#1
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Gibson 1921 L-4 Archtop 12 Fret
My question is how much money would you put into it to get repaired and put back in playable condition? I'd like to keep it. I'm retired and unlimited funds are not an option.
I've taken it to a vintage acoustic luthier and have a estimate. I'm going to take it to a couple other luthiers. Does not need a neck reset. Things that need to be repaired crack in the top, trapeze tail piece, fret job to the 13th fret, on the back slight body separation from the side. Pickguard is broken not concerned about fixing this now. Other than that it's all original parts with original case. Thanks. |
#2
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There's a youtube video of Ken Parker (modern archtop luthier) at a
conference... one of things I remember from it was him going on about how Gibson archtops changed around 1930 as the economic times went sour... perhaps the one you have is one of the "good old ones"... -Mike |
#3
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The Early carved Gibson Arch top Guitars from turn of the century up into the 1930s are quite interesting. They slowly evolved and modernized as the years passed. Your 1921 puts it in the Early Lloyd Loar Era and increases its desirability because of that factor. Starting around 1921 is when the L model guitars began to see improvements like thinner carved plates, slightly smaller more playable necks. Your L-4 was the top line model, so definitely worth getting it restored to play and enjoy. Sounds like the old L-4 is in pretty nice condition. Hope you find a great Luthier and get it dialed in. Keep us posted! Best. Sage
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Sage Runner |
#4
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Looks like it's going to fall within my budget to get it repaired.
I'm having a hard time finding a pickguard and brackets for it. Does anybody have a template or dimensions for early 1920's L-4's or is there some place that makes period correct pickguards and brackets that I haven't been able to find? Thanks. |
#5
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For a pickguard and brackets, try Paul Fox at Fox Guitars. He specializes in repro pickguards for vintage acoustics. Could you post a photo or two of your L-4?
Where are you located? I'm a full time luthier, doing repairs, and my own interest is vintage archtops(mostly Epiphones), in central Vermont. |
#6
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Dave Richard has worked on two of my guitars and he is as meticulous as they come, careful, thoughtful and communicative.
Just a boost for a talented luthier... Rob Gardner
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2003 Martin OM-42, K&K's 1932 National Style O, K&K's 1930 National Style 1 tricone Square-neck 1951 Rickenbacker Panda lap steel 2014 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe Ltd, Custom Shop, K&K's 1957 Kay K-27 X-braced jumbo, K&K's 1967 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Nashville 2014 Gold Tone WL-250, Whyte Lade banjo 2024 Mahogany Weissenborn, Jack Stepick Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina Tonedexter |
#7
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Well I was kinda proud of my 1934 L-4 (f holes) until I read what Sagerunner wrote, but I'd love to see pics of your guitar!
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#8
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Hey brother. I’d be proud of that F-hole L-4. My three Vintage A-tops are all F-Hole. I still prefer Violin F hole models, but I’d enjoy having a Oval/Round hole one someday. Not much to choose from. 35 years ago, I picked up a Early Gibson mint teens L-2 oval guitar along with a beautiful 1905’ A-4 Mando from a nice old lady. Didn’t keep the Guitar. Back then folks didn’t appreciate those Early Carved Guitars from that Era. They do now. Best! Sage
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Sage Runner |
#9
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I'd like to post a few pictures.
After reading how it's done on this forum I ain't that tech savvy. can somebody explain it in layman's terms. Thanks. |