Product Description
The serial number (86811) puts this L-5 into late 1928, which ties in with the time-line of Gibson's construction, still with the smaller braces and more modern neck shape. We consider this the best year for these marvelous guitars, and these sixteen inch L-5s are possibly the best of all of Gibsons archtops. They are also the first f-hole guitar, a product of the creative genius of Orville Gibson and Lloyd Loar. This L-5 is a beautiful example, with very little wear and no alterations to its original state. The tuners are custom replacements from Waverly with pearl buttons like the originals, which are in the case; tuners from the 1920s are often beautiful works of art but mechanically barely useable. There is a repaired hairline crack running from the bridge to the purfling a half inch from the center seam and a finish break along the back seam and a strap button in the heel cap. The bridge is not original and it could benifit with a more original style one; this one is rosewood and has the strings too narrowly. Otherwise this is one of the more beautiful examples, with flame maple and Gibson's gorgeous sunburst finish. The neck is a bit full, but it's the nice, smooth feeling C shape. Tonally, This is a clear toned, sweet sounding box, an excellent fingerstyle instrument as well as all the other styles for which one would use an archtop guitar.
