Gibson L Series


The Gibson L series is a series of small-body guitars produced and sold by Gibson Guitar Corporation in the early 20th century. The first guitars of this series, Gibson L-0 and Gibson L-1, were introduced first as arch-tops, and later as flat tops in 1926. The L series was later gradually replaced by the LG series in the 1940s.
These guitars have a relatively smaller body than the Dreadnoughts and Jumbos that appeared later in history. They could generally be categorized into the Grand Concert body size, comparable, or even identical to Martin's 00-style guitars.

History

The L Series Flattop

The L series flattop guitars first appeared in 1926. with spruce top. The L-1 models have carved maple or birch back and sides, while the less-expensive L-0 models have strained birch back and sides. Both have 12 frets clear of body, 25" scale length. Later models may have mahogany back and sides, or even mahogany tops. The L-1 model was discontinued in 1937. L-0 was discontinued in 1933, re-introduced in 1937, and finally discontinued in 1942.
Before 1929, L-1, L-0 are 13 ½" wide with a round bottom shape. Later the body shape was widened to 14 ¾" with a more squarish bottom, quite analogous to Martin's 00-style guitars. After 1932, they have 14 frets clear of body instead of 12 frets.
In 1932, the least-expensive L-00 model was introduced. It is the simplified version of L-0, with its back unbound. Discontinued in 1945.
The L-2 model introduced in 1929 has a slightly different body shape comparing to L-1, L-0 and L-00, which is more of a [|Nick Lucas] shape. It was the most expensive one among the L series. The L-2 model has 12, 13 or 14 frets clear of body. Discontinued in 1935.
Another variant named L-C was introduced in 1933. This guitar is designed for the Century of Progress International Exhibition hosted in Chicago. It featured celluloid plastic covered fretboard, because back in those days this material was considered modern. Discontinued in 1941.

L-00 ¾

In 1937, a few ¾ scale variants of L-00 were also produced.

Related HG models

Gibson also made HG-0, HG-00 and HG-C during 1937 to 1942, which were practically Hawaiian variants of the corresponding L models.

Nick Lucas

The Nick Lucas model was first introduced in 1927, as the first artist endorsed Gibson guitar, and a high-end, deep-body version of L-1. The design changed a lot during the years of its production, until its discontinuation in 1941.

L-20

In 1993, Gibson made a special variant of L-00 or Nick Lucas model, namely L-20 Special. This model has rosewood back and sides, with transducer pickup. Discontinued in 1994.
There is also a L-20 Koa International Special model, with Koa back and sides, being made in the same period.

The LG series

The LG series were introduced in 1942, with a starting line-up of LG-1, LG-2 and LG-3. However, LG-1 and LG-3 stopped production almost immediately after their debut, until they were re-introduced in 1945. In 1958, LG-0 was also introduced as the low-end model of the series. All these models are 14 ⅛" wide, with mahogany back and sides. LG-0 and LG-1 has mahogany tops with ladder bracing except the '42-'43 LG1, while LG-2 and LG-3 are spruce with X-bracing. LG-0 and LG-1 discontinued in 1974, LG-2 and LG-3 were replaced by B-25 and B-25N in 1962.
The LG series are narrower in the lower bout comparing to the L series, but have a much wider upper bout.
A 12-string variant, LG-12, was also made in 1967-1973.

The B series

LG-2 and LG-3 were re-introduced as B-25 and B-25N respectively in 1962. B-25 has cherry sunburst finish, while B-25N has natural finish. Late models of B-25 and B-25N have adjustable saddles equipped, just like many other '60s Gibson acoustic guitars. Both discontinued in 1977.
The 12-string version, B-25-12, was also made in the same period
There were also two lower end models, B-20 and B-15. B-15 was produced during 1967-1970. It was listed as a "student model" by Gibson, with spruce top and laminated mahogany back and side. B-20 was produced during 1970–1971, with solid mahogany back and top.
It's worth mentioning that there is also a model B-45-12 in the B series, which is actually a full-size round-shoulder dreadnought, like the J-45, and only in 12-string version.

LG-2 ¾ and B-25 ¾

In 1949, a ¾ scale variant of LG-2 was produced. After being replaced by B-25, B-25 ¾ was also produced.
A few ¾ scale variant of LG-1 was also produced.

Tenor models

variants of LG and B-25 were also made: TG-0 from 1960 to 1974, and TG-25 from 1960–1970.

CF-100

During 1950 to 1959, a model named CF-100, along with its electric version CF-100E, was produced, which were practically cutaway LG-2 models. The electric version has a P-90 pickup.

Reissued models

After their discontinuation, several reissue and limited version was produced, including:

Regular models