Gibson L-5N Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1949), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, natural lacquer finish, Burled maple back, sides and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This lovely just-postwar Gibson is one of only 17 blonde L-5s shipped in 1949, and despite some visible signs of use, remains nicely original and well preserved. The headstock still features the old 1930's script logo that had recently been discontinued by Gibson, replaced by the then-new, now-familiar block logo. This may simply have been one of the very last of the old pre-WWII headstock veneers getting used up!
The tuners are gold-plated Kluson Sealfasts with translucent celluloid "keystone" buttons, a feature in place since 1940. The multi-bound, pearl-block inlaid fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood, a feature seen on L-5s only from this specific time around 1948-9 when Gibson suffered a shortage of ebony. The multi-bound top features a natural finish that has aged nicely to a lovely amber hue. In this period the L-5 was second to the 18" Super 400 in Gibson's line, but many players still preferred the 17" body and it was always a top professional choice.
This is a splendid example of a late swing-era L-5, an excellent playing and sounding guitar and simply as classy-looking as it gets.
Overall length is 41 3/4 in. (106 cm.), 17 in. (43.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This guitar remains in fine playing condition with no major repair or alteration.
There is even checking to most of the top finish and a number of dings and scrapes, most notably under the strings near the fingerboard. Overall the finish shows moderate wear, but no major loss or damage. The gold plating on the tailpiece -- and especially the silver-plated center insert -- shows some wear, and the unit appears to have been lacquered over long ago to help with preservation. The frets show some light wear but are still quite functional.
This guitar has a big, incisive sound with plenty of warmth underneath -- a true swing classic. Includes a lovely correct postwar case. Excellent - Condition.
