1929 Gibson LO

[fab432]

https://imgur.com/gallery/jJOWWvA

Looking at this 1929 LO.  I’ve always liked the body style but don’t know too much about them.  I’m assuming the bridge, saddle, nut and tuners are original.  No name on the headstock. Partial label on the inside. No cracks some play  wear on the top and the low position frets well worn.  Made In USA stamped on the back of the headstock.

Does this look like a mahogany top back and sides?

No idea what a good offer price would be? Any help there would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[jt]

Fabulous guitars! But his one is no later than 1928 and more likely 1927.

[jedzep]

I agree, if you love that mahogany snap of a small bod L0.  There are blanks to fill in by questioning the seller, regarding neck angle and string height, along with other condition issues.  I loved my '31, but sold it for a restorer to dig in and get it right.

If we had access to the kind of info you should get by being involved as a potential buyer, we'd be better equipped to offer advice.  I think the vintage Gibson market is overpriced now, but I've seen this era L0 priced in the 4K range, for what it's worth.

As always, track what similar instruments are trending on Reverb and throw the dice.   Is there an asking price you'd share?

Edited July 21, 2022 by jedzep

[slimt]

29 minutes ago, fab432 said:

https://imgur.com/gallery/jJOWWvA

Looking at this 1929 LO.  I’ve always liked the body style but don’t know too much about them.  I’m assuming the bridge, saddle, nut and tuners are original.  No name on the headstock. Partial label on the inside. No cracks some play  wear on the top and the low position frets well worn.  Made In USA stamped on the back of the headstock.

Does this look like a mahogany top back and sides?

No idea what a good offer price would be? Any help there would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

The label and made in the USA on the back of the headstock.  Would be a made for export thing.  My pointsettia and L2 14 fret have the same label and stamping. 
 

 

[fab432]

Thanks to all for the info so far.  The seller indicated the serial number (FON?) is 9247 but I can’t get that to a 1929 date? Haven’t seen the guitar in person yet.  Asking price is in the $3500 range.

[fab432]

Looking a bit harder at the pictures this might be a 1930 L0.  The neck has position dots at frets 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 15 and the 1929 woukd have those dots only at the 5th, 7th and 9th frets?

[fab432]

The guitar width is 13  5/8ths.  Can’t match the FON / serial number to a date that makes sense.  I suppose it’s possible that the body was built in 1929 (late) and the neck was made in 1930.  That would account for the added dot markers.  Any one else think that’s possible?

[zombywoof]

While I play a 1920 L3 I have not had my hands on a pre-1929 L series flattop in many years.  As the guitar will be "A" or "H" braced make sure you can make peace with the sound,   As to the price, while I do not keep up with sch things any longer the last one I recall looking at had a $3500 price tag.  But that was maybe 12 years ago.

Edited July 22, 2022 by zombywoof

[Dave F]

Here's what I got from SPANN'S GUIDE TO Gibson 1902-1941

 

[fab432]

49 minutes ago, Dave F said:

Here's what I got from SPANN'S GUIDE TO Gibson 1902-1941

 

Thank you -  definitely 1929 however the dot markers on the fretboard imply the neck is from 1930?

[slimt]

1 hour ago, fab432 said:

Thank you -  definitely 1929 however the dot markers on the fretboard imply the neck is from 1930?

How ever the inside neck stamp would of been prior to the neck applied.  So its possible to have been partially constructed and *** in 1930.      Or it could of been later applied.   Just thoughts. 

[fab432]

Agreed

[zombywoof]

11 hours ago, fab432 said:

Thank you -  definitely 1929 however the dot markers on the fretboard imply the neck is from 1930?

You have to remember this is Gibson.  In 1929 the L Series guitars were transitioning into the X braced Advanced L body shape with the 14 3/4" lower bout.  And it is not like Gibson changed specs at the stroke of midnight on January 1. 

When it comes to the specs you find in books and on the internet regarding guitars built during this period though it is best to proceed with a bit of caution,  I, as example, own a 1932 L1.  The Pros from Dover say this model lost its soundhole binding by 1929.  Guess what?  Mine has that feature,  Seems like somebody in Kalamazoo did not get the memo.  

Edited July 23, 2022 by zombywoof