1929 Gibson L-3

sailboat · Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:26 am Post subject: 1929 Gibson L-3

I have an opportunity to buy or trade for a 1929 L-3 but know very little about the model. As is the case with most of the guitars I buy it is 2000 miles away and won't have it in hand until after the purchase. Research I've done tells me that these guitars don't sound very good whatever that means.
I'm looking for some opinions from those who've either owned or played L-3's. What do they sound like? Do the neck profiles vary as much on these as they do on flattop L-00's? I have trouble getting around the baseball bat necks.
I appreciate any and all input.
Thanks,
John.

owwdatune · Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 4:41 am Post subject:

just my opinion....to collect--get it.......to play--forget it........take into account i've only seen & played ONE quite a few years ago.....i don't even really remember what it was exactly about it i didn't care for--if it was the sound or playability or what Rolling Eyes

----- wait to hear what Herb has to say...i think he has an L4---either way he certainly knows gibsons better than me Cool

herb · Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 5:25 am Post subject:

Welcome to the forum! Very Happy

First, thanks, ~T~; the one I have is a LeGrand, it's a modern and improved Johnny Smith model. Now for your prospect, I know nothing of the L-3. I will assume it's an archtop, there were some "L" models from that era that were flattops. If it has a rep for not sounding good or playing well, it was probably a student model and not even worth collecting for future investment dollars. I wouldn't buy it without seeing it and playing it without a written ironclad return gaurantee if you don't like it. And even then, I wouldn't buy it without seeing it or playing it first. Wink

sailboat · Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 6:58 am Post subject:

It is an archtop with the oval soundhole. It appears to be in very good condition, but if it doesn't sound good, or play well, I won't be interested. I may have an opportunity to try it out later this year if it's still available.

owwdatune · Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 8:02 am Post subject: