This 1913/1914 Gibson L-1 archtop is an extraordinary early example of Gibson’s pioneering work in carved-top acoustic guitar design. Built during the company’s formative years in Kalamazoo, this instrument represents a key moment in the evolution of the modern guitar, bridging the gap between traditional flat-top construction and the carved archtop designs that would later define jazz and early American popular music.

The guitar retains all the original parts except the tuners.  The trapeze tailpiece and pickguard are in excellent condition - parts that can deteriorate on these guitars. 

There is some lacquer checking but no cracks

The neck is straight and it has a fresh setup and fret alignment.

Tonally, the L-1 offers a dry, woody, and highly articulate voice with a focused low end, strong midrange presence, and clear, cutting highs. The carved top contributes to a quick, immediate response with excellent note separation, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing, early blues, ragtime, and vintage acoustic styles. The smaller body size provides an intimate, responsive feel, while the instrument’s age adds a depth and maturity to the tone that is impossible to replicate in modern builds. Chords remain clear and defined, and single-note lines carry a distinctive vintage character that records beautifully.

Chipboard case included.

The Loft at Lay's Guitar Shop is a brick-and-mortar and web-based retailer. We are happy to talk with you before you make a purchase.   Please reach out if you feel so inclined! We cross market our items here and on our own site, so items are subject to sale elsewhere at any time (however we will never cancel a sale if it happens here first).

No sales tax for direct sale customers outside Ohio. Reverb sales are always taxed.

SPECS:

• • Color: Natural
  • Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz
  • Top: Spruce
  • Body: Mahogany
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Neck Profile: Tapered V
  • Fretboard: Ebony
  • Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
  • Frets: Original
  • Fret count: 19
  • Nut: 1 3/4
  • Nut width: 1-11/16"
  • Scale: 24-1/4"
  • Radius: 12"
  • Neck thickness at 1st fret: 1.05"
  • Neck thickness at 9th fret: 1.39"
  • Total length: 38-3/4"
  • Body length: 18-3/4"
  • Lower bout: 13-5/8"
  • Waist: 8"
  • Upper bout: 10"
  • Body depth/thickness: 3-3/8"
  • String gauge: .012-.053
  • Pickguard: Original Bakelite Tortoise Shell, all Original Hardware Intact
  • Bridge: Original bridge, Original Bakelite trapeze tailpiece. 
  • Tuners: Non Original 3 x3 In Line
  • Case: Non Original Chipboard Case