DATE :
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
1939 Gibson L-00: The Depression Era Gold Standard That Defined Small-Body Excellence
1939 Gibson L-00: The Depression Era Gold Standard That Defined Small-Body Excellence
The 1939 Gibson L-00 represents the culmination of a decade of refinement in small-body acoustic guitar design. As the Depression was beginning to ease and Gibson was entering one of its most creative periods, this model captured the perfect balance of affordability and professional-grade craftsmanship that working musicians desperately needed. These instruments demonstrate why Gibson's pre-war small-body guitars have become some of the most sought-after vintage acoustics among collectors and players today.
What makes the 1939 L-00 particularly significant is its timing within Gibson's golden era. Built during the company's final pre-war years before material shortages and wartime restrictions changed everything, these guitars showcase the peak of Kalamazoo craftsmanship. When this example was built in 1939 the list price was $30.00, without a case, making it an accessible professional instrument that delivered far more sound than its modest price suggested.
Historical Context: Gibson in 1939
The year 1939 marked a pivotal moment for Gibson as the company was hitting its stride in flat-top guitar production. Having introduced the L-00 model in 1932 as an affordable alternative to their higher-end instruments, Gibson had spent the decade perfecting the design and manufacturing processes. By 1939, they had established the ideal specifications that collectors still prize today.
At the time the L-0 model had just be re-introduced at $25, with a black finish which moved the sunburst L-00 up a step in the line. This positioning made the L-00 the entry point into Gibson's sunburst finish offerings while maintaining professional-grade construction and materials.
The late 1930s were also significant for Gibson's approach to small-body guitars. The early sunburst pattern on the top of the L-00 (and on dreadnought models) had a very small lighter center, whereas in the late '30s through early '40s, the light area of finish was considerably enlarged with a much smaller dark finish toward the edge. This finish evolution makes 1939 L-00s immediately recognizable to collectors.
Notable musicians of the era were discovering these affordable Gibson flat-tops. While the Martin 00-size guitars were well-established, Gibson's L-00 offered a different tonal character that appealed to blues players, folk musicians, and country performers who needed an instrument that could cut through a mix while remaining comfortable for long playing sessions.
Detailed Identification Guide for 1939 Models
Factory Order Numbers (FONs)
1939 Gibson L-00s used the Factory Order Number system rather than individual serial numbers. From 1935-1942, factory order numbers often included an alphabetical suffix (a letter at the end of the number). These suffixes can help us find the year of manufacture.
For 1939 specifically, look for FONs with the suffix "D" as the first letter in the alphabetical sequence. The FIRST number in the alphabetical suffix indicates the year. Subsequent letters indicate model and manufacturing specifications and are NOT used in dating the instrument.
FON Location: Look inside the guitar body on the neck block (visible through the soundhole) for an ink-stamped number like "9876-D" or "5432-DA".
Neck Dating
Many 1939 L-00s also have pencil-written dates on the neck heel, visible when the neck is removed from the body. These typically appear as "1-39" through "12-39" indicating the month and year of neck completion.
Visual Identification Features
Headstock Logo:
White stenciled "Gibson" script (without "The")
The white stencil "Gibson" script has been partially polished off the headstock face on many examples due to decades of handling
Finish Characteristics:
The top finish is a blended sunburst with a deeper orangey center, larger than in the years before as is typical of later 1930s guitars
Nitrocellulose lacquer that has aged to warm amber tones
There is single-ply white celluloid binding around the top and back edges
Pickguard:
the top is ornamented with a "firestripe" tortoise celluloid pickguard and a three-ply sound hole ring
Original firestripe guards show minimal shrinkage on well-preserved examples
Hardware:
simple openback unplated Kluson strip tuners
Original ebony bridge pins
Rectangular rosewood bridge
Detailed Physical Specifications
Body Dimensions:
Overall length is 39 5/8 in. (100.6 cm.), 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block
Grand Concert body size, comparable to Martin 00-style guitars
Scale and Neck:
Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.)
Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.)
fairly sharp "V" profile neck with an unbound, dot inlaid rosewood fingerboard
14 frets clear of the body
Construction Materials:
mahogany back, sides and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard
X-braced spruce top
This example features a 4 piece red spruce top (multiple-piece tops were common on budget models)
Weight:
I've worked on several L-0 and L-00-ish and Kel Kroydon 12-fretters from the time and they're all stupidly-lightweight in build
Typical weight range: 3.0-3.5 pounds
Tonal Characteristics
The 1939 Gibson L-00 offers a distinctive voice that sets it apart from comparable Martin instruments of the era. Where Martins can have a delicate and ethereal quality, the old Gibson is a punchier and more exuberant instrument.
Sound Profile:
With impressive projection, the L-00 combines surprising bass power and depth with a forceful midrange and a clear but sweet treble
It's really got the classic L-00 mid-range push, but isn't missing anything in the bass-end, and has rounded, full, thick treble response as well
Like many featherweight pre-war acoustics, the tone has a dry intimacy and such an immediate touch response that you can't help but feel connected with the instrument
Playing Characteristics:
Blues-y picking and bottleneck are the obvious places to start, but you'll soon discover you can play Travis-style, country rhythm and even bluegrass
The L-00 is suited equally well to fingerpicking and strumming
The voice coming from this small box is quite extraordinary with more rich bass response then you would expect from an L-series flat top
Recording and Performance: the balanced response and lack of boominess would make this an outstanding guitar for recording. The controlled bass response and clear midrange cut make these guitars ideal for studio work where clarity and separation are crucial.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1939 Gibson L-00, be aware of typical problems and modifications that can affect both playability and value:
Structural Issues:
Top cracks: there are a few small factory-repaired cracks hiding under that black finish - some examples had factory repairs
Neck angle: Most vintage examples require or have had neck resets due to the lightweight construction
Brace integrity: The light bracing can loosen over time, requiring professional regluing
Common Modifications:
Bridge work: The original rosewood bridge appears to have been cut down a bit but still retains good height
Pickup installations: The original small maple bridgeplate has had a thin maple patch added over the pinholes and has a small hole drilled in it as if for an undersaddle pickup
Tuner replacements: While original Klusons are desirable, quality replacements don't significantly impact value if properly installed
Restoration Considerations:
Finish work: Original finish preservation is crucial - avoid aggressive polishing
Fret replacement: The neck has been reset and the original frets polished out - period-correct fret wire maintains authenticity
Hardware: Keep original Kluson tuners and ebony bridge pins when possible
Why Players and Collectors Value the 1939 L-00
The 1939 Gibson L-00 represents the sweet spot between affordability and professional performance that working musicians needed during the late Depression era. The L-00 was a working-class standard of the day, a truly professional grade guitar made of high-grade materials sold at a price affordable to blues players, Hillbilly string bands, and many other itinerant musicians.
Player Appeal:
wonderful fat soft V neck that is a joy to play whether you're fingerpicking or flat picking
They've got bass enough to be an old-time band's rhythmic foundation, and a sweet punchiness that makes them sensational flatpickers
Comfortable body size for extended playing sessions
Responsive dynamics that reward subtle playing techniques
Collector Significance:
Represents Gibson's golden era of small-body construction
Historical importance as the guitar of working-class musicians
Each one of these guitars has its own character and this one is great-sounding both finger- and flat-picked, with a powerful ringing tone that never gets harsh
Bridge between the pre-war and modern eras of guitar making
Investment Potential: The market has increasingly recognized these instruments' significance. They are bright and loud with cutting qualities that make them valuable stage instruments, while their historical importance ensures continued collector interest.
Selling Your 1939 Gibson L-00
If you own a 1939 Gibson L-00, you're holding a piece of American musical history that has shown strong appreciation over the past decade. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in providing premium valuations for vintage Gibson flat-tops, consistently paying 30-40% more than typical guitar shops.
Why Choose Edgewater Guitars:
Expert Authentication: Our team specializes in pre-war Gibson identification and can verify originality and dating
Premium Pricing: We pay significantly more than guitar shops because we understand the collector market
Immediate Cash Offers: No waiting periods or consignment fees
White-Glove Service: We handle logistics, shipping, and provide detailed documentation
The Edgewater Advantage: Unlike local guitar shops that need to maintain significant margins for resale, our direct-to-collector network allows us to offer you closer to true market value. We understand that your 1939 L-00 isn't just a guitar - it's a piece of history that deserves proper recognition and valuation.
Ready to Get Started? Contact us today for your free, no-obligation valuation at (440) 219-3607 or through our secure online quote form. We serve collectors throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, with specialized transport available for high-value instruments.
Related Resources
Gibson Dating and Authentication:
Related Model Information:
Selling Information:
Expert Services Throughout the Midwest
Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage guitars throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. For high-value instruments like 1939 Gibson L-00s, we provide in-person evaluations and white-glove service that ensures both accurate assessment and secure transactions.
Our expertise in pre-war Gibson flat-tops, combined with our extensive network of collectors and dealers, allows us to offer valuations that reflect true market value rather than quick-flip retail margins. Whether you're downsizing a collection, settling an estate, or simply ready to let someone else enjoy your vintage Gibson, we're here to make the process as smooth and profitable as possible.
Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 for your free consultation. Your 1939 Gibson L-00 deserves an expert evaluation - and you deserve premium compensation for this remarkable piece of musical history.
