Gibson L-12 1937

This guitar is a rare Gibson L-12, with a 17” bout, from 1937.

It’s in very good condition for its age, and has been a daily player for me in the 20+ years I have owned it. It has no playability issues.

It was refretted by a professional luthier in 2003, and the original nut was replaced, as were the very worn tuners. The tuners were replaced with modern copies of the original gold-plated Grovers.

It has a correct replacement pickguard.

There are a few cosmetic issues (see photos)—cracks which have been evaluated by luthiers several times, and which have not changed since I have owned the instrument. There are two narrow cracks on either side of the top near the neck block; there is one at the tail end of the soundboard; and another on the tail end of the upper bout.

Apparently there was a “Harmony”-type tailpiece on it at some point, and there are a few unfilled and filled holes that are hidden by the current tailpiece, which appears to be a very accurate reproduction of the Art Deco original, but without engraving or gold plating.

The bridge is original still easily adjustable, and intonation is very good.

It comes with a relatively new case appropriate for its large body.

I acquired this instrument from an elderly musician from East Texas who told me that he had inherited it from his wife’s uncle, who lived in a whorehouse and kept it, un-cased, behind a sofa in the parlor.

The finish is in the condition one would expect in an 84- year old guitar that has seen constant action, and it even has an amazing, if subtle, mojo smell.

I doubt you will be disappointed .