1943

The shipping dates listed below relate to the instrument’s serial number and are based on information provided in Spann’s Guide To Gibson by Joseph E. Spann

Note that the serial number indicates the date at which the instrument was shipped rather than its date of manufacture

All examples have maple back and sides unless otherwise indicated

From 1939 the L-5 was offered – as the L-5P (Premier) – with a single rounded ‘Venetian’ style cutaway. Examples with a cutaway and Natural finish were designated L-5PN

If an instrument appears in one of our picture galleries this is noted beneath the serial number

Serial Number: 97670

Year shipped: 1943

FON:

(See 17-inch Advanced Gallery)

Headstock: Diagonal ‘Gibson’ script logo with no dot on the ‘i’ and ornate pearl inlay in place of the ‘flowerpot’

Neck/fingerboard: 20 fret fingerboard with pointed end and narrow block inlays from the first fret

Body: 17-inch body with maple back and sides and large bound f-holes 

Hardware: Gold-plated metal parts including hinged tailpiece with silver centre insert and three engraved diamonds that is engraved with Roy Smeck’s name.

Notes: Has been refretted. Non original tuners. The pickguard has been cut to accommodate a pickup

Source: John Stewart

Serial number 97675

Year shipped: 1943

FON:

(See 17-inch Advanced Gallery)

Headstock: Horizontal ‘Gibson’ script logo (lacks a dot for the letter ‘i’)

Neck/fingerboard: 20 fret fingerboard with pointed end and narrow block inlays from the first fret. Wide neck heel

Body: 17-inch body with maple back and sides and large bound f-holes 

Hardware: Gold-plated metal parts including hinged tailpiece with silver centre insert and three engraved diamonds and Grover Imperial tuners. Rosewood bridge

Notes: Refret and new pickguard by Gruhn Guitars. Has original hardshell tweed case with orange and black stripes

Source: Gruhn Guitars (guitars.com)

Serial Number: 97740

Year shipped: 1943

FON:

Headstock: Horizontal ‘Gibson’ script logo with no dot above the letter ‘i’

Neck/fingerboard: 20 fret fingerboard with pointed end and narrow block inlays from the first fret. Wide neck heel

Body: 17-inch body with maple back and sides, Natural finish and large bound f-holes 

Hardware: Gold-plated metal parts including Varitone tailpiece and Kluson #511G tuners. Rosewood bridge

Notes: Missing pickguard

Source: Source: Joe Vinikow, archtop.com