1946 Gibson L-5 Sunburst

EDIT FOR RELISTING:

While we've had this guitar for some time, we have become aware that this guitar has had a headstock repair at some point in its life. Some area luthiers have noted that the repair seems to be a professional repair done early on in the guitars life. The repair was also clear coated in nitro and was matched with the existing finish. They concluded, though we can't know for certain, that it most likely was done by Gibson based on the quality and the age of the repair. It is incredibly hard to see with the naked eye without the use of a blacklight tool and near darkness. We have adjusted the value of the guitar based on other similar Gibsons of the era with headstock repairs.

1946 Gibson L5

Serial #: 99687

George was an amazing friend and customer to our shop. He had been coming to our shop for more than 12 years and was like the shop's second dad; always elated to show us the newest guitar to his collection. He played locally around the Salem area in a jazz group, and he played exclusively rhythm guitar, in the vein of Freddie Green. Most of these Gibsons were seldom played, and mainly investment pieces. Conditions are almost exactly the same, minus some additional finish checking here or there.

You’re looking at a fabulous 1946 Gibson L5. These are part of the golden age of acoustic Jazz guitars. This particular model was made in a period of around 1945-1949 where Gibson used rosewood instead of ebony for the fingerboards. This model also has an interesting figured maple back and sides. It is somewhat quilted and has hints of birdseye in certain spots.

This model also has a solid spruce top in a nicely faded sunburst finish, and a very nice flame maple neck with walnut centerstripe. This L5 still has its original Kluson Sealfast tuners with the tulip keys and original Brazilian rosewood bridge with the L5 tailpiece. This is one of the last few pre-A serial number models, as Gibson switched the way they do the serial numbers in 1947.

Despite being roughly 75 years old, the guitar is holding up very well. It still maintains its original finish, and hardware. The guitar has no breaks or cracks. It does have a handful of nicks and dings. There’s a bigger ding on the lower part of the bass side f-hole. It does not impede sound or playability. There are a few dings on the treble side upper bout as well. The binding has aged a nice yellow color and the finish has a decent amount of beautiful checking on the front, back and sides.

Frets are narrow and are super low. We might recommend a refret if this is to be a main guitar, or you plan on heavy use. There is hardly any buzzing, even though the frets are low. We liken it to somewhat of a “fretless wonder” even though they are different animals entirely!

The nice script Gibson logo and the flower pot inlays are in great shape, and show no signs of wear. The seam on the back of the body is in great shape, but you can start to feel where the two pieces meet. It does not impact the sound or playability, and it is structurally sound. The bottom strap button has been replaced due to the age and condition of the previous button.

The guitar will ship in a custom Cedar Creek hard case. The case does show some sign of gassing from a pickguard. We're not entirely sure if the pickguard on the guitar is the original one or not. We're under the impression that it is the original, but can't 100% confirm it. 

Huge thanks to Hailey and Aubrey at the Grand Theater in downtown Salem, OR for letting us use their space to take pictures!

Huge thanks to the amazing Tim Lerch for demoing a few of these guitars for us! These pieces are available to play and purchase at our Keizer, Oregon showroom.

Other Notes/Specs:

• 17” Wide body at lower bout

• 25.4” Scale

• 1 11/16” Nut Width

• Solid Spruce Top

• Solid Maple Back & Sides

• Strung w/Daddario Phosphor Bronze .13s

• Will include pickguard (unkown if original)