The iconic Delta-blues
guitar: Gibson’s L-1.
With its plain
headstock
and simple
one-ply body
binding, this
L-1 projects an
understated—even utilitarian—vibe. |
The L-1 began as part of
Gibson’s archtop line in
1902. This version was transformed
and modified in various
ways until it was discontinued
in 1925. In 1926, the L-1
(along with the L-0) was reborn
as one of Gibson’s first standard
production flattops.
Gibson L-1s are known for
their even balance and response.
This is due to very delicate construction
using light, thin wood
and thin finishes. These features
alone would make the guitar
appeal to players and collectors,
but the L-1 also has the distinction
of being the model used by
the legendary bluesman Robert
Johnson. The best-known existing
photo of Johnson shows
him playing a late-’20s or
early-’30s L-1.
The Gibson L-1 pictured
this month has features that
indicate it was likely built in
1930. These features include a
14 3/4" body width, one-ply
white binding on the top and
back, an unbound neck that
joins the body at the 12th
fret, a rectangular rosewood
bridge, and “The Gibson” as
the headstock logo. The back
and sides are mahogany, while
the top is spruce.
You can find a wealth of
detailed information on the
L-1 and other Gibson acoustics
in
Gibson’s Fabulous Flat-
Top Guitars: An Illustrated
History & Guide by Eldon
Whitford, David Vinopal,
and Dan Erlewine, and also
in
Gruhn’s Guide to Vintage
Guitars by George Gruhn and
Walter Carter.
And if you love the blues and
want to understand the roots
of rock, be sure to investigate
Robert Johnson and his influences
in Elijah Wald’s
Escaping
the Delta: Robert Johnson and
the Invention of the Blues.
Dave ’s Guitar Shop
Dave Rogers’ collection is tended
by Laun Braithwaite and Tim Mullally
and is on display at:
Dave’s Guitar Shop
1227 Third Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
davesguitar.com
Photos by Mullally and text
by Braithwaite.