This one sure has seen some action over its 90 years, but it's fortunate to have had the necessary running repairs to keep it in playable condition. If you're looking for a vintage pre-war Gibson flat top acoustic on a budget then this is a great candidate!

A firm favourite among staff here at ATB, the L-00 was Gibson's most affordable flat top at this time retailing at $27.50 in 1934. Above it in the line up was the L-1 at $37.50, the L-C Century model at $55, and the range topping Nick Lucas model at a whopping $90.

Its relatively simple design and austere appointments made it much more accessible to players looking for Gibson's quality construction and tonewoods at a cheaper price point. Its X-braced, Spruce/Mahogany construction gives a punchy, bright, expressive sound that was perfect for the fingerpicking styles popular in blues and folk music at the time.

This example has had many repairs over the years. Fortunately all of the cracks to the body have been cleated including a large top crack, 3 cracks to the sides and two E-string cracks (low and high) by the soundhole just beyond the neck caused by previous movement to the neck block. Internally there's evidence of glue squeeze-out around the curfing indicating the top has likely been off the guitar in the past. But despite all of these repairs the guitar is fortunate to have had a neck reset and overall it plays well with a comfortable action and room on the saddle for tweaking.

All in all this is a cool, vibey example with plenty of stories to tell, and one that is certain to inspire any songwriter or player. It comes complete with a period correct, purple-lined Geib Challenge case.