A superb, rare spec Gibson L-2 from 1930 built during what was a rather experimental time for Gibson at the beginning of the Great Depression. The L-2 model in this period was subject to many different spec changes as the company failed to settle on a single design. This L-2 - bearing factory order number 9505 -  is an export model and a superb example of Gibson's short-lived 13-fret format with some other unusual, rare features.

The flat top L-2 was Gibson’s second most expensive at the time, sitting just below the Nick Lucas Special in the company’s catalog. This example features the newly introduced 14.75” body, with a 13-fret neck join; part of a brief transitional phase from their earlier 12-fret designs to the 14-frets they would eventually settle on. This short-lived geometry along with the extremely light construction gives the guitar a distinctive tonal balance—warm and woody with excellent focus, volume and projection.

The neck carve is fairly chunky and nicely rounded. It plays incredibly well with an action of 2.5mm on the bass and treble side and plenty of saddle height remaining. It features a prominent banjo-style volute, a rarely seen/short-lived feature on this model, and the headstock features the white stencilled “The Gibson” logo rather than the more typical pearl version with "Jester" headstock inlay. The construction is incredibly lightweight with an X-braced Spruce top and Honduran Mahogany back and sides. The Rosewood fretboard is bound with Nick Lucas-style pinstripe binding and punctuated with dot marker inlays. The original celluloid pickguard is retained in the case and there are holes visible on the body from the bracket/screw installation.

The voice is dry, resonant and very responsive. The tone is crisp and sweet, with great clarity—ideal for fingerstyle, flatpicking or strumming. It is very responsive and the projection is excellent, offering the player a large dynamic range to work with.

This example shows its age having clearly been used over its 95 year. There's a crack to the side, plenty of play wear and worn patina throughout, but it remains structurally sound and full of character. 

Built during the onset of the Great Depression and produced in very limited numbers, these rare L-2 models occupy a fascinating niche in Gibson’s history. This is no case queen, but if you're looking for a characterful pre-war Gibson from one of their more experimental periods this one will not disappoint. It comes complete in a period-correct Lewin branded hard case.