Description: Gibson L-00, Gibson L-0, Gibson L-1 flat top guitars
Available: 1932 to 1945.
Collectibility Rating: B.

General Comments: The Gibson L00, L0, and L1 are all very similar models, with the only differences being small cosmetics. In ascending order of fanciness, it went L-00, L-0, L-1. To summarize, the L-00 was the plainest, having only top body binding (in its original incarnation). The L-0 had top and back body binding. The L-1 had top and back body binding, and sometimes fingerboard binding (pre-1931), individual tuners after mid-1930s (instead of 3-on-a-plate), sometimes a gold "Gibson" stencil peghead logo (instead of white), and prior to 1934 a slightly arched back and top. The L-1 also used better woods and never had a 3 or 4 piece top (unlike the L-0 and L-00 that sometimes had more than 2 pieces of spruce).

In 1937 things kind of reversed themselves, and the L-00 got back binding and shortly thereafter the L-0 lost back binding. So in 1937, the only difference between L-00 and L-0 was the finish, with one having a sunburst and the other black (but, this switched, too). See the table below to determine which flavor you have. (The biggest difference between the models is back body binding and the color.)

The L-OO is probably the most common of the three models, but they made the L-O, L-1, and L-00 in great numbers, since they were inexpensive guitars. I believe these are the nicest of the pre-WW2 small bodied Gibson flat tops. Yes they are a small guitar by today's standards. But for some reason that does not bother me (compared to Martin 00 models, which just seem too small!) The Gibson L-00, L-0 and L-1 guitars are very comfortable to play with a nice smooth sound. I really like them!

If you need to figure out the exact year of your Gibson L00/L0/L1 guitar, use the FON Factory Order number. This is located inside the body's sound hole. See the Gibson Serial Number Info web page for help determining the exact year.

If you have a vintage Gibson L-0, L-1, or L-00 guitar for sale, please contact me at cfh@provide.net

Elevated fingerboard on a black L-00.

1932 Gibson L-00 guitar introduction specs:

Actually introduced between 1929 and 1931 (but first catalog appearance in 1932), $25 list price, 14.75" wide, mahogany back and sides, spruce top, white bound top, unbound back (L-1 has a bound back and white bridge pins), black bridge pins with rectangle rosewood bridge, dot fingerboard inlays, "V" shaped neck, 14 frets clear (but some 12 fret L-00 models were made, mostly black ones with white pickguards), ebonized fingerboard, 3-on-a-plate open back tuners, tapered peghead, can have either "the Gibson" or "Gibson" peghead logo in white paint, sunburst or black finish, no pickguard or a white pickguard. Often has elevated fingerboard over the top of the body mostly on black models, and FON usually in the 200 to 800 range (elevated fingerboard models don't seem to go past FON 8xx).

1933 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:

Pickguard, typically a tortoise fire-striped material. But some L-00 models were made with a white pickguard (assuming a black body finish, as sunburst is now most common). Fingerboard no longer elevated. Also now has a "Gibson" peghead logo (no "the"), $27.50 list retail price.

1934 Gibson L-00 specs:

Sunburst style changd. Prior to this, the sunburst was a "stained colors". Starting in 1934, Gibson switched to a "sprayed colors" sunburst, which has a different (more opaque) look. This small sprayed color sunburst top finish usually had a yellow area only about 6" in diameter. The sunburst was sprayed directly over the pickguard, so the dark part of the "sprayed color" sunburst extends over the outside edge of the pickguard and is easily seen (where the earlier "stained color" sunburst did not go over the pickguard). The mahogany back and sides were a deep transparent wine red (almost dark purple sometimes). The black finish still available but not often seen.

1935 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:

Yellow part of sunburst gets bigger.

1936 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:

Back now bound sometime during 1936, black finish no longer available.

1937 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:

List price $30, back bound. A few 3/4 scale L-00 models sold. The L-1 was also reintroduced and had a black finish and bound back.

1941 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:

Natural finish available. List price now $36.75 for sunburst, $42 for natural.

1942 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:

War time features start to sneak into the L-00 model. Sometimes seen with no truss rod and two pearl dots on the bridge (underneath there are screws holding the bridge down, a feature that came about in the early 1940s).

1943 Gibson L-00 guitar specs:

A few L-00 models made with "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" banner peghead logo. This model is rarely seen after 1942, since the LG series of guitars replaced the L-00.

1945 Gibson L-00 guitar discontinued.

Note Gibson also sold a model called the HG-0 and HG-00 model. These are like a Hawaiian L-00 models but with heavier bracing, a straight bridge saddle (no slant), a more squarish neck, usually sunburst finish (sometimes black), and 12 frets clear of the body. Made from 1937 to 1942.

The following table (based on E.Whitford's "Fabulous Flat-Top Guitars") shows an "easy" way to tell the difference between pre-war L-0, L-00 and L-1 flat top models (which are all very similar!) First start with the color on the left. Then move right to narrow down the features, which will identify the model and approximate year.