1930's Gibson Archtop Acoustic

by Heath Herpin
(Lake Charles, LA)

This is my grandfather's guitar, standard working model.

All-black finish that has aged, but kept in good condition for its age. Finish is worn on the back and sides of the neck from decades of playing use. The frets near the neck have pits worn into them from play - high probability of original frets. Single crack in finish on back of guitar.

I have re-strung the guitar with D'darrio strings, 10-weight. Has nice sound when played.

Want to know roughly how valuable this item is. Not interested in selling, as guitar has sentimental value to my mother.

ANSWER

Hi, Heath--

It is difficult to assess the value without a model number. The closest I could come is the L3 Model. Here is the general info:

L-3
- carved spruce top, bound round soundhole, raised tortoiseshell pickguard, bound body, three-ring wooden inlay rosette, birch back/sides, maple neck, 13/20-fret bound ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, ebony bridge/trapeze tailpiece, blackface peghead with pearl logo inlay, three-per-side tuners with plastic buttons, available in Orange Top/Mahogany finish, mfg. 1902-1933.

The pricing info:

Excellent $2,000 - 2,500
Average $1,350 - 1,650

Lynne