This Gibson L-00 dates to 1934, with the L-00 built from 1932 to 1945 as the lowest cost L model. There have been some reissues of 1930’s models offered in the last decade. And yes, the ’00’ is two zeros. For being plain, the Gibson L-00 models are remarkably good sounding instruments with a very even representation throughout the tonal range. As with many Gibson models, the top is Spruce. The sides, back, neck, body blocks and linings are mahogany, and the bridge and unbound fingerboard are rosewood.
Instruments
Here we are treated to a real rarity! In 1979, the Gibson ES-335TD CRS – Country Rock Stereo – appeared in a limited run of 300 pieces. These were hot-rodded versions of the standard 335. A less elaborate version, the Country Rock Regular was also sold, with standard mono wiring and stop tailpiece. This example is in good condition with light fret and play wear, but a few marks to the back finish. It plays well, and the electronics setup offers a wide range of tonal options.
Here’s a great condition Ibanez AM-70 Artist Compact Thinline Archtop in Black finish, dating to 1985, its first year. This model was only built until 1987. With proportions somewhat like the Gibson ES-339 models, the Ibanez AM-70 is a scaled down version of the classic ES-335 style models. The top, back and sides are laminate Birch with a Maple center block. The neck is 3-piece Maple with a bound Indian Rosewood fingerboard.
This Gibson Gibson A-4 Mandolin sports a Sunburst finish and is still sounding and playing great after over a century of use. The top is carved Spruce, the back carved, bookmatched Maple. The sides are Maple, the body blocks and neck are Mahogany, with Brazilian Rosewood for the bound fingerboard. Ebony is used for the bridge. The position markers and headstock The Gibson logo and fleur-de-lys decorations are Mother of Pearl.
Here’s an interesting Fender 1952 Telecaster Vintage Reissue from the original 1982 Vintage Series built in Fullerton, California while CBS still owned the company. The Fender 1952 Telecaster Vintage Reissue body is lightweight Ash paired with a one-piece Maple neck having the Walnut insert for the truss rod cavity. The ‘Butterscotch’ finish is very much like the original 1952 models, and is nitrocellulose lacquer.
The Gibson RB-250 Mastertone was the working-musician’s banjo for decades and offers that classic Gibson sound with the “Snap” to the treble attack that only Gibsons have. This is essentially the same banjo as the famous Gibson RB-3 without the Wreath inlay.