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1959 Gibson L-5C
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Serial #: A-29126, orange oval label. FON#: T5283-9
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 spruce top; full-depth handcarved solid flame maple back and sides; fiddleback maple 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: Original hardware includes engraved gold tailpiece with deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge. Vintage correct 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard.
Notes: Introduced in 1923, the Gibson L-5 was the first commercially produced archtop guitar. Almost 90 years later, it remains the most renowned archtop guitar of all time. Designed by Lloyd Loar himself, the L-5 was the guitar that D'Angelico copied, that Eddie Lang brought to fame, and players from Wes Montgomery to Julian Lage have carried to glory.
One of just 33 of its type produced in this year, the instrument has been maintained in superb condition, with all original gold hardware, including the engraved art deco tailpiece and Kluson Sealfast tuners. At just 6lb. 7oz, the instrument is much lighter than current examples, with a clear open acoustic voice and excellent projection. The guitar is free of pick, thumb, buckle and fingerboard wear, with a deep Cremona sunburst finish showing only some normal scattered checking and a few random lacquer nicks. The carved maple back is imbued with lovely flame figure, and the neck is constructed of tight curly maple of stunning intensity.
An acoustic marvel, the instrument has a simply extraordinary voice, with brilliant clarity, warmth and resonance, and exceptional projection. Remarkably, the guitar appears never to have had a pickup installed at any time in its long career. The factory order number shows that work on this guitar began in 1958, and the neck has the fine, full profile of the legendary '50s Gibsons. With smooth low action over fine high medium fretwork, the guitar plays effortlessly with a fresh high-precision setup. Even the original brown Lifton case is still in remarkable condition. An exceptionally fine example of Gibson's classic jazz guitar, and an unbeatable combination of vintage tone and modern playability.
With vibrant tone to match its stunning looks, this classic Gibson is just as good as they come. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound 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 brown Gibson Lifton deluxe arched plushlined hardshell case.
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