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2015 Tim May M-5, Lloyd Loar Tribute
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SN#: MAG1009 Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 3/4" Body depth: 3 1/2" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .76/.95
Materials: Handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; solid bookmatched tiger flame maple back and sides; solid one piece flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; mother of pearl dot fingerboard inlay and peghead logo; triple bound body; bound neck and peghead; solid bone nut.
Hardware: All original nickel vintage style hardware including Waverly 16:1 Grover style open back tuners with butterbean keys, compensated adjustable ebony bridge, trapeze tailpiece, adjustable truss rod.
Notes: If the name Tim May sounds familiar, it's because he's been one of the most accomplished sidemen, session players, and instructors in Nashville for years. Besides touring with Patty Loveless and appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, Tim has also had an extended career as a luthier, restoring vintage violins and guitars. And this marvelous instrument is a tribute to his scrupulous research and impeccable craftsmanship.
Introduced in 1923 by master designer Lloyd Loar, the Gibson L-5 was the first modern archtop guitar, a design many feel has yet to be surpassed to this day. With its comfy 16" body and superlative tonal balance, the dot neck L-5 has become one of the most sought after archtop guitars ever made: a perennial go-to guitar for generations of studio guitarists and performing pros worldwide.
Tim's M-5 model features dramatic AAAA grade tonewoods: all solid, carved, and bookmatched, with tiger flame maple in the back, sides and neck, and fine-grained, quartersawn spruce with plenty of crossgrain silk. The formal Cremona sunburst is faithfully applied, feathering almost imperceptibly from a deep amber to a dark chocolate brown.
This gleaming guitar is a modern take on a timeless design, with some significant enhancements for the contemporary player, including an X-braced soundboard that enhances both bass response and sustain. In addition, a longer scale length maximizes projection and volume as well, with a string span of a full 25 1/2". And finally, many players today will find the more contemporary neck appealing, with its slimmer D profile offering an alternative to the bulkier V and C necks of the prewar instruments, with smooth, low action over a fresh high-precision setup.
At a phenomenal 4lb 13oz, the guitar is simply featherweight, with a clear, vibrant voice, and excellent balance throughout the range. This rare example has been maintained in splendid, all original condition, free of pick, buckle, thumb, fret, or fingerboard wear, and shows only a few scattered nicks in its true vintage style nitro lacquer finish.
Few modern builders are able to do justice to the fabled 20's L-5, with wait times of several years, and prices that can exceed $20K or more. This remarkable instrument delivers true US luthier fit, finish and craftsmanship at a simply unheard of price. Complete with its original molded black plush lined hardshell case, this beauty is unquestionably the best buy in a true 20's style all-carved acoustic archtop. One only, call now.
Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation strobe tuned; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and adjusted to specs; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; instrument strung with .013 phosphor bronze strings, action set from 4/64" to 5 6/4" at the 12th fret, which may be raised or lowered as desired.
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