Gibson L00 Sunburst 1937

The Gibson L00 was introduced in 1929, but did not appear in the catalog until 1932. The model was a huge success during the Great Depression thanks to its low price tag and great sound, and became a favorite among blues and folk artists such as Robert Johnson and Woody Guthrie.

However, this L00 from 1937 is a very special example, because instead of the usual mahogany sound box, this guitar is equipped with maple. Gibson only used maple sporadically for the L00 during that period, possibly to meet demand when mahogany was scarce. The four-piece spruce top also deviates from what was customary, but these kinds of practical choices were more common at Gibson in the 1930s.

This L00 is further distinguished by its ladder bracing instead of the X-bracing that became standard on later models. Ladder bracing gives the guitar a characteristic dry and direct sound with a fast attack, which is particularly suitable for blues and fingerstyle. The maple body contributes to a clear and articulate tone, while the spruce top provides a warm and balanced sound. The mahogany neck has the sturdy V-profile typical of that period and features a rosewood fingerboard, with the original Kluson three-on-a-plate tuning machines on the headstock.

This L00 from 1937 has seen a lot over the years, but has been carefully maintained. The guitar has a few repaired cracks on the top and a repaired crack on the back, with cleats attached to the inside for stability. A crack in the heel has also been repaired, and overspray has been applied to the repaired area. Furthermore, the guitar has undergone a refret and has a new bridge saddle. The playing marks and craquelure give the guitar the unmistakable vintage charm that only decades of use can create, making this L00 an instrument with character and history.

A true player grade guitar with a unique sound!