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1939 Gibson L-50
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SN#: EG-7270, stamped on peghead
Body size at lower bout: 14 3/4" Body depth: 3 1/4" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16"
Finish: Original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type
Materials: Hand carved solid spruce top; solid flame maple back and sides; one-piece mahogany neck; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, single-bound body, ebony nut.
Hardware: 100% original nickel hardware includes nickel three-on-a-plate open back tuners, raised-diamond trapeze tailpiece, contoured red swirl tortoise celluloid pickguard, adjustable compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge, adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Gibson's most popular archtop model, the L-50 was introduced in 1932. Its 14 3/4" body was upsized to 16" in 1935, and this perennial favorite remained in the catalog until 1971. With its compact body and 24 3/4" scale, the L-50 retained the same dimensions as the original Loar-era L-5, and its solid carved soundboard put it a cut above the laminate mass market archtops of the time.
Unlike postwar examples with laminate backs, this fine prewar guitar was built with a solid carved back of highly figured tiger maple, finished in a deep walnut stain. Well played and well loved, this veteran performer has a solid carved spruce soundboard of exceptionally fine grain, solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and a one-piece mahogany neck worn velvet smooth from years of play. All-original hardware includes the contoured tortoise pickguard, nickel trapeze tailpiece, open back tuners, adjustable truss rod, ebony and adjustable compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge.
Carefully maintained, the guitar is remarkably free of cracks or pick wear, showing scattered lacquer nicks mostly confined to the nicely arched back. Some well seasoned lacquer is visible on the peghead, and the top centerseam has been soundly resealed under the tailpiece. The fingerboard has smooth low action with a fresh high-precision setup over fine medium fretwork, and a comfy, gently rounded medium C profile neck.
Weighing in at a mere 4lb. 10oz, the guitar is a delight to hold, and elegantly balanced. With the fine, warm voice of a classic big band trouper, the guitar has excellent focus and rich natural reverb. An outstanding example, and unbeatable value, in a true prewar Gibson classic. One only: call now.
Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted as required; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; 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; bridgewheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.
This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel 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: Deluxe arched black plush lined hardshell case.
