Gibson L-00 Guitar
Gibson L-0 Guitar
Gibson L-1 Guitar
Gibson L-2 Guitar

Description: Gibson L-00, Gibson L-0, Gibson L-1, Gibson L-2 flat top guitars
Available: 1926 to 1945 (depending on exact model.)
Collectibility Rating: B.

General Comments: The Gibson L00, L0, L1 and L2 are all very similar models, with the only differences being small cosmetics. In ascending order of fanciness, it went L-00, L-0, L-1, L-2.

The L-1 model was introduced first as a flat top in 1926 (before 1926 the L-1 was an archtop.) The L-0 was also introduced as a flat top in 1926. The L-2's introduction was in June 1929, and the L-00's introduction was in 1931 (first batch was FON #21.)

The L-00 was the plainest, having only top body binding (in its original incarnation). The L-0 had top and back body binding. The L-1 had top and back body binding, and sometimes fingerboard binding (pre-1931), sometimes individual tuners after mid-1930s (instead of 3-on-a-plate Waverly), sometimes a gold "Gibson" stencil peghead logo (instead of white), and prior to 1934 a slightly arched back and top. The L-1 also used better woods and never had a 3 or 4 piece top (unlike the L-0 and L-00 that sometimes had more than 2 pieces of spruce). Also L-1 had a bookmatched top with tighter grain, where the L-0 and L-00 did not have a bookmatched top. The L-1 back is usually 2 piece quartersawn, where the L-0 and L-00 usually had one piece slab sawn backs.

The Gibson L-2 was the fanciest of the model line during this time, and the first to have the "L" body style. Made from 1929 to 1935, the 1931 Gibson L2 was probably the coolest variant. In 1931 the L-2 had gold sparkle binding around the soundhole and body top and back (by 1932 this feature disappeared.) The Gibson L2 was the only L model with a single bound neck with white binding (dot fingerboard inlays.) Also a Argentine Gray finish was used only in 1931 (kind of a greenish grey sunburst.) The L-2 had a pearl "Gibson" or "the Gibson" logo. There's a fancy pearl peghead inlay too below the pearl "Gibson" logo. The tuners were sometimes 3-on-a-strip style with white buttons, but again fancier with light engraving. Rectangle bridge like the other L models. Also rosewood back and sides are often seen on this model in the early 1930s.

Gibson catalog circa 1932, showing L-00, L-0 and L-1 models.
Note the catalog states "all Gibson guitar necks join body at 14th fret", but clearly,
the catalog pictures all show 12 fret examples.

Back to the L-00. In 1937 things kind of reversed themselves, and the L-00 got back binding and shortly thereafter the L-0 lost back binding. So in 1937, the only difference between L-00 and L-0 was the finish, with one having a sunburst and the other black (but, this switched, too). See the table below to determine which flavor you have. (The biggest difference between the models is back body binding and the color.)

The L-OO is probably the most common of the three models, but they made the L-O, L-1, and L-00 in great numbers, since they were inexpensive guitars. The L-2 production was lower than the other L models. I believe these L models are the nicest of the pre-WW2 small bodied Gibson flat tops. Yes they are a small guitar by today's standards. But for some reason that does not bother me (compared to Martin 00 models, which just seem too small!) The Gibson L-00, L-0, L-1 and L-2 guitars are very comfortable to play with a nice smooth sound. I really like them!

If you need to figure out the exact year of your Gibson L00/L0/L1/L2 guitar, use the FON Factory Order number. This is located inside the body's sound hole. See the Gibson Serial Number Info web page for help determining the exact year.

If you have a vintage Gibson L-0, L-1, L-2 or L-00 guitar for sale, please contact me at cfh@provide.net (I would really like to find a Gibson L-2!)

Elevated fingerboard on an early black L-00.

General Information on L model Flattops

L-0 Flattop
Available: 1926 to 1942
Collectibility Rating: 13.5" wide models: D, 14.75" wide: C+.
The 1931 to 1942 models I feel are nice small bodied flat tops. Very comparible to the L-00.

    1926 L-0 introduction specs:
    $35 list price, 13 5/8" wide, 12 frets clear of body, spruce top with amber brown stain, round lower body shape, slightly arched top and back, brown stained birch back and sides, b/w/b soundhole rings (varies but the L-0 has three sound rosette versus the L-1 which has five), ebony bridge with pyramids at ends and black pins, white bound top and back, unbound ebonized fingerboard with dot inlays at 5th, 7th and 9th frets, no pickguard, 25" scale length, 3-on-a-plate tuners usually with white buttons (or sometimes black buttons), "The Gibson" angled peghead logo in white paint.
    1928 L-0 specs:
    natural/amber finish mahogany top, 12 frets clear, mahogany back and sides, b/w/b/w/b soundhole rings (varies). Bottom belly bridge with raised center area (though late models have a rectangle bridge with a spare white bridge pin below other black pins), unbound rosewood fingerboard, dot fingerboard inlays at 5th, 7th, 9th frets, 3-on-strip tuners, scale length 24 1/4".
    1929 L-0 specs:
    No belly to bridge, no extra bridge pin, rectangle bridge.
    1930 L-0 specs:
    14.75" wide lower bout (same body shape as the L-2), body more square at bottom, natural finish mahogany top, b/w/b/w/b soundhole ring, mahogany back and sides, bound top and back, rectangular rosewood with angled saddle, 12 frets clear of body, unbound fingerboard with dots at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets, 3-on-strip tuners, 24 3/4" scale length.
    1932 L-0 specs:
    14.75" wide, top and back now flat, 14 frets clear of the body, natural finish mahogany top, mahogany back and sides, bound top and back, tortoise pickguard, retangle bridge, unbound fingerboard, 24.75" scale, dots at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets, 3-on-strip tuners, some with "Gibson" painted logo (no "the").
    1933 L-0 discontinued.
    1937 L-0 re-introduction specs:
    14.75" wide, 14 frets clear, spruce top with black finish, mahogany back and sides, bound top and back, fire-striped tortoise grain pickguard retangle bridge with black bridge pins and end pin, dots at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets, 3-on-strip tuners. List price reduced to $25.
    1942 L-0 discontinued.
L-1 Flattop
Available: 1926 to 1937 (note available earlier as an Archtop model).
Collectibility Rating: 13.5" wide models: D, 14.75" wide: C+.
The 1931 to 1937 models I feel are nice small bodied flat tops, very comparible to the L-00.
    1926 L-1 introduction specs:
    $50 list price, 13 5/8" wide, 12 frets clear of body, 25" scale length, round lower body shape and narrow waist, slightly arched spruce top with amber stain or natural, b/w/b/w/b/soundhole rings (with black outer ring), carved birch or maple back and sides with brown dark stain, bound top and back (though some have an unbound back), unbound ebony square end fingerboard with dots at 5th, 7th, 9th frets. Fixed ebony bridge with pyramids at ends and black pins, 25" scale length, "The Gibson" straight peghead painted logo. Bracing pattern could be X,H or A.
    1928 L-1 specs:
    13 5/8" wide, 12 frets clear, 24 1/4" scale length, spruce top with stained shaded finish, mahogany back and sides, bound top and back, b/w/b/w/b soundhole rings (no black outer ring), bottom bellow rosewood bridge with raised center, 3-on-strip tuners, bound rosewood fingerboard with dots at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets.
    1929 L-1 specs:
    13 5/8" wide, 12 frets clear, spruce top with stained shaded finish, mahogany back and sides, bound top and back, bottom bellow rosewood bridge with raised center and extra bridge pin (though later models had a rectangle bridge), 3-on-strip tuners, bound rosewood fingerboard with dots at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets.
    1930 L-1 specs:
    14.75" wide, 12 frets clear, body more squared at bottom, 12 frets clear of body, 24 3/4" scale length, spruce top with stained shaded finish, mahogany back and sides, bound top and back, 3-on-strip tuners, longer modern type rectangle bridge, unbound fingerboard with dots at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets.
    1932 L-1 specs:
    14.75" wide, 14 frets clear of the body, 24.75" scale length, small sprayed sunburst finish, mahogany back and sides, bound top and back, fire striped tortoise pickguard, retangle bridge, unbound fingerboard with dots at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets. Individual tuners, "Gibson" peghead logo (no "the"), reduced $37.50 list retail price.
    1937 L-1 discontinued.
L-00 Flattop
Available: 1931 to 1945
Collectibility Rating: B.
    1931 Gibson L-00 guitar introduction specs:
    Actually introduced in 1931 with FON batch 21 (but first catalog appearance in 1932), $25 list price. 14 3/4" wide, spruce top with black finish, 12 frets clear of body, 24 3/4" scale, mahogany back and sides, white bound top only (unbound back), white pickguard (though not having a pickguard was an option), rectangle rosewood bridge with black bridge pins, unbound ebonized fingerboard with dots at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets. "V" shaped neck, 3-on-a-plate open back strip tuners, tapered peghead, can have either "the Gibson" or "Gibson" peghead logo in white paint.
    1933 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:
    14 3/4" body, 14 frets clear of body, 24 3/4" scale, spruce top with small to medium sized yellow sprayed sunburst, Scalloped X bracing, mahogany back and sides, bound top only (though occasionally a bound back too), fire-striped tortoise pickguard (or sometimes a mocking style tortoise pickguard), rectangle bridge, unbound fingerboard with dots at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th frets. Also now has a "Gibson" peghead logo (no "the"), $27.50 list retail price.
    1935 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:
    spruce top sunburst changes a bit with medium sized yellow sprayed sunburst.
    1936 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:
    bound top only (though some do have a bound back now.)
    1937 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:
    spruce top sunbrust changes yet again with a larger sized yellow sprayed sunburst. List price $30, all have back bound now. A few 3/4 scale L-00 models sold.
    1941 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:
    Natural finish available. List price now $36.75 for sunburst, $42 for natural.
    1944 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:
    A few L-00 models made with "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" banner peghead logo on the narrow 1930s style peghead. This model is rarely seen after 1942, since the LG series of guitars largely replaced the L-00.
    1945 Gibson L-00 guitar discontinued.
L-2 Flattop
Available: 1929 to 1935.
Collectibility Rating: a fancier version of the other L models, and hence is generally a better model with more advanced features.
    June 1929 L-2 introduction specs:
    Started as an archtop model and was converted to a flat top. The L-2 was the first 14.75" wide mahogany body (pre-dates L-1 and Nick Lucas.) Double bound top and back and bound neck. Had slightly arched top and back. Archtop style adjustable bridge and tailpiece, no pickguard. Started with a "The Gibson" silkscreened logo, then "Gibson", then pearl "Gibson" logo. The first few batches of L-2 models had 13 frets clear of the body and the neck had a volute (!) and Grover banjo tuners. Sunburst or natural top finish.
    1930 L-2 specs:
    Some moade with gold sparkle binding.
    1931 L-2 specs:
    Mahogany back and sides, pin style bridge, sometimes has gold spark top binding, 12 frets clear of body, 6 point flame peghead inlay, argentine gray sunburst finish.
    1932 L-2 specs:
    top is completely flat now, rosewood back and sides (actually rosewood was first used on this model in 1931), normal body binding, adjustable bridge and trapeze tailpiece, elevated pickguard,
    1933 L-2 specs:
    14 frets clear of the body, pin bridge and no tailpiece, pickguard glued to top, mahogany back and sides. (Kind of interesting that the 1929 catalog mentions 14 fret necks, but Gibson didn't actually make one until 1933.)
    1934 L-2 specs:
    some with no peghead ornament.
    1935 Gibson L-2 guitar discontinued.


The following table (based on E.Whitford's "Fabulous Flat-Top Guitars") shows an "easy" way to tell the difference between pre-war L-0, L-00 and L-1 flat top models (which are all very similar!) First start with the color on the left. Then move right to narrow down the features, which will identify the model and approximate year.

    Identifying pre-war Gibson L-0, L-00, L-1, L-2 guitars.
    Body Color Frets Features Model Year
    Black 12 frets white pickguard
    unbound back
    "the Gibson" logo
    L-00 1932
    Black 14 frets no pickguard
    unbound back
    "the Gibson" logo
    Black finish discontinued on L models.
    L-00 1932
    Black 14 frets Black finish starts again on L models.
    Firestripe pickguard
    unbound back
    "Gibson" logo
    L-00 April 1936
    Black 14 frets L-0 reintroduced August 1937
    firestripe pickguard
    bound back
    L-0 1937-1942
    Black 12 frets straight bridge saddle
    heavy top bracing
    firestripe pickguard
    bound back
    HG-0 1937-1938
    Natural/Amber 12 frets Mahogany top
    black bridge pins
    tortoise pickguard
    back binding
    L-0 1930-1931
    Natural/Amber 14 frets Mahogany top
    black bridge pins
    tortoise pickguard
    back binding
    L-0 discontinued 1933
    L-0 1932-1933
    Sunburst 12 frets white bridge pins
    no pickguard
    (or elevated PG)
    "small" sunburst
    bound back
    slightly arched top/back
    L-1 1930-1931
    Sunburst 14 frets white bridge pins
    no pickguard
    "small" sunburst
    slightly arched top/back
    L-1 1932-1933
    Sunburst 14 frets white bridge pins
    pickguard
    "small" sunburst
    bound back
    flat top/back.
    L-1 discontinued 1937.
    L-1 1934-1937
    Sunburst 14 frets black bridge pins
    pickguard
    "small" sunburst
    unbound back
    L-00 1933-1935
    Sunburst 14 frets black bridge pins
    pickguard
    "medium" sunburst
    bound or unbound back
    L-00 1936
    Sunburst 14 frets black bridge pins
    pickguard
    "large" sunburst
    bound back
    L-00 1937-1945
    Sunburst 12 frets straight bridge saddle
    heavy top bracing
    unbound back
    HG-00 1937-1942
    Sunburst or
    Natural
    12 fret? Bound neck
    funky peghead inlay
    Natural finish available around 1932
    trapeze tail & rosewood back in 1932
    pin bridge & often mahogany back in 1933
    L-2 1929-1935
    Natural 14 frets white bridge pins
    pickguard
    bound back
    L-00 1941
    Body Color Frets Features Model Year
    "small sunburst" has a yellow center about 6" in diameter.
    "medium sunburst" has a yellow center about 8" to 10" in diameter.
    "large sunburst" has a brown edge about 2" to 3" thick.
    "frets" means playable frets clear of the body (either 12 or 14, but 13 frets clear is sometimes seen).


Using Joe Spann's book on Gibson FON numbers, here's a list of known Gibson L-0, L-00, L-1 and L-2 factory order numbers (not all inclusive.) The neat thing about this (rather long) list, is it can help determine which model of L guitar you have. So if you can't figure out your guitar from the specs, yet you can read the FON on the neck block, this list may help you with the year/model of your small body Gibson flat top guitar. The other neat thing about this list is you can tell what type of production numbers Gibson was running for these model (except in the 1938/1939 when Gibson seemed to stop recording FON numbers for shipping purposes.)

    1926:
    • 8233 = L-1
    • 8234 = L-1
    • 8235 = L-1
    • 8285 = L-0
    • 8288 = L-1
    • 8333 = L-0
    • 8334 = L-1
    • 8386 = L-0
    • 8401 = L-0
    • 8406 = L-1
    • 8407 = L-0 & L-1
    • 8408 = L-0
    • 8432 = L-1
    • 8433 = L-1
    • 8475 = L-0
    • 8476 = L-1
    • 8514 = L-0
    • 8516 = L-1
    1927:
    • 8567 = L-0
    • 8568 = L-1
    • 8665 = L-0
    • 8666 = L-0
    • 8667 = L-1
    • 8767 = L-0
    • 8810 = L-0
    • 8811 = L-0
    • 8812 = L-1
    1928:
    • 8943 = L-1
    • 8955 = L-0
    • 8988 = L-0
    • 9001 = L-1
    • 9002 = L-1
    • 9003 = L-0
    • 9004 = L-1
    • 9005 = L-3
    • 9033 = L-0
    • 9051 = L-1
    • 9052 = L-1
    • 9074 = L-0
    • 9075 = L-0
    • 9076 = L-0
    • 9077 = L-1
    • 9127 = L-0
    • 9128 = L-0
    • 9142 = L-0
    • 9145 = L-0
    • 9146 = L-1
    • 9174 = L-0
    • 9175 = L-0
    • 9176 = L-0
    • 9181 = L-0
    • 9200 = L-0
    • 9201 = L-0
    • 9202 = L-1
    • 9203 = L-1
    • 9212 = L-1
    • 9213 = L-3
    1929:
    • 9237 = L-1
    • 9238 = L-1
    • 9246 = L-0
    • 9247 = L-0
    • 9289 = L-1
    • 9291 = L-0
    • 9304 = L-1
    • 9317 = L-1
    • 9349 = L-1
    • 9375 = L-0
    • 9376 = L-1
    • 9379 = L-0
    • 9380 = L-1
    • 9381 = L-2
    • 9406 = L-1
    • 9409 = L-0
    • 9435 = L-1
    • 9437 = L-0
    • 9446 = L-0
    • 9447 = L-1
    • 9456 = L-0
    • 9457 = L-1
    • 9476 = L-2
    • 9490 = L-1
    • 9497 = L-0
    • 9499 = L-1
    1930:
    • 9505 = L-2
    • 9506 = L-0
    • 9507 = L-0
    • 9508 = L-1
    • 9511 = L-1
    • 9564 = L-0
    • 9565 = L-0
    • 9566 = L-0
    • 9567 = L-0
    • 9568 = L-1
    • 9569 = L-1
    • 9570 = L-1
    • 9571 = L-1
    • 9572 = L-2
    • 9573 = L-2
    • 9574 = L-2 Hawaiian
    • 9579 = L-2
    • 9585 = L-0
    • 9595 = L-1
    • 9604 = L-1
    • 9629 = L-0
    • 9630 = L-2
    • 9685 = L-2
    • 9686 = L-3
    • 9735 = L-0
    • 9736 = L-1
    • 9740 = L-0
    • 9753 = L-0
    • 9755 = L-0
    • 9756 = L-1
    • 9759 = L-1
    • 9760 = L-2
    • 9767 = L-0
    • 9768 = L-1
    • 9769 = L-2
    • 9785 = L-0
    • 9786 = L-1
    • 9793 = L-2
    1931:
    • 9807 = L-2
    • 9808 = L-0
    • 9809 = L-1
    • 9820 = L-1
    • 9873 = L-0
    • 9875 = L-0 3/4 size
    • 9897 = L-1
    • 9919 = L-0
    • 9920 = L-1
    • 9954 = L-0
    • 9985 = L-1
    • 9987 = L-0
    • 9988 = L-1
    • 2 = L-1
    • 21 = L-00 (first L-00 batch)
    • 28 = L-0
    • 30 = L-1
    • 33 = L-0
    • 35 = L-00
    • 36 = L-0
    • 37 = L-1
    • 40 = L-1
    • 48 = L-0
    • 49 = L-1
    • 59 = L-2
    • 66 = L-00
    • 67 = L-00
    • 70 = L-00
    • 79 = L-0
    • 80 = L-1
    • 83 = L-00
    • 88 = L-00
    • 99 = L-0
    • 100 = L-1
    • 108 = L-00
    • 113 = L-2
    • 126 = L-1
    • 127 = L-0
    • 132 = L-00
    • 139 = L-00
    • 149 = L-0
    • 155 = L-0
    • 156 = L-00
    1932:
    • 163 = L-0
    • 167 = L-1
    • 168 = L-00
    • 178 = L-0
    • 181 = L-0
    • 188 = L-0
    • 190 = L-00
    • 203 = L-00
    • 207 = L-1
    • 208 = L-0
    • 211 = L-00
    • 214 = L-0
    • 217 = L-0
    • 219 = L-00
    • 228 = L-0
    • 229 = L-00 12 fret
    • 242 = L-00
    • 250 = L-00
    • 251 = L-1 12 fret
    • 254 = L-0
    • 256 = L-00
    • 263 = L-00
    • 269 = L-00 13 fret
    • 272 = L-1
    • 281 = L-00
    • 298 = L-1 14 fret. (Beginning of 14 fret models.)
    • 309 = L-00
    • 315 = L-00
    • 316 = L-00
    • 317 = L-00
    • 321 = L-00
    • 322 = L-00
    • 323 = L-1
    • 325 = L-00
    • 328 = L-00 b&w 12 fret
    • 335 = L-0
    • 336 = L-0
    • 337 = L-0
    • 338 = L-0
    • 351 = L-00
    • 353 = L-2
    1933:
    • 361 = L-1
    • 364 = L-0 12 fret
    • 365 = L-0
    • 369 = L-0
    • 370 = L-0 12 fret
    • 371 = L-0
    • 386 = L-1
    • 388 = L-1
    • 392 = L-0
    • 393 = L-00 & L-1
    • 395 = L-00
    • 398 = L-0
    • 403 = L-1
    • 405 = L-00
    • 407 = L-0
    • 409 = L-0
    • 415 = L-00
    • 417 = L-0
    • 418 = L-00
    • 427 = L-1
    • 430 = L-0
    • 433 = L-00
    • 437 = L-1
    • 442 = L-00
    • 445 = L-00
    • 450 = L-1
    • 453 = L-2
    • 456 = L-00
    • 466 = L-0
    • 467 = L-00
    • 478 = L-00
    • 479 = L-00
    • 481 = L-0
    • 488 = L-00
    • 499 = L-00
    • 510 = L-00
    • 512 = L-2
    • 514 = L-2
    • 531 = L-00
    • 532 = L-1
    • 545 = L-00
    • 551 = L-00
    • 567 = L-1
    • 575 = L-00
    • 577 = L-00
    • 594 = L-00
    • 595 = L-2
    • 609 = L-1
    • 612 = L-1
    • 632 = L-1
    • 633 = L-00
    • 643 = L-00
    • 650 = L-00
    • 651 = L-1
    • 654 = L-00
    • 665 = L-00
    • 672 = L-00
    • 674 = L-1
    • 675 = L-00
    • 692 = L-0
    • 701 = L-00 & L-1
    • 702 = L-00
    • 708 = L-00
    • 710 = L-00
    • 715 = L-1
    • 730 = L-1
    • 733 = L-00
    • 745 = L-1
    • 752 = L-1
    • 762 = L-00
    • 768 = L-00
    • 777 = L-00
    • 779 = L-1
    • 812 = L-1
    • 815 = L-00 & L-1
    • 821 = L-0
    • 833 = L-00
    • 835 = L-00
    • 845 = L-00
    • 853 = L-00
    • 856 = L-1
    • 865 = L-00
    • 876 = L-00
    • 877 = L-00
    • 884 = L-1
    • 887 = L-0
    • 3391 = L-00
    1934:
    • 902 = L-00
    • 908 = L-1
    • 915 = L-00
    • 916 = L-00
    • 917 = L-00
    • 918 = L-00
    • 919 = L-00
    • 920 = L-00
    • 921 = L-00
    • 929 = L-1
    • 1002 = L-1
    • 1022 = L-1
    • 1085 = L-00
    • 1088 = L-00
    • 1183 = L-00
    • 1212 = L-00
    • 1254 = L-00
    • 1303 = L-1
    • 1308 = L-1
    • 1325 = L-00
    • 1450 = L-1
    1935:
    • 1 = L-1
    • 20 = L-00
    • 136a = L-1
    • 172a = L-1
    • 191a = L-00
    • 201a = L-00
    • 207a = L-00
    • 238a = L-00
    • 283a = L-00
    • 348 = L-00
    • 364a = L-00
    • 386a = L-00
    • 389a = L-00
    • 515a = L-00
    • 1294 = L-1
    • 1344 = L-00
    • 1395 = L-00
    • 1423 = L-00
    • 1471 = L-00
    • 1477a = L-00
    • 1515a = L-00
    1936:
    • 354b = L-0
    • 435b = L-1
    • 436b = L-00
    • 529b = L-00
    • 533b = L-00
    • 598b = L-00
    • 618b = L-1
    • 619b = L-00
    • 634b = L-00
    • 672b = L-00
    • 703b = L-00
    • 717b = L-0
    • 730b = L-00
    • 747b = L-00
    • 756b = L-00
    • 772b = L-00
    • 773b = L-00
    • 837b = L-00
    • 838b = L-00
    • 851b = L-00
    • 854b = L-0
    • 887b = L-00
    • 895b = L-00
    • 913b = L-00
    • 916b = L-00
    • 947b = L-00
    • 948b = L-00
    • 949b = L-00
    • 966b = L-00
    • 1081b = L-00
    • 1123b = L-00
    1937:
    • 30c = L-00
    • 50c = L-00
    • 54c = L-0
    • 80c = L-00
    • 107c = L-00 3/4
    • 123c = HG-00
    • 177c = L-00
    • 201c = H-0
    • 202c = H-00
    • 203c = L-00
    • 204c = L-00 3/4
    • 259c = L-00
    • 310c = L-0
    • 317c = L-00
    • 337c = L-0
    • 357c = L-00
    • 374c = L-0
    • 375c = L-00
    • 397c = HG-00
    • 421c = L-00
    • 422c = L-00
    • 423c = L-0
    • 424c = L-0
    • 464c = L-00
    • 465c = L-00
    • 485v = L-0
    • 512c = L-00
    • 522c = L-0
    • 527c = L-0
    • 528c = L-0
    • 529c = L-00
    • 564c = L-00
    • 599c = L-0
    • 610c = L-0
    • 612c = L-00
    • 629c = L-00
    • 645c = HG-0
    • 675c = L-0
    • 690c = L-0
    • 692c = HG-00
    • 822c = L-00
    • 1194c = L-00
    • 1199c = L-00
    • 1215c = L-00
    • 1250c = L-00
    • 1260c = L-00
    • 1269c = L-00
    • 1270c = L-00
    • 1294c = L-00
    • 1304c = HG-00
    • 1321c = L-00
    • 1322c = L-00
    • 1346c = L-00
    • 1377c = L-00
    • 1379c = L-00 & L-1
    • 1387c = L-00
    1938:
    • 757d = HG-00
    • 902d = HG-00
    • 941d = L-00
    1940:
    • 451f = L-0
    • 610f = L-0
    • 802f = L-00
    • 831f = HG-00
    • 965f = L-00
    • 1220f = L-00
    • 1221f = L-0
    • 1466f = L-0
    • 3742f = L-00
    1941:
    • 29g = L-00
    • 30g = L-00
    • 123g = HG-00
    • 2177g = L-0
    • 2287g = L-00
    • 2380g = L-0
    • 2381g = L-00
    • 2739g = L-00
    • 2928g = L-0
    • 2999g = L-0
    • 3000g = L-00
    • 3464g = HG-00
    • 3465g = L-0
    • 3999g = L-0
    • 4044g = L-0
    • 4258g = L-0
    • 4259g = L-0
    • 4657g = L-00
    • 5126g = L-0
    • 5127g = L-0
    • 5224g = L-00
    • 5283g = L-00
    1942:
    • 7089h = L-0
    • 7209h = L-00
    • 7212h = L-00
    • 7214h = L-0
    • 7216h = L-0
    • 7429h = L-0
    • 7430h = L-0
    • 7458h = L-0
    • 7460h = L-00
    • 7727h = L-0
    1943 (white logo):
    • 902 = L-00
    • 2000 = L-00
    • 2003 = L-00
    • 2008 = L-00
    • 2044 = L-00
    • 2135 = L-00
    • 2177 = L-00
    1944 (banner logo, small peghead):
    • 2799 = L-00
    • 2815 = L-00



A circa 1935 Gibson L00 guitar. Note no fire stripe pickguard ("mocking" pickguard.) Non-original soft case.
"Sprayed color" sunburst style.



1934 Gibson L-00 guitar. This one has a fire stripe pickguard. Original case.
"Sprayed color" sunburst style. FON# 1183.



1936 Gibson L-0 guitar. The FON is hard to read, but looks to be 243b. Also the original tuners
on the bass side indicate 1936. This guitar needs some work, I'll update the pictures with better ones afterward.



1936 Gibson L-00 guitar. Original black finish, fire stripe pickguard, unbound back.
The FON is 949b. (I date it to 1936 based on the tuners, with this style only being used in 1936.
In 1937 a similar tuner was used, but with nickel plating.)



1940 Gibson L-00 guitar. Original black finish, fire stripe pickguard, bound back,
Original case. FON# 965F. Note the dots covering the bolts on the bridge.



I believe this to be a 1931 Gibson L-1 model, 12 frets clear of
the body. Has an elevated pickguard, but not an elevated fingerboard. Original soft case.
"Stained color" sunburst style.



1933 Gibson L-1 model, 14 frets clear of the body, firestripe pickguard.
This guitar has the "stained color" sunburst style (the dark does not go over the pickguard, though it's
hard to tell from these pics). FON 730.

The "stained color" sunburst can be really seen in this picture:



This is a custom-made circa 1931 Gibson L-1 guitar. This came
from the original owner's son. He special ordered the guitar
with the added pearloid work. Twelve frets clear of the
body, and original soft shell case. "Stained color" sunburst style. No FON.



1931 Gibson L-0, natural/amber mahogany top, 12 frets clear.
Picture from Folkway.



1931 Gibson L-2 with a hand stained Argentine Gray sunburst finish and gold sparkle binding, 12 frets clear.
Picture by J.Thomas.



1932 Gibson L-2, 14 frets clear, rosewood back/sides. Picture by Richard.



1931 Gibson L-2, 13 frets clear, rosewood back/sides.
Has original trapeze tailpiece and moveable bridge.

Same 1931 Gibson L-2 (13 fret clear, rosewood back/sides), but now coverted to a pin bridge.
This is an easy conversion, as the top is already X-braced, and already has a bridge plate
for a pin bridge installed from the factory. The neck set must be reduced though, because the new
pin bridge is lower than the factory trapeze tailpiece/bridge. This guitar sounds amazing after the
conversion - it really was designed as a pin bridge style guitar. FON 113.


* Email the collector cfh@provide.net
* Go to main Vintage Guitar Info webpage
* Go to main Gibson Vintage Guitar Info webpage