Gibson L1

[toddjoles]

I just ran across a Gibson L1 archtop s#81508 fair condition. I have first chance through an estate situation. Any idea of fair market value?

[Bill Snyder]

Do you have any photos of anything other than the sound hole?

[fatt-dad]

I have a 1930 L-1, but it's a flat top. I think the arch tops are less value in the market. I'd be surprised if it's value is more than $1,500.00. I wouldn't sell mine for less then $4K though. Just love it!

f-d

[Willie Poole]

Just saw one on Antique Road Show and it was listed at $2400-$2600, but I do think it was an L-2 with the arched top and round sound hole, made in 1926 I believe....I thought that was a tad low myself...

[goaty76]

"Fair condition" is a pretty vague statement. In very rough condition I'd put the value around $600 and in pristine condition around 2k. On average they go in the $1200 range.

Phil

[toddjoles]

Thanks all that helps!

[sunburst]

I really don't know the value of the guitar, but it is pretty similar to this L-75 that I restored (scroll down a few). I suspect Phil (goaty76) is about right, and I also suspected the owner of this guitar probably paid me at least the value of the guitar to restore it. It is a family heirloom, so therein lies the value to the owner. Some instruments, despite their quality being equal to other collectable, valuable instruments, are not nearly as valuable simply because there was never a popular style of music for which they were well suited. Smaller, round or oval-hole archtop guitars fall into that category, while certain larger, f-hole models can have a high market value because of their main-stream jazz pedigree.