Description: This L-5 has a factory order number that dates it to 1944 with a serial number that could fall in late 1944 or early 1945, making this one of the last of the war era examples of Gibsons top tier 17-inch noncutaway archtop guitar. This guitar has been maintained in very good condition during all of the subsequent years remaining completely free of cracks or breaks. The neck is the typical 3-ply figured maple with ebony fretboard which is adorned with block inlays. The back and sides are made of highly desireable blister (bubble) maple. The top is of the highest grade spruce, and it appears to be consistent with Adirondack spruce to my eye. The guitar is mostly original with original finish. The hardware appears original, except for a slightly later Gibson two-footed rosewood bridge and an endpin that was replaced with a more modern metal strap button. The guitar was also professionally refretted at some point. All else appears to be orignal to the guitar. The finish shows some minor wear with light checking and a small area with some flaking on the top, upper bout, treble side (see photo). However, the finish is in otherwise very nice condition for an 80 year old guitar. There are small screw hole on the bass side of the fretboard overhang where a DeArmond floating pickup appears to have been installed and the pickguard shows a cutout area of biniding which is also consistent with a DeArmond installation, as well as a hole consistent with a DeArmond control box installation. There are two other small holes in the pickguard of unknown use. The neck has the full C-shaped carve typical of 1940s Gibsons. The guitar plays beautifully with action set on the lower side for an acoustic archtop. Even at this setting, the voice is full and punchy with remarkably even tone throughout all registers. This is definitely one of those archtops that could perform exceptionally well in a band setting or doing solo pieces, as well as anything in between. There is a ground wire on the inside running to the tailpiece, and the guitar could easily have a floating pickup added again if desired. Weight - 6.6 pounds Nut width - 1.76 inches 1st fret depth - 0.89 inches 10th fret depth - 1.03 inches The guitar comes with a 1970-1980s era Gibson case which works fairly well, but has one latch that has a tendency to pop open. Also, some of the lid trim has come loose and is missing. I could likely find a more functional case if desired, although an additional charge may be required. Ships free in the United States, and for reasonable rates worldwide.
Price: 8999 USD
Location: Piedmont, South Carolina
End Time: 2025-01-15T22:26:15.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Gibson
Handedness: Right-Handed
Type: Acoustic Guitar
Body Type: Archtop
String Configuration: 6 String
Body Color: Sunburst
Model: Gibson L-5
