1944
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: 97940
Year shipped: 1944
FON:
(See 17-inch Advanced Gallery)
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 (* see Notes below). Rosewood bridge
Notes: Missing pickguard
Serial number: 97941
Year shipped: 1944
FON:
(See 17-inch Advanced Gallery)
Headstock: Horizontal ‘Gibson’ script logo with no dot on the ‘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 Varitone tailpiece and Kluson #511G tuners
Notes: A floating Benedetti pickup has been installed
Source: Francois Charle Guitars (rfcharle.com)
Serial number: 97986 (3rd digit could be an 8)
Year shipped: 1944
FON: 7621 H7 (the 7 is written in red ink and the 2 is faint)
(See 17-inch Advanced Gallery)
Headstock: Horizontal ‘Gibson’ script logo with no dot on the ‘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 Varitone tailpiece and Kluson Sealfast tuners with Catalin buttons
Notes: For this serial number, 97986, the 3rd digit could be an 8. The guitar has been refretted and has a reproduction pickguard
Source: Chris Miano (General Manager, Tall Toad Music)