1935 Gibson L-00 – £4499

NEW ARRIVAL  The L-00 is probably Gibson’s most desirable pre war acoustic, and they’re becoming more difficult to find. This is an old warhorse of a guitar, and has the scars to prove it – although there are no top or back cracks, there are bullet entry and exit wounds on the sides, one on the top shoulder, and one next to the end pin. The repairs are tight but scruffy looking. There are also side crack repairs at the waist on both sides. Having said all of that, it’s survived to become one of the best sounding pre war Gibsons I’ve played, a real tone monster. As soon as you pick the guitar up it takes you to a different place and time, full of history. The notes ring with great separation and detail, with long sustain and beautiful shimmer. With this kind of history, the guitar fits like a glove, the body size, the comfortable neck, and great action. Together with all the bumps and bruises, it’s also had a refinish, making it very distinctive looking. There was a pickup fitted, and there’s now a blank jack socket fitted on the lower bout, treble side. This is a great chance to own a piece of Gibson history with more mojo than most – it comes in a non original hard case.