Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,399

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the soul of early 20th-century blues with the Gibson L-1, an acoustic guitar that marries tradition with impeccable craftsmanship. This iconic steel-string acoustic is crafted on a small-body platform that echoes the classic delta blues sound. The Adirondack red spruce top is renowned for its booming, resonant tones, and is a favorite among flatpickers for its robust sound and enduring strength. Paired with solid mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers a warm, mellow sound perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.

The neck is set-in to minimize movement, enhancing sustain and providing a comfortable playing experience. A Madagascar rosewood fingerboard adds not only an aesthetic charm with its rustic hue but contributes to the guitar's natural sustain and tonal richness. The use of traditional hide glue in its construction ensures a strong bond and adds tonal depth, especially in the low mids and trebles—ideal for nuanced playing styles.

Vintage-style tuning machines provide precision and stability, ensuring that each note resonates with clarity. Finished with a classic lacquer, the Gibson L-1 exudes an antique allure that is as timeless as its sound. Whether you're a blues enthusiast or an acoustic aficionado, this guitar is a harmonious blend of history and modern playability, ready to inspire your next musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Adirondack red spruce top for powerful, resonant tones
  • Solid mahogany back and sides for warmth and depth
  • Madagascar rosewood fingerboard for added sustain
  • Set-in neck design for enhanced sustain and stability
  • Vintage-style tuning machines for precise tuning
  • Traditional hide glue construction for robust tonal qualities

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model L-1 Robert Johnson
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 2003 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Parlor Guitars
Active Preamp No
Artist Robert Johnson
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Parlor
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson L-1
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 18
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Montana Factory Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson guitar?

The Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson offers a warm, balanced tone with a rich midrange, thanks to its mahogany back and sides combined with a spruce top. This makes it ideal for blues and fingerstyle playing, delivering a sound that is both intimate and resonant.

Is the Gibson L-1 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Gibson L-1 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing. Its parlor body shape and balanced tonal response provide clarity and articulation, making it a favorite among blues and fingerstyle guitarists.

What is the scale length of the Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson model?

The Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson model features a 25" scale length, which contributes to its playability and tonal characteristics, providing a comfortable feel for both strumming and intricate fingerstyle techniques.

Does the Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson come with a pickup system?

No, the Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson does not include a pickup system. It is a purely acoustic guitar, designed to deliver authentic, unamplified sound ideal for traditional acoustic performances.

What materials are used for the fretboard and bridge on the Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson?

The Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson features a Madagascar rosewood fingerboard and bridge, which contribute to the guitar's rich tone and smooth playability.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Gibson L1 Review - How does it sound?

Video thumbnail for Gibson L1 Review - How does it sound? by Acoustic Letter

Gibson L1 Review - How does it sound?

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Reviews

PROS

  • Impressive volume for a smaller-sized guitar

  • Lightweight design makes it easy to handle

  • Ebony fretboard and pyramid bridge enhance playability and aesthetics

  • Captures classic blues tones reminiscent of Robert Johnson

  • High-quality craftsmanship with attention to detail

  • Maintains vintage feel similar to older Gibson models

CONS

  • Transition from ebony to rosewood in newer models might affect tone preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L-1.

Build quality

  • The red spruce Adirondack top and mahogany back and sides contribute to a warm, deep bass, enhancing the guitar's tonal depth.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The L-1's size and tone are often compared to mini-jumbos, offering a more mid-focused sound with substantial bass compared to dreadnoughts.

    Source
  • The L-1's small body size is surprising to some, emphasizing its compact nature compared to other vintage models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Despite its compact appearance, the L-1 boasts a large lower bout, leading to a surprisingly loud and punchy sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the vintage tuners feel very sturdy, adding to the guitar’s reliable playability.

    Source
  • One owner notes that, although used, the guitar maintains a nearly new condition with minimal play since its 2014 manufacture.

    Source
  • One user noted a 1926 L-1 was acquired for $3200 with the original case, highlighting its value retention over time.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for bluesy, throaty tones, the L-1's sound profile is especially suitable for musicians seeking character-rich acoustics.

    Source
  • Owners reserve vintage L-1s for studio use and special gigs, opting for modern versions for regular performances.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how George Harrison uses Gibson L-1

George Harrison

Ukulele Player, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

In the promo video for the 30th anniversary of "All Things Must Pass," George Harrison can be seen playing a Gibson L-1 Parlor Acoustic, as evidenced by the footage provided by Kitsu Beatles on YouTube titled "George Harrison - All Things Must Pass 30th Anniversary EPK."

See how Keith Richards uses Gibson L-1

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via YouTube
Year: 1928

At 0:12 in the trailer for the Netflix documentary Keith Richards: Under the Influence, Keith can be seen playing a 1928 Gibson L-1. He played the guitar throughout the sessions for his album "Crosseyed Heart," including the title track. It is featured heavily in the Under the Influence documentary, and at 13:20 of the film, Keith's longtime guitar tech Pierre De Beauport discusses the guitar, the model's association with venerated bluesman Robert Johnson, and its unique suitability for fingerstyle blues: "it almost takes you there, it makes you play that way - the notes last the right amount of time; the balance between the high strigns and what's going on in the low end, the snap."

Keith also mention in this Instagram post that this guitar is a 1928 by captioning it:

My 1928 Gibson L1. Same guitar as Robert Johnson!

See how Jeff Buckley uses Gibson L-1

Jeff Buckley

Guitarist, Singer

Jeff Buckley(band)

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Jeff Buckley is playing on a Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson from 1993/1994. According to Janine Nichols, the original owner of Jeff's borrowed 1983 Telecaster: "at some point I suggested to Jeff that perhaps he should keep the guitar (the telecaster) since he'd gotten so attached to it and buy me a Gibson Robert Johnson model acoustic instead. He then bought a Gibson for himself and kept the tele until he had something custom-made, the guitar he got in the weeks before he died." (source: https://www.mojopin.org/pages/telecaster.php)

Janine Nichols not only had an influence on Jeff's instrument choice with the borrowed telecaster, but it seems Jeff also bought the Gibson Robert Johnson acoustic as Janine said it was a guitar she wanted. Perhaps he had plans to gift it to her later on? Or perhaps he really respected her taste in guitars. The Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson was reissued in the early 90s (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibson_L-1) and Janine's suggestion of the guitar and Jeff using it in the live videos would put it at around a 93 or 93 model, assuming it was bought new.

See how Robert Johnson uses Gibson L-1

Robert Johnson

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

This was Robert Johnson's main guitar during his career. Made of mahogany. Discontinued in 1937, but recently Gibson has made a reissue model with better stability.

In a January 2012 American Songwriter article, in reference to the photograph:

"[Robert Johnson] is holding a 1929 Gibson L-1. Schein says you can tell from “the seven dot markers, an unbound fingerboard, and slanted ‘The Gibson’ logo.” This is the first full-body shot of Johnson, also discovered by LaVere. (Another photo of Johnson and his nephew from this same photo shoot is believed to exist.)

Ren Ferguson, Gibson’s master luthier, says the L-1 in the photo is probably a “studio guitar, not the guitar he actually played.” In 1994, Gibson licensed the guitarist’s name and began producing a Robert Johnson Signature L-1. Ferguson and his team tested a number of L-1s from that era, but ended up making a few modern updates to the original guitar style. Johnson’s L-1 would have been latter-braced, says Ferguson, while now they use X-bracing to give the guitar more clarity and balance.

On the guitars that Johnson and other bluesmen in the ‘30s were playing, Ferguson says, “The notes decay really quick, which is part of what we hear on those old recordings.”

See how Hubert Sumlin uses Gibson L-1

Hubert Sumlin

Guitarist

Savoy Brown

...
Verified via Photo

In the user-uploaded photo, Hubert Sumlin is seen playing a Gibson L-1 guitar.

See how Anna Ternheim uses Gibson L-1

Anna Ternheim

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen throughout this performance. This Vintage 1920s/30s Gibson guitar looks like an L-1 Flat top but it is hard to identify so could possibly be an L-0 or L-00.

See how Scrapper Blackwell uses Gibson L-1

Scrapper Blackwell

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Scrapper Blackwell is associated with the Gibson L-1 acoustic guitar. This connection is noted as #13 on the list at Early Blues, highlighting its significance in his musical career.

Album Usage

The Gibson L-1 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Gibson Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    B
    bravo

    Gear IQ 312