because of the condition, this L-1 feels like a true find, but it's also an excellent player with refined, nuanced tone and deeply expressive response. For anyone interested in a prewar small-body Gibson, this 1930 L-1 feels like the end-of-the-rainbow guitar.