Brand: Gibson
Instrument Categories: Archtop, Guitars, SOLD
First appearing in 1932, the Gibson L-50 archtop acoustic guitar was aimed at the quality entry level market, with a solid top and laminated back and sides. The body 16 inch body is comfortable to hold and play, but doesn’t provide the raw power and volume of the monster 17 inch L-5’s and L-7’s. Unlike the higher end archtops, the L-50 uses the same type of neck joint as an acoustic flat-top, so the upper end of the fingerboard is on the body rather than raised. This increases the neck angle to allow for bridge height.
This example dates to 1966 and is in good playing condition. The finish is in good original condition with some expected play wear. The original Kluson tuners were replaced with Schaller sealed tuners and the tailpiece is a replacement; the bridge itself is original. The frets are original, and are low and somewhat uneven yet the guitar plays pretty well all round. The L-50 stamp is visible though fading through the bass soundhole; through the treble soundhole ‘John Spencer’ wrote his name long ago. The original pickguard is long gone, but where it was, you can clearly see the way Gibson finishes fade in response to light over time.
An older, non-original case is included. The original case for guitars of this type would likely have been fibre (cardboard) with a faux hide finish, and those cases seldom pass the test of time.
This is a very fun guitar to play. It does play well, has a comfortable body size and neck, and it’s loud enough but not overwhelming. The tone is warm yet brilliant.
- Model: L-50
- Year: 1966
- Finish Sunburst
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: 8510087, built during 1966 at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 05/10/2017
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Including Hard case
