1956 Gibson L-48 Sunburst w/ Original Lifton Case

Gibson L-48 1956 Archtop Acoustic | $1375 | (#2013) This is a solid example of Gibson's workhorse L-48 archtop acoustic guitar. Even though an 'entry level' instrument, it was aimed at the pro or semi-pro player and features both quality materials and workmanship. The L-48 was produced from 1946 through 1971, and went through a few changes in that span. This particular example is stamped with the model number, L-48, and the factory order number (FON), V5840 20, with the 'V' indicating the year of manufacture, which is 1956.

The L-48 was built with various combinations of maple, mahogany and spruce body components over its run. This particular example has laminated mahogany top and sides, and a laminated maple back. The wheel-adjustable bridge/saddle is Brazilian rosewood. The body features white celluloid top and back binding, a trapeze tailpiece, and a faux-tortoise pick guard. The neck is mahogany carved in a modern 'C' shape with an adjustable truss rod, topped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard which features pearl dot position markers and white side markers. The tuners are enclosed Kluson DeLuxe.

The body measures 16 1/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is 24 3/4". The neck is 1 11/16" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2" across at the saddle. The action is set at 5 & 6/64", and can be adjusted to playing style with the bridge adjusting wheels.

The guitar appears all original and seems to have had no prior repairs. We replaced the crusted, off-gassed tuner buttons (typical for this era) with exact replicas. The frets were leveled and dressed. The end pin might be a replacement. There are nicks and dings from play wear, but no body cracks, and good frets and no finger board divots. Very good ++ condition. The tuners show a touch of oxidation but function well.

With low action, the guitar plays with ease, and is one of the nicest sounding L-48/50s we've owned. It has the archtop punch and brightness, but we were pleasantly surprised with the warmth and power of the bass.

As an added bonus, this guitar comes with what was likely its original gray Lifton hard case in very good, clean condition!