need help identifying gibson archtop model

Seanp · #1 10-13-2012, 05:21 AM

I have a Gibson archtop with numbers pressed into the headstock that read 065055, I looked up the number and was able to determine it was made (I think) in 1967. That is all I have been able to determine. It is a bare bones archtop, 16 inch bottom, I have pictures I could send if it would help anyone, I just dont see how to attach them. I am new to the site, but reading some of the posts, it seems like there is alot of knowledge here. Thanks ahead of time for any help. My personal email is [email protected] if thats easier to go back and forth.

Retroman1969 · #2 10-13-2012, 05:36 AM

Photos always help. Many here can probably identify the guitar and maybe even the age of it on sight. (especially with several detailed photos)
Tracking down a serial number takes footwork, so to speak.
Best way to post them is to get an account (free) on something like Photobucket.com, upload them there from your computer, and copy and paste the "image URL" of each of them in the body of your post. (the image URL is titled "IMG code" in the drop down list below the photo on Photobucket.).

The Old Gaffer · #3 10-13-2012, 05:37 AM

Do you have any pictures?

Jeff Scott · #4 10-13-2012, 09:26 AM

A better description even without photos would certain be of use, here. There is a lot more to a Gibson archtop than lower bout width and a serial number.

Quote:

Hey guys, I found a guitar, it has six strings on it, can you tell me what make and model I have?

Sorry, just trying to give you an idea why we can't tell you what you have from the information you have so far provided. We actually can figure out a lot if we had more to go by disregarding the lack of photos.

Seanp · #5 10-13-2012, 10:06 AM

Thanks retroman 1969, and all of you,I will try anddo the photobucket now,and get some pics out, sorry, I am new to this and didnt even know I could. Hopefully I will have some pics soon. And thanks again

Seanp · #6 10-13-2012, 10:14 AM

I hope this works. I will also get more measuements on the guitar and send them, I am at work now and its home, but I had the pictures at least. Thanks to everyone

Seanp · #7 10-13-2012, 10:19 AM

If there are specific close up pictures, or a list of measurments that would help, please let me know and I will get them out this afternoon whenI get home. Thank you

LGOJerry · #8 10-13-2012, 11:11 AM

Go to the Gibson Guitars forum accessed from the Gibson Guitar Company website (Google Gibson Guiatar Manufacturer). Lots of Gibson-smart people over there. Arched Top acoustics lost favor to flat tops in mid 20th century and it is rare that you have an arched top from the 1960's that isn't an ES acoustic electric model.
I can only GUESS that it may be an L-4 or L-48.
It doesn't look nearly fancy enough to be an expensive guitar. Should have good woods though; photos look like spruce/mahogany.

Bern · #9 10-13-2012, 11:24 AM

Based on your info here's what I've found...
Your guitar was made at the
Kalamazoo or Nashville Plant , USA
approximately in: 1970, 1971 or 1972

Seanp · #10 10-13-2012, 11:55 AM

thanks bern, my mistake I wrote the numbers backwards, it was supposed to be 055065, I am an idiot, sorry again

Seanp · #11 10-13-2012, 01:04 PM

Here are all the measurments I could think would help

Body is 20"
fretboard is 17" (20frets)
15 7/8" at bottom
9" at hip
11 7/8 at top
3 3/8"body
40" overall
Tuners say Kluson deluxe

Thanks all.

Jeff Scott · #12 10-13-2012, 02:32 PM

Interesting guitar; I found this, which is similar except for the fingerboard inlays, yours is probably missing it's pickguard.

http://www.guitarvillage.co.uk/produ...+Original+Case

Retroman1969 · #13 10-13-2012, 08:20 PM

Seanp, That looks very much like an old L-48, or maybe an L-50.
One of the cheaper Gibsons but still a great guitar. I had a 1946 L-50 for awhile that was beat to hell but a great player.

muscmp · #14 10-14-2012, 12:24 AM

seanp: look inside the fholes to see if there are any letters and/or numbers, or, possibly a label. that may be its model number.

you may want to contact gibson to find out what you have.

good luck.

play music!

Seanp · #15 10-14-2012, 04:16 AM

Thanks you all for the info. Seems like L-50 L-48 are my two options. Can anyone tell me how you determine its one of those? And what the difference between the two models are if built in the same year? Any info would be great, trying to learn as much as possible about the different types. The little have read, doesnt tell me much, Thanks for anything you can think of.