Gibson Solid Formed Prototype #1

[Sam Sherry]

Zombie Thread Update:

As someone who spent years enjoying the original 1929-1934 L4 and L75 large-roundhole archtops I was really interested in the Solid Formed prototypes.

Just ran into it on Reverb and it's sad to see:





Ouch! When you add those two cracks together that would be 100% stem-to-stern crackage.
And right along the tone-bars too, I'm guessing.

Is it bad luck?
Is it that combining pressed top and large round sound-holes is a bad mix?
I expect that we will never know.

[Mark M.]

Yikes!

[customxke]

oof.

[Hammertone]

Is it bad luck? Is it that combining pressed top and large round sound-holes is a bad mix?I expect that we will never know.

Maybe it simply took a nasty hit in the face.

[Litterick]

It is a prototype; problems are hardly surprising.

[ThatRhythmMan]

Maybe it simply took a nasty hit in the face.

I would put my money on that.


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[L50EF15]

I’m curious. Could this be repaired at reasonable cost? As in, would it cost the listed price just to fix it and make it playable?

I have recently come around to roundhole archtops having bought a 1925 L Jr. Now I’m looking at 16” versions like this one (or a vintage L4 or L75).

[Hammertone]

I’m curious. Could this be repaired at reasonable cost? As in, would it cost the listed price just to fix it and make it playable?

Easy fix - a few cleats, some glue, some clamps - a few hundred bucks and bob's yer uncle. Some finish touch-up if you want it to look super-pretty. Needs to be done by a pro, not a hack. Round soundhole makes it a bit easier.

[L50EF15]

Easy fix - a few cleats, some glue, some clamps - a few hundred bucks and bob's yer uncle. Some finish touch-up if you want it to look super-pretty. Needs to be done by a pro, not a hack. Round soundhole makes it a bit easier.

Thanks! Maybe I'll bid if it's still offered.