What kind of Gibson is this?

[Justin]

I have this Gibson acoustic in for repair. I'm not sure what it is, and I would like to let my customer know what it is. The only identifying number is this 499 on the neck block. I'm not sure if that's a serial number or what. Please let me know if any of you can help.

Thanks
Justin

[Joshua Levin-Epstein]

it looks like an L-0 or an L-00 to me. These were last made in 1933 (and that one looks like it's in great shape). Apparently these guitars are easily mistaken for one another. Pick up a copy of "Gibson's Fabulous flat-top guitars". Easily worth the price of admission. The number inside is the factory order number (FON).

Joshua

[Ned Knepp]

I looked at my copy of "Gibson's Fabulous Flat-top Guitars". Right off the bat the size is either an L series or and LG series guitar. Judging from the pick guard shape, the color and the lack of binding on the back I think it MIGHT be a 30's something L-00 but I can't say for sure.

Something about the head, perhaps the tuners seem too new for that age. This might be a silly question but did you check the head stock for a serial number? IF the number in the neck block is a serial number ( it could be a "Factory Order Number" ) it could indicate a year of 1961 making it an LG model but as I pointed out, the characteristics of the guitar seem to indicate an earlier date.

Is the guitar a 12 fret or a 14 fret guitar? What do the tuners's look like? Somehow they seem too new in the pictures you posted because they seem to lack the patina I would have expected. Do you think they have been replaced?

Ned

[Tim Mace]

why that's an ol'Gibson..........

[Jeff Highland]

Try this for id help
http://home.provide.net/~cfh/gibson.html

[onewent]

..fur sure a '32-'34 vintage Gibson L-00/L-0 .. in that condition, worth some good money..steady hands!
As stated earlier, the number is not a serial no, but rather a Factory Order Number, and beginning in '35, the FON had a letter with the numerals, so this one dates before '35. Looks like a 14-fret, and with the white pickguard, is quite rare..usually the 14-fret in black had the 'firestripe' pickguard, and the 12-fretters had the white.. Tom