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1964 Gibson L-5C
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Serial #: 67134, orange oval label
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 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. Gibson compensated adjustable 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 Mark Whitfield carried to glory.
One of just 23 L-5C models made in its production year, the instrument is a very lightweight example, just 5lb. 12oz, with clear open voice and excellent projection. A well kept example, this guitar is largely free of pick, thumb, buckle and fingerboard wear, and shows just a few random nicks in the gleaming sunburst finish. Even the sort of typical checking one expects over half a century of age is minimal. The carved maple back is imbued with deep vertical rollers of flame, and the neck is constructed of tiger flame maple of stunning intensity.
The guitar has spent its career in the New York area, and the last owner has indicated that the neck was once oversprayed at D'Angelico's shop (presumably by Jimmy D'Aquisto), an assertion supported by the presence of an original D'Angelico bridge that accompanied the guitar. (If any repair was made to the neck at that time, we cannot visually locate it, despite close and repeated examination.) The neck has smooth low action over fresh pro frets, and an exceptionally comfy profile, with great acoustic volume and the deep warm voice of a well-played soundboard.
An exceptionally fine example of Gibson's classic jazz guitar, and an unbeatable combination of playability and collectabilty alike.
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: Brown Gibson plush hardshell case.
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