1968 Gibson L-5C — Sunburst Acoustic Archtop w/ Duneland "Blackpole" Floating Pickup (Bob Palmieri)

Nut width: 1 10/16" (perfect middle ground, not to small and plays insanely easy)

Serial number: 896138

Includes a custom made bridge as well as the original bridge and a custom foam plug for feedback (pictured together) (photo 2)

A breathtaking example of Gibson's flagship archtop, hand-built in Kalamazoo and dressed to the nines. This 1968 L-5C is a single rounded-cutaway, fully carved acoustic archtop finished in a warm tobacco sunburst — and the wood on this one is special. The back, sides, and neck show gorgeous, deep quilted/flame maple that absolutely comes alive in the light (see the photos of the back and neck). It's everything the "Cadillac of archtops" is supposed to be.

Appointments are all top-shelf L-5: bound ebony fingerboard with large pearl block inlays, multi-ply body, neck, and headstock binding, the classic flamed-torch/"Custom" headstock inlay, and gold hardware including the Gibson gold Imperial-style stair-step tuners. The carved spruce top wears a hand-fit rosewood bridge and gold tailpiece.

The standout feature is the amplification: a Duneland "Blackpole" floating pickup, hand-wound by Bob Palmieri, in a brushed-metal cover mounted at the end of the fingerboard with the controls set discreetly into the pickguard. This is the purist's way to electrify an L-5C — the top is completely un-routed and original, so you keep the guitar's full carved-acoustic voice while gaining a warm, woody, articulate amplified jazz tone. Nothing permanent was done to the instrument; the floating setup preserves its originality and value.

Tone is exactly what you'd hope: rich, resonant, and three-dimensional unplugged, and dark, vocal, and beautifully balanced through the Palmieri pickup. A serious player's archtop and a genuine piece of Gibson history.

Details:

• Year: 1968
• Model: Gibson L-5C (rounded acoustic cutaway)
• Finish: Tobacco Sunburst over quilted/flame maple back, sides & neck
• Fingerboard: Bound ebony, pearl block inlays
• Hardware: Gold, gold Imperial-style tuners
• Pickup: Custom Duneland Blackpole floating, hand-wound by Bob Palmieri (top un-routed/original) ($650 pickup)
• Serial #: 896138
• Case: Gibson hardshell

Condition: Plays and sounds excellent. Beautiful, clean example showing some light finish checking/crazing to the top and normal vintage playwear consistent with its age — no cracks or structural issues [confirm/adjust to reality]. See photos for exact condition.

Serious inquiries welcome. Happy to provide additional photos, weight, measurements, or a sound clip on request.