{"product_id":"1950s-gibson-l-48-illegible-fon","title":"1950s Gibson L-48","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is a particular tone to a 16\" archtop that you won't get from other guitars. It has a round, direct sound that isn't exactly a jazz guitar (even though the f-holes might fool you). A good 16\" is a natural fit for old-time, blues, or folk music where an expressive guitar with a wide dynamic range is needed. In the '30s, Maybelle Carter revolutionized American guitar playing with a 16\" Gibson archtop, and although models like the L-5 evolved, Gibson carried on the tradition of the 16\" archtop with lower-end models like the L-48.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Factory Order Number on this L-48 is faded and has become illegible over the years. You can still see where it is stamped inside the treble f-hole, but it's hard to make out the first letter, which would help determine the precise year of manufacture. It has a Spruce top, Maple back, Mahogany sides, and a single-ply tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard. That means it was made after 1952, but before 1957. From the neck carve, our estimate is 1954-55? Hard to say for sure, but regardless of the specific year this L-48 is dripping with authentic 1950s Kalamazoo charm. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1950s Gibson L-48 finds us in excellent playing condition, but it is not a museum-grade vintage instrument.  The body, neck, and headstock all appear to have been over-sprayed. Based on the finish checking and the edges, there's an obvious clear coat of lacquer on top of the original sunburst finish. Under a blacklight, the original finish fluoresces underneath, and the coloring of the sunburst is authentic and appropriate for the mid-'50s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs is typical of old Gibson archtops, the top has flattened to some degree underneath the bridge. But the bridge has been adjusted so that it sits and flat. The action is low with the bridge height pretty much maxed out, and it's currently strung with flatwound strings. These old archtops are great with phosphor bronze strings, and that would probably allow the bridge to come down if desired. It's possible the tailpiece is a period-correct replacement because it is very clean and free of tarnishing, but the pickguard, nut, bridge and tuners appear to be original. A previous owner installed a piezo pickup that fits underneath the bridge, and the jack is mounted to the fingerboard. It includes a hardshell case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54381077627093,"sku":"1950s-gibson-l-48-(illegible-fon)","price":1999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0080\/2930\/6939\/files\/1950sGibsonL-48-Detail05.jpg?v=1785356679","url":"https:\/\/telluridemusiccompany.com\/products\/1950s-gibson-l-48-illegible-fon","provider":"Telluride Music Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}