The Gibson L-5 has long been regarded as one of the most important archtop guitars ever produced, setting the standard for professional jazz instruments from the moment its larger 17" body design was introduced in the 1930s. By the post war period, the L-5 had evolved into Gibson’s flagship carved archtop, combining high end craftsmanship with the powerful projection and refined response demanded by professional players. Natural finished examples, designated L-5N models, were produced in far smaller numbers than their sunburst counterparts, with just 38 shipped by Gibson in 1947.
This 1947 Gibson L-5N is a particularly attractive example from that period, featuring the advanced 17" body design with carved spruce top and figured maple back and sides, along with bound f holes, multi ply binding throughout, pearl block inlays, and the distinctive engraved tailpiece used during the era. As expected for 1947 production, the guitar retains its pre-1948 rosewood fingerboard specification prior to Gibson’s move to ebony boards on the model.
The guitar is presented in clean condition overall, with only light general wear consistent with age. The tuners have been replaced at some stage, with evidence of previously drilled holes visible from an earlier tuner installation. More significantly, the guitar appears to have suffered an impact to the lower bout in the past, resulting in a substantial repair to the bass side lower body. A new section of maple has been professionally inserted from the tailpiece edge through to a visible join line on the lower bout, with associated cracks to the rear of the body having been properly cleated and secured internally.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
