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2014 Gibson L-5 Premier, Crimson Edition

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Serial #: 11764001, orange oval label. Tan Master Model label, signed James D. Culberson, June 2nd, 2014

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .88/.97, 1st/10th frets.

Materials: Solid bookmatched hand graduated Sitka spruce top; solid bookmatched curly maple back; tiger flame maple neck and sides; solid ebony fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlays; abalone torch and headstock logo; 5-ply body and neck binding; bound f-holes; solid bone nut.

Hardware: 100% original gold hardware includes Gibson BJB pickup with volume and tone controls and endpin jack, engraved gold tailpiece with deco insert, Gibson Schaller tuners, compensated adjustable Tuneomatic bridge with pearl inlaid foot, bound 5-ply tortoise pickguard, adjustable truss rod with 'Custom' cover.

Notes: Introduced in 1923, the Gibson L-5 was the first commercially produced archtop guitar. Now obver a century later, it remains the most renowned jazz guitar of all time. Designed by Lloyd Loar himself, the L-5 was the guitar that D'Angelico copied, that Eddie Lang brought to fame, and players from Wes Montgomery to Adrian Lage carried to glory. In 1939, Gibson revolutionized the market with the first cutaway archtop guitars, dubbed the Premiere series, the first truly modern acoustic jazz guitars.

It is always surprising to discover just how few acoustic L-5 models were produced in any given year: many model years have only single digit production, and some none at all. The last L-5 offered as a standard model was in 1982, and since then, this venerable classic has been available only on custom order. As one of a mere ten examples produced in its batch, this remarkable guitar is one of the last acoustic L-5 models made to date. And Gibson head luthier James Culberson and his Custom Shop crew spared nothing on this magnificent Crimson Edition instrument.

This spectacular guitar represents the rarest configuration of this model, and to many, the most desirable. First off, it is an acoustic version, with a hand graduated, tap-tuned solid bookmatched spruce soundboard. And it has a cutaway, for optimal access to the full fretboard. Finally, the amber blonde finish showcases the exceptionally figured maple body to the greatest advantage.

The deeply figured fiddleback maple of the back is expertly bookmatched in stunning symmetry. The grain of the quartersawn bookmatched Sitka spruce soundboard is exceedingly fine and deeply interwoven with crossgrain silk. The sides and neck are carved of tiger flame maple, and the fingerboard is ebony of the deepest and clearest hue. The pearl work is gorgeous as well, with an uncanny 3D depth. The art-deco tailpiece, unchanged in design since prewar days, is handsomely engraved, and the solid ebony bridge inlaid with pearl. The adjustable Tuneomatic bridge affords enhanced intonation control, or a compensated ebony bridge saddle may be substituted on request.

100% original, the instrument is in showroom condition, and shows no playwear, with its gleaming nitro lacquer finish in unblemished condition. The neck has a traditional full C profile, solid in the hand, and the original medium jumbo fretwork is immaculate, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. The classic parallel bracing produces a tone that is smooth and elegant, with excellent detail and articulation. And the look goes with anything, especially your tux.

With original premium arched black Gibson hardshell case, tags and Certificate of Authenticity, this lustrous beauty is a rare find indeed. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

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