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1968 Gibson L-5C
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Serial #: 896138, orange 'Union Made' label
Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 19/32" Neck depth: .82/.98, 1st/10th frets
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; full-depth handcarved solid flame maple back, sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlays; abalone torch and headstock logo; 5-ply body and neck binding; bound f-holes.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes engraved tailpiece with deco insert, Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge. Vintage correct 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard installed.
Notes: By the time this handsome instrument left the factory in Gibson's last pre-Norlin years, acoustic archtops had become an anachronism, with production just a fraction of the newly popular electric L-5CES. One of a mere 36 acoustic L-5C models produced in its model year, this guitar is carved of tonewoods of exceptionally fine quality: the bookmatched Sitka spruce soundboard has grain so fine it almost disappears at the centerseam, and the back, sides and neck are crafted of deeply flamed Northern Michigan Bigleaf maple of spectacular depth and intensity.
The instrument appears free of cracks or repairs, with all original Cremona sunburst finish, which shows some light normal playwear, mostly confined to the cutaway horn, and the top near the bass f-hole. The engraved art deco Varitone tailpiece shows some age tarnish in the plating, and the headstock is fitted with genuine Kluson Sealfast tuners, long unavailable at any price.
Gibson models of this era are renowned for their slim, elegant neck profiles, and this one is no exception, with effortless action over a fresh high precision setup. At just 5lb. 15oz, the instrument is extraordinarily light in weight, with a warm, vibrant voice with excellent clarity and balance. All acoustic, there is no sign of a floating pickup ever having been attached to the neck, quite a rarity for this model in any vintage.
Lightweight, gorgeous, and effortlessly playable: an outstanding example of true 60's Gibson craftsmanship at its very finest. One only: call now.
Case: Original black Gibson arched plush lined hardshell case.
Setup: 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 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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