{"product_id":"gibson-l-5-arch-top-acoustic-guitar-1936-3547","title":"Gibson L-5 Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1936)","description":"Gibson L-5 Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1936), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst lacquer finish, maple body and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, original tweed hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA spectacular early \"Advanced\" L-5 from the mid-1930's, in extremely fine condition. In late 1934, Gibson upgraded their entire archtop guitar line. While the L-5 was supplanted at the very top by the new 18\" Super 400, it was still the company's signature instrument. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe newer 17\" wide L-5 was bigger, fancier, and smoother-sounding than the original 16\" version and became the keynote guitar for swing-era big band players, as well as soloists like Dick McDonough and Carl Kress. This is a surprisingly hard-to-find guitar, and here is an extremely fine example.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSurviving data indicates that very few L-5's were produced in 1936...only 19 17\" L-5's are listed as having shipped that year. While the records may well be incomplete, this does suggest that these guitars are far rarer than generally thought. This L-5 has a serial number dating to mid-late 1936 by most reckoning, and the guitar has some transitional features making for an unusual combination. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe top is parallel braced; in general, early advanced guitars in this period are \"X\" braced, with the occasional rare exception like this one. The f-holes are the larger pattern introduced around this time, but unbound like the earlier smaller style. Tuners are the early style open-back gold plated Grovers, while the tailpiece is the second pattern, hinged at the base but with the contrasting silver-plated insert. Typical L-5 appointments abound, including multiple binding everywhere, pearl flowerpot inlay, prewar script Gibson logo, wide bell truss rod cover, and pearl block position marks. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis L-5 has seen some serious play but remains in excellent shape. The neck is slimmer than many, with just the slightest hint of a \"V\" profile at the lower frets. There is very little pick or buckle wear and the guitar has obviously been well cared for over the last 70 years. Almost any style of play brings forth a big, powerful sound from this most impressive guitar.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 42 1\/2 in. (108 cm.), 17 1\/16 in. (43.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3\/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1\/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/8 in. (41 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll original except for frets; some light playwear, mostly to the back of the neck, but overall extremely well-preserved for an instrument from this era. Original tweed red-striped case shows wear to the \"Aeroplane cloth\" fabric covering, but is also in excellent shape. Overall Excellent Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853241405580,"sku":"3547","price":7800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_609fa7d3-9147-4e35-b25e-7abb159d3bae.jpg?v=1774332078","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/gibson-l-5-arch-top-acoustic-guitar-1936-3547","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}