1970-2 Gibson L-5CN

20/12/12 c.
1970-2 Gibson L-5CN
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archtop.com
c. 1970-2 Gibson L-5CN
Price and Status: For pricing
and hold status of this instrument,
please check here. If this
instrument does not appear on the
Instruments page it has been
sold. To be notified of examples
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Serial #: 966424, Kalamazoo

label
Body size at lower bout: 17",

Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1
11/16"
Finish: Amber blonde finish,

nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Solid bookmatched

handcarved fine grain Sitka
spruce top; full-depth handcarved
solid rock maple back and sides;
tiger flame maple neck with
walnut centerstripes; solid ebony
fingerboard with block mother of
pearl inlays; abalone torch and
headstock logo; 5-ply body and
neck binding; bound f-holes; solid
bone nut.
Hardware: Original hardware includes engraved gold tailpiece with deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners,
compensated adjustable ebony bridge with inlaid foot. Vintage correct bound tortoise pickguard.
Notes: Introduced in 1923, the Gibson L-5 was the first commercially produced archtop guitar. Almost 80
years later, it remains the most renowned archtop guitar of all time. Designed by Lloyd Loar himself, the L-5
was the guitar that D'Angelico copied, that Eddie Lang brought to fame, and players from Wes Montgomery
to Mark Whitfield carried to glory. This example represents the rarest, and for many players, most desirable
configuration of this august instrument. It has a cutaway. It is an acoustic model, with a hand graduated,
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20/12/12 c. 1970-2 Gibson L-5CN
bookmatched fine grain solid spruce top. And finally, it is blonde. Very blonde indeed. With a lovely honey
colord finish gently ambered over almost a quarter century.
It is also an exceedingly scarce item. Given their legendary status, it is always surprising to discover just how
few acoustic L-5 models were produced in any given year. This example was one of only 14 total made
between 1970 and '72, which is as close as Gibson's serial numbers allow us to date this beauty. Sold
originally at Draper's Music Center in Palo Alto, CA (whose sticker still graces the inside) this beauty would
have to be one of the very finest specimens of its era. Devoid of pickwear, thumbwear, bucklewear and even
fretwear, the instrument shows every sign of having reclined in the comfort of its plush case since it left
Kalamazoo some four decades ago.
It's never been bothered with a pickup. There is no finish checking to be seen. The deep gold plating on the
tailpiece and tuners still shines like a dime. (Gibson apparently used substantially thicker plating back then.)
Apart from a few almost microscopic lacquer nicks, the guitar appears virtually in new old stock condition.
(Obsessive collector types please note: if this gleaming guitar isn't clean enough for you, we'll be delighted to
order you a brand new one.)
Smooth low action over freshly dressed original medium jumbo frets, on a gentle D profile neck that sits
effortlessly in the hand. Despite its cloistered existence, this guitar has an unusually clear, lively voice, with
excellent projection, balance and natural reverb, presumably due to the notably well graduated soundboard.
This stunning instrument remains nestled in its original black Gibson logo plush hardshell case with the deep
purple plush lining. And yes, it's every bit as pretty as the guitar itself.
Direct from the Wayback Machine. To you. Call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings (.013-.056). The guitar will
accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64"
at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or
raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original black Gibson logo plush hardshell case.
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20/12/12 c. 1970-2 Gibson L-5CN
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20/12/12 c. 1970-2 Gibson L-5CN
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1970-2 Gibson L-5CN

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20/12/12 c.

1970-2 Gibson L-5CN

Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends

Serial #: 966424, Kalamazoo

Body size at lower bout: 17",

Finish: Amber blonde finish,

Materials: Solid bookmatched

Direct from the Wayback Machine. To you. Call now.

Case: Original black Gibson logo plush hardshell case.

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