
Gibson L-C Century, Sunburst (1933)
Vintage
A 1933 Gibson L-Century from its debut year - a lightweight example of the model Gibson unveiled at Chicago's 1933 World's Fair.
This 1933 Gibson L-Century has just arrived at the shop! It's a lightweight example of the model from its first year of production (the L-Century was unveiled at Chicago's 1933 World's Fair, commemorating the city's 100th anniversary). Essentially an L-00 with Maple back & sides, alongside its trademark celluloid fingerboard and headstock veneer, this L-Century is deeply resonant & exhibits an utterly charming, warm, woody voice. It plays beautifully, thanks to a recent refret by luthier Laurent Brondel. If you've wanted to own one of these guitars, but hesitated because you didn't know how you'd get the thing refretted -- you're in luck!
Brondel also made the replacement bridge which currently sits on the guitar. The nut is also a very well-made replacement. The guitar's other structural components are all original; and they've been inspected by our techs for health and stability. It bears repeating that this is a great-sounding example of the model -- check out the accompanying video for a taste of what it can do!
Price includes the original hard case, which is significantly worn. Please contact us if you'd like to discuss case alternatives.
| Top | Red Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Maple |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Celluloid |
| Bridge | Rosewood (replacement) |
| Nut & Saddle | Bone |
| Bracing | X bracing |
| Construction | Hide Glue (Dovetail neck joint) |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Original) |
| Carve | Soft V |
| Nut Width | 1 3/4" |
| String Spacing | 2 5/16" |
| Scale Length | 24 7/8" |
| Truss Rod | Adjustable |
Shipping calculated at checkout. Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.
