Gibson L-3 Guitar

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Gibson L-3 Acoustic Guitar (1902-1933) 

In 1902 to 1920 there was 4 Gibson arch top acoustic guitars from the L series that were dispersed on the market, they were the Gibson L-1, L-2, L-3 and L-4. These guitars can be easily mistaken for one another because they have the same old antique style shaped bodies and they were mostly 13.5 " wide accept for the L-4 (16 inches wide).

The L-2 was discontinued between 1908 to 1910 while the L-1 and the L-3 continued and were joined by the L-4 in 1912. The Gibson L-3 was an arch top guitar, it had a round bound sound hole (some with oval sound holes in the late 20s), 3 rings around the hole, raised tortoise pick guard, trapeze tailpiece, "the Gibson" logo, mahogany back and sides (some with maple back and sides in the late 20s), 3 per side tuners with plastic buttons, were made in sunburst, orange top and red mahogany finishes. 

During the late 20s they had an oval shaped sound hole and in the early 30s they raised the fingerboard. These L-3 models were discontinued in 1933, they came in 3 body sizes 12.5 ,13.5, & 16. Gibson had also another L-3 guitar model which was available only on special orders, the guitar was quite impressive at the time and sought after by collectors today. 

These special order L-3 models had a raised ivoroid pick guard and a gorgeous ivory finish. They are not the best sounding Gibson guitars compared to other L models that followed, however during those years they were ahead of their times.

> Look for used and vintage Gibson L-3 guitars for sale.

Gibson L-3 Price Guide (Updated April-26-2021)
  • 1902 - 1907 > $2000 to $2500 (12.5" Round Hole)
  • 1908 - 1919 > $2000 to $2500 (13.5" Round Hole)
  • 1921 - 1926 > $2100 to $2600 (Loar Era)
  • 1927 - 1928 > $2000 to $2500 (Oval Hole)
  • 1929 - 1933 > $2000 to $2500 (13.5" Round Hole)
  • Note: Seen Some L-3 guitars sell for $6000 in almost perfect condition with original case.

Comments

  1. Anonymous11:34 AM

    Thanks for the great info on your blog. I'd appreciate your opinion on something...I inherited my grandpa's 1928 L-3 recently. It was stored for years in an ill-fitting case, so the top cracked at the bridge, the back cracked similarly and a small section of the side was crushed slightly. It was repaired poorly when he was still alive. This was his everyday guitar, so it has a great vintage patina...and the neck on it is fantastic. I want to do some restoration on it, but I'm trying to decide how far to go. Regardless of what I do, will this guitar ever be of any investment value? If so, how much restoration is optimal?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous5:30 PM

    I don't know how collectible L-3's are. I do know that they are great sounding instruments, especially when recorded and if it were mine, I would restore is solely for that reason. It isn't a 1959 Les Paul, but it is the best playing blues guitar I have ever played. If you decide to sell it, shoot me an email at john.leavesley@gmail.com and maybe we can work something out.

    John

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous5:15 AM

    i have a guitar i think is an l3???? its item 300159094297 on ebay check the pics. anybody got any info on what the hell model this guitar is??? my email is joedylan777 at yahoo. or post here thanks

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown9:00 PM

    I have what I believe to be 1923 gibson L3. I recued it from a house teardown and it needs a tailpiece. I would appreciate any assistance. You can give me a line at irisbwh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous3:36 PM

    Are the current prices for the L 3 general for all L1, L2, L3 and L4 models? Also are the prices set $1700-$2700 in the year 2000? What are the current prices in 2009-2010? I have a 1907 Gibson L 1 Arch top and a 1923 Gibson L Jr arch top and I'm interested in it's present day worth.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous6:32 PM

    I have L3. This instrument has been in it's original case in a bedroom closet at my parents house since 1958. Prior to that it was owned by my fathers great aunt who lived in Philadelphia PA. The story in our family was that she purchased it in the early 1920's brand new from Gibson. The guitar is in excellent shape. I do not play guitar so i would like to sell it. hopefully someone will buy it who can enjoy playing it. Any suggestions on how I might sell it. shoot me email king.snyder@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous8:31 AM

    Great info on a very cool instrument. However, some of the earliest L3's have been found with maple bodies (rare though.) They existed with maple bodies as early as 1910 but not common.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous11:11 PM

    We have a 1915 Gibson L3 that needs to major refurbishing. I understand the value will go down, but in the current condition it is unplayable. Anyone know what the cost would be for a major overhaul? I can be reached at thechazmann@hotmail.com

    Thanks for your help.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous11:16 PM

    I have a 1924 L3 that is great condition. if anyone is interested in purchasing an L3 email me with any questions and ill send pictures your way.

    Live_from_the_basement@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. boggertybushmill12:06 PM

    Anyone here know where I might find tuners for an 1923 L-3?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous10:27 PM

    02/17/2012
    Have a mid 20's L-3. Serial# too faded to read. Very nice condition. Had quitar shop re-string and repair small crack in back. Plays beautifully. Anybody looking to add to their collection please contact me for photos.
    allbbryant@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

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