The Gibson L series is a series of small-body guitars produced and sold by Gibson Guitar Corporation in the early 20th century. The first guitars of this series, Gibson L-0 and Gibson L-1, were introduced first as arch-tops (1902), and later as flat tops in 1926. The L series was later gradually replaced by the LG series in the 1940s. These guitars have a relatively smaller body than the Dreadnoughts and Jumbos that appeared later in history. They could generally be categorized into the Grand Concert body size, comparable, or even identical to Martin's 00-style guitars. History The L Series Flattop The L series flattop guitars first appeared in 1926. with spruce top. The L-1 models have carved maple or birch back and sides, while the less-expensive L-0 models have strained birch back and sides. Both have 12 frets clear of body, 25" scale length. Later models may have mahogany back and sides, or even mahogany tops. The L-1 model was discontinued in 1937. L-0 was discontinued in 1933, re-introduced in 1937, and finally discontinued in 1942. Before 1929, L-1, L-0 are 13 ½" wide with a round bottom shape. Later the body shape was widened to 14 ¾" with a more squarish bottom, quite analogous to Martin's 00-style guitars. After 1932, they have 14 frets clear of body instead of 12 frets. In 1932, the least-expensive L-00 model was introduced. It is the simplified version of L-0, with its back unbound (however they became bound since 1937). Discontinued in 1945. The L-2 model introduced in 1929 has a slightly different body shape comparing to L-1, L-0 and L-00, which is more of a Nick Lucas shape. It was the most expensive one among the L series. The L-2 model has 12, 13 or 14 frets clear of body. Discontinued in 1935. Another variant named L-C (L-Century) was introduced in 1933. This guitar is designed for the Century of Progress International Exhibition hosted in Chicago. It featured celluloid plastic ("pearloid", or "mother-of-toilet-seat") covered fretboard, because back in those days this material was considered modern. Discontinued in 1941. L-00 ¾ In 1937, a few ¾ scale variants of L-00 were also produced. Related HG models Gibson also made HG-0, HG-00 and HG-C during 1937 to 1942, which were practically Hawaiian variants of the corresponding L models. Nick Lucas The Nick Lucas model was first introduced in 1927, as the first artist