Gibson L-Century

$6,500.00 Price Tier: High-end

Find out who is using Gibson L-Century

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Jun 26, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 26, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

$6,500.00 9 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $6,500

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Gibson L-Century is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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

Edit description

The Gibson L-Century is a tribute to the past with its roots deeply embedded in the legacy of pre-war acoustics. This steel-string acoustic guitar is designed for those who appreciate both historical significance and modern playability. It offers a balanced tone that caters to a variety of musical styles, from fingerpicking to strumming, making it a versatile choice for any player.

Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the L-Century provides a rich, full-bodied sound. The neck, made from mahogany, features a comfortable rounded profile, allowing for ease of play across the fretboard. The aesthetic is completed with a unique pearloid fretboard and headstock, reminiscent of the iconic models from the 1930s, adding a touch of vintage charm to your collection.

Whether you're on stage or in a studio, the L-Century stands out not just for its looks but for its performance. Its sound projection is powerful, yet maintains clarity and warmth, ensuring your music resonates with your audience.

Key Features:

Solid Sitka spruce top for a rich tonal quality
Mahogany back and sides for a warm, resonant sound
Unique pearloid fretboard and headstock for vintage appeal
Comfortable rounded neck profile for easy playability
Versatile tone suitable for multiple playing styles

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	L-C Century
Finish	Sunburst
Year	1933 - 1939
Made In	United States
Categories	Parlor Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Maple
Body Shape	Parlor
Color Family	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Composite
Model Family	Gibson L-C
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	19
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Gibson Pre-War Era
Sides Material	Mahogany
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Gibson L-Century parlor guitar?: The Gibson L-Century offers a warm, balanced tone with a clear midrange, ideal for fingerstyle playing. Its spruce top and maple back deliver articulate sound with good projection, typical of parlor-style guitars.
Is the Gibson L-Century suitable for blues music?: Yes, the Gibson L-Century is well-suited for blues music. Its parlor body shape and warm tonal characteristics make it a great choice for fingerstyle blues and slide guitar.
What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson L-Century?: The Gibson L-Century features a spruce top, maple back, and mahogany sides and neck. The fretboard is made from a composite material, contributing to its unique sound and playability.
Does the Gibson L-Century come with a pickup or preamp?: No, the Gibson L-Century does not come with a pickup or preamp. It is a purely acoustic guitar, designed for natural sound without electronic amplification.
How many frets does the Gibson L-Century have?: The Gibson L-Century has 19 frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing in a compact parlor guitar format.

Videos

Add video

Carter Vintage Backstage

Gibson 1934 L Century, Maple & Adirondack Spruce | Carl Miner

Carter Vintage Backstage

Gibson 1934 L-Century Acoustic Guitar Demo

soundpurestudios

1934 Gibson L-Century | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

1933-1935 Gibson L-Century Maple/Adirondack (Red)

Dream Guitars

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

0 0

The fingerboard is made of pearloid, a flammable material that complicates neck removal for repairs.
Source
0 0

The 1937 L-Century is praised for its small body and pre-war design, appealing to those who favor vintage aesthetics and sound in acoustic guitars.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Repairs are challenging due to top damage beneath the bridge and the need for a neck reset.
Source
0 0

Users recommend maintaining playability with neck resets and addressing top cracks and loose braces.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The back and sides are maple, often showing flame similar to Nick Lucas models.
Source
0 0

Aesthetic modifications, like drilled jewels, may have been added, enhancing the guitar's appearance without affecting playability.
Source

User experience

0 0

Original L-Century owners often have a strong emotional attachment, with some stating it's their favorite guitar due to nostalgic connections.
Source
0 0

A user noted the difficulty in finding an L-Century reissue, highlighting its rarity and desirability among collectors and players.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Elvis Costello signature model is based on the L-Century, with 300 units made, but some players prefer the original due to personal preferences against signature models.
Source