Though the J-45 is ostensibly Gibson’s most famous acoustic guitar, studio players, fingerpickers, and fans of perfect all-rounder guitars almost always point to the L-00, specifically pre/during WWII era, as the ultimate “do everything” instrument, and this amazing example from 1937 is no different.

Technically all original, this guitar was once fitted with a larger, “belly” style bridge, and the top of the guitar was oversprayed, but miraculously, the original bridge was kept with the guitar even after removal, so it was refitted, and the overspray was meticulously removed to expose the original finish. The back, sides, and neck are the original finish. There is a little bit of finish color matching to cover up where the belly bridge used to be, but overall, the finish on this amazing instrument is in equally good condition.

Like all pre WWII Gibsons, the neck of this beauty is a nice, full V profile, in addition to the 1 ¾ nut and wider 2 13/32nds bridge spacing.

Condition wise, this old gal is in great shape, with two or three marks on the top, expected buckle rash on the back, and structurally is all sound and set up great.

Comes with a non-original hard case, plays amazingly and sounds just as full, bright, and surprisingly loud as you’d want.