L-50
 

Sold an Eastman OM and added $$ to guitar fund. I realized I was impatiently looking for its replacement, so said to myself “Self” I said, “slow down and enjoy being single for a while!”

45 minutes later, found a ‘49 or ‘50 L-50 at a “get in line first or it’ll be gone” price. On Craigslist. So I’m no longer single.

Question; is there a definitive way of dating the guitar? Nothing in the f-hole but the faintest “L-50.” Also, is that maple?

https://i.imgur.com/hGuner6.png

https://i.imgur.com/05EU3Y8.jpg

Can't answer the question but is that a carved back? I thought the L-50's were flat backed?

The back is arched, but I'm not sure whether it's laminate or solid and carved.

I think the 1949 era L50s have a laminated back but you could check the inside and outside for the patterns and see if they match up exactly.

My 1939 L50 is all solid arched top and bottom. I think the sides are solid as well.

There is no center seam, so almost certainly a laminated back. Some sources say a laminated maple back, and probably sides as well.

Thanks. The back definitely has a laminate look to it.

Incidentally, just noticed what I believe they call an FON inside the other f-hole. It's 5574-1. According to info found online ("1950: 3000s to 5000s"), it's a 1950.

Which turns this into an NGD post.

Nice! I have a '43 and used to own a '36, which was during the short period they were 16" flatbacks.

A couple of pics
 

https://i.imgur.com/nn3JQiT.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TTts9Dy.jpg

In posting the first picture, I just noticed that my bridge is crooked! Better check the intonation.

The L50 is solid top, back, and sides, though I understand pressed and not carved in all years. The L48 is a laminate.

Yours looks nice. Congratulations on getting it! Mine is a 1960.

It looks about right to me. Standard positioning is centered between the notches in the f-holes.

That is sweet... congratulations. Nice burst.

Thanks. It really is sweet - but I can't pry it out of my kid's hands!

This might help: https://www.google.com/search?client...b-d&q=guitarhq

says they had arched backs from 1935.
doesn't say whether laminated or carved.
Gibson are notorious for changing specs depending on what they had available at the time - if it plays and sounds good - don't worry about it (some L-5s were made with birch - and few cold tell!)

Just seeing this. Sounds/plays great. Definitely not worried! Just curious.

Thanks for the link.