Gibson L-5C Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1957), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # A-25501, sunburst lacquer finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original brown hard shell case.
This is a played-in but still nicely well-preserved nearly 70 year old L-5C, obviously used but very well cared for along the way. Although these instruments represents the epitome of Gibson's carved-top heritage by the later 1950s these full-body, acoustic arch top guitars were being made only in limited numbers. All of 16 sunburst L-5C models left the factory in 1957, out of less than 200 shipped over the entire decade. The list price that year was $500, plus $52.50 for the "Faultless" brown plush-lined case; the player who bought this guitar saved $10 by selecting the slightly less expensive flannel-lined version that set him back only $42.50. This guitar has no visible evidence of a pickup added, the only alteration to the instrument is a more recent hand-carved ebony bridge; the original Gibson rosewood piece is in the case.
The top is carved from superbly tight-grained spruce, while the back is subtly figured but also very tight grained flame maple. The traditional multiple W/B/W celluloid bindings are on every edge, and the headstock bears the L-5 pearl "flowerpot" inlay that has always marked this model. The engraved gold-and-silver L-5 tailpiece and gold Kluson Sealfast tuners are other trademark features. The finish is a beautifully dark shaded sunburst lacquer with a particularly old fashioned, almost "Cremona Brown" character on this one.
The 3-piece laminated maple neck has a lovely round-backed feel, substantial feeling but slimmer than some and quite comfortable. This splendid L-5C plays effortlessly with the absolutely classic Gibson archtop sound, deeper and richer than many while still packing plenty of volume. This is simply a lovely example of a 1950's cutaway L-5, played and loved for generations.
Overall length is 41 7/8 in. (106.4 cm.), 17 in. (43.2 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 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This guitar shows some general wear but is mostly clean overall, with some scattered dings and dents (mostly to the top) but the only really notable play wear is to the back of the neck, which is fairly well worn down to the wood along much of its length, evidence of a lot of play time. The body finish looks to have been lightly buffed out along the way; the only notable added finish is some light touchup above the rear ball of the upper F-hole; it looks like there was a scratch there that was filled in but no crack is visible internally. There is some minor armwear in this spot up to the edge as well.
The back/side edge looks to have been cleanly resealed in a few spots down by the tailpiece, and the center seam on the neck heel has been resealed as well. The tuners, tailpiece and pickguard bracket are original with some typical plating wear; the pickguard itself is a perfectly crafted exact repro. The adjustable bridge is a later carved ebony piece more in the D'Angelico style; the original rosewood Gibson bridge is in the case pocket and can be easily re-installed if desired.
The neck has been neatly reset, with some minimal finish work around the heel and fingerboard extension. The guitar was expertly refretted with period appropriate wire; there is some light divoting to the fingerboard in the lower positions. This L-5 plays wonderfully, with a powerful well-rounded but still crisp sound, really one of the best '50s examples we have heard. It is simply a great example of the final generations of the highest-grade acoustic carved guitars from Kalamazoo. It is still housed in the original brown hardshell case, with some external wear and tape but still solid, a true classic of its type. Overall Very Good + Condition.
