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1963 Gibson L-5C

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Serial #: 62128, orange oval label

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 10/16"

Finish: Sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; full-depth handcarved solid maple back and sides with Venetian cutaway; tiger flame 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; solid bone nut.

Hardware: Original hardware includes engraved gold tailpiece with deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable Brazilian rosewood bridge, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard. Kent Armstrong floating 2D Ultraslim pickup, thumbwheel volume and tone controls, endpin jack.

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 Mark Whitfield carried to glory.

One of just 41 L-5C models made in its production year, the instrument has been maintained in immaculate 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 which appears to factory applied many decades ago, and showing virtually no checking of any kind. The carved maple back is imbued with deep vertical rollers of flame, and the neck is constructed of tiger maple of stunning intensity.

Gibson of this vintage are known for their slim, elegant necks, and this guitar is no exception, with smooth low action over fine original medium jumbo fretwork, and an exceptionally comfy D profile neck. Even the original brown Lifton case has been lovingly preserved in its original Gibson leather trimmed canvas case cover, still in remarkable condition. An exceptionally fine example of Gibson's classic jazz guitar, and an unbeatable combination of vintage tone and modern playability.

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 5/64" to 6/64" 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, with original zippered cover.

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