Nothing beats holding a piece of history in your hands, especially when that piece of history sounds as good as this 1926 Gibson L-1. As you’d expect from a 90-year-old vintage box, the L-1 might be small but it packs a lot of voice in its little package! This was the year that Gibson would introduce the L-1 model (and it would enjoy but a brief 11-year lifespan before being discontinued in 1937) with Mahogany back and sides, Spruce top, and Ebony bridge and fingerboard. Some of America’s biggest music legends have played L-1s. Remember that photo of Robert Johnson in pinstripes and hat with Gibson in hand? Yup. Or Norman Blake, whose collection includes a 1930 L-1.
There are miles and miles of dry, woody tone waiting to be explored in this Gibson. Short scale and a wide fingerboard make for great fingerpicking times in open tunings; holds up loud and clear to flatpicking too. These early Gibson flattops have thinner tops and braces which make for great volume and a colorful response. A sweet piece of history indeed, with tone and character to spare.