Originally built by legendary Gibson luthier, Lloyd Loar, the Gibson L-5 is an extremely collectible acoustic archtop. The earliest L-5s are the most prized, but later examples like those from the '50s are still very highly regarded instruments. The L-5 C was introduced as the L-5 P as a cutaway version of the L-5. The name was switched to L-5 C in 1948.  

Years of Production: 1948 - 1969

Body Style: Archtop acoustic, single cutaway

Design Elements: F-holes, bound elevated pickguard, bound fingerboard, block inlays

Notable Players: Maybelle Carter, Lee Ritenour, Wes Montgomery