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1931 Gibson L-5

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Serial #: 87568, white oval label. Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 1/2" Nut Width: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .93/1.07, 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; mother of pearl script peghead logo and torch peghead inlay; pearloid fingerboard inlays; triple bound fingerboard, body, peghead and pickguard, solid bone nut.

Hardware: Original gold hardware includes Grover Pat. Applied For G-98 Sta-Tite tuners, trapeze tailpiece Pat. stamped July 19, 1910, Compensated adjustable ebony bridge with matching serial number. Bound tortoise pickguard, Pat. stamped March 30, 09.

Notes: 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 approaching its centennial, the L-5 remains the most celebrated and influential jazz guitar of all time.

This remarkable guitar, with serial # 87568, would previously have been dated to 1929, but is now more accurately placed to 1931, according to the authoritative Spann's Guide. A rare transitional model, this handsome guitar is an early 19 fret model, with inlays of figured pearloid. (An example of these early L-5 block inlays may be seen here.)

Distinctive features of this instrument are its highly desirable solid carved braces, widely prized for their superior tone, and its thin script 'The Gibson" logo, which is positioned unusually close to the top of the peghead. And on the back of the peghead, a sticker is affixed from the Oahu Publishing Company, one of the largest prewar distributors of guitar instruction materials and related instruments.

The instrument shows vivid bookmatched fiddleback maple in the back, sides and neck. Well maintained, the instrument shows some fine smooth thumbwear along the neck, a clue to a long professional career, and some scattered pick marks in its original deep Cremona lacquer finish, now with some spot hand vintage lacquer touchup, but no overspray or refinish. The trapeze tailpiece retains its patent stamp, and the serial # for the instrument is inscribed on the foot of the original ebony bridge. The original binding is all tight to the body, the neck angle and bridge height are both excellent, with ample clearance to be lowered or raised.

Weighing in at just over 5 lb. even, the guitar is notably 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 traditional full V profile neck. The voice is clear as spring water: brilliant and shimmery in the top end, and open and resonant in the mids and lows. With fine pro fretwork, the instrument has exceptional power and projection throughout the range: a true horn killer.

A special plus, the guitar is supplied with an original DeArmond 1100 Adjustable Rhythm Chief pickup, with long mounting rod and control box. In addition, it is fitted for safe transport in a recent premium ATA certified Calton flight grade fitted fiberglass hardshell case.

With a unique combination of power and refinement, these guitars have been widely imitated, but never improved. A rare find from Gibson's greatest era: one only, call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; frets leveled, crowned and dressed; 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 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.