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1975 Gibson L-5C

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Serial #: 551330, Kalamazoo label

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16"

Finish: Sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain Sitka spruce top; full-depth handcarved solid tiger maple body and neck with walnut centerstripes; solid ebony fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlays; abalone torch and headstock logo; 5-ply body and neck binding; bound f-holes.

Hardware: 100% original hardware includes engraved gold tailpiece with deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable ebony bridge with inlaid feet, bound tortoise pickguard.

Notes: Introduced in 1923, the Gibson L-5 was the first commercially produced modern archtop guitar. Almost a century later, it remains the most renowned guitar of its type ever made. Designed by Lloyd Loar, Gibson's top acoustic engineer, the L-5 was the guitar that D'Angelico copied, that Eddie Lang brought to fame, and players from Wes Montgomery to Julian Lage carried to glory. This example represents what is for many players the most desirable configuration of this august instrument. It has a cutaway. It is an acoustic model, with a hand graduated, bookmatched fine grain solid spruce top.

It is also an exceedingly scarce item. Given their legendary status, it is always surprising to discover just how few acoustic L-5 guitars were produced in this era; this example is one of only 40 crafted in its model year. And this beauty would have to be one of the very finest specimens of its time. Devoid of pickwear, thumbwear, bucklewear and even fretwear, the instrument shows every sign of having reclined in the comfort of its plush case since it left Kalamazoo during the very first season of Saturday Night Live.

Preserved in immaculate shape, this one-owner guitar shows all-original finish absent even the normal checking almost universal in guitars its age. With no cracks or repairs, the guitar is also fitted with some of the last factory original Kluson Sealfast tuners, the industry standard since the early 1940's, along with its original bound tortoise pickguard, seldom seen in such fine condition. Best of all, the instrument is crafted with a body of gorgeous deeply figured tiger maple, a positive rarity for examples from this era. Apart from a bit of fogging on the plating, and some chips in the pickguard binding, this gleaming guitar is in virtually showroom condition, with the wonderful bonus of tonewood now aged for over four decades.

At just 6lb 4oz, this guitar is distinctly lighter than new factory models, and has a fine clear, open voice, with excellent projection. Smooth low action with a fresh high-precsion setup, on an easy D profile neck that glides effortlessly through the hand. This stunning instrument remains nestled in its original Gibson logo plush hardshell case, every bit as pretty as the guitar itself. Few modern builders can give you wood this old, at any price. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings (.013-.056). 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.

Case: Original deluxe arched Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case.

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