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Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - front close
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Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - front close Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - front Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - angle Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - back Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - side Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - back close Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - back close Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - headstock Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - case closed Gibson L-5 1929 Acoustic Guitar - case open

Appearance of new instruments may vary slightly unless Serial Number is listed



Gibson Acoustic Guitars - 1930s L-5


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This 1930 Gibson L-5 Archtop is an absolute beaut at about 85 years old and is in Very Good condition. Gruhn's placed the serial #87990 at 1930 while Spann's marks it as a 1931. In any case, this Gibson L5 16" archtop guitar is a classic jazz box that is ready to play - it's quick, balanced and responsive. The neck angle is excellent as is the refret job. The bridge and tail piece are original. The tuners are high end Waverly replacements. The inlay in the first fret position is not typical of this model, but close inspection would lead one to believe it is original. There are three small, tight repaired back cracks at the bass lower bout area. No top or side cracks.

The finish is 100% original, bright and clean with only minor nicks and dings. The pickguard is original with a tight crack near the end of the neck. This 1930 Gibson L-5 Archtop is a wonderful guitar ready for its next home. Original case included.

  • 16" Archtop with white binding
  • Spruce top with raised Tortoiseshell pickguard, unbound f-holes, and black/white purfling
  • Maple back and sides
  • 24 3/4" scale length
  • Maple neck with Walnut centerstripe
  • Triple-bound Walnut-faced headstock with Mother-of-Pearl logo and flowerpot inlay
  • Ebony fingerboard with Mother-of-Pearl diamond block inlays and 19 frets
  • 1 3/4" bone nut
  • Ebony bridge
  • Original case included
  • Serial# 87990

Need More Info?

We take the time to set up every new guitar, mando, bass, uke, or banjo for every player, whether it was purchased here in Lawrence, Kansas or on our website. Large retailers are content to ship you a guitar right off of the warehouse shelf, while we take pride in the fact that your new instrument will be set up to be truly ready to play - for you.

Call us at 800-747-9980 or send us an email at info@massstreetmusic.com - we're here to help! All of us at Mass Street Music are musicians, and we're dedicated to helping you find exactly what you're looking for. You can also check out our Staff Page if you'd like to email one of us directly.

Any new or used gear $25 or over gets shipped to you for FREE via our favorite carrier, Fed Ex – ground, to all 'lower 48' U.S. states and we offer a 7 day return policy. Alaska and Hawaii, expedited shipping, international shipping are more. We also ship around the globe. Read more about our Shippping.