1933 Gibson Century of Progress L-C Vintage Acoustic Guitar w/ Pearloid Fretboard, Case

Up for sale, a 1933 Gibson L-C "Century of Progress" model in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original chipboard case. An extremely rare Gibson model (and the inspiration for Gibson's modern Elvis Costello signature instrument), the L-C was crafted in small quantities and dressed to impress, with a pearloid fretboard and peghead inlaid with Brazilian rosewood, figured maple back and sides, and an Adirondack spruce top. These features were meant to showcase and commemorate the Century of Progress international exhibition in Chicago, which lasted from 1933-34, and this World's Fair was the perfect platform for a "modern" steel string guitar that had both exquisite tone and stylish looks.

Featuring the original targeted Sunburst finish seen on the earliest Century models from 1933-34, this is a prime example that will satisfy discerning collectors and serious players alike. Sharing dimensions with the L-00, the Century features a 14 5/8” lower bout and 4 1/4” body depth. This guitar offers shimmering clarity and sweet, sparkling cut while retaining ample bass register punch and overall tonal breadth. There’s a gutsy bark in the low end when digging in with a flatpick, and the trebles also have a certain plucky quality when picked with authority. Featherweight at 3lbs 11oz, this L-C "Century of Progress" has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with comfortable action and fresh 12-53 bronze strings.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Medium V, measuring .935” 1st fret, 1.010” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Pearloid, Brazilian rosewood blocks with pearloid diamond inlays
-Frets: Slender, leveled and crowned, no wear
-Scale Length: 24 ¾”
-Nut: 1 3/4”, bone
-Headstock: Pearloid, Brazilian rosewood inlay with pearl Gibson script logo
-Tuners: Open-gear strip

Body Specs:

-Wood: Adirondack spruce, maple
-Bracing: X
-Bridge: Brazilian rosewood, carved bone saddle
-Plastics: One-ply pickguard
-Marquetry: Multi-ply binding, simple rosette
-Serialization: Three-digit FON stamp on heel block dates to 1993

The gloss Sunburst nitro lacquer finish is a notably tight target burst, exhibiting prominent “spiderweb” checking. There is one professionally repaired split between the fingerboard and soundhole, pick wear on top, and various dings and scuffs consistent with nearly a century of use. There is an area of checking central to the neck carve behind the nut that’s only superficial, with some minor marks on the profile length worn smooth through play.

The original chipboard case is included.