The Gibson L-00 Sustainable was a limited run instrument built during 2019 in Bozeman MT using sustainably harvested indigenous woods. The L-00 model was first built from 1932 to 1946, with a body shape influenced by ‘Parlor’ models. Ultimately its place in the lineup went to the LG2, which was produced from 1946 to 1962. For many players, the LG2 was their first ‘real’ guitar.

Here we’re looking at a very nice Gibson L-00 Sustainable series model. The top is Sitka Spruce, with Walnut for the sides, back, truss rod cover and pickguard, and Mahogany for the body blocks and neck. The fingerboard and bridge are Richlite. The inlays and headstock Gibson logo are wood, with a classic “Diamonds and Arrows” set on the fingerboard. Tuners are Grover mini-Roto-Matics, and an L R Baggs VTC undersaddle pickup and preamp set is factory installed. The finish is unusual for Gibson – instead of nitrocellulose lacquer, it’s a hand rubbed bees-wax finish.

This example is in very good, clean condition with very light wear throughout. It does not appear to have been played enough to fully develop its voice, but it has an interesting tone reminiscent of guitars from the 30’s and 40’s, great for fingerstyles like John Fayhe’s ‘American Primitive’.

The original Gibson-branded Oxblood coloured arched top hard shell case by TKL is included.

Here’s the builder on the Gibson L-00 Sustainable:

“The all-new Sustainable Series guitars are built using sustainably harvested North American walnut back and sides, married with a select Sitka spruce top. The all-new Hand rubbed beeswax finish protects your instrument, while allowing the wood underneath to breath and resonate like never before. Unique Wood fretboard inlays set this limited edition L-00 aside from the rest and add “collectible” to its impressive list of features.”

Gibson L-00 Sustainable Specifications: