1940s Gibson L-30 Carved-Top Archtop Guitar

This guitar arrived here via trade. I've owned a number of L-30s over the years and they're one of my favorite Gibson carved-top guitars. They have the L-00 body shape and the normal archtop-style depth but have flat backs. Thus, despite being smaller-bodied than L-48 and L-50 models of the same era, I tend to think they sound warmer and fuller.

It's the flat back -- it takes some of the "snap" and transfers it into a little extra warmth. It's a good design and one that didn't get repeated often in the archtop world, sadly. I do understand it, though, as fully-carved backs do project quite well.

The factory order number for this guitar does not let us date it exactly, but it's likely a '41 or a '42. My bet's on '41, however. It arrived here in pretty good order but it did need a glorified setup. Jose did that work and it's now playing spot-on and ready to serve.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress and setup. Previously, it had some other work done to it -- a couple of hairline crack repairs on the top near the tailpiece and some setup work.

Weight: 4 lbs 2 oz

Scale length: 24 3/4"

Nut width: 1 3/4"

Neck shape: medium-fuller C

Board radius: 10"

Body width: 14 5/8"

Body depth: 3 1/2"

Top wood: solid spruce (carved)

Back & sides wood: solid mahogany (flatback)

Bracing type: tonebar

Bridge: rosewood adjustable

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on, and adjustable)
String gauges: 54w-12 lights

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-lower

Condition notes: it's in very good shape. There are two repaired hairline cracks on the lower bout of the top but overall it looks great throughout. The finish glows nicely and it's pretty clean. There's the usual weather-checking throughout the finish but it still has a good glossy luster. There are some pickwear marks on the upper-bout-top and some smaller handling/usewear scratches and scuffs here and there throughout. It also appears to be entirely original save for the tuner buttons which are replacements.

It comes with: a nice, newer, hard case.

Consignor tag: JW