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1948 Gibson L-12
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Serial #: A-867. Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 11/16". Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .90/1.01
Materials: Solid carved bookmatched quartersawn spruce top; solid flame maple neck: solid bubble figured maple back, solid tiger flame maple neck and sides; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with double parallelogram mother of pearl fingerboard inlay, thistle peghead inlay, prewar fat script logo; triple bound body, bound fingerboard and peghead; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Original hardware includes gold triple parallelogram tailpiece, compensated adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge, adjustable truss rod. Vintage correct hardware includes aged gold Kluson Deluxe style single ring tuners, bound swirl tortoise pickguard.
Notes: If you've always lusted after the tone of a vintage L-5, but balked at the swollen price tag, consider the elusive L-12: the best kept secret of the Gibson catalog.
One of the rarest full size Gibson archtops, the L-12 was introduced in 1930 as a 16" guitar, then upsized to 17" in 1934 as an X-braced "Advanced Model", becoming Gibson's first instrument with the iconic double-parallelogram inlays. Parallel bracing was reintroduced to the model in 1939 to enhance projection and cutting power, and this scarce model remained in very limited production until 1955, with only a single example produced in each of its last two model years.
Identical to the L-5 in size, finish, body materials, scale length and bracing, the L-12 differs only in cosmetic details from its spendy cousin, which can cost a multiple of the price. In contrast to the plainer L-7, the L-12 features all gold hardware, and a full sunburst front and back, including the sides and top of the peghead. This stunning example is one of the very first to bear the A-series label, and one of the last to be graced with the prewar 'fat script' Gibson headstock logo.
This spectacular guitar has been maintained in breathtaking condition, with its original lustrous Cremona sunburst finish showing no cracks or repairs, excellent neck angle and bridge height, and all original multi-ply binding tight to the body. With only a few random lacquer nicks to show for almost eight decades of age, the body is graced with an exceptionally handsome figured body, carved of striking bubble (or blister) maple, a rare and eye-catching variety seldom seen after WWII.
The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard has smooth, low action over fine original fretwork, and the neck profile is a gentle full C, nice and solid in the hand. The parallel braced soundboard is clear and powerful, with an appealing depth and woodiness, and at just 5lb. 13oz. the guitar is notably lightweight and well balanced, on the lap or the strap. With its original gold tailpiece and compensated rosewood bridge in place, the guitar has been fitted with vintage correct gold single ring tuners, and a lovely bound tortoise pickguard, with the original included in the case.
All nestled in its original deluxe brown faux alligator Lifton hardshell case: an outstanding example of a very rare bird, in time capsule condition. Our first one in years, an a true best buy: one only, call now.
Setup: The frets have been precision leveled, recrowned and polished as required; trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation strobe tuned; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge radius inspected and recurved as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.
This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" 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.
