1924 Gibson L-3 Roundhole Archtop Guitar

Overview: This guitar's factory order number is really hard to read and its serialization would sort-of place it in the 1926-27 area. However, Mandolin Archive's numbering places it around 1924 which is where I expect it was made, considering that lovely Loar-era snakehead headstock shape. This guitar is in good order, sounds a treat, and looks great -- with just the right amount of loving wear to make it feel friendly and a sound that suits both old-style jazz (in a pinch) and country-blues, easy-peasy.

Interesting features: It's got the classic tonebar bracing sound with a mids-forward, punchy voice. It sounds bigger than it is as the top is carved nice and thin. A lot of the Ls from this era are a little on the midsy/thin side but this has good lower-mids response as well and a sweeter treble.

Repairs included: Jose gave it a level/dress of the frets and a setup and it's playing bang-on and ready to go. I'm assuming it's had a mix of old repairs -- a neck reset, bridge work, it has a replacement (nicely-made) pickguard and new, repro StewMac tuners -- and it's in good health.

• Weight: 4 lbs 2 oz
• Scale length: 24 1/4"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Neck shape: medium-bigger soft V
• Board radius: 9 1/2"
• Depth at first fret: 15/16"
• Depth at seventh fret: 1 1/8"
• Body width: 13 3/4"
• Body depth: 3 1/4"
• Top wood: solid carved spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid birch
• Bracing type: ladder
• Bridge: adjustable ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: lower/smaller

Condition notes: The finish has a slightly ghosty look to it when the light hits it at the right angle. I think it may have had a hit of overspray at some point and that's a little trapped moisture, but I'm not entirely sure if that's true or if it's just the totally original finish doing its thing. There are plenty of wear and tear marks (light scratches, nicks, dings) throughout but overall it looks nice. The tuners and pickguard are nice replacements. There's some finish touch-up/bleed on the sides. 

It comes with: It's got an original hard case!

Consignor tag: MTUL