Expert: George Armstrong - 3/4/2009

Question
I know Robert Johnson played a Gibson L-1 but what style of guitar was that a Concert ,Dreadnought or what ?

Answer
Hello again Adam,

It was a flat top, of a smaller size; Not as small as a Parlor guitar. I own an Alverez that's almost identical in size. It's a comfortable fit for playing a reasonably long set or practice session. With the high technology strings, it would sound great, while still capturing a lot of early blues tones. In one of the tunings I suggested earlier, you can get some great sound out of these little guitars. It might run $1500 US Dollars to get one. I suggest you could find a close substitute for a lot less money.
I hope this helps! Regards, George Armstrong

Gibson L-1 Flat top ( 1926-1937 )

In 1926 Gibson reintroduced the L-1 guitar as a flat top , worth about $50 at the time , in 1926-27 they were made with maple wood back and sides , 25" scale length , had 3 rings around the soundhole , and were made in sheraton brown finishes .

From 1927 and on they were made with mahogany wood , one ring around the unbound soundhole , and were made in sunburst finishes . In 1932 a tortoise pickguard was added . The L-1 was discontinued in 1937 and reintroduced in 1991 to 1995 .