NMM 10193.  Guitar by Gibson, Inc., Kalamazoo, 1928. Style L-0, Concert Size (13-1/2").  Factory order number 8955. Ex coll.:  Alvin Henry Benesh, Pierre, South Dakota.  Gift of Evelyn Benesh, Pierre, 2003. This Style L-O belonged to Alvin H. Benesh (1908-2000), a long-time civil engineer with the Bureau of Public Roads who worked in St. Paul, Minnesota, beginning in 1931, and in Pierre, South Dakota, after 1946. Benesh also served in the Navy on the USS Gallatin ADA 169 in the Pacific Theater from 1944 to 1946. According to his widow, Evelyn, Benesh saved money through his teenage years to purchase this guitar, which he strung left-handed. Preserved with the instrument is Benesh’s sheet music collection of 1930s hits that he played on his guitar. Body The L-O was an early Gibson flat top guitar, introduced in 1926, as an inexpensive model. Made from mahogany, the lightly constructed model was marketed to both Spanish- and Hawaiian-style guitarists. Peghead Fretboard, Neck Heel, and Back of Neck Soundhole, Factory Number, Bridge, and Bottom Rib The factory number is branded on the neck block and can be seen through the soundhole. Alvin Benesh preferred to play left-handed; hence, he set up the strings in reverse order. View of Bottom Rib Return to Gibson Acoustic Guitar Checklist National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069 ©National Music Museum, 2005 Most recent update: October 23, 2007 You are the 4,577th visitor to this page since May 11, 2005 The University of South Dakota Return to Top of Page