First introduced in 1922 under the direction of acoustic engineer Lloyd Loar, the L-5 has always been considered Gibson's premier archtop guitar. Just like the F-5 mandolin, the L-5 proudly displays a flowerpot inlay on the peghead. In 1934, its size was increased to the 17" Advanced size, which made the L-5 the ideal guitar for the Big Band era.
This L-5 rolled out of Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1937. Its lower bout measures 17" across, and it features a carved Spruce top and stunning Maple back and sides. Because it was a top-of-the-line model, Gibson used only the finest Maple in their stocks for the L-5. The set chosen for this one does not disappoint—it features gorgeous quilt with some birdseye that flashes as you move it around in the light. The neck is three-ply Maple with a dark centerpiece for added stability. The elevated Ebony fingerboard sports pearl block inlays, and it has the signature Florentine point at the end. In 1937, the L-5 had X-bracing under the hood, and this softens the attack and adds more resonance and low-end than you get from parallel top bracing.
From what we can tell, at least the top on this L-5 has been refinished, and judging from the lack of finish checking, the back is at least oversprayed/buffed if not refinished as well. There are two repaired top cracks, one underneath the pcikguard and one underneath the tailpiece. The tuning machines are gold modern Waverlys, and the tailpiece is a modern Gibson Custom replacement (there are some filled screw holes from past tailpieces, too). The pickguard is also a nice-looking modern replacement pickguard. Although it has definitely been sanded and adjusted along the way, the original Brazilian Rosewood bridge still does the trick. The nut has been replaced, and the frets are low but properly dressed so the playability is excellent.
This 1937 L-5 produces a rich, full-bodied tone that is clear and projects across the room. A superlative jazz box, it's no surprise this model has been the go-to for jazz and swing music. This L-5 includes a vintage DeArmond Model 1000 pickup. It's very low output and may need to be rewound, but it's a cool piece that completes the package. There is also an old flat-head screw on the bass side of the neck from an old pickup.
This 1937 Gibson L-5 is a joy to play, and it includes a modern Gator hardshell case.