(SOLD) Gibson Custom Shop L-1 Parlour Acoustic Sunburst 2001
Gibson Custom L-1, vintage sunburst, made in Montana USA 2001. Here's one you certainly don't see everyday! The L-1 was made famous by legendary bluesman Robert Johnson, who made his name playing an original 1926 example. RJ had a posthumous signature model from 2003-16, which had the same specs as this, but with a custom inlay on the top of the fretboard. This one was made in Montana and then sent to Japan, so it's fairly likely this was part of a limited run for their then-distributor Yamano. It's beautifully made, you can tell straight away when it's in your hands. It's light as a feather, rings like a bell and responds to the gentlest of touches. The neck is a very soft-V style shape, neither wide nor narrow, and sits nicely in the hands without much effort. The small size body makes for a certain ease too, it's never cumbersome to get your arm around. The begs to be played in a blues style, and it really excels for that brief. It's snappy and snarly under a generous attack, with a honky midrange and an understated low end. Played more gently, the breathy eloquence comes out in a whole new way, lending a gorgeous warmth and gooeyness to fingerstyle lines. There's a singing clarity on offer at all times, but it's never harsh or brittle... always warm, always sweet. Don't count on seeing another one anytime soon around these parts!
Model: Gibson Custom Shop L-1
Made: 2001, Montana USA (serial 02931031)
Finish: vintage sunburst, chocolate brown back, gloss nitro
Body: solid spruce top, solid mahogany back/sides, 250mm across, 104mm deep
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 25" scale, 44mm nut width, very soft V profile
Weight: 1.560kg
Mods: none
Pickup: none
Case: Gibson Custom case, original basic warranty pamphlet included (note: Gibson CS guitars from this era didn't ship with a certificate of authenticity)
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a few minor dimples on the end, some light scuffs on the back and around the tuner posts on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some light circular scuffs around the middle of the body, a few dimples near the neck joint and some light scuffs along the back edge, no major marks. The sides have a couple of light dimples on the shoulders and some minor rub wear on the elbow area. The front has some dimples around the bridge, scuffs in the elbow area, a few dimples on the shoulders, a small dent near the edge on the bottom shoulder, some checking lines behind the bridge and some standard play wear around the sound hole. Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. The frets are in good shape with minor wear, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11-52 John Pearse strings.