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1947 Gibson L-5
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Serial #: 99668
Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25.4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .90/.100, 1st/10th fret
Materials: Highly figured tiger flame solid bookmatched maple back, sides and neck; handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; five piece flame maple neck with walnut centerstripe; quintuple bound solid ebony fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlay and pointed finial; quintuple bound peghead and body with bound f-holes; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Original Kluson Sealfast tuners with single ring tulip keys; original compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge, original engraved deco L-5 tailpiece. Vintage correct quintuple bound dark tortoise pickguard.
Notes: We know that just after the war Gibson had some extravagantly vivid tiger flame maple to work with, because we've seen wood from this same astounding batch in several other L-5s quite close in serial numbers. And this example has it lavished throughout: in the neck, sides, and the impossibly figured bookmatched back. One of the last guitars with the prewar fat script logo, it's also got one of the very last of the pre-A series serial numbers as well.
With an immaculate Florentine cutaway added, this handsome specimen combines true vintage tone with modern playability, offering easy access to the complete 20 fret ebony fingerboard. The vintage correct true nitro Cremona sunburst finish has been professionally applied in faithful traditional style, and is free of cracks, pick, buckle or thumbwear.
At just 6lb. 9oz. the guitar is nicely lightweight and well balanced, with a warm, throaty voice, and all the bark and projection of the best big band guitars. The neck profile is a classic C, solid but not clubby, and sits in the hand with authority, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. The rare original gold Kluson Sealfast tuners are in fine condition, and art-deco tailpiece is elegantly engraved. With the addition of an carefully crafted correct style bound tortoise pickguard, the guitar is striking to behold indeed.
A rare combination of classic tone and contemporary playability, an ideal instrument for the modern performer. One only: call now.
Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation strobe tuned; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge compensation strobe tuned; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.
This 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.
Case: Deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.
