Serial number: 86195
Year shipped: 1930
FON: 8698
Headstock/neck/fingerboard: See Notes below
Body: Maple back and sides
Hardware: See Notes below
Notes: Originally shipped in 1930, this 16-inch L-5 is now fitted with a Gibson Johnny Smith style neck and fingerboard. According to its current owner, the guitar was re-necked at the Gibson factory in the 1970s and at the same time, the top was replaced. The original serial number is stamped on the back of the headstock. Note the five-piece headstock motif, split-block pearl fingerboard inlays, single bound f-holes and Kluson Sealfast tuners.
Like a Gibson Johnny Smith model, the guitar now has a 25-inch scale length and the bridge has been re-positioned to accommodate this (all 16-inch L-5s were built with a 24 3/4 inch scale).
A metal plate displaying the former owner’s name replaces the Johnny Smith tailpiece’s original ebony insert. In addition, the guitar has been fitted with what appears to be an early version of the Gibson Citation pickup.
According to Joe Spann, this guitar was returned to the Gibson factory for repairs on 4th February 1936, 14th October 1937, 8th November 1943, 24th June 1949 and 21st July 1949!
Today the highly figured maple back and sides are all that remain of the original instrument. Despite this, it is still a beautiful guitar with an interesting, if somewhat chequered history.
Though we have included this guitar in the Type Two Gallery it is impossible to say whether it originally had dot or block fingerboard inlays.
With thanks to Ruurd Feitsma of the Dutch Archtop Guitar Museum
Greg Buchanan of Boise, Idaho USA, tells us: “I recently purchased this guitar from Ruurd Feitsma of the Dutch Archtop Guitar Museum.
“I have made the following changes to it: I replaced the Kent Armstrong pickup with a Vintage Vibe Charlie Christian floating pickup and fitted an authentic style tailpiece insert.”
Image above courtesy of Greg Buchanan
The pictures above show L-5 serial number 86195, now with correct pickguard, restored tailpiece, and Vintage Vibe floating Charlie Christian style pickup installed.
Images courtesy of Joe Vinikow at archtop.com