2002 Gibson L-1 VS Parlor Guitar

Overview: These reissue-style L-1s are interesting takes on the instrument -- they're sort-of like "what if we blended an L-00 with a '20s L-1 flattop?" in vibe much more than, "what if we replicated a '20s L-1 flattop?" I think Gibson is to be congratulated for taking the former route, though, because it yields a guitar that can actually handle the rigors of a modern player who will be taking their instrument all over the place and thumping on it. The originals are quite lightly-built and, as someone who's had to care for a number of aging ones multiple times for their owners over the last decade, I can tell you that a guitar like this is a lot easier to live with.

Interesting features: Well, the first is that it sounds good! It's got a punchy, woody, very-Gibson sound to it. I think it's a bit like a slightly-warmer L-00 -- maybe chunkier in sound, too, with that 12th-fret joint and bridge placement? The guitar is smaller, however -- like a squashed Martin 0 size that leans closer to a 00-size. This one also has a good, small-sunburst finish and "blues trappings." Like the originals, it has mahogany back and sides and a spruce top, though the fretboard and bridge are ebony. It suits old-time backup, country-blues fingerpicking, and the like very well.

Repairs included: Previously, I'd reglued the bridge and set it up. Sarah just recently leveled/dressed the frets and set it up and it's now playing spot-on and is ready to go.

• Weight: 3 lbs 7 oz
• Scale length: 24 5/8"
• Nut width: 1 23/32"
• Neck shape: medium C/slight V
• Board radius: 12"
• Depth at first fret: 7/8"
• Depth at seventh fret: 59/64"
• Body width: 13 7/8"
• Body depth: 4"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: 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: medium-wide

Condition notes: It's in good health, though there are some visual things. The bridge has a tiny hairline crack in its treble-side "wing" but that's all glued-up and a non-issue structurally. The finish on the top, however, got some sort of reaction to bug spray (says the owner) and has dulled sections that you can see in some "glared" photos I took. There's also light handling wear through via small scratches, nicks, and dings here and there -- mostly confined to the edges -- but it's definitely a "pre-loved" guitar.

It comes with: It has a good hard case.

Consignor tag: DFRN