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Vintage Gibson Acousitc Identification Help

Posted on 7/18/18 at 10:47 am
Posted by Drunken Crawfish
Member since Apr 2017
3883 posts
Posted on 7/18/18 at 10:47 am
So I recently had someone give me what looks to be a mid to late 30s Gibson acoustic. He wasn't sure of the year but knew it was from the 30s. Based on the headstock it looks to be a 1934 to 1939. Does anyone have any ideas on year and/or model? I can't find a serial number on the guitar.






This post was edited on 7/19/18 at 1:39 pm
Posted by tidalmouse
Whatsamotta U.
Member since Jan 2009
30706 posts
Posted on 7/18/18 at 10:51 am to
Holy crap.Does it play.Still looks good.

The shape looks like Gibson's "L" models,too me at least/

More of a "8" shape.Not a dreadnaught.Not Square shouldered.

Is it Mahogany?
This post was edited on 7/18/18 at 10:57 am
Posted by Stan Switek
Member since Apr 2017
475 posts
Posted on 7/18/18 at 10:56 am to
Just a guess but it looks like an L-00 to me. Have no idea about narrowing the date without a serial number. Good luck!
Posted by Drunken Crawfish
Member since Apr 2017
3883 posts
Posted on 7/18/18 at 10:59 am to
Yep it still plays. I have no idea how to tell what type of wood it is. I was initially thinking it was a '34 L-00, but wasn't sure.

Video on a '34 L-00
This post was edited on 7/18/18 at 11:02 am
Posted by FightinTigersDammit
Louisiana North
Member since Mar 2006
46425 posts
Posted on 7/19/18 at 9:33 am to
It's been well-played, for sure.
Posted by TheFretShack
Member since Oct 2015
1370 posts
Posted on 7/19/18 at 10:06 am to
Do you have front and back photos from more of a distance and from more close up? From that close, it's hard to tell if it's a late 30s to early 40s L series or a HG series. It's one of the two.

Someone added screws to hold down what was likely a lifting bridge. Either the keys or their buttons were replaced - they should more than likely be an opaque eggshell white. Looks like spruce top (need better photos of grain structure), body meets at 12th fret ... that is one sweet, sweet, piece and solid examples are worth pretty pennies on the vintage market.



This post was edited on 7/19/18 at 10:10 am
Posted by TheFretShack
Member since Oct 2015
1370 posts
Posted on 7/19/18 at 10:17 am to
Everything and anything you'd want or need to know about Gibson L series acoutics made in the first half of the 20th Century

Don't even bother opening this on a phone. You want a big screen, a couch and a beverage. You will be there a while.
Posted by Drunken Crawfish
Member since Apr 2017
3883 posts
Posted on 7/19/18 at 11:20 am to
I'll take some additional pictures when I get home. This thing won't ever see the vintage market.
Posted by Drunken Crawfish
Member since Apr 2017
3883 posts
Posted on 7/19/18 at 1:36 pm to
The guy also said it was its original case and had a pitch harp in it as well. Pretty cool!






This post was edited on 7/19/18 at 1:39 pm
Posted by tidalmouse
Whatsamotta U.
Member since Jan 2009
30706 posts
Posted on 7/20/18 at 7:58 pm to
Probably Mahogany Back and Sides and Spruce Top.Sweet guitar in the case.
Posted by tidalmouse
Whatsamotta U.
Member since Jan 2009
30706 posts
Posted on 7/20/18 at 7:59 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 7/22/18 at 4:34 am
Posted by tguit
Member since Jul 2018
1 post
Posted on 7/21/18 at 8:37 am to
Cool find! This is an HG-00. It was originally set up to play Hawaiian style with a slide. These guitars didn't have serial numbers but there will be a factory order number on the neck block. Look inside the sound hole towards the neck with a flash light (and maybe a mirror). There will be a vertical block on the rim inside that the neck dovetails into.

Looks to be in nice original condition except that the bridge is a replacement.
Posted by Drunken Crawfish
Member since Apr 2017
3883 posts
Posted on 7/23/18 at 8:42 am to
Thanks for the info.
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