Gibson L1

[Gas]

Been looking at the Gibson L00, Martin CEO7 and up pops the L1 from Gibson. I've listened to some audio and am impressed. Can I get some thoughts on this guitar compared to the other 2? Obviously the 12 to 14 fret is a glaring difference. Thanks in advance

[robroy]

I had a Robert Johnson signature model L1 that I wish I had never parted ways with. It was an amazing musical guitar, so easy to play with haunting trebles and nice thump.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, the L-1 has had a long history and will, seemingly, always be associated with Robert Johnson, although it is not known whether he actually played/owned one.

The body shape influenced later archtops and J185 and SJ200, although it was originally an arched top model.

It's been an archtop, and a flat top, 13.5" or 14.75" width, and it could have a ladder, X or even "A" bracing.

I think Gibson have re-introduced them from time to time.

More Info at : http://guitarhq.com/gibson6.html#l1

[Gas]

Thanks for all the information. My search will intensify for an L1

[mawmow]

I once owned a L-1 1928 Blues Tribute besides my L-OO True Vintage
and I had recorded a video (poor sound quality on an iPad) :
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru51oc1KwU8

I sold the L-1 because I was not so comfortable with the body shape.

I had tried a CEO-7 which Martin wished to be a blues acoustic guitar :
It sounded too modern to me and I would rather have played folk melodies on it.

I had also compared my L-1 with a Waterloo WL-14 in store :
Both sounded quite alike and would not justify the expense then.

I have to add that I am less comfortable with the Gibson's 1,725 in. nut width.
The L-1 was 1,75 in. as well as the Waterloo and the CEO-7.

Bottom line : If you want to sound folk, take the CEO-7;
if you want a more recently old fashion blues sound, take the Gibson.

[J Patrick]

…..after playing OM’s 00’s and 000’s for years I acquired a Kopp RJ..which is Kevin’s take on an L1…… it instantly became my favorite guitar ever…. Dry…focused….balanced….sweet….powerful…..and a lot more than just a blues box…. take one for a spin if you get a chance to….

[zombywoof]

I do own a 12 fret L1 but it was birthed in 1932 so has the body style Kalamazoo went with sometime in 1929.

The L1, as noted, was Gibson's first flattop guitar and pretty much the same as the round soundhole 13 1/2" lower bout L series archtops. Also as noted, the guitar has become associated with Robert Johnson because that is what he is holding in the 1935 studio photograph. Most are of the opinion though that the instrument was a prop guitar. Never let it be said that Gibson was about to pass up on a great marketing gimmick.

All that said, the L1RIs Gibson has come out with have been highly customized takes on the model. So, no surprise that Bozeman has never issued an L1 with the "H" or "A" bracing the L1s had before 1929. Not going to be a whole lot of appeal to those with modern ears. But as you have said as you have no interest in Old School Gibson Tone that would not be a problem. If my memory serves me correctly, for me one the advantages the L1 RIs was the 1.77" wide nut. I also am a fan of 12 fret guitars. It places the bridge in the "sweet spot" of the lower bout. The best analogy I can come up with is it is like hitting a snare drum dead center as opposed to off near the rim.

I owned a new 2015 Gibson 1928 L-1 Blues Tribute from 2016 to 2021. I gave it to my adult daughter because she was looking to upgrade and the L-1 size fit her well. Really great guitar. I do miss it.

[jontewright]

I owned the Robert Johnson signature model about 15 years ago. I sold it because I wasn't a good enough player to appreciate how good it was. I bought a 1928 L1 Blues Tribute a couple of weeks ago and love it. It's a little 12 fret canon. Superb guitar!

[Mr. Jelly]

I've had them all and they were all good guitars. As for me the L-1 has more depth or a more robust sound than the others. More mid-range or a slight boxy or woody tone. In a good way. The Martin has the Martin sound and sustain. It's a 00-slope shoulder Martin and sounds like one. The L00s have a thumpier bass and less sustain than the Martin but has better sounding high strings. That's my short of it. And who cares what RJ played?

[Cameleye]

It always sounded to me like RJ was playing an archtop.