The Gibson L-00 is one of the most famed instruments in guitar history. The L-00 was introduced in 1931 and available in catalogs in '32, after the general success and series of changes made to the more expensive L-0 and L-1. The L-00 was made in higher quantity & had generally higher demand as the lower cost option to the aforementioned models. Sonically these were still very impressive, having the same "Northern" Spruce top & Honduran Mahogany Back, Sides & Necks as the later iterations of the higher models. L-00's would go on to serious success and collectability having been a favored model by the likes of many blues and folk players.
Although not having a serial number, which is usual for Gibson in this era, this does have a visible FON present on the neck block that appears to read "732" - which would accurately place this in the late '33 or '34. Other appointments such as its cream binding (only on the top), "Firestripe" pickguard, and stencil logo. This example has some solid repair work present, and is a great playing and sounding example.
Cosmetically and structurally, this guitar is in very good condition. It shows expected play wear along the rosette from playing with a flat pick. Some nicks and scratches are present in the top back & sides, including two parallel cracks that do not go all the way through the top, parallel to the first string on the treble side upper bout (parallel to the fingerboard extension). A similar crack is running on the belly - similar to where a center seam crack would be - that is not through the top. Checking is present throughout the finish on all sides. The most significant repair work appears to be in the neck, where something possibly fell and snapped this mahogany neck at about the 8th fret. An expert repair job has preserved this guitar very well.
The lower bout on this example measures an expected 14 5/8" across, with a depth of 4 1/4" at the bottom and 3 3/8" at the neck joint. Internally, this guitar features a scalloped X bracing pattern and solid kerfing. The neck on this example is nice and straight with the original frets still present with very mild wear mostly in the cowboy chord positions. The rosewood fingerboard is nice and even and the MOP dot inlay still well seated. The action measures 7/64" on the sixth string at the twelfth fret, and about 5/64" on the first string. Plenty of saddle height, there is about 8/64" of saddle available above the slot. This guitar has a 1 3/4" nut width, and the neck sports an expected V profile. It measures about 1" thick at the first position and about 1.2" at the twelfth. It stays in tune nicely with the original 3x3 plate tuners and buttons present.
This guitar has never been up for sale, and is coming from the family of the original owner. It remains largely unplayed for most of its life. All-in-all, it has a nice dry tone as we tend to find in nicer old Gibsons, but with just enough lively top end to make it shine. The Firestripe pickguard and classic burst are immediately classic visually and this would make a fine addition for the right collector who can appreciate this excellent instrument.