Gibson L-50 c 1946
Gibson L-50 c 1946 | $1350 | (vbg #1955) | A nice players instrument of a popular, and iconic, Gibson archtop acoustic guitar. Solid maple back and sides, carved spruce top, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, mahogany neck, bound top and back, functioning truss rod, and retains its original pick guard and tuners! A great value and work-horse guitar then, and a great value and work-horse guitar now.
We date this instrument to 1946 or 1947 since those are the only years Gibson used the script 'Gibson' logo. There is no evident FON number.
The body measures 16 1/8" across at the lower bout. Scale length is 24 1/2". The fingerboard measures 1 3/4" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2" at the saddle.
The guitar was heavily played throughout its time, as evidenced by overall nicks and dings, and replacement frets in the first position. But the finish still shines (with some common checking) and the structural integrity is solid. The lower area of the top seam was open and glued. The bridge appears to be a replacement, as are the plastic tuner buttons.
With its comfortable neck and low action the guitar plays easily. The sound is surprisingly good, with prominent archtop 'nasal' tones and strong projection especially when pushed with a pick.
Comes with a newer soft case in excellent condition.
Check the sound clip.
Cash, checks, PayPal, money orders or bank wire. We don't accept credit cards at this point.
We ship usually within a day of payment. International customers, we are not CITES certified. Any guitar with CITES-protected materials (Brazilian rosewood, ivory et al) shipped outside the US will be shipped at the risk of the buyer.
Forty-eight hour test drive on all instruments..if not to your liking, return for refund minus shipping costs.