1933-34 Gibson L-12 $5800 (Offers Accepted)

**doclonghair** · 05-19-2024, 09:59 PM

Hello everybody,

I have a 1933-34 Gibson L-12 for sale, $5800 + shipping (or local pickup near Danbury, CT). I have been privileged to own this guitar for 11 years now, and with an expanding family and decreasing guitar space it is time for it to find a new home. I bought this guitar from Acoustic Music, then of Guilford and now from Chester, CT. I recently did a Google search on the guitar's serial number (90735) and found that it had been previously owned by forum user Zizala.

I purchased a modern case so that I could take it out to play with friends in guitar circles and such. I also have the original case, which is in pretty good shape but doesn't offer much protection. I'm selling the guitar with both cases, so shipping is $200. The new case is only worth about $100 but offers excellent protection. If you're only interested in the original case, shipping is only $100 and I'll give another $100 credit off the price.

A couple notes about condition. I believe it's in excellent condition for a pre-war arch top, especially a player's guitar. I had an insurance inspection performed by my luthier (Doug Proper of the Guitar Specialist, Golden's Bridge NY) in 2018 and he found the guitar to be in good condition, not in need of any repair. It has kerfed braces (confirmed with a mirror), and the bridge is at the bottom of its adjustment. It has played clean as long as I've owned it without adjustment.

It's been a privilege to own a pre-war Gibson. Thanks for looking and please let me know what you think. I'm a guitar nerd but not an expert (nor an accomplished player) and have a lot to learn. I think this is the right place to find a new home for this special guitar. Here's the Reverb link, and I'll certainly sell it for less here. The Marketplace for Musicians | Reverb.com. If you're interested please send me a note or make me an offer here, I am not certain about the price.

Some pictures:

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**hidesert** · 05-21-2024, 10:12 AM

Wow!!! Beautiful example of a low production instrument. Someone will be exceedingly happy with this high end 16” Golden Age Gibson.

**ewall** · 05-21-2024, 08:25 PM

I'm certainly no expert but the instrument will likely need a neck reset with the bridge at it's lowest point. Also, the fretboard at frets 4, 6 and 8 look pretty gauged out. It may be the photo but if so, it will take some work to repair. That being said, it seems to be in the general price range for Reverb (not there is a refin listed for $3350). Good luck with your sale.

**doclonghair** · 05-21-2024, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by ewall

I'm certainly no expert but the instrument will likely need a neck reset with the bridge at it's lowest point. Also, the fretboard at frets 4, 6 and 8 look pretty gauged out. It may be the photo but if so, it will take some work to repair. That being said, it seems to be in the general price range for Reverb (not there is a refin listed for $3350). Good luck with your sale.

Hi Ewall,

I see what you're saying about the fretboard view but I think it's a trick of light. There is (what I always called) a character mark at the 4th fret, but it's never bothered me. I gently held the straight USB connector at the midpoint to try to illustrate how little material is missing, the shadows can make it look big in pictures.

I have the same (non-expert) opinion about the neck and bridge. I never thought about it until starting the sale process, it never bothered me, but at 90 years old this guitar must be getting close.

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**ThatRhythmMan** · 05-21-2024, 09:31 PM

Most Gibson archtops from this era have a fairly shallow neck angle and the bridges sit low. This guitar could most likely remain set up like this for a very long time without need of a neck reset.

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**wintermoon** · 05-21-2024, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by ewall

I'm certainly no expert but the instrument will likely need a neck reset with the bridge at it's lowest point. Also, the fretboard at frets 4, 6 and 8 look pretty gauged out. It may be the photo but if so, it will take some work to repair. That being said, it seems to be in the general price range for Reverb (not there is a refin listed for $3350). Good luck with your sale.

Nah, that's not bad for a rosewood board and personally I wouldn't touch it, won't affect playability and when they're filled they look much worse.