SOLD - Vintage Gibson L-30 - USA 1937

Introduced in the mid-1930s as an affordable archtop for working musicians, the Gibson L-30 was designed to offer quality craftsmanship and tone at a more accessible price. With its compact 14 ¾-inch body and carved spruce top, it bridged the gap between budget-friendly student models and higher-end archtops like the L-50 and L-7. The L-30’s combination of a solid spruce top, maple back and sides, and a floating bridge made it a popular choice for blues, jazz, and early swing players seeking clarity, projection, and rich resonance in a smaller-bodied instrument.

This 1937 Gibson L-30, serial number 1718, has survived in remarkable condition for its age. The sunburst finish has aged beautifully, with only minor scratches, dings, and some pickwear adding to its vintage charm. Structurally, the guitar is solid, with a straight neck and excellent fretwork, and it remains highly playable with low action. It does have two small but stable cracks—one at the treble-side f-hole and another running off the bass side of the fingerboard—but neither affects the instrument’s integrity. The V-profile neck is comfortable in hand, and the Brazilian rosewood fingerboard enhances both the feel and tonal depth of the guitar. The original trapeze tailpiece and floating bridge contribute to its classic archtop resonance, delivering warmth and punch.

Tonally, this L-30 delivers the woody, dry midrange that defines vintage Gibson archtops. The notes have a crisp attack with a balanced, open sound that works well for both rhythm and lead playing. Despite its modest size, it projects surprisingly well, making it a great option for both acoustic performance and recording. Whether you're after a piece of pre-war Gibson history or a highly playable vintage archtop, this L-30 offers both in equal measure.

Features:

Action at 1st fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th fret: 2.0mm

Neck depth at 1st fret: 25.08mm

Nut Width: 45.15mm

12 fret width: 56.47mm

Weight: 1.94kg / 4.29lb

Make: Gibson

Model: L-30

Year: 1937

Serial Number: 1718

Body: 14 ¾-inch archtop, solid spruce top, maple back and sides

Neck: Mahogany, V-profile

Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood with dot inlays

Frets: 19 (14 to the body)

Bridge: Adjustable floating rosewood

Tailpiece: Trapeze-style

Finish: Sunburst

Case: OHSC