{"product_id":"gibson-l-5-arch-top-acoustic-guitar-1936-6493","title":"Gibson L-5 Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1936)","description":"Gibson L-5 Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1936), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 93222, sunburst lacquer finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; maple neck with ebony fingerboard, brown tolex hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an extremely well preserved and very good sounding early \"Advanced\" L-5 from the mid-1930's. Beginning 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. The 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. Despite its renown, these are a rather hard-to-find guitar for such a well-known instrument.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSurviving data indicates that surprisingly few L-5's were produced in 1936�only 19 17\" L-5's are listed as having shipped that year, but with a substantial upkick in 1937. 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. The top is X braced, which was a new development at the time, but the scale length is the old Gibson standard 24 3\/4\", extended to 25 1\/2\" the next year. The unbound \"F\" holes earlier smaller style; they would become larger and fancire soon enough. The tailpiece is the earlier open pattern, hinged at the base with a beautifully engraved \"L-5\" logo near the joint. Other typical L-5 period appointments abound include multiple binding everywhere, pearl flowerpot inlay and prewar script Gibson logo, wide bell truss rod cover and pearl block position marks. This L-5 has seen less play than many and no major repair, and remains a very fine player. The neck is slimmer than some, with just the slightest hint of a \"V\" profile at the lower frets. Just about any style of play on this superb looking and sounding guitar brings forth a big powerful sound with plenty of character .\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 42 in. (106.7 cm.), 17 in. (43.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 5\/16 in. (8.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3\/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3\/4 in. (44 mm.). This lovely L-5 has survived in spectacular condition with only a couple of small alterations-the tuners have been changed fron the original openback Grovers to modern Kluson Deluxe re-issues and there is likely some overspray to the headstock rear only. Everything else is original except the bound celluloid pickguard and bracket which are correct modern reproductions-there is a small extra screw hole by bracket base. There is what we call a \"D'Angelico strap button' installed on the bass side of the heel (an eyehook). While there is no proof of his involvement the installation is done exactly the way John used to do it, with a tiny felt pad between the washer and heelblock. The finish has only minor wear overall -most niotably on the rim by the base-and a few tiny areas of touch-up. There are signs of an old back\/rim seperation near the tailpiece closed up long ago, solid but not perfectly neatly done. This is a wonderful sounding guitar, with both the crispness and depth the best L-5's are known for. Includes a later (1950's) Gibson deluxe brown HSC. Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853012095116,"sku":"6493","price":6750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_c9976722-1ca2-4f80-a031-9234216de145.jpg?v=1774330610","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/gibson-l-5-arch-top-acoustic-guitar-1936-6493","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}