There are guitars that look good as wall decorations, while others beg to be played. This 1957 L5 certainly belongs to the latter category; a true player that has already gained more than enough experience.

The Gibson L5 is one of the highlights of Gibson's archtop range. Upon its introduction in 1922, the L5 was Gibson's top model until it was replaced by the Super 400. It is not only the predecessor of the Super 400 but also a source of inspiration for many other archtops. A true legend, indeed! As mentioned, this 17” wide L5 is a true player, and the guitar has undergone multiple repairs. For instance, we find several repaired cracks on the top and shoulders, and the finish has also been touched up in several places. The bindings on vintage guitars are often prone to cracking due to material shrinkage, and this is the case with this guitar as well.

Additionally, the guitar is equipped with a Kent Armstrong humbucker, for which volume and tone potentiometers are mounted on the raised pickguard. A refret was also performed at some point, and it is evident that a different pickup was once attached to the neck. The tailpiece, bridge, pickguard, and tuning machines, however, are completely original. All of this gives this guitar—with its signs of play and weather checking—the genuine, weathered look that makes a vintage Gibson so beloved!

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.

Consignment.