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1934 Gibson L-5

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Serial #: 90602, white oval label. FON#: 642. Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 1/2". Nut Width: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .84/.99, 1st/10th frets.

Materials: Handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; solid bookmatched tiger flame maple back and sides; solid three piece maple neck with walnut centerstripe; solid ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, mother of pearl script peghead logo and torch peghead inlay; triple bound fingerboard, body, peghead and pickguard, solid bone nut.

Hardware: Original Pat. stamped compensated adjustable ebony bridge. Vintage gold Gibson trapeze tailpiece. Vintage correct hardware includes aged gold Grover 18:1 Sta-Tite butterbean tuners; triple bound dark tortoise pickguard.

Notes: He had every guitar in the entire Gibson catalog at his fingertips. Literally. But this one was his real baby.

Making it's debut in 1923, the Gibson L-5 was created by the legendary Lloyd Loar, father of the renowned F-5 mandolin. One of the most influential instrument designers of the 20th century, Loar pioneered a number of key innovations, including very early work on the electric guitar. The Gibson L-5 is perhaps his most influential creation, and is widely regarded as the first successful commercially produced archtop guitar. Now in its second century, the L-5 remains the most celebrated and influential jazz guitar of all time.

A perennial favorite of studio guitarists, the Loar design L-5 has been an essential staple in the arsenal of recording and touring players alike. It's superlative acoustic response and versatility made this model one of the most widely recorded guitars of all time. This fascinating example has every bit of that vibrant, deeply resonant voice, and an intriguing back story to match.

This remarkable guitar was a prized possession of Andy Nelson, famed Gibson demonstrator and sales manager. A player of consummate skill, Nelson began his career before WWII, performing widely throughout the midwest. Joining Gibson in the mid-'50s, Andy demonstrated new models at dealers and trade showcases nationwide for over a decade.

With its label and factory order number both dating to 1934, this guitar shows classic features including the dot inlay ebony fingerboard and Pat. # compensated ebony bridge. Braces are topped with a solid cap as well, typical for examples of this era. The original sunburst varnish finish remains intact, now protected with some light clear lacquer, applied by Gibson when Nelson returned the guitar to the factory for restoration in the late '50s. At that time, a vintage correct flame maple neck was crafted for the instrument, retaining the original fingerboard and headstock overlay.

The instrument shows particularly vivid bookmatched tiger flame maple in the back and sides. Well maintained, the instrument shows no cracks, buckle, thumb, or fingerboard wear, with undented fretwork, and only a few incidental pick marks and lacquer nicks here and there. The original 'tea cup' Cremona sunburst finish shows normal age checking, crystallized in places with a golden hue, with the back centerseam soundly resealed at top and bottom as well. Vintage correct hardware includes aged gold Grover Sta-Tite tuners with smooth 18:1 gearing, multi-bound dark tortoise pickguard from an original template, and a period gold trapeze tailpiece. The original multi-ply binding remains tight to the body, and the neck angle and bridge height are both excellent, with ample clearance to be lowered or raised.

Weighing in at a phenomenal 4 lb. 8oz., the guitar is exceptionally light in weight and well balanced. The action is smooth and low with a fresh, high precision setup, with the generous 1 3/4" nut, and a gentle C profile neck. The voice is clear and vibrant, with the deep resonance of well played tonewood aged for almost a century. With brilliant natural reverb in the highs, the voice is open and throaty in the mids and lows, with powerful projection and cutting power.

A special plus, the guitar is supplied with an original DeArmond 1000 Rhythm Chief pickup, with neck rod, control pot, and 1/4" jack. All fitted in its original black Gibson hardshell case, with crimson plush lining.

As Gibson's most celebrated clinician, Andy Nelson had a guitar picker's dream job, with every Gibson guitar at his disposal. But this is the one he chose. Widely imitated, but never improved: a rare find from Gibson's finest era. One only, call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge conditioned; body and neck cleaned and hand polished. Instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.