This 1956 Gibson L-5 CESN was one of two main guitars of Allen Hanlon.  Hanlon made his long career mainly as a jazz session guitarist, but he also played in several well known groups, including a short stint in The New Benny Goodman Sextet, as well as playing with the Adrian Rollini Trio and the Red Norvo Orchestra. His most notable recording credit is probably the 1967 Louis Armstrong session for What a Wonderful World.  He is credited with playing guitar on sessions for countless other artists, including Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Benny Goodman, Louis Prima, Stan Getz, Roy Eldridge, and Connee Boswell.  Hanlon also played on numerous radio and TV sessions.
 
This L-5 CESN is one of 32 shipped in 1956.  It features two alnico 5, staple pickup which were featured in high end archtop and the Les Paul Custom, until the introduction of the PAF humbucker.  These pickups are known for their remarkable clarity, and they sound simply amazing. The carved top and back are made with select, fine spruce and maple.  The guitar is stunningly resonant and the tone when plugged into an amp is simply beautiful.  The frets show a significant amount of wear, but the guitar still plays very well.
 
The bridge saddle was replaced long ago with a rosewood one.  There was a "poker chip" placed around the pickup selector switch and the switch itself appears to have been replaced at some point.  All of the remaining electronic appear original.  The pickguard is a reproduction.
 
Weight - 6.8 pounds
Nut width - 1.69 inches
1st fret depth - 0.92 inches
9th fret depth - 0.99 inches
Scale length - 25.5 inches
 
The guitar comes with a new Gibson Protector hardshell case which fits snugly to provide excellent protection.  A letter of provenance explaining the chain of custody of the guitar from That Rhythm Man Guitars owner, Chuck Nicholson, will also be provided.
 
Ships free in the United States and for reasonable rates worldwide.