c1937 Gibson L-C 'Century of Progress' (USA, Natural, HSC)

I mean, how can you go past this fingerboard? Delicious pearloid inlaid with Brazilian rosewood blocks and mother-of-pearl diamonds... all packed in an L-00-sized box. The 'Century of Progress' was produced to commemorate Chicago's 1933 World's Fair, with the initial run ceasing production in 1941. Famously adopted by Elvis Costello as a stage instrument... with such a striking look... who could blame him! Anywho, in my years I've only had a small handful of L-C's pass through my hands and this is the first one I am proudly able to offer for sale through the store. Typically, the flamed maple back and sides on this model are constructed of a laminates. When you build such a small soundbox in such a way you're generally left with a pretty quiet, muffled guitar... so my thoughts have always been "amazing looking thing, uninspiring sounding thing"... this one was put together with solid sides. It's loud... louder than my mahogany-adorned '37 L-00, but probably a little more brashful and direct. Either way, we're dropping this lovely pair for sale at the same time so PLEASE come in and play both... it's very rare to have the chance to do so anywhere... let alone here in Australia... a really nice history lesson in late 1930s Gibson flattop construction. Being solid back and sides this ole box has seen some pretty nasty cracks (cleated and stable) to the rear. The bridge plate has been replaced. The top has some bellying. The guitar has been refretted. Machine heads have been upgraded to 'Waverleys'. Obviously, the finish has been stripped. Pickguard has been replaced with a great-looking replacement. Anyway, the guitar is old. It's had a life. But... It's rare. It sounds great. It's gorgeous. It's about 2/3rds the price of a brand new 'Murphy Lab' aged acoustic from your local Gibson dealer... seems like a no brainer to me... gosh...