This 1936 Gibson L-50 is a rare example that has all of the most desired features.  While most pre-war and all post-war L-50s have flush with the body mounted fingerboards, most in 1935 and some in 1936 have the elevated/cantilvered fingerboard extension as seen in the higher end Gibson archtops (which also allows the use of a floating pickup mounted at the end of the neck).  In 1936 (maybe late 1935) we start seeing some L-50s with solid, arched backs instead of the flat backs seen in earlier L-50s. This is a rare transitional guitar which has both of these desired features, giving this guitar the complete construction of a classic Gibson 16" archtop, just with more basic aesthetic features.
 
This guitar packs the classic punchiness of a prewar 16-inch Gibson archtop one always hope to find.  You can definitely do your best Freddie Green on this guitar with great results, or go and play with guys on their Manouche guitars and be able to hang with their volume. It definitely has that classic early jazz sound.  Put a floating pickup on it and you'll have some really great versatility if that's what you're looking for.
 
The guitar has clearly had a very recent fretboard plane and refret which allows it to play very nicely.  The neck has the V-shaped carve typical of 1930s L-50s. The tuners and tailpiece appear original.  The G tuner appears to have been replaced for a time with the impression of a different tuner in the finish.  The original tuner appears reattached. That tuner has a tight feeling adjustment, making it a bit harder to turn than the others.  My best guess is that is why a different tuner had been on the guitar in the G string spot. The bridge is an era correct Gibson made bridge, but is rosewood, rather than the ebony that is typically seen on this model.  Other than the wood, it is the exact same design as the ebony version.
 
The finish shows an overspray of clear lacquer which has settled into chips and scratches in the original finish.  The body shows signs of old play, but is structurally sound with braces that are tight to the top and sides that are tight to the top and back.  There is a top crack (shown) that extends from the treble side f-hole to the lower rim.  This has been cleated to prevent any further expansion.
 
Weight - 4.4 pounds
Nut width - 1.76 inches
1st fret neck depth - 0.86 inches
9th fret neck depth - 1.00 inches
Scale length - 24.75 inches
Fretboard radius - 12 inches
Lower bout width - 16 inches
Body rim depth - 3.32 inches
 
The guitar comes with a new appearing TKL case.
 
The guitar ships for free in the United States and for reasonable rates worldwide.