The Gibson L-1, part of Gibson’s “L” series, was introduced in 1926. It featured a spruce top with carved maple or birch back and sides, making it a more premium model compared to the less expensive L-0, which used strained birch for its back and sides. Like the L-0, the L-1 had a 25″ scale length and initially featured 12 frets clear of the body.

Before 1929, the L-1 had a smaller 13 ½” wide body with a round bottom shape. After 1929, the body width increased to 14 ¾” and took on a more squared bottom, similar to Martin’s 00-style guitars. From 1932 onwards, the number of frets was increased to 14.

The L-1 model was discontinued in 1937, making it one of the earlier models in the series to be phased out.

Jeff Buckley

Gibson L-1

Jeff was frequently photographed playing this guitar throughout 1994 and early 1995,...

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Gibson L-1

Stevie was seen using this guitar during an interview that he did...