Details
We see so few 12-fret Gibson Gold Sparkle L-2s that it’s a sweet shock to be reminded of how good they sound. Gibson only made this variation for about 18 months after it was introduced in 1929 and this example as made in 1930. It weighs in at under 3 lbs and would probably win any "sound per pound" contest for 6-string guitars. The surface condition is not pristine but apart from being refretted here at Gryphon, it’s all original structurally. It has its original Waverly tuners, Argentine Grey finish with the Gold Sparkle purfling and all the internal bracing is original including the bridge plate. The scale length is 24 ¾”, the nut width is 1 ¾” and the neck has a slightly chunky C-shape that feels very modern. The back and neck have no cracks that we could find and the top has only a 3" hairline, but the sides have some repaired cracks as shown in our photos.
We could go on and on about the unique features of this model, and this example, such as the weird "jester head" inlay at the top of the neck and the dark slightly greenish- grey finish Gibson used only briefly, but let's face it, the gold sparkle binding and rosette ring on the face are what makes this model....well, sparkle. (Gibson made Mastertone banjos during this time with the same finish and gold sparkle bordering, which is where they first used "Argentine Grey" to describe the coloring). But for all that lost-in-the-weeds Gibson lore it's the sound and playability of this L-2 that will win your heart. Thanks to super light construction it responds to the lightest touch and has wonderful balance and projection, delivering oodles of the "body feedback" lightweight acoustics can deliver. It come with a clean, 1960s Lifton case that fits very well. As a bonus, the case key in included.
Specs
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Back sides
Mahogany
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Binding
White Celluloid
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Bracing
X Brace, Non-Scalloped
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Bridge
Rosewood
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Fingerboard
Rosewood
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Finish
Nitrocellulose Lacquer
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Frets to body
12
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Inlay
Dots
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Neck material
Mahogany
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Neck shape
Rounded V Shape
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Nut width
1 3/4"
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Rosette
Gold Sparkle
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Saddle spacing
2 3/8"
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Scale length
24 3/4"
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Top material
Spruce
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Total frets
20
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Tuners
Original Waverly
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Year
1930
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Case type
Hardshell
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Serial number
FON 9630
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SKU
GIBL2-9630
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UPC
142132
