This 1947 L-50 was just serviced by master luthier Darrell Guinn and is ready to play!
This is a classic early post-war Gibson 16 inch archtop with a solid carved spruce top, maple back and sides, mahogany neck and Brazilian rosewood fretboard. All parts (tuners, bridge, pickguard) appear to be original. The modern Gibson logo dates it to post 1946, but the original single bound pickguard dates the guitar to before 1949. I'm dating it at 1947, but it could possibly be from 1948.
The playability is great with a perfectly straight neck. The fretboard, as is usual with these L-50s, is flush with the top of the guitar, rather than raised. The guitar has a great, punchy voice with plenty of volume available, as set up with bronze round wound strings. It has a great dynamic range. It's a feather light guitar at only 4 pounds 6 ounces.
As received, it needed a few small repairs. The top had cracked along the center seam, and at the bass side f-hole, extending toward the bottom of the guitar. The cracks have been cleated and are stable. These should present no problems. The first fret marker inlay was missing, and was expertly replaced by Mr. Guinn, who also performed a complete fret dressing and setup on the guitar. The tailpiece bracket appears to have gotten bent at some point, but seems very stable, and we decided it was best to leave it as is. Lastly, the original endpin is missing.
A vintage black hardshell case, of uncertain originality is included. The liner in the case is coming loose in a couple of spots, but could certainly be reglued, if desired.
Weight - 4 lb 6 oz
Nut width - 1 11/16" (exactly 1/128" over 1 11/16")
Free shipping included in the continental US.
SOLD - 1947 Gibson L-50
No question asked full refund if requested within 7 days. Buyer is responsible for original shipping, as well as return shipping/insurance costs. We can assist with setting up return shipping via our FedEx account. Guitar or other item must be received in the same condition as was sent.
We understand that a guitar may not always be the right fit, and that when purchasing on the internet, you don't get the chance to play before you buy. That's why we try to make returns as easy as we can. Take a week to try the guitar out. If you're still unsure after a week, just contact us at that time, we are always willing to work with our customers. We just ask for understanding that we are a small shop and while we have an extremely low return rate, it's hard for us to absorb shipping costs for guitars that are as described, but not quite the right fit.