DATE :
Saturday, March 8, 2025
1938 Gibson L-00: The Depression Era Treasure That Delivers Big Sound in a Small Package
1938 Gibson L-00: The Depression Era Treasure That Delivers Big Sound in a Small Package
Why the 1938 Gibson L-00 Matters
The 1938 Gibson L-00 represents one of the most significant acoustic guitars of the Great Depression era—a time when Gibson needed to create instruments that delivered professional quality at prices working musicians could afford. This model was a working-class standard of the day, a professional grade guitar at a price affordable to blues players, Hillbilly string bands, and many other itinerant musicians. What makes 1938 particularly special is that it marked the final year for the classic sunburst finish L-00, as Gibson was transitioning to a more standardized production approach that would characterize the wartime and post-war periods.
Nothing sounds like a 30's Gibson L-00. No longer a sleeper on the vintage guitar market–they are sought after by working musicians the world over–they are still under-rated on the collector market. The 1938 model year represents the culmination of Gibson's Depression-era craftsmanship, combining refined construction techniques with the distinctive tonal characteristics that made these instruments legendary among folk, blues, and country musicians.
Historical Context of the 1938 L-00
By 1938, Gibson had been perfecting the L-00 for seven years since its introduction in 1931. The company was navigating the challenging economic climate of the Great Depression while competing directly with C.F. Martin & Company for the small-bodied guitar market. This guitar is a great example of the era when Gibson still had a production jump on Martin, and even its lower cost guitars were winning the marketing war at the trailing end of the depression.
The 1938 production year was significant for several reasons. Gibson was still using the traditional construction methods that would soon be altered by wartime material restrictions. The guitars from this year featured the classic "firestripe" tortoiseshell pickguards and the wide sunburst finish that had evolved since the early 1930s. It's interesting how Gibson widened their sunburst along the years. The very first 14-frets L-00 in 1933 featured a small sunburst, where most of the body was black, and only the area above the bridge was color-sprayed. It progressively got wider until about late 1935 or 1936.
During this period, Gibson was also refining their Factory Order Number (FON) system. From 1935 to 1942, the FON included a letter suffix. The consistency around this stopped during WWII and resumed in the early 1950s. To complicate matters further, there was sometimes a second letter from 1938 to 1941 indicating the brand (G for Gibson, K for Kalamazoo, W for Recording King) and sometimes even a third letter indicating "Electric" (the letter E).
Detailed Identification Guide
Factory Order Numbers (FON) and Dating
The 1938 Gibson L-00 used Gibson's FON system rather than traditional serial numbers. From 1938 to 1941 there may be 2 or 3 letters. The first letter would indicate the year. The second letter if present would indicate the brand of the instrument: G=Gibson, K=Kalamazoo, W=Recording King. The third letter "E" if present would indicate "electric".
For 1938 guitars, look for FONs beginning with "D":
FON Format: D#### (four-digit batch number)
Location: Stamped on the neck block (visible through the soundhole)
Additional Markings: May include pencil notations in red ink
From 1938 to 1941, FONs beginning with the letters D through H have the FON stamped into the wood. The "D" prefix specifically indicates 1938 production.
Visual Identification Features
Body Specifications:
Lower bout: 14.75 inches
Upper bout: 10.25 inches
Waist: 8.375 inches
Body depth: 4.25-4.375 inches
Overall length: 39.625 inches
Distinctive 1938 Features:
Sunburst Finish: Wide sunburst pattern covering most of the spruce top
Firestripe Pickguard: Tortoiseshell celluloid with distinctive flame pattern
Binding: Single-ply white celluloid around top edge only (no back binding)
Bridge: Rosewood pyramid bridge without reinforcing bolts
Soundhole: Simple 3-ring rosette design
Tuners: 3-on-a-plate Kluson tuners with black buttons
Hardware and Construction Details
Neck Characteristics:
Profile: Shallow V-shape
Width at Nut: 1.75 inches
Scale Length: 24.75 inches
Frets Clear of Body: 14
Fingerboard: Unbound rosewood with dot inlays
Top Construction:
Wood: Adirondack spruce
Bracing: X-braced pattern
Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer in sunburst pattern
Back and Sides:
Wood: Mahogany
Finish: Sunburst to match top
Binding: None (distinguishes from L-0 models)
Physical Specifications
Weight and Dimensions
It's a very strong guitar that can easily handle 12/54 strings, with typical weights ranging from 3.5 to 4.2 pounds. The lightweight construction contributes significantly to the instrument's remarkable resonance and projection.
Electronics and Hardware
Bridge Pins: White composition
Saddle: Ebony (original)
Nut: Ebony
Tuner Ratio: Approximately 12:1 (Kluson design)
End Pin: Black composition
Case Information
Original cases were brown hardshell cases with purple felt lining. Many surviving instruments come with period-appropriate cases from the late 1930s, though original cases are increasingly rare.
Tonal Characteristics
The good ones — like this one — have that classic Gibson "simplicity" to the sound. They're woody, plainspoken, open-sounding, and are "hifi" in that you can hear every note you're playing distinctly. They're not cluttered with scooped mids, complicated overtones, or sweetened highs.
Sound Profile
Bass Response: Tight and punchy without boominess
Midrange: Bold and present, the guitar's strongest frequency range
Treble: Clear and articulate with excellent sustain
Overall Character: Dry, woody Gibson tone with remarkable projection
The attack is strong and percussive, so the notes sustain and fade out just at the right time. The bass is tight, which makes the midrange and thick trebles stand out. This is the epitomical Gibson tone : loud, dry and punchy.
Playing Characteristics
The 1938 L-00 excels in multiple playing styles:
Fingerpicking: Exceptional note separation and clarity
Flatpicking: Powerful attack with cutting presence
Rhythm Playing: Punchy chord work that cuts through a mix
Recording: Takes microphones beautifully due to its focused tone
Common Issues & Modifications
Structural Concerns
Typical Problems Found in 1938 L-00s:
Top Cracks: Often found around the soundhole or bridge area
Back Cracks: Less common but can occur along the grain lines
Neck Issues: Neck angle problems due to age and string tension
Bridge Problems: Original pyramid bridges sometimes require regluing
Common Modifications
Frequently Changed Components:
Tuners: Often replaced with individual Grover units
Bridge: Sometimes replaced with modern compensated designs
Nut and Saddle: Frequently replaced with bone or synthetic materials
Refinishing: Some examples have been refinished, significantly affecting value
Authentication Warnings
Red Flags for Refinished or Modified Examples:
Overly thick or modern-looking finish
Missing FON or illegible markings
Non-period appropriate hardware
Binding that appears too white or modern
Inconsistent aging patterns on hardware
While showing some wear and repair this nearly 85 year old L-0 remains mostly original and has less evidence of heavy use than most. The finish shows typical broad checking and some general wear with dings, checks and scrapes but no large areas of loss.
Why Players and Collectors Value This Model
Musical Versatility
Their dry, midrangey sound may indeed conjure images of Woody Guthrie, but they're really versatile little guitars. They've got bass enough to be an old-time band's rhythmic foundation, and a sweet punchiness that makes them sensational flatpickers.
The 1938 L-00 found its voice in:
Folk Music: The preferred instrument of many Depression-era folk musicians
Blues: Perfect for both fingerpicking and slide techniques
Country Music: Essential in early string bands and honky-tonk groups
Recording Studios: Exceptional microphone response makes them studio favorites
Investment Potential
The 1938 L-00 represents excellent investment potential for several reasons:
Undervalued Relative to Martins: Still priced well below comparable Martin models
Increasing Recognition: Growing appreciation among collectors and players
Limited Supply: Relatively small production numbers ensure rarity
Playability: Unlike some vintage instruments, these remain excellent players
Historical Significance
These instruments represent a crucial period in American guitar manufacturing, bridging the gap between the experimental early 1930s and the standardized production of the 1940s and beyond.
Selling Your 1938 Gibson L-00
If you own a 1938 Gibson L-00, you possess a piece of American musical history that deserves proper evaluation and fair compensation. At Edgewater Guitars, we understand both the monetary and sentimental value of these remarkable instruments.
Why Choose Edgewater Guitars?
Premium Valuations: We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we understand the true market value of vintage Gibson instruments. Our expertise in Depression-era Gibsons ensures you receive fair compensation for your L-00.
Expert Authentication: Our team specializes in pre-war Gibson identification and can help verify the originality and condition of your instrument. We understand the subtle details that affect value, from FON systems to period-correct hardware.
Streamlined Process: Unlike consignment or private sales that can take months, we provide immediate cash offers for qualified instruments. For high-value L-00s, we travel to you for in-person evaluation.
White-Glove Service: We handle all logistics and treat your instrument with the respect it deserves. Professional packaging, full insurance, and detailed documentation ensure a smooth transaction.
Getting Started
Ready to explore selling your 1938 Gibson L-00? Contact Edgewater Guitars today:
Phone: (440) 219-3607
Online Quote: Complete our detailed instrument evaluation form
Email Consultation: Send photos and details for preliminary assessment
We serve guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, with in-person evaluations available for premium instruments.
Related Resources
Dating and Authentication Tools
Similar Models Worth Exploring
Conclusion
The 1938 Gibson L-00 stands as a testament to American craftsmanship during one of the nation's most challenging economic periods. These instruments prove that necessity breeds innovation—Gibson created guitars that delivered professional quality at working-class prices, resulting in instruments that remain coveted nearly 90 years later.
Whether you're a collector seeking an authentic piece of Depression-era guitar history, a player looking for that distinctive woody Gibson tone, or someone fortunate enough to own one of these treasures, the 1938 L-00 represents an important chapter in the story of American music.
Ready to sell your vintage Gibson? Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage guitars throughout the Midwest. Our expert team provides fair valuations, immediate cash offers, and white-glove service for sellers throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia.
Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 or visit our website to begin your free, no-obligation evaluation. Let us show you why Edgewater Guitars is the preferred choice for serious vintage guitar sellers.
About the Author: The Edgewater Guitars team combines decades of experience in vintage guitar authentication, valuation, and sales. Our expertise in Depression-era Gibson instruments and commitment to fair dealing has made us the Midwest's premier destination for vintage guitar transactions.
